I've spoken to several people who have said they would like to be able to speak out more in meetings at work. They could do with having a bit more of a profile, to get noticed more, but they remain invisible partly because they never speak up at meetings.

Of course, there are people who speak too much at meetings. They love the sound of their own voices and will speak at length on any given topic, regardless of whether they have anything worthwhile to say about it. ( We don't want to be like those people, do we? )

On the other hand, do you recognise this situation?

You're in a meeting and you think of something you could say during a discussion. You sit there, wondering whether to say it but feeling a little nervous. Is it worth saying it or is it a silly point?

You let a couple of minutes go by while you try to decide whether to take the plunge and speak. Then, before you can open your mouth, someone else pipes up and makes exactly the point you were going to make. Everyone seems to think it's a really helpful contribution and you're left cursing yourself and thinking " I could have said that. "

Well, here are a few tips for future meetings to help you make an impression.

Firstly, prepare something to say.

If possible, look at the agenda. See what topics are coming up. If there's no agenda, speak to other people and try to find out what the meeting's about. Then sit quietly and think about the topics. What do you know about them? What questions do you have about them? Can you think of anything useful you could say about them?

If you can't think of anything, talk to other people. Ask them what they think, find out what the main issues are. That might help to give you some thoughts about areas to comment on.

Try to prepare a few possible points or questions and write a list which you can take to the meeting. That way, you won't be caught with nothing to say and you won't be trying to think of something on the spur of the moment. You can always add to the list when you are there if other things come to mind.

Secondly, have a goal to say something at the meeting. Don't just see how you feel when the time comes, promise yourself that you will say something. This is your outcome for the meeting, to have made your presence felt by making at least one comment.

Next, look through your list and see which you think are the best points to make. If you think someone else might make the same points, make it your aim to get in before them. Try to be one of the first people to speak. Remember how frustrating it is when someone else says it first - this time, be that someone else.

And if someone else does get there first, having your list means that you can always pick one of the other points to make.

Another tip - you don't have to express an opinion to make a contribution. Asking a question can also get you noticed and can be seen as more thoughtful and more constructive, as if you're really thinking about the topic. For example,

" That's very interesting. How will that affect other areas of the business? "

Even just agreeing with someone else can be useful, especially if you can add something, e.g.

" I agree this is a really good idea. I think it will make a big difference to the time we spend on admin at the moment. "

One problem with speaking up is that you can get nervous, especially as that moment arrives when you are just about to say something. Preparing what to say will help a lot, having your points listed in front of you. You can also try a bit of deep breathing just before speaking ( although you will have to be subtle about it, no lying on the floor ). Try focusing on one point in the room and slowly counting to 5 ( in your head ). This can work because the

focus takes your mind off being nervous.

Follow a very simple structure to prevent nerves taking over and to make sure what you say is clear.

If you are going to express an opinion, prepare just one point to make, state clearly what your opinion is and give one reason for it.

For example,

" I support the idea of having a team meeting every Monday because I think it will help us all to be clear about what the priorities are for the coming week. "

Don't try to say too much or go into a lot of detail.

As you get more confident, you will be more able to think on your feet ( or on your backside, if it's a meeting ) and you won't be so reliant on your notes.

And watch your body language. See how people sit who are involved in a meeting. They tend to sit forward, looking attentive, keeping eye contact with others. They don't slouch in their chairs, looking down, avoiding other people's gaze.

Notice other people in meetings. Pick people who you think are effective and watch what they do, when they speak, what they say, how they sit. Use them as a model.

Train Of Thought offers training in all areas of communication skills to help you have more impact on the people you deal with every day. Why not visit the website for more information?

Alan Matthews

Train Of Thought

0121 249 1306

email: alan@trainofthoughtcourses.com

website: www.trainofthoughtcourses.com