One way to gain respect and exposure is to make your voice heard.You may feel like you don't have anything new to say.Adding questions and furthering points is what other people say.Prepare what you want to say ahead of time by setting a goal to speak up.The way you speak up in a meeting will depend on the type of meeting, such as if it is a free discussion where anyone can jump in or if you need to raise your hand and wait your turn.Take care of yourself and calm your nerves to be ready.
Step 1: Before the meeting, plan out some talking points.
Having some ideas about what you want to say in a meeting can make you feel more confident.Try to come up with a few ideas for questions you can ask in the meeting.When you are ready to speak, use the notes to guide you.
Step 2: Be the first person to speak.
Try to be the first to say something if you want to speak up.If you speak first, you have less time to think.If you want to create discussion, jump in first.I would like to start the discussion with my ideas.
Step 3: Speak with confidence.
To say something confidently, you don't need to shout or talk.Make your words meaningful.Show your confidence even if you don't feel confident.Speak clearly and try to avoid using words like "uh" or "um." Even if you feel tentative, don't show it.
Step 4: Use your skills.
Think about what you can contribute to the meeting.You can comment on young adult markets if you are younger than the others.Think about what you bring to the table.You might have a different background than the people around you.Add a new perspective by using these.
Step 5: A succinct point is what you should make.
You don't need to say anything to make sure you're heard or understood.Speak clearly and use less words.It's important to make your comment memorable.Say your ideas in a clear and effective way after taking some time to think about them.If you want to get straight to the point, skip words like "I have an idea..."
Step 6: Good ideas can be affirmed.
When you want to speak up at a meeting, you don't have to add anything mind-blowing.You can tell someone that you like their idea or agree with them.Everyone likes to be understood and appreciated, so your comment may go far with them.I think that's a great idea and we should start working on it, Rea.
Step 7: Ask questions
Seek clarification for things that are unclear.You can ask someone to take their idea in a different direction.Questions can help to understand the topic.Asking questions gets you involved.Can you tell me what you mean by that?
Step 8: Further a point, that's right.
To contribute to a meeting, you don't have to come up with your own ideas.It is easy to say, "Everyone seems to agree on this, let's move forward."
Step 9: Take notes during the meeting.
Taking notes during a meeting can help you come up with ideas for how to chime in and it can also make you feel more confident.Taking notes will show you are still engaged even if you don't speak.It is easier to remember what was said during the meeting.
Step 10: Set a goal.
If you want to speak, set a goal to do so.Try to speak up at least once at each meeting.Wait for a while and then jump in.It may feel weird at first, but give yourself time to adjust.Soon, you'll be able to make your voice heard.
Step 11: Pay attention to your body language.
People may not take you seriously if you look down, turn away, or appear nervous.Instead of keeping your hands in your pockets, use them to gesture.If you're standing, lean forward with your feet hip-width apart.This shows that you are confident.Your body can fake it if you don't feel confident.
Step 12: Take a deep breath and raise your hand.
The easiest way to join a conversation is by raising your hand.Raise your hand if you don't know when to speak up.This means that you would like to speak and go next.If someone is currently speaking and you want to add or comment on it, you should raise your hand to indicate you would like to go next or add something to the discussion.Make eye contact with someone to make sure you've been seen.
Step 13: Take the next steps if you offer.
Speak up if someone brings up a point that needs further research or action.If a topic needs to be furthered for the next meeting, be the one to take it on.This will give you time to prepare for the next meeting.In the next meeting, offer to do some follow-up work.You can have a slideshow or handouts if you prepare this way.
Step 14: What you want to say should be prepared.
Have some ideas for your meeting.It is possible to know what you want to say with some notes.You should bring a notebook with you so that you can say what you want.Prepare some examples and ask questions.If the meeting is about increasing productivity, you should write down some ideas that will encourage people to be less distracted.
Step 15: Accept your pre-meeting stress.
It's okay if you're feeling nervous.Don't pretend you're not.You can show that you're ready to bring your best by embracing these feelings.It's normal to feel nervous or stressed, but you can use these feelings to get excited.Accepting unpleasant emotions will help them to diminish over time.
Step 16: Don't let your negative thoughts get in the way of facing them.
Negative thoughts can contribute to your fears.Whatever you say will be compared to what other people say.Fight back against your negative thoughts about your abilities.Take those "What if..." thoughts, self-criticisms, and fears and challenge them.If the worst outcome happened, what would you do?If you're feeling self-critical, ask yourself what evidence backs up your criticisms and if you can find positive thoughts to replace them.When is a time when I can succeed even if I'm nervous?How can I do that again?
Step 17: Take a deep breath.
If you want to relax, try to breathe from your diaphragm and not your chest.Put your hand on your belly.Take a breath in through your nose and notice how your hands and stomach move as you inhale.You can see your stomach emptying of air by inhaling through your mouth.You have to do this three to ten times.Relax to calm your nerves.Try meditating to reduce stress.Relaxing activities are a good way to relieve stress.
Step 18: It's important to care for your body.
Take good care of your body if you have a big meeting.It's a good idea to get plenty of sleep the night before.Coffee and other stimulants can increase feelings of anxiety, so limit your intake.Take care of yourself so that you are comfortable on the big day.If you drink coffee every day, don't cut it out that day as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms.Don't drink more than you normally would.