It can be nerve racking for us when we’re in a group meeting. We don’t want to say or do anything wrong because we know as soon as we speak, all eyes are on us. Being seen as different, criticized, or feeling unimportant is a natural fear in many of us.
On the other hand, there are people who can have a thousand eyes on them but still present themselves in a calm, relaxed and confident manner. Now that doesn’t mean they’re not nervous just like the rest of us. It just means they are more focused on what they want people to think of them, instead of what people will think of them.
The reason why people seem calm and confident is because they’re goal is to present themselves in that manner.
So once you focus on how you want to present yourself, how can you stand out in group meetings?
Add value to the discussion
If everyone is talking about ideas on how to increase the customer base for a business, will you be talking about what you’re doing for the weekend? Of course not!
To add value to a conversation, say things that are relevant to the topic being discussed. Don’t repeat what someone just said unless you’re adding more to it. Make sure you incorporate your opinions and viewpoints. Everyone thinks differently so maybe your opinion is the next million dollar idea. You will never know by keeping it inside.
Don’t be scared to be wrong
The fear of being wrong or different is inside all of us. How we decide to handle that fear is completely up to us.
My advice is to just get over it! Who cares if you’re wrong? The truth is no one cares, only you do even though there is no reason to.
You see, even when you’re wrong you are still contributing to the discussion. The good thing is that when you throw ideas or comments on the table, you give others an opportunity to build on it and that adds value to the conversation. Remember, if you’re wrong it really doesn’t matter unless you let it matter.
Ask questions
Asking questions is always a great idea! Not only are you contributing to the discussion, you’re actually showing everyone you’re trying to understand and you’re paying attention.
Believe me, all of us has questions but we tend to keep it inside sometimes. We’re either scared to talk or don’t want to interrupt. Nobody will look at you that way. People will be happy to make sure you understand everything. They don’t want to waste their time speaking when nobody is understanding anything anyways!
The only rule to follow when asking questions is just make sure that your question is relevant to the discussion.
Group Discussion
What are some ways you stand out in a group or get over the fear of speaking in a group? Are there any tips that you can provide that’s valuable to the readers?
Achieve breakthrough success in every area of your life! Let Faizal guide you with attaining true happiness through the balance of your career, finances, health, relationships, and personal life. Don't hesitate or the waitlist could get long. Schedule your
#1 by diazan on February 12th, 2010
Quote
I really like the point of “going wrong”. As you point out your opinion you will not only become more confident but learn more about the topic and thus your way to approach the problem or topic might improve by the next time you speak it out.
Asking questions is my favourite one. Sometimes people are too proud to admit they don’t know something, making mistakes is the logical consequence. Ever asked a question you were afraid of asking and realized half of your discussion partners were relieved when you did so? Some people believe not knowing makes you weak. But showing the will to learn and understand makes you strong!
Best regards,
Andrés
#2 by Faizal Nisar on February 12th, 2010
Quote
Diazan, welcome to BeTrulyHappy! You have such powerful feedback and thanks for sharing.
I think everyone can relate to your point of asking a question and everyone being relieved that you did. I know that happened with me in the beginning.