What Staying Silent at Work Is Really Costing You

I'm Chrissy - your "Nerve Eradicator". Let's get into the Confidence Connection - August Edition.

77% of people fear public speaking more than death.

You've probably heard that stat before. Maybe you've read it on one of my posts, gave it a half-hearted laugh, and thought to yourself — that's an incredible number.

If you heard this from someone else, here's what they probably didn't talk about after that statistic.

What it's actually costing you.

"How much are we talking about?"

Let me be clear - I'm not talking about stage fright at a podium in front of hundreds or thousands of people. I'm talking about the meeting you stayed silent in last week, when what you had to say was important to the meeting & the company. I'm talking about the promotions you passed on because the role required more presenting that you have ever felt ready to tackle.

That silence has a price tag - and most people have never stopped to add it up.

I added it up after reading this stat: People who experience significant communication or speaking anxiety earn, on average, 10% less than their peers with comparable skills. Why? Because visibility pays - and their silence has caused them to be invisible at work for years.

On top of that, 45% of professionals have passed on a promotion because the role required presenting - in meetings, to peers, out loud. Nearly half, saying "NO" to a role that could have changed the trajectory of their career.

But what about the numbers??

I ran the numbers on what that silence and avoidance could look like over a career? The result? $700,000! And that is a conservative estimate!

I break down the full math - financial, professional and the costs you can't put on a spreadsheet - in this month's Substack piece.

→ Read the full article: The Price of Silence​

It's worth the 5 minutes.

💛 August's Quick Win: The Power Pause

The article is about the cost of silence. This tip is about making silence work for you.

Most anxious speakers rush — because silence feels dangerous. But here's what confident speakers know: a 2–3 second pause before you begin speaking signals control, not hesitation. It slows your racing thoughts, settles your nervous system, and makes your audience lean in.

Before your next meeting or presentation, try it. Breathe. Pause. Then speak. Notice how different it feels — for you and the room.

Silence isn't the problem. Staying silent when you have something to say is.

Chrissy's Corner

“If this hit close to home, I'd love to hear about it. Hit reply and tell me — has fear of speaking cost you something? A role, a moment, a chance you talked yourself out of? I read every single message. And if you're ready to stop paying that tax, I have a few 1:1 coaching spots open this month.​ Book a free 30-minute consultation →​

You've got this. Speak up. 🧡 — Chrissy CLB Content Works

If you want more tips and resources to communicating with impact, follow CLB Content Works on Instagram, Substack and check out the website for fresh resources and additional services offered.