Here's how you can build the confidence to speak up and share your ideas in meetings.

I think that before going in any meeting it is important to do a decent research on what the meeting is all about. Second, ask yourself where can you add value and make pointers. Once you are in the meeting , body language and your confidence plays a critical role in making your presence felt as well as making sure that you are taken as a person who is open to accept other speakers and provide them an equal opportunity to express themselves. Also it is not necessary that every person in the room may agree with your view points. Thus, openness in accepting different viewpoints and absorbing those is not a sign of weakness but a sign of confidence. Be articulate, have sense of humor and always reflect on learnings after the meeting is over

Prepare beforehand. You need to prepare for the topic and understand that properly. Now with help of internet, you can always do a good research about the subject. Think, what others can ask and try to get answers for that, from internet. Now prepare points and write those beforehand. If possible, think of some examples, for each points. This will help in clear articulation. As you have properly sliced your thoughts 1. In points 2. Written those before hand 3. Added examples, Also, do a dry run beforehand. That is , either talk those points in front of a mirror or talk in front of a trusted friend. These steps will give you enough confidence to speak up & share your ideas in meetings.

Before the meeting, take the time to prepare your points. Research, write down your ideas, and think through what you want to say. Familiarity with your material can boost your confidence significantly.

🔹 Confianza para Hablar en Reuniones 🔹 La clave está en la preparación. 💪✨ En mi experiencia, lo que más falla es olvidar prepararse adecuadamente. Aquí van algunos tips: Investiga el tema: Conoce a fondo el tema que se va a tratar. 📚🔍 Practica en voz alta: Ensaya tus puntos clave frente a un espejo o con un amigo. 🗣️🪞 Si te preparas y practicas, poco a poco construirás la seguridad necesaria para compartir tus ideas. 🗣️📈 ¡No subestimes el poder de estar preparado! 🎯🔍

I like to think about confidence as trust in yourself. Knowing that your voice and idea's are inherently valuable can help you externalize your inner voice. Always speak up if you have a point that you want to make. If you don't it leaves room for resentment to build. People don't read minds, but we pick up on body language. If resentment builds, the way you show up changes, and the more disengaged you become. Speak up, observe the feedback, and know that you've provided a novel perspective of whatever idea is being discussed! Try to become aware of when you receive feedback and make an attempt to view it through a neutral lens. Don't attach sentiment right away. This practise, while difficult, can help with confidence building!

Thorough preparation is key to building confidence in meetings. Before the meeting, review the agenda, research relevant topics, and organize your thoughts. Prepare key points and anticipate possible questions or counterarguments. Having a clear understanding of the subject matter and being ready with well-thought-out contributions can alleviate anxiety and boost your confidence. Practicing your delivery, perhaps with a trusted colleague or coach, can also help you feel more comfortable speaking up.

First and foremost make sure that you understand if you are talking just to be heard or talking to support the final objectives of your boss. Always support your boss's idea until they trust you to provide ideas to help them achieve their goals.

Approach conversations with curiosity. Asking questions is part of being an active listener. In doing so, you will gain clarity and create more organic opportunities for collaboration and input. For those in a position of authority or leading meetings, recognize that the loudest voice in the room is not always the most informed. Sometimes, the quiet observer can offer the most valuable insights. Be intentional about seeking input from those less likely to be the first to respond.

Preparation is the foundation of confidence. Before attending a meeting, ensure you are well-versed with the agenda and have conducted any necessary research. Familiarize yourself with the topics to be discussed and consider what you want to contribute. This doesn't mean scripting your comments, but having a solid understanding of the subject matter can significantly boost your confidence. When you're knowledgeable about the topics, the fear of speaking up diminishes, allowing you to articulate your ideas more clearly and confidently.

Preparation is not just about knowing the agenda; it’s about understanding the nuances of the discussion topics and anticipating potential questions or counterarguments. This depth of preparation enables you to contribute meaningfully and confidently. Moreover, consider preparing a few strategic questions that can steer the conversation and demonstrate your engagement and foresight.

Active listening isn't just about hearing words, it's about understanding the intent and emotion behind them. As a leader in Business Intelligence, I've found that tuning into these subtleties can reveal insights that data alone cannot. It's like connecting the dots in a complex puzzle – each piece is crucial. So, when you're in meetings, listen with intent, and you'll be surprised at the clarity and direction it can provide for your contributions. Plus, it's a sign of respect that never goes unnoticed! 😉👂🧠 #ActiveListening #LeadershipSkills #BusinessIntelligence

Active listening enhances your ability to contribute meaningfully to discussions. Pay close attention to what others are saying, and show that you value their input by nodding, making eye contact, and providing verbal affirmations. By fully engaging in the conversation, you can better understand the context and find opportunities to insert your ideas naturally. Active listening also builds rapport and demonstrates respect, which can make it easier for you to voice your thoughts.

Active listening is vital in meetings. It helps you grasp others' perspectives and find opportunities to contribute effectively. By attentively following the discussion, you can identify the right moments to share your thoughts. This practice also demonstrates respect for your colleagues' ideas, fostering a more receptive environment when you speak up. Remember, good communication involves listening as much as speaking. Engaging actively with the conversation boosts your confidence and ensures your contributions are timely and relevant.

Active listening transcends mere hearing; it involves interpreting and empathizing with the speaker’s perspective. This skill is crucial for identifying gaps in the discussion where your insights can add value. By mastering active listening, you not only contribute more effectively but also foster a culture of mutual respect and collaboration, which is essential for productive meetings.

I have worked on this skill extremely and believe me, it comes with practice. We need to remember that, when you talk, we are only repeating what we already know. But if we listen, we may learn something new, so always be a learner and a listener.

If speaking up in meetings feels daunting, start with smaller, low-risk contributions. Begin by asking questions or making brief comments to get accustomed to participating. Gradually increase the length and complexity of your contributions as you become more comfortable. This step-by-step approach helps you build confidence incrementally. Over time, as you experience positive reinforcement from sharing your ideas, you'll feel more empowered to take on larger, more significant contributions.

If speaking up in a large meeting feels intimidating, start by sharing your ideas in smaller, less formal settings. This could be during a break with a few colleagues or in a smaller group discussion. