Finding your voice isn’t just about standing behind a microphone or speaking from a stage, it’s about having the confidence to show up as yourself, whether you’re at work, with family, in your community, or simply trying to navigate everyday life.
For many people, speaking up feels like a risk. Will I be judged? Will I say the wrong thing? Will I be misunderstood? These thoughts are more common than we admit, and they affect both adults and children., From professionals preparing for a presentation to young people trying to express their emotions or opinions at home or school.
Having worked with people from all walks of life, entrepreneurs, parents, corporate teams, grieving families, and children with big ideas but quiet voices, I’ve seen firsthand how communication is tied to confidence. And when that confidence is missing, it affects how we show up, connect, and feel about ourselves.
This isn’t about shouting the loudest. It’s about being heard, respected, and comfortable in your skin. Whether raising a toast, raising a child, or raising your hand to speak…finding your voice and facing the fear matters.
The Power of Speaking Up: Why Your Voice Matters at Work, at Home and in Life
There’s a common misconception that being quiet means that you are weak. Some of the most thoughtful, intelligent people I’ve met have simply struggled to speak up. Staying silent is the easy option, whether it’s nerves, their fear of judgement, past experiences, or not knowing how to find the right words. But over time, silence chips away at an individual’s confidence.
Speaking up matters. In the workplace, it helps you share ideas, ask for what you need and grow as a leader. For business owners, it’s the key to building trust and standing out in your industry. At home, open communication builds better relationships with partners, children, and family. And for children, being encouraged to speak helps build self-esteem, assertiveness and emotional awareness.
Finding the confidence to speak isn’t just a skill; it’s a form of self-respect. When you use your voice, you remind yourself and others that your thoughts are valid and that your presence matters. This applies whether you’re delivering a pitch, raising a concern at school, asking a question at work or simply telling someone how you feel.
Learning to speak up does not mean changing who you are. It means learning how to express your ideas and emotions clearly in a way that feels like you.
Whether you are a parent guiding a child, a professional building influence, or someone tired of holding back, remember this. Confidence starts with a decision to speak. And that one decision can change everything.
Sign up to our public speaking courses HERE.
Confidence Isn’t Just for the Stage – It Starts in Everyday Conversations
When people think of public speaking, they often imagine standing on a stage, microphone in hand, addressing a large crowd. But the truth is, confident communication starts long before that. It begins with the small, everyday moments, from conversations at home, introducing yourself at a meeting, asking a question, expressing a need, or sharing an idea with a colleague or loved one.
For many children, professionals and neurodivergent individuals, these everyday conversations can feel far more daunting than a presentation. There’s pressure to get the words right, be understood, and feel heard. And when there have been difficulties or ridicule in the past, it’s easy to hold back.
But confidence doesn’t appear overnight. It builds gradually through consistent practice and self-awareness. Speaking clearly, asking for clarification, and making gentle eye contact are small but powerful steps. They show others you have something to contribute and, more importantly, will remind you of that.
For those who feel overwhelmed, structured tools like journaling can help process emotions and prepare for conversations in advance. Writing down thoughts or rehearsing what to say can ease the anxiety surrounding communication. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about feeling prepared and permitting yourself to speak in your own way.
Please feel free to check out our journals HERE.
Whether in a team meeting, chatting with a neighbour, or advocating for yourself in a healthcare appointment, every interaction is a chance to grow. Confidence doesn’t start on the stage. It begins with you in the everyday moments that shape your life.
From Silence to Strength: Helping Children and Adults Build Inner Confidence
Silence is often misunderstood. For some, it’s a survival strategy. For others, it results from being dismissed or misunderstood too many times. Over time, silence can become a habit that’s hard to break. But things begin to shift when people start to feel seen, supported and safe to express themselves.
Building inner confidence is about creating that shift from silence to strength.
Children who have been told to “be quiet” or “stop making a fuss” or even hearing words like “what do you know” may grow up believing their voice doesn’t matter. Adults who have been talked over or ignored at work or home may find it easier to say nothing. This isn’t just about personality or preference. It’s about experiences that shape how safe someone feels to speak.
Support, encouragement, and the right tools make a difference. Some children need space to process their thoughts before they speak. Some adults find their voice through writing or in smaller, supportive environments. Confidence looks different for everyone, and that’s ok.
Please do check out our children’s workbooks and public speaking courses HERE.
It doesn’t matter if someone starts by sharing ideas with a trusted friend, asking a question in class, or writing about their day in a journal. Whenever someone chooses to express themselves, even in a small way, they build strength from the inside out.
Helping others find their voice starts with listening. And when people feel heard, they’re far more likely to speak. That’s where confidence begins.
Marking Life’s Milestones with Meaningful Words and Unshakable Presence
Regarding life’s most significant moments, the words we choose and how we deliver them matter more than we realise. Whether it’s a wedding, a funeral, a naming ceremony, an award ceremony or a corporate event, how these events are managed can leave a lasting impact on everyone present.
As a celebrant and toastmaster, I’ve seen how powerful the right words can be. They don’t need to be fancy or dramatic. They need to feel honest, heartfelt and grounded in the moment. It’s about creating space where people feel seen, supported and connected, even during the most emotional or nerve-wracking occasions.
But it’s not just about the script. It’s also about presence. Standing calmly in front of a room. Holding space when someone stumbles. Offering reassurance with a steady voice. These quiet strengths turn a good event into a memorable one.
For families marking joyful milestones or saying goodbye to loved ones, having someone who can guide the moment with empathy and confidence is comforting. Having someone who can lead with clarity, timing and professionalism for businesses and formal events is essential.
People remember how they felt, whether it’s a tearful tribute or a joyful celebration. Often, those feelings are shaped by how the event is led and the words that are said. Words matter, and presence brings them to life.
The Ripple Effect of Using Your Voice
Whether guiding a room through a celebration, encouraging a child to speak confidently, or helping a professional find their footing during a presentation, finding your voice creates ripples that extend far beyond the moment. It’s not just about speaking louder. It’s about feeling grounded, communicating clearly, and knowing that your words matter.
I’m excited to share with you all that by following what I say and teach, I am honoured to be featured in Global Woman Magazine’s Top 100 Entrepreneurs’ latest article, “Empowering Voices.” It explores the importance of helping others feel heard and shares more about my journey working across different spaces to support adults, children, families, and professionals in finding the confidence to speak up.
If anything in this piece has resonated with you, whether as a parent, a business owner, a teacher, or someone still building confidence, please take a moment to read the article. It’s a reminder that the ability to communicate with clarity and compassion can change everything.
And if you’re not already, you can follow along for more tips, stories and updates over on Instagram or LinkedIn:
📸 Instagram – @sonaldave68
💼 LinkedIn – Sonal Dave
Every voice matters. Including yours.
