At an internal company meeting, the team was discussing the launch of a new product. Katya, a product manager, sat there with a clear plan in her mind. She had spent several days analyzing the data, assessing risks, and shaping specific ideas. All she had to do - was speak up.
The manager looked around the room and asked:
- Who wants to share a solution?
Katya was about to raise her hand. But in that moment, thoughts flooded her mind:
“Maybe the idea isn’t polished enough…”
“What if I say something stupid?”
“What if someone else says it better?”
She held back. For a second. And then Sergey raised his hand. He spoke hesitantly, stumbled a bit. But he was heard. They discussed his input. And he was chosen to lead the pilot.
Katya left the meeting with a lump in her throat. That evening she messaged me: “That was my chance. I knew exactly what to say. But when the moment came, I chose silence again.”
And this isn’t a one-off. It’s a pattern.
Every single day, thousands of smart, competent people lose opportunities simply because they don’t speak up in time:
– an idea,
– a request,
– a question,
– an opinion,
– or even just: “I’d like to be part of this project.”
Why does this happen?
- Fear of judgment: You’re afraid of being criticized, sounding unprepared, or not measuring up, especially in front of colleagues or leadership.
A habit of downplaying yourself: You know your stuff. You’re capable. But deep down there’s a voice saying:
“I’m not ready yet,”
“I’m not the best fit,”
“Maybe next time…”Social tension: When you’re in a room with strong, outspoken people, your voice fades. Not because you have nothing to say, but because you’re simply not used to being heard.
What can you do?
You need to train not only your voice, but your mindset.
Exercise 1: “What do I lose by staying silent?”
Before every important meeting, write down 3 things you might lose if you stay silent again.
It could be a chance, respect, confidence, or energy.
When you see the cost of silence, it becomes easier to choose speaking up.
Exercise 2: “30 Seconds Out Loud”
Every day, speak out loud for 30 seconds:
– about yourself,
– your idea,
– or what you accomplished today.
You’re not just practicing speech, you’re getting used to being heard.
Exercise 3: Claiming Presence
At your next meeting, set one goal: Speak at least once.
Even if it’s just:
“This resonates with me,”
“I see it a little differently,”
“Can I add something?”
What matters is - don’t stay silent.
Let your voice tremble at first, that’s okay. What matters is: you’re showing up.
Silence is not the same as humility.
Silence is the same as invisibility.
And invisibility can cost you your chances, your growth, and your impact.
Want to learn how to sound like the expert you already are? Book a free consultation: info@ekaterina.kardakova.eu
