How do I re-learn to speak up?

I grew up knowing what to say and how to say things, but after I moved to the US I became very soft spoken, don’t have an opinion, and I feel like I don’t articulate well..

I also noticed that my way of explaining things/telling stories are confusing and I get misunderstood, I want to be a bit more opinionated because I usually just go with the flow now and feel like I don’t contribute to the team and I can’t think on the spot for some reason

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Here's the secret someone once shared with me and I'm now sharing with you...

Research and write about the topics that you want to talk about.
Learn to structure your thoughts, opinions and vision through your writing.
A highly articulate writer is also a highly articulate speaker.

likehelpful

Here to say I relate to this so much! Also from outside the US and although I grew up here, I never got over childhood trauma of American kids making fun of me and treating me as less than. No matter how successful I become, I still suffer from what you’re describing. That I am not good enough, that I don’t measure up. I often feel like a doormat at work and get thrown admin type work even though I have an MBA and so much to offer.

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True

I’m sorry you get misunderstood and aren’t able to articulate well. I struggled with that early on in my career. What helped me is to research and be prepared when I’m asked about things that relate to my role. I would also write it down, practice out loud instead of just in my head, get opinions from other people and see if it’s clear to them what you are trying to articulate. And lastly, ALWAYS speak up and speak your mind so you aren’t misunderstood.

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Read/listen to audio books- this will help you expand your vocabulary. It’s helped me a lot!
Take a speech class! My husband is not from the US and English is his second language, this helped him a lot.
Find an ally, someone at your job or a friend that is willing to give you good and respectful feedback, practice speaking with you and help give you ideas on how to assert yourself.

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Same

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