At the very time I should speak out I feel more than ever the impossibility of doing so.

A lot of people are afraid to say what they want. That's why they don't get what they want.

And other times—too often, maybe—I don't dare have an opinion in case it upsets anyone.

I don't fear being outspoken. The only thing I fear is losing my sense of integrity or losing sight of the values on which I guide my life. So I don't think it's particularly brave or unusual for me to speak out.

I felt so hated for saying things — things that are scientifically, biologically and factually true — and so unsupported by people who I know secretly agree with me but are too scared to say so out loud.

And yet I am afraid, afraid of what my words will do to me, to my refuge, yet again.... If I could speak and yet say nothing, really nothing? Then I might escape being gnawed to death.

A member fears nowadays to express an honest opinion, in some locals, for fear of being hooted down or even losing a job.

When people are intimidated about having their own opinions, oppression is at hand.

When people fear surveillance, whether it exists or not, they grow afraid to speak their minds and hearts freely to their government or to anyone else.

Well is it your fear of being buried that makes you so afraid to speak?

I always fear to talk with people for fear of being judged. I used to be a vibrant woman and speak on every forum but after my treatment, I have since failed to restore my once strong voice. I thank God for my miraculous recovery.

The moment we begin to fear the opinions of others and hesitate to tell the truth that is in us, and from motives of policy are silent when we should speak, the divine floods of light and life no longer flow into our souls.

Few things hold the perception more thoroughly captive than anxiety about what we have got to say

I hate speaking in front of a large audience. I don't know where it came from...but its just this gut-wrenching fear of slipping up and doing something horrible.