Speaking Up

If you just show up for meetings at work – consider speaking up too.

Speaking up at company meetings comes naturally to some people – but if you’re the type that doesn’t – and would like to – here’s some advice from the experts:

• Practice – it really does help to rehearse a bit – especially if you’re shy.

• Get to the point – think in Twitter terms – most of us tweet more effectively than we speak.

• Pay attention to your body language – try to make eye contact with everyone in the room and keep your hands visible – we trust people more when we can see their hands.

• Learn from others – if there’s someone you’re impressed by, examine what it is about their approach that you like. Chances are you will be able to apply a few aspects of their style to your own.

Source: Dianna Booher, author of “Communicate with Confidence”