Shyness can be a real hindrance when it comes to speaking up and expressing oneself at work. This can prevent people from speaking their minds, sharing their ideas and opinions, and making the most of opportunities that come their way. The good news is that shyness is a learned behavior that can be overcome with practice and effort. Here are ten ways that you can start speaking up and overcoming shyness in the workplace.

1. Prepare ahead of time: If you know that you will be speaking in a meeting or presentation, take the time to prepare ahead of time. Write down what you want to say and practice your delivery. This will help you feel more confident and in control when the time comes to speak.
    
2. Practice active listening: One way to overcome shyness is to become a more active listener. By paying attention to others, you can learn more about what they are saying, and this will give you more to contribute when it’s your turn to speak.
    
3. Get to know your colleagues: Building relationships with your colleagues can help you feel more comfortable speaking up. When you have a strong relationship with someone, you are more likely to feel confident sharing your thoughts and ideas with them.
    
4. Speak up in smaller groups: If you find it difficult to speak up in larger groups, try starting with smaller, more intimate settings. This could be a one-on-one meeting with a colleague or a small group discussion. As you become more comfortable speaking in these settings, you can gradually work your way up to speaking in larger groups.
    
5. Focus on the topic, not on yourself: When you’re speaking up, try to focus on the topic at hand, rather than on yourself. This will help you feel more confident and in control, and it will also help you to communicate your message more effectively.
    
6. Be authentic: Don’t try to be someone you’re not in order to fit in. Instead, be yourself and express your thoughts and opinions in a way that feels authentic to you. This will help you to build trust with your colleagues and to speak up more effectively.
    
7. Take risks: Don’t be afraid to take risks and speak up, even if you’re not sure how it will be received. The more you practice speaking up, the easier it will become, and the more comfortable you will feel.
    
8. Use humor: Humor can be a great tool for overcoming shyness and making yourself heard. When you make people laugh, you can help to break down barriers and create a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.
    
9. Find a mentor: Having a mentor who you trust and admire can be a great way to overcome shyness and improve your speaking skills. Your mentor can provide you with support, guidance, and feedback, and they can help you to develop your confidence and abilities.
    
10. Practice, practice, practice: The most important thing you can do to overcome shyness and improve your speaking skills is to practice. Whether it’s through public speaking, participating in meetings, or simply speaking up more in everyday conversations, the more you practice, the easier it will become.

In conclusion, shyness can be a real hindrance in the workplace, but it’s also a learned behavior that can be overcome with practice and effort. By preparing ahead of time, building relationships with your colleagues, taking risks, and focusing on the topic at hand, you can start speaking up and expressing yourself with confidence and ease. Remember, the more you practice speaking up, the easier it will become, and the more comfortable you will feel.