In life, one of the hardest things you can do, is speak up. It can also one of the bravest. Whether it’s in a classroom, a job, or a social setting, speaking our mind is something everyone struggles with from time to time. It is easy to hide behind someone who loves to talk, let other people take control, and not bring attention to yourself. But there are always situations when speaking up is the most important thing you can do. Situations where certain things need to be said because it is right and good. Here are 4 reasons why you should speak up in these situations.

1. It Will Give You Confidence

No matter the context of the situation, speaking up will always give you confidence. Not only do you get to hear your inspiring thoughts out loud, but it allows others to react to them. Nobody is perfect, and when you speak up about an idea or a thought, you’re helping the situation. And if you hadn’t said it, you could regret it later. Confidence is so important. It allows us to be happy with ourselves and to move forward with what we love. Without confidence, we would be scared and hide from the world and the things we want to do.

2. It Promotes Awareness

Speaking up in certain situation can be positive for promoting awareness. You not only bring new information to people’s attention, but you can also educate people in a positive way. For example, in a situation where someone uses a derogatory word, you can speak up and explain to them why it is not a good word to use. They may have not been aware of the degree to which it offends, or maybe they were ignorant to the nature of the word all together. By speaking up, you can help the person become better, and promote awareness to those who were not aware.

3. It May Stop a Bully

Similar to promoting awareness, speaking up can stop a bully in its tracks. While some aren’t aware of what they’re doing or saying, many people are. People say cruel and offensive things every day, and it’s important that they’re stopped. It may be awkward to speak up, when someone says something rude to someone else, but it’s important. Not only can you help the person being bullied, but telling off a bully enough times may result in him stopping and realizing what they’re doing isn’t okay.

4. It Will Inspire Others

The thing people mostly hate about speaking up in the attention. When you do speak up, people do see it and observe. And although it may seem like a bad thing, it’s actually very positive. Speaking up about an idea, or to tell someone off, or to stick up for yourself, will not only help you, but it will help the others around you. It will inspire them to be brave enough to do the same. Everyone needs role models and by taking the plunge, you can be that role model for countless amounts of people.

Although speaking up can seem scary and even problematic or arrogant, in certain situations it is so important that you speak your mind. It will give you self-confidence, promote awareness and education, stop bullies, and inspire those around you. Always speak up. You have more of an impact than you think.