5 Steps to Stop Freezing Up and Start Speaking Up in Meetings

Risky Conversations with Jamie Lee

When my coaching clients—accomplished professionals who are minorities at work—tell me how they spin out in anxious rumination or freeze up without speaking in large meetings, I know it’s not because they haven’t prepared or tried hard enough.

It’s because a part of their brain tells them that speaking up is too big a risk. They're pushing too hard against a belief that cuts right into their sense of safety and self-worth.

In today’s episode, we’ll dive into why this happens and, more importantly, how to break the cycle. I’ll share actionable strategies for overcoming the fear of judgment, speaking up confidently, and reclaiming your voice in high-pressure settings.
Whether you’ve struggled to find your footing in large meetings or want to understand how to move from self-doubt to self-assurance, this episode is for you.
You'll learn:

• Five-step plan you can try on, especially if you're introverted, analytical, or a minority in the workplace
• The evolutionary roots of "public speaking anxiety and why it feels so nerve-wracking to stand out
• What to decide on ahead of time before speaking
• How to embrace feeling awkward so speaking up can lead to the best learnings and connections

Featured in this episode:

• Leadership Archetype Quiz (and join the newsletter list) at www.jamieleecoach.com
• Confidence Lab with Smith College Executive Education Program on 10/24/24. Register for free HERE
• Book your free 1-hour long consultation with me HERE

Text me your thoughts on this episode!

Enjoy the show?

• Don't miss an episode, listen and subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
• Leave me a review in Apple Podcasts.

Connect with me

• **You want to get promoted and better paid with best tools possible. That's what I offer inside my Executive Coaching Series, and you can learn all about it here: https://www.jamieleecoach.com/apply **
• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Email me at [e-mail]