Thinking on Your Feet
As you've worked through our training series, "Using Your Voice Effectively," over the last few weeks, you likely noticed that the techniques require preparation. Ideally, you'd work through when to talk, what to say, and how to say it ahead of time. Whether it's a meeting with your boss, an employee, or a colleague - having time to prepare what you're going to say is optimal.
Of course, advance preparation isn't always possible. There'll be situations where you need to use your voice without the privilege of advance notice - instances where you'll need to think on your feet.
In a situation like this, reference what you learned in our emotional agility training.
Feel your feelings. Often times, speaking up about something hits on our emotions. Whether it's because you've decided to speak up about a controversial topic or you tend to get nervous whenever speaking up, you're going to feel something. Fear, confusion, trepidation, excitement, etc. Give yourself a second to feel it.
Pause. A 10 second pause will feel like a lifetime to you, but will barely be registered by your audience or listener. Take a second to collect yourself before you start to speak or respond.
Shelve intense emotion: If you're feeling a strong emotion, and you're worried it's going to get in your way, shelf it momentarily. Remove the weight of it so that it isn't weighing your down. (Don't worry, you can bring it back down from the shelf to examine later.)
Act: It's time to speak. Trust yourself and trust the contributions that you have to offer. Let go and speak honestly.
Regardless of whether you have time to prepare in advance or you have to think on your feet - using your voice effectively is a skill you can build with training, time, and practice.
We believe in you and we know you can do this.
Okay, it's YOUR turn. As you go through your week, you'll recognize opportunities to use your voice effectively. Remember your training and coaching - believe in the value that you add - and speak up.
