A job performance review is no place to be shy. Treat your review like a chance to be completely frank about any opinions you have about the job, whether they are positive or negative (without being rude, of course). This includes opinions about your pay, your working conditions, your coworkers and even your managers. You do not get this opportunity very often, normally, employees are expected to be much more guarded. Keep in mind, however, that the supervisor giving the review has the opportunity to be just as frank about you.

☛ If you are naturally shy or have a hard time talking about your closely held opinions, it can help to practice talking about these points beforehand with a close friend or a coworker you trust outside of work. You may also want to try body language-based confidence-boosting techniques, especially straightening your posture, talking slowly, looking the person you are talking to in the eye. These basic tricks can help you loosen up in a wide variety of stressful social situations, including those related to your job.