How to speak up in meetings - even when you’re the most junior person
Your voice is worth hearing
5 tips on speaking up in meetings - regardless of your age and experience.
Speaking up in meetings can be daunting, especially if you feel like the youngest or most junior person in the room. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the expertise and experience of your colleagues, leading to a lack of confidence. However, your unique perspective is valuable, and finding your voice can significantly impact both your professional development and the success of your team. Here are five tips to help you confidently contribute to meetings, no matter your rank or experience level.
1. Do your research before meetings
Preparation is key. By researching and understanding the meeting’s agenda, you'll feel more confident and ready to contribute relevant points. Getting to know the attendees and their interests will help you anticipate what they might discuss. Familiarise yourself with their roles, needs, and expectations to tailor your contributions. Prepare some thoughts or questions for each agenda item; this way, you'll have a plan in place to share your insights when the opportunity arises.
2. Get in quickly
Speaking up early can be incredibly helpful. The longer you wait, the more you might second-guess yourself, leading to decision fatigue. Make a brief, relevant comment or ask a question at the outset. This not only sets the stage for further contributions but also boosts your confidence from the beginning. Remember, the first step is often the hardest, but it gets easier once you break the ice.
3. Ask yourself how you can add value
It's common to worry that your input might not be valuable. Instead of focusing on this fear, listen actively to the discussion and look for opportunities to add value. Identify problems that need resolving or actions that need clarifying, and offer your perspective or solutions. By adding value, you demonstrate your understanding and commitment, which not only benefits the team but also builds your confidence and presence in the meeting. For example, if it’s agreed that an action needs to be taken, and you can take the action, speak up and clarify that you will be taking that task forward. This will show that you were listening, and had a valuable contribution to make, in this case, that you’re going to make sure something will get done.
4. Don’t apologise!
Avoid prefacing your contributions with apologies like “Sorry to come in but…” or “This probably isn’t relevant, but…”. These qualifiers undermine the importance of your point and make you seem less confident. Present your ideas assertively and concisely. By doing so, you'll appear more authoritative, and your points will be taken more seriously.
5. Have an ally in the room
If you have a peer, mentor, or manager in the meeting, consider speaking with them beforehand about your challenges with contributing to group discussions. Trusted allies can create opportunities for you to speak up, such as by inviting your input during the conversation. This support can make a significant difference in your confidence and ability to contribute.
Speaking up in meetings as the most junior person can be intimidating, but with the right strategies, you can find your voice and make valuable contributions. Preparation, early participation, focusing on adding value, assertive communication, and seeking support from allies can help you navigate and excel in these settings. Remember, your unique perspective is important and deserves to be heard!
