Being the quiet one has its perks, but when it’s time to speak up, it can feel like stepping into a spotlight – Laura Williams shares how to make your presence known without the overwhelm!
I’ve always found a weird kind of comfort in being the quiet one in the room. There’s something nice about hanging back, soaking it all in and figuring out how I can pitch in without making a big fuss. But sometimes that quiet vibe can hold me back and I have to give my head a wobble to speak up!
Sure, talking is part of the job and as SBLs, we’re out there chatting with parents, teachers and governors regularly but deep down, we’d probably rather be at our desks, flying under the radar and getting stuff done. And honestly, who wouldn’t prefer to be a stealth ninja rather than facing all those people and the pressure of being seen?
If you’ve ever felt like this, trust me, you’re not alone – but when you need to push your ideas forward or stand your ground, it can feel like trying to climb a mountain in flip-flops! It’s no surprise so many of us struggle with getting noticed and saying no. Total introvert struggles, right? So, if our introversion is part of what makes us special – helping us see the big picture and get things done without drama – how do we shake off that invisibility cloak when it’s time to step up? Here’s how you can start making your presence felt without freaking yourself out!
Share Your Ideas Early
I’ve found that the sooner you speak up, the more at ease you feel, knowing your voice is in the mix. Waiting too long just makes it harder, so why not jump in at the beginning? Try this out at your next meeting and get your ideas out there.
You Don’t Have to Take Centre Stage
Engaging with others’ ideas counts too! Saying something like, “Building on what Julie mentioned, I’m curious about how we could move X forward,” or “That’s a great idea! Any chance we have the dates and times agreed for that event yet?” or sharing a helpful article or update you found last week are all low-key contributions without turning the spotlight up to full beam.
Not Every Conversation Has to Happen Face-to-Face
Emails and texts can give you the chance to think things through and the opportunity to respond on your own terms. You can take your time to craft your message and make sure you get your point across in the way you mean it rather than feeling rushed in the moment.
When we’re buried in paperwork, it’s easy to think being visible doesn’t need to be a priority. But if we want to be heard then we need to be seen! Being visible isn’t about being loud or flashy; it’s simply about letting people know we’re here and ready to contribute. When we step out and share our thoughts, we open the door to support and recognition too. So, this month, take off that invisibility cloak (just for a little bit!) and show up for yourself – because you are awesome!
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