Career Coach

How to speak up in meetings

Updated

The easiest way to speak up in meetings is to prepare one point in advance and say it early, in the first ten minutes, before the conversation speeds up and waiting makes it harder. Keep it to two sentences, and start with a simple opener so you don't have to fight for the floor.

What to do

  1. Read the agenda and write one point. A question, a fact or a concern. Write your first sentence word for word so you don't have to find it on the spot.
  2. Speak early. The longer you wait, the bigger it feels. Aim to say something, even a short question, within the first ten minutes.
  3. Use an opener. "Can I add one thing?", "Building on that point...", "A quick question before we move on." Openers buy you a second and signal you're coming in.
  4. Say it in two sentences. Your point first, then one reason. Then stop. Rambling invites interruptions; short points get picked up.
  5. Handle interruptions calmly. Raise a hand slightly and say: "Let me just finish this thought." Then finish in one sentence.
  6. Follow up in writing. If you missed your chance, send it after: "One thought I didn't get to in the meeting..." It still counts, and it's on record with your name.

What to say

Openers you can use word for word:

Can I add one thing here? I think the main risk is [your point], because [one reason]. Or: Before we move on, a quick question: how will we know if this worked? And if someone cuts in: Let me just finish this thought, it's short.

Avoid

  • Starting with "This might be a dumb question", which tells people to discount you.
  • Waiting for the perfect moment or a fully polished idea.
  • Speaking only to agree: add a reason, a risk or a next step.

Your situation

What stops you most in meetings?
Which meetings are hardest?

Questions

How do I speak up on video calls?

Use the raise-hand button or the chat to claim a turn, then unmute and make your point. Keep your camera on when you plan to speak, so people can see you're about to come in.

What if I'm an introvert?

Preparation is your advantage. Send a point before the meeting, or ask the organizer to call on you for one topic. You don't need to talk more than others, just once in each meeting where it matters.

What if someone repeats my idea and gets the credit?

Say calmly: Thanks for picking up the point I made earlier, and add the next step. Then follow up in writing so the idea stays linked to you.