117 — Overcome the Fear of Speaking Up with Author Elaine Lin Hering

Whether you want to ask your ride share driver to adjust the temperature in the car or you want to say no to an invitation without sounding rude, it’s tough to speak up sometimes.
 
Fortunately, Elaine Lin Hering has some great guidance that can empower you to use your voice. Elaine is a communication skills expert and the author of Unlearning Silence. Some of the things she talks about are why we struggle to speak, strategies for finding the best words, and how to find the courage to get your needs met.
 

Key Takeaways:

• Identify the Root Causes of Silence: Understand the childhood and societal factors that teach us to stay silent.

• Practice Speaking Up: Develop practical scripts and small everyday experiments to start speaking up more often.

• Anticipate Resistance: Learn to expect and effectively manage pushback when you voice your opinions or concerns.

• Effective Communication Strategies: Use phrases like “I see things differently” or “From where I sit” to express differing views respectfully.

• Create Safe Spaces: Foster environments where others feel comfortable sharing their honest thoughts and needs.