What do you do if you struggle to find your voice in meetings and express your ideas?

Prepare in Advance: Before the meeting, take some time to prepare your thoughts and ideas. Anticipate the topics that will be discussed and outline key points you want to contribute. Practice Active Listening: Pay close attention to what others are saying during the meeting. Listen actively and take notes to ensure you understand the discussion topics and can build upon them with your own ideas. Start Small: Begin by contributing small comments or questions to the discussion. This can help you gradually build confidence and feel more comfortable speaking up in larger group settings.

You need to take note of the important words you want to say in English before the meeting. The more you are ready for a meeting, the better it is for your business, your clients, or your partners. Even if you have weak English skills and can't talk confidently in English, you can express yourself well in English if you prepare for the meeting. Stand before a mirror and try to talk the way you want to talk during the meeting. This will increase your confidence to talk better in English during the meeting. Don't expect to be perfect, and improve yourself every time. 

Enhancing communication and participation in meetings is vital professionally. Preparation is key; organize thoughts and note key points beforehand. Active listening aids understanding and informed contributions. Start with small inputs to build confidence gradually. When speaking, use a clear, assertive tone and "I" statements for credibility. Seek feedback and professional development opportunities like public speaking courses. Prioritize meaningful contributions and continual learning for ongoing improvement in communication skills.

Overcoming the fear of speaking in meetings can start by speaking early like offering a welcoming remark or agreeing with a point. Early participation signals engagement and preparedness, making it easier to express ideas later on eg, A colleague's habit of speaking up early in meetings led to confidence and improved receptiveness from others towards their suggestions. Taking small steps like contributing early can help build momentum and reduce anxiety about speaking up. An employee's practice of sharing brief insights at the start of meetings boosted their confidence in expressing more complex ideas. By establishing a pattern of active participation from the beginning, you can create a supportive environment for sharing your ideas.

Speaking early is especially important if you're in a new setting or normally not the to speak up. Use this first contribution to shake of some of your nervousness and to get used to taking up space. Don't wait for too long before you speak again, this could be a follow up question or a remark in regards to procedures for example, show that you're present and active. Don't let people talk over you or interrupt you, be polite but make sure you get yourself heard and your point out there.

The preparation starts much ahead of the meeting and hence you need to focus of learning the objective, what are the topics, who all are going to be there and then HOW YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE. You have to surely develop an identity / brand for yourself so that you are not missed out. Be mindful that what you want to say should have 1. Context, 2. Novelty 3. Solution 4. Impact 5. Simplicity 6. Right timing

Maximizing impact in meetings with assertive body language (3 key strategies): (1) POSTURE OF POWER Adopt an open posture that conveys confidence and readiness to engage. (2) EYE CONTACT ENGAGEMENT Maintain eye contact to show attentiveness and establish connection. 3) NOD TO SHOW ALIGNMENT Nodding in agreement demonstrates understanding and active participation. Body language speaks volumes before you utter a single word.

Leveraging Alliances in Meetings to Amplify Your Voice (3 effective tactics): 1) PRE-MEETING COLLABORATION Discuss and refine your ideas with a colleague before the meeting. 2) ALLY IN ACTION Have an ally in the meeting who can endorse and elevate your ideas. 3) BUILDING CONFIDENCE Gain confidence from knowing your ideas are supported and valued by others. Your voice matters – ensure it's heard with the right strategic alliances.

To ensure your voice is heard in meetings, focus on building positive alliances with your colleagues. Take the time to connect with them on a personal level, showing genuine interest and support. By nurturing these relationships, you create a network of allies who will advocate for your ideas and perspectives in meetings. Additionally, actively listen to others, respect their opinions, and collaborate openly, fostering a culture of mutual respect and support within the team. This approach not only enhances your influence but also strengthens team cohesion and productivity.

We never go wrong if we ask the right questions at the right time. Ask your clients or your partners the right questions during meetings. Not only will this help them know that you are there for them. This will also help you talk better about the things that can help them when they work with you or partner with you. It's not hard to ask them the right questions in English. In the same way, you ask your clients and partners the right questions in your native language and you flow naturally with them. Do the same in English and don't make it hard for yourself by using difficult English words that you can't say well or understand yourself. Use simple English words they can understand even if they have weaker English skills than yours.

Despite preparing well by getting in touch with the moderator to let you speak early, sometimes you could still struggle to get your point across. In the past, I have followed up by emailing the meeting leader. I found this useful as it made it possible for my ideas to be included for discussion in the next meeting.