How to Speak Up in Meetings Without Dominating

Have you ever been anxious about speaking up in meetings?  Maybe you’ve tried but your input is ignored or dismissed by more dominant voices. Or maybe you’re nervous to say something because you’re new, you’re junior, or you’re not accustomed to speaking up. And yet, there are many situations in which contributing to meetings is expected. It could impact your performance review, your grade, your reputation. Whatever the challenge or obstacle you face, it’s a skill that is critical for professional success. Here are a couple things you can do to meet the challenge: Be prepared. Being well-prepared can increase your confidence to contribute and enhance your credibility. Get out of your head and shift to a team mindset: Think of speaking up as a way to contribute to better team decision-making. Research on collective intelligence has shown that decision quality hinges on a group’s combined intelligence, not the smartest person.   Seize the moment when there’s a pause: Research on turn-taking indicates speakers often resume after a 0.5 second pause, assuming that’s long enough for others to respond. So jump in when there’s a break in the action.       To amp up your credibility: Mind your facial expressions: In some professional settings, a persistent smile can convey nervousness, naivete or insincerity. Share your winning smile at appropriate times. Permagrins are great at weddings; not so much in business meetings. Similarly, be mindful that your facial expression doesn’t give off vibes of disdain or contempt. (I once worked with a guy who always looked angry in meetings. You know, furrowed brows, downturned mouth. Whatever he said came off sounding angry. When I asked him if he was angry about something, he said no, with surprise. I told him his facial expression conveyed the opposite. He acknowledged that his wife had given him the same feedback.) Facial expressions say a lot, even when you’re not speaking.     Mind your body language and voice: Envision what confidence looks like and channel it. Sit up straight, make and hold eye contact. Speak with conviction and clarity. Avoid ending sentences as if they’re questions.   Implementing these practices may feel difficult or inauthentic at first. It will feel more natural with reps. Speaking up isn’t a matter of authenticity; it's about honing a critical professional skill and contributing to the group. If your goal is to influence and have impact, communication skills are key.  What practices have helped you get more comfortable speaking up? #CommunicationSkills #ProfessionalDevelopment

When you find yourself quiet in meetings. I’m an extroverted introvert. I’ll happily talk your ear off if we know each other—but drop me into a new group or a big room, and you’ll usually find me hovering on the edge. In meetings where I am not the lead, I tend to wait until I have something important or different to say. I don’t speak just to echo. And if I’m in agreement, I often just let the moment pass. But I’ve noticed something: When I do that too often, I start to disappear a little. And more importantly—so does my team. There’s a line between being intentional and being invisible. And as a leader, I can’t afford to lose my voice in rooms where decisions are being made. If you’ve ever felt this way, here are a few things I’ve found helpful: 1. Agree, and. Even if you’re aligned with the conversation, you can still contribute. Add context, a lens from your team, or a gentle build. It keeps you visible and adds value. 2. Bring one thing. If I know I’m joining a discussion where I’m not leading, I am trying to prep one to three thoughts or questions in advance. It doesn’t have to be profound—it’s just a way to keep myself anchored and ready to engage. 3. Shift the focus. Sometimes I need to ask myself, “Who needs me to speak right now?” When I see it as advocating for my team or creating space for others, it feels less about performing and more about showing up. And for those of us in leadership—let’s also watch for this in our teams. Not everyone pushes to be heard. Sometimes we have to open the door and invite the voice in. Curious—what helps you stay present and visible when it would be easier to fade back? #Leadership #TeamVisibility #Communication #Presence

How much space do you take up? Airtime in a meeting is not dissimilar to the middle arm rest. (Actual photo from my flight last night...grrrrr.) When we assume the space is ours to fill, we crowd everyone else out. ❓ Are you the first to speak, come off mute, insert your thoughts? ❓ Are you uncomfortable with silence and find that 2 seconds feels like 2 minutes when no one is speaking? ❓ Are you worried that if you don't share first, someone else will take your idea? Listen. I can relate. I'm a Di on the DiSC model which means I'm outspoken and operate at a fast pace. I'm comfortable thinking out loud. I LOATHE anything slow. But it's my job to get better. Tactics I use: 🤫 In an in-person meeting, try sitting on your hands as a physical reminder to hold back. 🤫 Write notes to yourself as ideas come up to avoid the feeling of losing them. Then share when the time is right. 🤫 In a virtual meeting, keep your hands OFF the keyboard to create space between yourself and the unmute button. 🤫 Try adding your ideas in chat rather than speaking them. 🤫 Go last and look for ways to amplify OTHERS ideas. This is one of the most rewarding, validating and team-oriented practices you can adopt. Whatever you do, don't be the guy (yes, I said it) who takes the armrest. #communication #teamdevelopment #disc #listeningskills #virtualmeetings #dominance #growthmindset