Speaking Up: Finding Your Voice in High-Stakes Meetings

Welcome! This is Khalid Turk, Your Leadership Partner at ExecPresenceOnline, where we empower women leaders to elevate their influence and amplify their impact. Today, we’re addressing a challenge that many women professionals encounter: finding your voice in high-stakes meetings.

Whether you’re advocating for your ideas, presenting to senior leaders, or contributing to a critical discussion, speaking up in professional settings can feel daunting. But your voice matters—and the right strategies can empower you to share your expertise and make an impact.

Why Speaking Up Matters for Women Leaders

Let me share a story. Early in my career, I worked with a talented woman leader who often hesitated to speak up in meetings, even though she had the most innovative ideas in the room. One day, I asked her why. She said, “I worry I’ll sound unprepared, or that my ideas won’t be taken seriously.”

This hesitation is common among women leaders, and it’s often rooted in systemic challenges. Studies show that women are more likely to be interrupted in meetings and less likely to have their ideas acknowledged unless reinforced by others.

Yet, when women speak up, they bring unique perspectives, foster innovation, and drive collaboration. High-stakes meetings are opportunities to showcase your expertise and shift perceptions—not just of yourself, but of what women leaders can achieve.

The Challenges Women Face in Meetings

According to a report by McKinsey, women often face bias and microaggressions in the workplace, such as being interrupted or having their ideas overlooked. These barriers can lead to self-doubt, disengagement, or the feeling that speaking up isn’t worth the risk.

But here’s the truth: your voice has power. Every time you contribute, you challenge stereotypes, inspire others, and pave the way for more inclusive leadership.

Practical Strategies to Find Your Voice

1. Prepare Like a Leader

Confidence starts with preparation. Review the meeting agenda, research the topics, and anticipate questions. If you’re presenting, practice your delivery and back up your ideas with data or evidence.

Pro Tip: Write down key points you want to share. This ensures you’re clear and concise, even if nerves kick in.

2. Start Early to Build Momentum

Breaking the ice early in a meeting sets the tone for your participation. Share a comment, ask a question, or offer a quick insight.

Example: “That’s an insightful point—have we considered how it might impact [specific area]?”

Starting early establishes your presence and boosts your confidence for deeper contributions later.

3. Own Your Expertise

You’ve earned your seat at the table, so speak from a place of authority. Highlight your unique perspective, connect your contributions to organizational goals, and don’t downplay your achievements.

Personal Anecdote: I once coached a woman executive who was hesitant to share an innovative idea during a major meeting. With encouragement, she presented it confidently, and it led to a groundbreaking project that saved the company millions. Her voice was the catalyst for real change.

4. Use Assertive Language

The way you frame your ideas matters. Avoid qualifying statements like “I think” or “I’m not sure, but…” Instead, use phrases that exude confidence:

• “From my experience, I recommend…”
• “Here’s an important consideration we should address…”
• “Building on [Name’s] point, I suggest…”

5. Handle Interruptions Gracefully

Interruptions happen, but they don’t have to silence you. Stay calm and assertively reclaim the floor.

• Example: “I’d like to finish my thought before we move on.”
• Reframe: “To conclude my point…”

Inspiration: Kamala Harris famously said during a debate, “I’m speaking,” when interrupted—an empowering reminder to assert your voice unapologetically.

6. Use Body Language to Command Presence

Non-verbal communication can reinforce your message.

• Sit Confidently: Keep your posture upright and grounded.
• Make Eye Contact: Look at key participants as you speak.
• Use Hand Gestures: Emphasize your points naturally, but avoid overdoing it.

7. Don’t Let Perfectionism Hold You Back

Many women hesitate to speak up because they fear their ideas aren’t perfect. Remember: perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. Even if your idea isn’t fully polished, sharing it can spark valuable discussion and collaboration.

8. Build Allies Before the Meeting

Collaborate with colleagues beforehand to align on key points or strategies. Allies can amplify your ideas and redirect attention back to you if needed.

9. Follow Up After the Meeting

Didn’t get a chance to share everything? Follow up with an email summarizing your idea or feedback. This reinforces your contribution and ensures your voice is heard.

Dos and Don’ts for Women Leaders in High-Stakes Meetings

Dos:

• Speak with Confidence: Own your expertise and contributions.
• Support Other Women: Amplify and acknowledge ideas shared by your peers.
• Be Concise: Make your points clear and impactful.

Don’ts:

• Apologize for Speaking: Avoid phrases like “Sorry to interrupt…”
• Undermine Yourself: Don’t preface your ideas with “This might be wrong, but…”
• Wait for Permission: You belong at the table—act like it.

ExecPresenceOnline: Helping Women Leaders Be Seen, Be Heard, and Be Valued

At ExecPresenceOnline, we understand the unique challenges women leaders face in high-stakes meetings—and we’re here to help.

Our services include:

• Executive Coaching: Develop the confidence and strategies to assert your voice effectively.
• Communication Skills Training: Learn how to navigate interruptions, frame ideas powerfully, and command attention.
• Personal Branding: Build an online presence that complements your in-person leadership.

Our mission is to empower women leaders to Be Seen, Be Heard, and Be Valued in every space they occupy.

Ready to take your leadership to the next level? Contact us to learn more and schedule a consultation today.

Takeaway

Speaking up in high-stakes meetings isn’t just about making your voice heard—it’s about showing the world the value you bring. With preparation, confidence, and the right strategies, you can command respect, inspire others, and drive change.

What challenges have you faced in high-stakes meetings, and how have you overcome them? Let’s keep the conversation going—share your thoughts in the comments!

- Khalid Turk, Your Leadership Partner at ExecPresenceOnline

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