There is a lot of great advice here on how to improve contributions to meetings; but the passivity/social confidence advice is lacking. Like everything else it

There is a lot of great advice here on how to improve contributions to meetings; but the passivity/social confidence advice is lacking. Like everything else its a case of practice. Finding and participating in a local public speaking group is a direct way of approaching this. Often such groups are part of debate groups. Failing that you can roll your own group exercises by joining local clubs and courses for a few weeks; you have a natural excuse to inject yourself and ask questions. This is however slower and more indirect. --- This all said, being the typical advice I've given in the past, it strikes me that you're reasonably progressed in your career - and a visitor to HN. Have you ever been forced into a completely active role? Like mentoring, team lead, or giving a talk? These are all active partivipation activities you are well placed to do, in and outside of your job.