Speaking up in meetings is often easier said than done. Many professionals say sharing perspectives or stepping into leadership roles during discussions can feel intimidating and overwhelming. Trust me, I understand the struggle—I’ve been there. But I also know that finding your voice is one of the most powerful things you can do for your career.
Early in my career as an administrative professional, I wasn’t always confident in speaking up. I stayed quiet in meetings, worrying that my ideas might not be valuable or that I’d say something wrong. But in time, I learned that my voice mattered as much as anyone else’s in the room. That realization didn’t come overnight; it came with preparation, practice, and a strong drive to step out of my comfort zone. It fueled my climb from administrative roles to becoming the CEO of my own company.
I now feel a deep responsibility to help others discover their voice. My goal is to empower individuals to gain confidence and poise by sharing the lessons I’ve learned, the strategies that work, and the pitfalls to avoid. I believe that everyone deserves the chance to make their ideas heard and respected, and I hope to create a ripple effect of empowerment that lifts others to reach their full potential.
If you’ve been holding back, feeling fearful, or unsure about how to make yourself heard, this blog is for you. Speaking up is a skill you can develop, and the benefits to your career—and your sense of self—are immeasurable. I’ll walk you through how to conquer your fears, prepare, and lead or participate effectively in meetings. Get ready to find your voice!
Why Speaking Up Matters
The opportunity to speak up is more than just a chance to share your thoughts—it’s a way to actively shape conversations and influence outcomes. When you contribute to discussions, you show that you’re engaged and invested in the success of your team or organization. Meetings are a stage for showcasing your knowledge, building connections, and paving the way for new opportunities. Whether it’s contributing insightful ideas, asking thoughtful questions, or leading discussions with authority, speaking up demonstrates your competence and makes you stand out. Over time, this simple act builds credibility and strengthens your professional reputation. Finding your voice matters because it:
- Demonstrates Leadership Skills: Speaking up shows initiative and the ability to guide conversations or decisions.
- Builds Confidence: The more you contribute, the more self-assured you become in professional environments.
- Fosters Innovation: Your unique perspective can spark creative solutions and inspire new directions.
- Encourages Engagement in Others: By voicing your thoughts, you encourage a dynamic and participatory atmosphere.
But here’s the truth: If you don’t speak up, no one will know the depth of your expertise or the strength of your ideas. It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room but the one that adds the most value.
Speaking up in meetings can also lead to tangible career advancements. Here’s how:
- Builds Visibility: When you consistently contribute in meetings, you become more visible to decision-makers.
- Strengthens Relationships: By engaging thoughtfully with others, you build rapport and trust.
- Opens Opportunities: Being vocal about your ideas can lead to new projects, promotions, or leadership roles.
When I launched Office Dynamics, I saw exactly how critical power skills like communication are and how they impact every corner of an organization. Recently, we designed Assistant Accelerator Workshops to help assistants transform their skills into true business assets. These workshops have something for everyone, with different experienced EAs leading them to impart some of their most impactful lessons to you.
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My Journey to Finding My Voice
To be clear, when I first started my career in the corporate world, meetings were often intimidating. Boardrooms can strike fear in the heart of any professional. I worked with powerful executives and fast-talking colleagues who seemed to have all the answers. It can be all too easy to feel small and to allow that instinct to silence you. But as I embraced my role, I realized I had frontline insights they lacked. I had skills they didn’t have. I knew the inner workings of our daily operations, the pulse of the team, and the subtle details that could make or break decisions. That knowledge gave me confidence and a reason to speak.
The more I spoke up, the more empowered I felt walking into the room. Eventually, I became the person others would turn to for clarity, input, and solutions.
Now, as a CEO, I encourage administrative professionals to take similar steps to increase their confidence. Developing communication skills has been fundamental to my success, and I believe it can transform yours, too.
A Checklist for Overcoming Fear and Preparing for Meetings
Fear is natural, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. Embracing fear as part of the journey can often lead to growth and unexpected opportunities. To be clear, the goal is not to eliminate fear entirely but to learn to move forward despite it. Here’s a checklist to help you get ready for your next meeting and eliminate anxiety:
- Understand the Purpose of the Meeting: Review the agenda and clarify the meeting’s objectives beforehand. When you know why the meeting is being held, you can anticipate points where your input might be valuable
- Research and Gather Information: Be informed about the topics that will be discussed. Having a well-rounded understanding builds confidence and prepares you to speak knowledgeably.
