95% of people want to improve their effective communication skills

But only 20% take the action.

Author

Irene Yu
February 17, 2026

I’m spending this winter in Asia—Taiwan, Thailand, Japan—exploring, working, and connecting.

Few weeks ago in Taipei, I met a friend over coffee. She leads a PR team at a major corporate. Public Relations. And yet… she told me she’s terrified of speaking up in meetings.

“I just… I don’t think my perspective matters,” she said, stirring her latte without looking up.

I leaned in. “Okay. Let’s go deeper. Why doesn’t it matter?”

Silence. Then:

“Because… no one ever takes my opinions seriously anyway.”

I asked:

“Is that true? Or is that what you’ve decided is true?”

She paused. Longer this time.

What I’ve learned about communication blocks

Most of the time, the fear of speaking up isn’t really about public speaking.

It’s about public mattering.

It’s the voice in your head that whispers:

“Why bother? They’ve already decided.”

It’s not your skills holding you back.

It’s the belief that your perspective doesn’t count.

A simple, powerful shift

I gave her a script to try in her next meeting:

“Regarding this matter, I’d like to share my perspective. I don’t usually speak up publicly, but I want to improve at this—so I’d love everyone’s feedback.”

Two things happen here:

  1. You name the vulnerability (I don’t usually do this)

  2. You invite collaboration (I want your feedback)

Energy shifts. From proving yourself → to learning out loud.

She used it.

Her supervisor stopped mid-presentation:

“Wait, say more about that.”

Not because her idea was revolutionary.

Because she finally gave herself permission to be taken seriously.

Reflection for this week

Ask yourself:

  • Where have I been holding back my perspective?

  • Am I dimming my voice because I think it won’t matter?

  • What would it feel like to speak up anyway—even just once this week?

Micro-Action: Speak Up, Invite Feedback

Pick one meeting this week. Try this:

  1. Name your vulnerability: “I don’t usually speak up…”

  2. Invite collaboration: “…but I’d love your feedback.”

  3. Observe how the energy changes—not just for them, for you.

Small shifts in courage build strategic influence over time.

If You’re Ready to Go Deeper

Most communication blocks aren’t about skill—they’re about belief.

I work with mid-level managers who are stuck at the next level because of:

  • Communication and collaboration friction

  • Fear that AI will replace their strategic value

I have 2 slots open for 1-on-1 clients this quarter if you want to have completely tailored offer for you

Come to join my next Communication Masterclass: Why Smart Conversations Break Down Under Pressure (And What to Do Instead)

Because your opinion doesn’t need to be revolutionary.

It just needs to be heard.

Until next time,

Irene

The Rizing Effect