How to Speak up in Meetings (and When to Hold Back)

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1:02In many organizations, people's leadership readiness is measured by their willingness to speak up in meetings. How you speak off the cuff can have a bigger impact on your career trajectory than your presentations or speeches. Meetings provide an opportunity to create an impact, move up in your career, and bring others with you. Here are three strategies to help you speak up effectively. Prepare a few points in advance instead of waiting for inspiration to strike in a meeting. If public speaking makes you anxious, this practice lets you challenge yourself to speak up without the worry of what to say.

1:40Ask, why you? Before you craft a presentation or walk into a meeting. This means, why do you care about what you do, about your organization, or your role? Answering this question will help you find purpose and build confidence. It reminds you that you're speaking up not to show off, but because you are committed and passionate about the subject. Pause and breathe to build your confidence. Doing so centers you and strengthens your voice so that when you do speak up, you speak with conviction. While you pause, ask yourself, If one other person in this room has the same question, am I willing to ask on behalf of the other person?

2:24The answer will build your confidence. At times, the person who says the least in a meeting holds the most power. Your executive presence comes from being strategic about when you speak up and what you say. Watch for these three warning signs to know when you should hold back. If you're only trying to show how much you know, It's better to let someone else talk or let the meeting run its natural course. So, ask yourself why you are speaking before you do. If you are a leader trying to empower your team, it's good to let members find their own solution. Letting others speak up in meetings with your clients will help build their leadership skills, raise their visibility, and give clients a greater sense of support from your whole team.

3:11If your comment would be better left for a one-on-one conversation, save it for later. To mitigate difficult conversations within the organization, email or speak to someone privately rather than addressing the issue in a group, where the person will feel defensive. Bottom line, speaking up in a meeting is one of the single most effective ways to raise your visibility and build a relationship of trust with your clients and colleagues. Practice it strategically every day and you will have a powerful impact on your career and in your business.