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168 It’s Not a Glass Ceiling, It’s a Sticky Floor

principle. It’s all about getting started—getting your voice out there.
So, when you have something important to say but you are holding
back, try starting out by saying, “I have an idea,” or “I would like
to make a point,” or “I have a question.” This is the first step for get-
ting people to pay attention to you and it gets your voice out there.
It just takes practice, so try throwing your hat in the ring at the next
meeting you attend. Know that once you throw your hat in the ring,
you will not remain silent. I promise that you will say something, and
most likely, it will be brilliant! Just try it!

Following are some key guidelines for speaking up:

1. Act confident, even if you don’t feel confident. Believe that you
have something to say and focus on the important point of your
message.
2. Be current. Have good, relevant information at your fingertips
to back up your points or inform the discussion.
3. Be open to constructive criticism. Speaking up is not just about
making your point. You need to be receptive and responsive to
questions, critical analysis, and commentary on what you’re
saying and resist feeling defensive or defeated.
4. Balance emotion and logic. Read the emotional dynamics of
the conversation and calibrate your message appropriately.
Logic does not play well when people have strong emotion-
laden opinions or biases.
5. Time your contribution. Follow the dynamics and context of
the meeting or conversation before you speak up. Timing
and patience have a lot to do with making sure you are
heard.