Have you ever left a meeting, only to find yourself reliving the moment you didn’t speak up?That one idea you should’ve shared. The comment you wanted to make. The insight that could’ve changed the direction of the conversation…But instead, silence. And now, your brain’s doing the post-meeting playback like it’s Netflix on a loop. Usually while you’re in the shower, half-covered in bubbles, thinking, “Why didn’t I just say it?”Sound familiar?If you're nodding along, you’re not alone and more importantly, you’re not broken.<h1 id="171dd67b-b693-47f2-ae4b-c2d50abe2ff0" data-toc-id="171dd67b-b693-47f2-ae4b-c2d50abe2ff0">The Silent Struggle Behind Staying Quiet</h1>Here’s the uncomfortable truth…Most professionals and coaches aren’t quiet because they lack ideas. They’re quiet because they’re afraid.Afraid of being judged. Afraid of sounding silly. Afraid of getting it wrong and losing credibility.That fear doesn’t just stay in the room, it follows you. It shows up later as self-doubt, second-guessing, and a growing belief that maybe… you’re not meant to lead after all.I see this pattern all the time and I’ve lived it too.Before I became a keynote speaker and communication coach, I was a roving magician. My job? Walk up to groups of strangers at events and perform magic right in front of them.You’d think that would be easy for someone confident, right?Wrong.Before every approach, I had that same voice in my head:“What if they ignore you?” “What if you mess it up?” “What if you look like a complete idiot?”So I’d hesitate. Miss the moment. And kick myself later for all the opportunities I let slide.<div class="iframe-wrapper"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i-HmynaFbjA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><h1 id="2efa13fa-a51c-4efe-85cb-9d6002445909" data-toc-id="2efa13fa-a51c-4efe-85cb-9d6002445909">Sound Familiar? Here’s Why It Happens</h1>You’re not lacking ability. You’re battling fear…specifically, the fear of judgement.What if I told you that speaking up isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room?It’s about being the clearest, the calmest, and the most intentional voice when it matters most.People who master this? They’re seen as natural leaders even if their job title doesn’t say so.<h1 id="543dcf25-739a-4a5d-8023-343fe85f579d" data-toc-id="543dcf25-739a-4a5d-8023-343fe85f579d">7 Tools To Speak Up With Confidence (And Finally Be Heard)</h1>So how do you break the cycle?Below are seven practical ways you can say what needs to be said without the heart-thumping anxiety or the post-meeting regret.These aren’t performance tricks. They’re real-world habits that I teach inside my coaching program to help professionals and coaches speak up, own the room, and stop feeling invisible.<h2 id="3d3e1fbc-7d6f-4ca7-8e8c-e561d1f65e86" data-toc-id="3d3e1fbc-7d6f-4ca7-8e8c-e561d1f65e86">1. Time Your Entrance Like a Pro</h2>Don’t wait for an invitation. Watch for the moment. When someone’s voice trails off or the energy dips, that’s your cue. Confident communicators step in they don’t sit it out.<h2 id="67c43ad9-92b9-4a97-8c23-304de15d51ab" data-toc-id="67c43ad9-92b9-4a97-8c23-304de15d51ab">2. Let Your Body Speak First</h2>Before you open your mouth, your body already sends a message. Make eye contact. Lean forward slightly. Breathe like you’re about to say something. These subtle cues signal presence and readiness.<h2 id="dba98ef4-ad5d-491d-8ea3-b3b79cfbc9a4" data-toc-id="dba98ef4-ad5d-491d-8ea3-b3b79cfbc9a4">3. Slow It Right Down</h2>When it’s finally your turn to speak, nerves often kick in. And with nerves comes speed. The result? A rush of words that no one remembers. Instead, pause. Plant your feet. Speak like your words matter…because they do.<h2 id="88319746-5873-47db-9ad5-ee557fddead7" data-toc-id="88319746-5873-47db-9ad5-ee557fddead7">4. Say Less, Not More</h2>Clear beats clever. Forget long-winded explanations. Instead, ask yourself:“What’s the one sentence I want them to walk away with?”People don’t remember detail they remember impact.<h2 id="5cd07efa-d3ad-486b-9c45-c8ba94c4cad5" data-toc-id="5cd07efa-d3ad-486b-9c45-c8ba94c4cad5">5. Own the Space You’re In</h2>Don’t shrink. Confidence isn’t just in your words it’s in your posture. Sit or stand like someone worth listening to… because you are.