Speaking up isn’t always easy, but there are strategies you can use to improve your ability to express yourself without fear. I found great inspiration in the ideas of Adam Galinsky, who has deeply studied how we can expand our "range of acceptable behavior." Here are the 5 key tools I learned from him:

Know Your Power: Your ability to speak up depends on the context and the power you feel you have. The more power you perceive, the wider your range to speak up. But even if you feel less powerful, you can still expand your range.

Take Perspective: Putting yourself in someone else’s shoes makes you more persuasive. When you understand what the other person wants, you're more likely to get what you want.

Be Flexible: Offer choices instead of imposing a single option. Giving alternatives lowers defenses and increases the chances that your proposal will be accepted.

Ask for Advice: Build alliances by asking for advice. This makes you more appreciated and solves the self-promotion dilemma: you can show competence without seeming arrogant.

Tap Into Your Passion: Speaking with passion makes you more convincing. When you show enthusiasm, others are more likely to listen to and follow you.

These tools, inspired by Adam Galinsky’s work, will help you speak up with confidence and expand your range of acceptable behavior. Speaking with courage will become easier, and your days will be more fulfilling.