Should I Speak Up More in Meetings?

You were just hired at your dream company.

You sit down for your first team meeting and realize that you don't have anything to contribute.

Maybe you're the newest member of the team, or maybe you're just introverted by nature. Either way, you're wondering if it would be beneficial for you to speak up more in meetings.

Let's take a look at some pros and cons of speaking up in meetings.

The Pros of Speaking Up in Meetings

When you contribute to meetings, you show your coworkers that you are invested in the company and that you have something valuable to say.

If you have good ideas, speaking up ensures that they'll be heard by the people who need to hear them.

Additionally, speaking up can help build relationships with your coworkers. If they see that you're engaged and interested, they'll be more likely to approach you with ideas and opportunities in the future.

The Cons of Speaking Up in Meetings

On the other hand, talking too much in meetings can make you seem like a know-it-all or a show-off.

It's important to strike a balance between speaking up enough to be noticed and letting others have a chance to shine as well.

Additionally, if you're introverted, meetings can be draining, and it might be difficult for you to contribute if you're feeling overwhelmed. In this case, it's OK to sit back and let others do the talking.

Your introverted nature might even give you some much-needed perspective on the extroverted tendencies of your colleagues!

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There is no one answer to whether or not you should speak up more in meetings.

It depends on your personality, your goals, and the culture of your workplace.

That being said, if you're introverted or feeling overwhelmed, it's perfectly OK to sit back and let others do the talking.

Your contribution will be appreciated when the time is right.