Do you have trouble speaking up in meetings?
You have excellent ideas but may hesitate to share them.
Listen in today for tips and vocabulary to easily share your thoughts confidently at work.
Speak up and be heard
Lindsay asks Aubrey if she tends to speak up in meetings to share ideas.
Aubrey shares that she may speak up too much.
She is confident in sharing her ideas and opinions in meetings.
Lindsay then asks if it were a bigger group, would it be daunting for her?
Even in a big group, Aubrey shares that she is comfortable speaking up.
She is not timid when she needs to communicate her thoughts.
When to step back
Aubrey is very outgoing and often has to remind herself to step back and allow other people to speak and lead.
She can tend to take over and has to remind herself at times to step back.
The phrase “step back” in this context is idiomatic and doesn’t mean literally stepping backward.
- step back: to reduce the intensity with which one is doing something
Lindsay agrees with Aubrey and shares that their team did personality tests which showed that Aubrey has good leadership skills.
However, she is aware that at times it’s better to let others have the floor.
Do you struggle to contribute?
Today’s episode is about speaking up in meetings at work.
It can be difficult to speak your mind and contribute ideas, especially in a big group.
A listener question inspired today’s episode.
How can I become more confident in speaking English? And why is it so hard to speak up about your idea?
Afdal
The role of culture
There can be cultural differences affecting how willing a person is to be vocal.
Some cultures may put more value on listening and being reflective.
Americans are often very outspoken and value leadership.
You may come from a background where it is encouraged to speak up only when appropriate.
Because of this, keep in mine that your hesitation might not be a confidence issue.
Rather, you may be more used to listening and waiting.
It may be necessary to leave your comfort zone to speak up more often.
American business culture
Lindsay and Aubrey share the American business culture perspective.
If you work in the U.S., you need to share your ideas and be heard in your workplace.
It is important to speak up in meetings and discussions.
Aubrey shares that innovation often relies on the ideas, regular brainstorming, and feedback of employees.
This is encouraged heavily in working environments in the U.S.
Another importance of speaking up is that it’s vital for career advancement.
You would notice that those who speak up are seen as capable.
Sharing via email
Lindsay shares that a good way to present something to your superior is via email.
This is a good method to “speak up” and is a great way to inform them of an idea.
This might be sharing an insight on a task that could maximize future efforts.
It could be an idea that will bring in more money for the company.
You can definitely share ideas in different ways and not just in a meeting.
Sending ideas through an email and copying other leaders at your workplace is a form of speaking up.
Reasons people don’t speak up
It can be a struggle to speak up even if you have the vocabulary or are already adjusted to the culture.
This is not isolated to English speakers.
Here are some struggles experienced by many:
- general fear of speaking in public
- worrying about what others think
- feeling their opinions aren’t important
- anticipating consequences for voicing their opinion
There will always be reasons for you to avoid speaking up.
However, if you don’t overcome this difficulty, it may be difficult to progress in your career.
Tips for speaking up at work
Here are some tips on timing that will help you speak up in your workplace.
These will help you build the confidence to put yourself out there.
#1: Observe / consider timing
When to speak up is just as important as what to say.
Finding the right moment to join the conversation is important.
This applies to casual discussions as well as during more formal meetings and presentations.
#2: Listen
It is important to be an active listener in any exchange of ideas or information.
This will make others want to listen to you when they feel you respect what they have to say.
It can also help you join conversations from a more confident, informed position.
#3: Ask questions
Start by asking questions.
This is vital both for clarifying and asking for additional information.
If it’s nerve-racking to speak up, asking questions can show you are willing to exchange ideas and help.
#4: Prepare in advance
You can prepare questions you might ask during a meeting in advance.
You may write out ideas to share during the meeting.
Then, practice saying them aloud by yourself or roleplay with a speaking partner.
#5: Speak confidently
Even if you don’t feel confident yet, practice speaking confidently.
When you decide to talk, speak clearly and loud enough for all to hear.
As much as you can, try to make eye contact and look at people when appropriate.
Roleplay
This roleplay will show you how to use the vocabulary and tips shared in today’s episode.
In this scenario, Lindsay and Aubrey are in a meeting at work.
Lindsay: We’ll need to create a branded slide deck for the demo.
Aubrey: Is the branding already created or does it need to be made?
Lindsay: We don’t have any of that yet, so it’ll need to be made from scratch.
Aubrey: I could take a crack at that if you’d like. I have some experience with Figma.
Lindsay: That would be great! Can you send me what you come up with by the end of the week?
Aubrey: Will do.
Takeaway
It’s vital to speak up at work!
You need to share ideas with your manager.
This can lead to improved innovation and a healthier work environment.
It can also be crucial for your career advancement.
Follow today’s tips to prepare and build confidence so you can speak up!
Are you able to speak up in meetings?
We’d love to hear them in the comments below.