<h2 id="e456f410-eb49-4bc9-89d6-0133d481a992" data-toc-id="e456f410-eb49-4bc9-89d6-0133d481a992">6. Stop Apologising For Having A Voice</h2>If you find yourself starting with, “Sorry, just quickly…” or “This might be a silly idea…” Stop. You’re not interrupting. You’re contributing. Lead with certainty, not disclaimers.<h2 id="b56770d5-505c-4ca8-bba3-35dbd204803a" data-toc-id="b56770d5-505c-4ca8-bba3-35dbd204803a">7. Breathe Like a Leader</h2>Shallow breathing equals shaky delivery. Ground yourself with a slow inhale before you speak. Let your voice ride the rhythm of calm confidence, it’ll help settle both your body and your message.<h1 id="7d760bb5-f765-4a90-994a-aa0e5008da5f" data-toc-id="7d760bb5-f765-4a90-994a-aa0e5008da5f">Free Resource: Rate Your Confidence in Under 5 Minutes</h1>Most people don’t even realise where their confidence is strong, and where it’s quietly holding them back.So I’ve created a free, super simple worksheet to help you get crystal clear.<h1 id="c98c7449-2826-4468-a8a7-16c4a1609b88" data-toc-id="c98c7449-2826-4468-a8a7-16c4a1609b88">🎁 FREE DOWNLOAD: The Confidence Rating Worksheet</h1>Inside this 5-minute self-assessment, you’ll:✅ Identify your strongest areas of confidence ✅ Spot hidden gaps that are affecting how you show up ✅ Know exactly where to focus next to elevate your self-beliefWhether you’re a professional in leadership, a coach building visibility, or someone who just wants to stop overthinking every conversation, this tool is for you.👉 Click here to grab your free Confidence Rating WorksheetIt’s short. It’s punchy. And the clarity it brings? Genuinely eye-opening.<h1 id="90af1bd6-2ca2-4416-925b-f87bdca8e3bc" data-toc-id="90af1bd6-2ca2-4416-925b-f87bdca8e3bc">You Don’t Need to “Fix” Yourself. You Just Need to Back Yourself.</h1>Confidence isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about having the tools to let you show up clearly, calmly, and with conviction.The people who get heard aren’t the ones shouting. They’re the ones who know when to speak and how to land their point when they do.So next time that moment comes… Don’t let it pass you by. Say what you need to say.<h2 id="c1c9b174-979b-48d2-8fbe-c86c6827703b" data-toc-id="c1c9b174-979b-48d2-8fbe-c86c6827703b">🔗 Want to go deeper?</h2>If you’re tired of feeling stuck in meetings, underplaying your expertise, or struggling to find your voice in the room, there’s help.For businesses looking to boost their team's communication skills, improve cohesion and create a more impactful workplace culture, I offer bespoke training and workshops.For event organisers looking for a keynote speaker who combines insight with humour and real-world takeaways I'm here for that too.And for professionals and coaches ready to step into a whole new level of clarity, confidence and presence, I run a mastermind program designed to help you build your voice, master your message, and live a life less ordinary.Let’s have a chat.<h1 id="42f32ae4-0019-4ac2-b20a-b0d355aa00ed" data-toc-id="42f32ae4-0019-4ac2-b20a-b0d355aa00ed">🙌 Stay Connected</h1>If you enjoyed this article, here’s where you can find more insights and resources:📲 Instagram:<a target="_blank" href="https://instagram.com/anthonylayespeaks">@anthonylayespeaks </a>🎥 YouTube:<a target="_blank" href="https://youtube.com/@anthonylaye">@anthonylaye </a>🌐 Website:<a target="_blank" href="http://anthonylaye.com">anthonylaye.com</a>

Most professionals and coaches aren’t quiet because they lack ideas. They’re quiet because they’re afraid.

Say What You Need To Say: Speak Up & Stop Feeling Invisible

7 Tools To Speak Up With Confidence (And Finally Be Heard)

Free Resource: Rate Your Confidence in Under 5 Minutes

🎁 FREE DOWNLOAD: The Confidence Rating Worksheet

You Don’t Need to “Fix” Yourself. You Just Need to Back Yourself.

Learn how to grow and scale your online course business using our online course platform. EzyCourse blog is designed to teach you how to create and sell online courses.

Say What You Need To Say: Speak Up & Stop Feeling Invisible

Say What You Need To Say: Speak Up & Stop Feeling Invisible

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