Years ago, when I was in high school, I lost my voice for a few days.

I suddenly had laryngitis. 

Couldn't make a sound. 

It was beyond frustrating.

After college, I became a radio news reporter and anchor. 

My voice was my job. I had a degree in communication. 

But even then, I didn't fully believe my opinion or voice mattered. 😮

I second-guessed my worth. 

I stayed quiet when I had something to say. Sound familiar? 

I see the same pattern in 95% of the A/E/C professionals in my coaching and training programs. 

People who are technically capable but hesitate to speak up in client-facing meetings or networking events.

Many in our industry shy away from making small talk and interacting with others.

It's about having more confidence.

Keeping your "nose in your phone" keeps you silent in real life. 

💰The reluctance to use your voice costs your firm millions in lost bids, referrals, and opportunities.💰

A/E/C professionals don't lack ideas; they doubt their value. 

They second-guess themselves. 

There was an engineering webinar yesterday with 225 people online. 

I was one of them.

I was on camera.

As I scrolled through the participants, I noticed 99 percent were off-camera. 

No faces. 

Most didn't even have a headshot or image—just a dark screen with their name.

😮The chat? Silent.

😮The interaction? Nonexistent.

😮The engagement? Almost zero.

There was no technical glitch. It was a communication culture issue.

When busy A/E/C firms invest in webinars, training, or virtual meetings, they often forget the human part:

➡️ People don't engage when they don't feel safe and confident.

➡️ Cameras stay off when participants feel awkward.

Yes, I realize some may have been eating lunch or caring for a child. Zoom fatigue is a real thing. But the entire group??!!

➡️ Silence in the chat is a symptom of disengagement or a lack of confidence to express views or at least say hi to others online. 

I posted in the chat right before the start of the program: "Thank you (organizer's ...

A/E/C professionals often tell me they don't have outgoing, friendly personalities to build business relationships.

😮Small talk feels uncomfortable.  

😮Presentations are painful.

😮Sharing your expertise becomes a confusing mess. 

To overcome limiting beliefs and negative self-talk, listen to the techniques I share on the "Engineer Your Success" podcast.

Click here to see the episode.https://bit.ly/4ksKzgO