To Speak or Not to Speak...? The Complexity of Meeting Dynamics

Managers who are striving to advance in their careers always get feedback on their communication skills and their ability to impact other people. Sometimes the feedback is specific and easy to understand.

• “You speak too fast or too softly.” It means we can’t follow what you’re saying.
• “You look stiff and uncomfortable in front of a group.” It means you lack confidence.

Coaching can help you strengthen the voice and learn to own the space.

But, sometimes the feedback is general and harder to understand.

• “You need to show up more in meetings.” Does that mean you should talk more?
• “You can be overbearing in meetings.” Does that mean you should talk less?

The more general feedback often focuses on meetings. That’s because while managers gain a lot of visibility from presentations and a lot of impact from one-on-one discussions, most of their time is spent in meetings. So, it stands to reason that impressions are more likely to be shaped in meetings than any other communication setting.

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