When communication at work feels heavy, it can be hard to find your voice—literally. That “frog in your throat” feeling? It’s more than just a metaphor. Whether you’re leading through layoffs, navigating uncertainty, or simply trying to create something new, the stress and pressure can manifest physically—tightening your voice and blocking your message. In this post, we’ll explore practical ways to clear the frog in your throat so you can regain clarity, confidence, and connection.
When Communication Feels Heavy, It’s Hard to Speak
As the government shutdown continues and layoff headlines fill our feeds, communication at work can feel heavy. Even if you’re not directly affected, uncertainty is contagious: it dampens creativity and makes it challenging to feel optimism.
When there’s so much on your mind, it can feel like something’s blocking your voice.
What Happens When the “Frog” Gets Stuck
In 2017, Brian Tracy wrote Eat That Frog!, encouraging people to do the hardest thing first. My father and I still use that metaphor. He’ll often say, “I swallowed a huge frog today,” meaning he finally faced something he’d been avoiding.
But sometimes, that frog doesn’t get swallowed—it gets stuck. It sits in your throat, right where your voice should be. You want to speak, decide, create—but can’t quite get the words out.
Many of my executive clients experience the same thing: the harder the decision, the tighter their voice. The “frog” becomes a physical barrier to communication and confidence.
4 Ways to Clear the Frog in Your Throat
1. Face the frog first.
Protect your most creative time—morning or night—and deal with what’s weighing on you before you check email or headlines.
2. Move your body.
Exercise releases endorphins that reset your mind. Even a quick walk can shake something loose.
3. Talk it out.
I often go for a walk and talk to myself. Saying the words out loud helps me find what’s really behind the hesitation.
4. Find your allies.
When an idea or decision feels stuck, reach out to someone who gets it. A five-minute conversation can unlock clarity.
In the Moment: What to Do During a Speech
How do you do this in the moment during a speech?
Check out one of my favorite strategies, the strategic sip of water:
When You Clear the Block, Your Voice Returns
When you take a step back, move your body, and speak honestly (especially to yourself), you create space for your true voice to return. And that voice leads to agency, action, and impact.
If you’re facing your own “frog” right now—a difficult conversation, a leadership decision, or just a creative block—let’s talk. Sometimes all it takes is a short conversation to get your voice back.
Until next week,
~Allison