How To Overcome Shyness At Work: (11 Confident Ways)

Want to understand how to overcome shyness at work? Then you are in the right place.

Have you ever had a fantastic idea at work but were afraid to share it? Being shy is perfectly acceptable, but it can stop you from pursuing some opportunities at work.

Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to feel more comfy speaking. We’ll start with some basic strategies to get you more engaged in discussions, then move on to some small changes that will help you feel more confident at work!

How to Overcome Shyness At Work:

1. Always greet your co-workers.

A brief greeting shows that you’re friendly to your employees. You see your employees every day, so try to get to know them.

Just greet them with a warm and friendly “Hi” or “Good morning” the first time you meet them during the day. This won’t only encourage you to talk more, but will also involve other people in a discussion.

2. Maintain a cheerful attitude while working.

If your body language is bad, you may appear closed to conversation. Straighten your posture, keep your head up and relax your shoulders as you work. Maintain an open and receptive appearance by not crossing your legs and arms. Smile at coworkers to look better and prepared to talk.

Even if you are engrossed in your work, take a moment to reflect on your posture and how you appear to others.

3. Make eye contact with your co-workers.

When you talk to other people, it will make you feel freer and more connected. When you are talking or listening to someone, try imitating their facial expressions to show that you’re paying attention to them. It’s much easier to talk when you make eye contact because it makes you feel more engaged in the discussion.

To build a stronger relationship, try to maintain eye contact 60–70% of the time.

It’s best not to stare too long, as this can come across as submissive.

4. Find common ground that you can relate to.

When you share common interests, you tend to open up. When you hang around with your colleagues, pay attention to what they speak about or what they’ve at work when you hang around with them.

Try asking them questions about their favourite hobbies, interests, or activities. When you work together, you virtually definitely have something in common that you can speak about.

If your colleague mentions soccer, for example, you can ask them about their favourite team or if they watched the last game.

5. Before the meeting, list your ideas.

Make a list of your thoughts so you know what to say. If there is a meeting going on, review the agenda to see what you will be talking about.

Make a list of potential questions or suggestions so you remember them. Try to bring up at least one of the things you have highlighted when you get the chance to speak.

You can all the time pass on the ideas you jot all the way down to your supervisor to see if she or he wants to incorporate them, even if you do not say anything out loud.

6. In meetings, try to say only one thing at a time.

Try to attain this goal so that you can fully take part in the meeting. Even if speaking up seems difficult, start with small goals so you can see your progress.

When you are called to a meeting, find something to contribute to the discussion and have something to say. Even a few brief comments show your willingness to stay active. To make your voice heard, speak a little louder than others without shouting.

If you haven’t got your own ideas, compliment others. “That’s a really good concept” or “I was thinking of something similar,” you might say.

When something comes to mind, say something so others do not think of it before you.

If you are not sure about your thoughts, consider how you can phrase them in the form of a question. Instead of suggesting, “We should market to younger consumers,” ask: “What do you think will happen if we start marketing to younger customers?”

7. Rehearse your presentation beforehand.

It’s a good idea to practice speaking out loud before you truly do it. It’s natural to be nervous about giving a presentation in front of your colleagues, but practice makes perfect.

Repeat the point you want to make a few times to get used to the presentation. If you have time, ask a trusted friend or colleague to listen to you so you can practice speaking in front of others.

Try to record yourself and listen back (1) to see if there are any areas you still need to improve.

8. Attend company events and social gatherings.

Let yourself relax and bond with your co-workers. Many companies host events such as parties, lunches and picnics after your shift ends.

Make an effort to attend such events if you are invited, even if it is out of your comfort zone. Spend time with the worker you want to learn more about so you can talk and relax.

See if anyone at work is participating in sports activities or has a weekly game night with coworkers that you can join.

9. Use positive self-talk to boost your self-confidence.

It’s easier to talk when you feel good about yourself. Allow yourself a couple of minutes each day to increase your self-esteem and feel more comfy.

Say a few affirmations, give yourself a compliment, and focus on maintaining a happy attitude. While it may seem odd at first, you will be much more confident when it is time to speak up.

For example, you could say, “I have some great ideas,” or “My co-workers are interested in hearing what I have to offer.”

10. Use all of your other powers.

Even if you are shy, bear in mind of how much you offer. List all the various job duties you are good at and showcase your skills (2).

Make a list of what you appreciate about your job and work ethic so you can identify all the nice aspects of your job. When you need to speak up, change the subject to something you are good at.

For example, if you have good client communication, you may spend more time in meetings focused on client interactions than budgets.

If you are good at networking, you may prefer meeting individuals one-on-one rather than in groups.

11. Consult a mentor.

A mentor can help you get out of your comfort zone by teaching and inspiring you. Reach out to someone you like at work for their openness and determination and ask for help. Your mentor can tell you about strategies that have helped them speak more effectively. Take your mentor’s advice and work with him until you gain confidence.

The mentor could be a senior staff member or your boss, for example.

I want to thank you for taking the time to read my article on how to overcome shyness at work. I actually hope that its content has been of good help to you.