Before your video call, check that you can log in to the software, test your mic, and find a camera angle you're happy with.
To help yourself speak up in online meetings: These awkward silences and stutters make us more self-aware and can result in " Zoom fatigue" – that is, exhaustion caused by video calls. When you do jump in to speak, time lags can leave you talking over other attendees. It can be tougher, for example, to pick up on the visual and behavioral cues that help natural conversation flow. Virtual meetings bring their own unique challenges. It's far better to say, "I see it a little differently, because…" Getting Heard in Virtual Meetings Or if you're on a virtual call, close with, "Over to you, Susan." People will appreciate your efficient delivery.Īvoid saying, "I disagree." People hear this and immediately feel confronted and annoyed, and may stop listening to you. Once you've said what you want to say, simply finish speaking. Start strongly but politely with, "I'd like to say…" or "Can I just add…?" Avoid opening with an apologetic "I'm sorry, but…" This will immediately weaken your position. Start and end your contribution with conviction. Writing these out will also help you to articulate your thoughts. If you use apps such as Asana or Mural, for example, you can post questions and ideas ahead of the meeting. If this isn't possible, let everyone know in advance that you have something you want to share. If you can, get yourself on the agenda so that you'll have a guaranteed opportunity to speak. And once you're in the meeting, use your active listening skills to summarize what's being said, show that you value others' opinions, and offer your own considered point of view. In the lead-up to the meeting, research the subject under discussion and plan what you want to say or ask.
You can draw on these attributes in two ways. If you're an introvert, you'll likely be reflective, strategic, and observant. When you become confident about speaking up for others, you'll feel less self-conscious about speaking up for yourself.īe aware that assertive isn't the same as aggressive, and that being early to speak doesn't mean always being the first! 5. Also, you could steer attention back to someone who got interrupted with a simple, "Ayesha, what were you going to say?" After giving them credit for their idea, you might want to build on it by adding your own ideas. So start building up your confidence by looking out for fellow attendees.įor example, if someone says something that you agree with, say so. Learning to push yourself forward can be hard, but most of us tend to find helping and praising others easier. But be careful that you don't ask so many that you delay the meeting. To avoid any tendency to go blank with fear in meetings, come armed with a few questions. This shows that you're attentive, engaged and interested. If putting your own idea or view across is too nerve-racking, begin by asking questions about what other attendees are saying. After all, unnecessary meetings are time-consuming and expensive – consider the hourly rate of everyone present! 2.
If you don't have to be there, have the confidence to politely decline. If the reason for your attendance is unclear, ask your manager or the meeting's organizer. Or perhaps your manager thinks that it's a good learning opportunity for you, and they’re interested to see how you perform in this situation. You're wanted and valued – so be confident! You'll likely have expert knowledge or skills related to the topic being discussed. Have Confidence in Your Own ValueĬhances are, you've been invited to the meeting because you have something to offer. Let's look at seven ways to build your confidence and gain a sense of control that will allow you to make a valuable contribution to your next meeting. So no matter how many great ideas you have in your head, they're useless to you, your team, and your organization until you express them. Unfortunately, your colleagues can't read minds. When you "hold your own" in a meeting, you show that you're confident and proactive, and this can mark you out as a future leader. Meetings are a key way to get yourself noticed. And just as others overcome their self-consciousness and speak up, so will you! Why Make Your Voice Heard? Although it can feel like you're the only one struggling at meetings, you're not alone. Worse still, when you do speak up and share your thoughts, you're ignored or "shot down" by bigger voices. Whether your meeting is face-to-face or online, it's easy to feel anxious, self-conscious and lost for words. Have confidence in the value of your contributions to meetings!
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