Whether it’s a 60-second elevator pitch on your new product or stumping for a healthier vending machine in the office kitchen, voicing your ideas can be intimidating. Boost your confidence and your selling skills with these tips from Claudine D. Hanani, founder of The Hanani Group, a branding and communications firm in Irvine, CA.

Collaborate with colleagues.
Before bringing an idea to your boss, include the insights of others so that it’s a well-rounded concept. Not only will colleagues feel included, having strength in numbers will also help your supervisor see that your idea has already been well received.

Present the whole picture.
To avoid putting forth an incomplete idea that’s bound to get nixed, anticipate your manager’s questions—and be prepared to answer them. Then rehearse your pitch often so you’re comfortable saying the words with conviction.

Communicate crisply.
Rambling speeches or long-winded soliloquies will bore your boss. So present your ideas cleanly, with short, declarative sentences filled with facts and figures that support your cause. Soon you’ll go from simply having an idea to having your concept realized.