- Authors
- Name
- Edwin Popham
Navigating communication in a large corporation can sometimes feel like shouting into the void. When teams stretch across floors, cities, or even continents, it’s easy to get lost in the noise and wonder if your voice really matters.
Why Speaking Up is Challenging
For many of us, especially naturally shy folks, stepping into team conversations—whether in meetings, Slack channels, or Teams calls—can be daunting. The digital platforms that connect us can also feel like barriers. It’s not just about what you say, but also how you inject yourself into conversations that already feel busy and fast-paced.
How to Overcome the Challenge
1. Lean into Communication, Even When It Feels Uncomfortable
The first step is often the hardest: overcoming that natural hesitation. It helps to remember that your perspective matters. More communication is almost always helpful, not just for you but for the wider team. Whether you share a quick question, offer feedback, or volunteer ideas, your contribution fuels collaboration.
2. Find Your Own Communication Style and Channels
Not everyone shines in meetings or endless threads. Maybe you’re better at writing thoughtful messages on Slack, or perhaps jumping into informal chats suits you best. Experiment to find where you feel most comfortable and effective. Injecting yourself into team communication in whatever form works is key.
3. Make It Regular and Intentional
Building confidence starts with consistency. Aim to communicate regularly. Even small check-ins or updates can raise your profile and help others get used to hearing from you. Over time, your courage grows, and your voice becomes a recognised part of the team rhythm.
4. Embrace the Discomfort and Grow
Growth lies beyond the comfort zone. All of us face moments of doubt when speaking up—especially in a large, busy workplace. But pushing through those moments builds resilience and deeper connections.
5. Recognise That Everyone Has Unique Value, Including You
It’s natural to feel like others know more or have better ideas—that’s something I’ve experienced often myself. But in reality, every person brings unique perspectives shaped by their experiences and skills. Sometimes, what feels like hesitation or self-doubt is just the inner critic making us underestimate the value of our own voice. Remember that your contributions don’t have to be the “best” or the loudest to matter. Sharing your thoughts, questions, or suggestions creates space for dialogue and fresh insights. Your viewpoint could be exactly what someone else needed to hear.
Why It’s Worth It
Being heard isn’t just about personal satisfaction. It leads to greater visibility, more opportunities, and genuine influence over what your team and organisation builds. For software engineers like us working in cloud-heavy, fast-moving environments, clear communication is a cornerstone to success.
So next time you’re tempted to stay silent, remember: your voice is an essential part of the bigger picture. Lean into the discomfort, find your groove, and contribute your piece to the ongoing story.
If you’ve got tips or stories about being heard in large teams, I’d love to hear them in the comments!