IMPORTANCE OF FINDING YOUR VOICE

In a world where voices shape opinions, influence decisions and create change, finding your voice is one of the most empowering acts you can undertake. Yet, for many, speaking up—whether in personal relationships, professional environments or public forums—can feel daunting.

The fear of judgment, rejection or inadequacy often silences us, leaving our thoughts unspoken and our potential untapped. But what if you could overcome that fear? What if you could harness the power of your voice to express yourself confidently in every setting?

I often observe women, especially in meeting settings where they make a submission and use the words, ‘I think this is...’ adding ‘I don’t know if I make sense,’ at the end of her submission. Your voice is more than just a means of communication; it’s an extension of who you are. It carries your ideas, values, and experiences into the world, allowing others to see you fully.

When you speak up, you contribute to conversations, challenge norms, and inspire action. In doing so, you not only empower yourself , but also encourage those around you to do the same. However, finding your voice isn’t always easy.

For some, it may mean overcoming years of conditioning that taught them to stay silent. It took some training and joining empowerment courses for me to eventually express my opinion without fear. For others, it might involve confronting deep-seated fears about being heard or misunderstood.

Regardless of the obstacles, the journey towards self-expression begins with understanding why your voice matters—and then taking deliberate steps to amplify it. The reason we do not express ourselves is fear of judgment. Many people worry about how others will perceive them when they share their thoughts or opinions. This fear stems from societal pressures to conform and avoid conflict.

Some hesitate to speak up because they believe their ideas won’t be good enough or accepted by others. This fear can paralyse even the most capable individuals. Another reason is the lack of confidence. As children, we are not told enough how great we are, how capable we are, so we do not have enough confidence. Negative past experiences, such as being dismissed or ridiculed for speaking up, can leave lasting scars that inhibit future expression.

Sharing

The first step in finding your voice is recognising its worth. Remind yourself that your perspective is valid and valuable, regardless of whether it aligns with others’. Every person brings unique insights shaped by their background, experiences and worldview. By sharing yours, you enrich the conversation and offer something no one else can.

To reinforce this belief, start small. Reflect on times when your input made a difference, no matter how minor it seemed at the time. Keep a journal of moments when you felt proud of expressing yourself and revisit these entries whenever self-doubt creeps in.

Confidence in speaking up often comes from feeling prepared and informed. One way to build this readiness is through active listening. Pay close attention to the discussions happening around you. Ask questions to clarify points, show genuine interest in others’ perspectives and gather information that strengthens your own arguments.

When you listen well, you’re better equipped to contribute meaningfully. A good opinion is one that is based on understanding where the other person is coming from, it is different from listening to argue. I personally never use the words, ‘Besides that...’ when making an addition because I have a deeper understanding of how crippling these words can be.

If the idea of speaking up in large groups feels overwhelming, begin in smaller, less intimidating settings. Share your thoughts during informal gatherings with friends or family members. As you grow comfortable articulating your ideas in low-stakes situations, gradually move towards more formal or challenging environments, such as workplace meetings or community events.

Remember, confidence grows incrementally. Celebrate each instance where you successfully express yourself, no matter how small it seems. These victories will fuel your motivation to keep pushing forward. One of the biggest hurdles to finding your voice is internal criticism. If left unchecked, negative self-talk can undermine your confidence and discourage you from speaking up.

To combat this, become aware of your inner dialogue and actively replace critical thoughts with affirming ones. For example, instead of thinking, ‘My opinion doesn’t matter,’ reframe it as, ‘I have something important to add.’ Similarly, swap ‘What if I fail?’ with ‘What if I succeed?’ Reframing your mindset empowers you to approach challenges with optimism rather than fear.

Finding your voice is a transformative process that empowers you to live authentically and make a difference in the world. While it may require effort and courage to overcome the barriers holding you back, the rewards far outweigh the challenges. By believing in yourself, honing your communication skills, and embracing vulnerability, you can speak up confidently in any setting.

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