7 Ways to Speak Up in Meetings: A Guide to Building Confidence and Contributing Effectively

Whether you're a seasoned professional in a new role or new to the world of work, self doubt or imposter syndrome can cause all manner of problems. Speaking up in meetings is often top of the list of experiences people feel less confident about when they enter a new role or a new company. We put together a few tips to boost your confidence and share your valuable contributions with your team.

1. Understand Your Role in the Meeting:

Before you can speak up effectively, it's important to understand why you've been invited to the meeting in the first place. Are you there to gain insights, provide updates, or contribute your expertise? Once you know your role, you can tailor your contributions and prepare accordingly. Do you need to come armed with questions or insights?

2. Start by Asking Questions:

If you're feeling hesitant about speaking up, start by asking questions. This is a great way to get involved in the conversation without having to commit to a full-blown statement. Plus, it shows that you're engaged and interested in what others have to say. Some of the best advice I received back at the start of my career was, “when meeting new people be interested, don’t try too hard to be interesting.”

3. Advocate for Others:

Another way to build confidence is to advocate for others. If someone else has made a point that you agree with, reinforce it or ask a clarifying question. This shows that you're engaged and that you're willing to support your colleagues.

4. Summarise (and Add Your Take):

If you want to contribute your own thoughts, try summarising what someone else has said and then adding your own take on the point. This shows that you've been listening attentively and that you have something valuable to contribute. Avoid merely repeating what others have said. This is only valuable if you have an extension on an existing statement or additional context to add.

5. Don't Apologise for Contributing:

When you do speak up, don't apologise for making a contribution. Never say, "I'm sorry, but I disagree." Instead, use phrases like, "I see it differently" or "I’d like to share a different perspective." As soon as you say “I disagree…” you will shift the energy of the conversation. Try using these alternate phrases and see how differently your disagreement is received.

6. Create a Trigger Phrase:

If you find yourself hesitating to speak up, try creating a trigger phrase for yourself. This could be something like, "I'd like to contribute something" or "I'd like to add something to what [colleague’s name] said." Having a trigger phrase can help you overcome your initial hesitation and get started.

7. Let People Know Who You Are:

Finally, one of the best ways to build confidence in meetings is to position yourself and communicate your style prior to the meeting. This can create a positive and collaborative environment where everyone feels comfortable speaking up in their own way.

As an introvert and reflector, when I begin working with a new team, I position myself first. I might say, “I’m a reflector, so in meetings I tend to be quiet and listen and reflect before speaking. If I’m quiet, it’s because I’m listening and reflecting, not sitting back.

Similarly, if you need to verbalise to absorb or reflect, let your team know prior to the meeting. People who could have previously seen you as chaotic, will now understand that’s just how you work and will be aware of your need to verbalise to absorb the content.

When people are comfortable to contribute authentically you will find their contributions are more effective.

Speaking up in meetings can be daunting, but by understanding your role, starting with questions, advocating for others, summarising, and positioning yourself, you can build confidence and contribute effectively.

If you have other advice that you would share with someone who was building confidence in meetings, please let us know.