Here's how you can assertively navigate structural engineering meetings and discussions.

I do agree that, before diving into any meeting, I must be thoroughly well prepared, written points in agenda or even small paper will be helpful. Thoroughly preparation means to have full awareness and quiet understanding of the project or the meeting topic including all aspects, starting from design criteria comprises used materials and applied codes and standards, ending with latest issues of construction drawings and/or documents. Doing that it will be simple to assertively navigate the meeting and discussions. It is important to say that, no one knows everything all the time, so whenever we face insightful questions or new information, we should recognize that and open the door to further discussion and may be arranging short meeting.

In my experience, to hold a successful meeting, and to be able to assertively navigate the discussions focusing on the critical issues, it is a must to have clear objectives and goals of the meeting. This strategy to be achieved, we should prepare a meeting agenda including all the subjects need to be discussed. It’s recommended to have a standard form to identify for each subject; Description, Action by, Expected Date, Remarks or Notes. The meeting agenda should be distributed to all attendees before meeting with reasonable time to pay the chance for all attendees to be well prepared to the meeting. This approach will help greatly to steer the discussions towards productive outcomes achieving the meeting objectives and goals.

Technically focused people tend to explain things using the jargon of their profession, and often get into the minutia of detail. If you are with other SE's, that may be fine, but if your audience is a different engineering discipline or is non-technical, you will lose that audience quickly if you talk technical. Practice (and I really mean practice) explaining complicated things using the simplest language as is necessary for the moment. That is actually a higher art form than just gushing a bunch of techo-talk goggletigook that no one understands. Also, the words 'yes' and 'no' are complete sentences that convey a complete meaning, use them more.

I do believe that, building strong professional relationships within the team and with stakeholders, is a powerful tool to enhance our assertiveness during discussions and meetings. Successful such relationships make others trust and respect us, they also will consider my input seriously. To achieve that fruitful relationships, it needs to arrange for gathering all colleagues outside of formal meetings, this approach will help the all parties to establish common ground and gain the necessary teamwork spirit.

Set a Clear Agenda: Always prepare and share a detailed agenda beforehand to keep the meeting on track. Visual Communication: Since "drawing is the language of engineering," maximize the use of 3D models, drawings, and sketches. Visual aids can clarify complex concepts quickly and reduce misunderstandings. Pre-Meeting Preparation: Circulate relevant documents, concepts, and details to all participants in advance. Moderate Discussions: Assign a moderator to guide the conversation, enforce the agenda, and steer discussions back on track when they diverge. Summarize and Assign Actions: Conclude meetings with a summary of key points and clearly assigned action items. This ensures accountability and follow-through.