- Write Down Key Points: Prepare 2–3 points you’d like to contribute. They don’t need to be groundbreaking—sometimes asking a thought-provoking question is just as impactful.
- Practice Your Delivery: Rehearse what you want to say, especially for meetings where the stakes are high. Practice helps you refine your points and feel more composed when it’s time to share
- Adopt a Confident Power Posture: Before the meeting, take a moment to stand with good posture, breathe deeply, and visualize success. Confidence starts with how you carry yourself.
- Confidence is a key factor in achieving both personal and professional success. It influences how others perceive you and, more importantly, how you perceive yourself. When you are confident, you are more likely to take initiative, communicate effectively, and handle challenges with resilience. Confidence helps you step outside your comfort zone, enabling growth and the pursuit of opportunities that may otherwise seem intimidating. By building and maintaining confidence, you can create a strong foundation for reaching your goals and inspiring those around you. For more tips on building confidence, check out our blog on the Characteristics of a Confident Person.
Practical Tips for Speaking Up
Speaking up can be daunting, especially in situations where opinions differ or the stakes feel high. Whether in a professional setting, a social situation, or an interpersonal exchange, developing the skill to express yourself confidently and clearly is invaluable. Once you’re in the meeting, here are some actionable strategies to ensure your voice is heard:
- Speak Early: Make a comment or ask a question within the first few minutes. This breaks the hesitation barrier and makes it easier to contribute later.
- Be Clear and Concise: Aim to communicate your points in a straightforward manner. Avoid over-explaining or using filler words, which can dilute your message.
- Project Your Voice Speak with enough volume and confidence to command attention. If you’re naturally soft-spoken, practice projecting your voice in front of a mirror.
- Ask Thought-Provoking Questions: If you feel unsure about offering opinions, start by asking impactful questions. This shows your engagement and encourages discussion.
- Support Your Ideas with Examples: Providing concrete examples lends credibility to your contributions. For instance, if you’re proposing a process change, reference how similar adjustments have worked in other contexts.
- Acknowledge Others’ Input: Collaboration is key to successful meetings. Show respect for others’ ideas, build on their points, and offer acknowledgment when appropriate.
- Follow Up Afterward: If time didn’t allow you to share everything, follow up via email or speak one-on-one with key participants. This shows initiative and ensures your input is heard.
Leading Meetings with Confidence
Being placed in charge of a meeting can feel both exciting and daunting, especially if it’s your first time in the role. Leading a meeting effectively requires so much more than just sticking to an agenda—it’s about creating an environment where ideas flow, decisions are made, and participants feel engaged. It’s a big responsibility to guide the conversation, manage time effectively, and ensure the objectives are met. Don’t fear! With the right preparation and mindset, you can inspire confidence in your leadership and drive a productive outcome for everyone involved. Here’s how to ensure your meetings are productive and impactful:
- Set a Clear Agenda: Share an agenda ahead of time to establish expectations and keep discussions on track.
- Create a Collaborative Environment: Encourage input by asking open-ended questions. Make sure to hear from quieter team members.
- Stay on Track: Keep discussions aligned with the agenda. Politely redirect conversations that go off course.
- End with Action Items: Summarize key takeaways and clarify who is responsible for specific tasks. By leading with confidence, you bring clarity and direction to your team, and your ability to manage meetings efficiently will set you apart.
It’s Your Time
Speaking up in meetings is a skill that takes practice, but it’s one well worth developing. Your voice is your power, and by preparing, practicing, and leveraging proven strategies, you can make meaningful contributions that elevate your career.
When I decided to overcome my fears early in my career, I never imagined where the road would lead—from an administrative professional to CEO. I believe the same is possible for anyone willing to step out of their comfort zone.
We’re here to support you with resources like our Assistant Accelerator Workshops to enhance your skills and equip you for success. Your voice matters. The next time you walk into a meeting, bring that confidence with you—it could change everything.
