5 Strategies to Speak up in Meetings!

For non-native English speakers, participating in meetings can present both opportunities for empowerment and unique challenges. Expressing oneself confidently and assertively goes beyond language proficiency—it’s about making your voice heard. In this article, we will delve into strategies tailored to help non-native English speakers excel in meetings, ensuring their valuable contributions are acknowledged and appreciated.

1- Prepare and Practice:

Before you step into a meeting room or join a virtual conference, preparation is your ally. Here’s how to use it to your advantage:

Key Points: Identify the key points you want to convey during the meeting. Organize your thoughts and prioritize them based on their importance to the discussion.

Practice: Practice articulating your key points, either by speaking aloud or writing them down. Rehearsing helps you feel more confident about what you want to say.

Anticipate Questions: Consider potential questions or objections that might arise during the meeting. Prepare concise and thoughtful responses to address them.

2- Active Listening:

Active listening is a superpower in meetings. It not only demonstrates your engagement but also helps you respond effectively. Here’s how to master it:

Focus on the Speaker: Pay close attention to the person speaking. Maintain eye contact during virtual meetings and lean forward slightly in face-to-face discussions to show that you’re engaged.

Take Notes: Jot down key points and ideas as others speak. This helps you remember important information and provides a basis for your contributions.

Avoid Interrupting: Resist the urge to interrupt or formulate your response while someone else is speaking. Allow them to finish before you chime in.

3- Ask Questions:

Asking questions is a sign of active participation and a commitment to understanding. Here’s how to make it work for you:

Clarification: If something isn’t clear, don’t hesitate to seek clarification. You’re likely not the only one with the same question.

Encourage Discussion: Pose questions that stimulate discussion and invite others to share their insights. This not only enhances the meeting but also showcases your engagement.

Follow-Up: After the meeting, consider sending follow-up questions or comments to continue the conversation and demonstrate your commitment to the topic.

4- Speak Slowly and Clearly:

Speaking slowly and clearly enhances both understanding and confidence. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Pace Yourself: Slow down your speech to a comfortable pace. Nervousness can sometimes lead to speaking too quickly.

Enunciate: Pay attention to pronunciation and enunciation. Speaking clearly ensures that your message is conveyed accurately.

Pause for Emphasis: Use brief pauses strategically to emphasize key points. It also allows your audience time to absorb your words.

5- Use Visuals:

Visual aids are powerful tools to support your verbal communication. Consider these tips:

Relevance: Ensure that visuals directly support the topic under discussion. Irrelevant visuals can be distracting.

Simplicity: Keep visuals simple and uncluttered. Avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information on a single slide.

Practice: Familiarize yourself with the visuals before the meeting. Know when and how to display them for maximum impact.

Ready to ace your next meeting?

If you want ot learn more, remember to download our FREE guide:

SPEAK UP MEETINGS to get more ideas and useul vocabulary.

Speak up in Meetings