You know I think this is more common than you might think. I struggle with this also. I've found the best way to break out of the cycle is to just do begin. Vis

You know I think this is more common than you might think. I struggle with this also. I've found the best way to break out of the cycle is to just do begin. Visualize yourself looking like an idiot and realizing it's ok. Think about how many times you have been in a meeting and someone said something you thought was stupid and it went quiet. Everyone just moves on to the next topic, it's never a huge deal. Do people hold it against them? No. If it's reoccurring, that's a different story. Read How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. It's an old time classic with advice that is very much relevant today. With my own struggles I found The Road Less Traveled by Scott Peck also helped me. You already say you're technically competent! You know you have the skills, what is it that you're really worried about when speaking? I think you need to ask yourself really what you think is going to happen. Think about times where you've spoken up and people ended up really appreciating your input. You've got this, you just got try a little bit every time you can.