How do I Say...Something?

I get asked this question frequently: Do you have any advice on speaking up in meetings? In response, I often share personal stories of both success and failure (and more failure). One meeting still haunts me from years ago. I was attending a small group discussion on politics and the topic of taxes came up (my area of expertise). I had been quiet, but summoned the courage to share an idea about taxes. Dead air. The conversation continued. Ten minutes later, the group leader said, "I want to go back to that excellent comment on taxes that, Richard brought up." Wait, What! That was my excellent idea (I screamed in my head all the while just sitting there - silent). My silence continued the rest of the meeting. However, I worked on getting better at speaking up at meetings and know the advice that follows works.

It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent. - Madeleine K. Albright

Just like any skill to get good at it you have to practice. I love this HBR article on speaking up in meetings by Tijs Besieux, PhD , Amy Edmondson , and Femke de Vries for both its practical tips and the suggestion on shifting the why for speaking in your mind. Changing the why of speaking in meetings from being about my own contribution to being about making the conversation better is just the added boost to act I often need.

Using your voice in ways that might initially scare you. That can be being an architect of change. Maria Shriver

We need your voice to be an architect of change! What a great thought from Maria Shriver (by the way check out her Sunday Paper). Overcoming that fear or uncertainty gets easier with practice: I promise. If you don't believe me, listen to this quick YouTube video from Christine Liu. Her advice on not only practicing what you are going to say (Fact. Story. Ask.), but also the tip to practice the art of jumping in to the conversation is so practical.

No, Hard work does not speak for itself. You do! Crystal Martin

Meetings are hard....get an ally: be an ally. I love the story Crystal Martin shares in her xTed talk about asking her boss for support when she speaks up. This tip takes some planning, but it is worth it. Have a conversation with someone about the support you can provide each other in making certain your voices are heard. Meetings take work: ponder, practice and plan. Then say something - I look forward to hearing you.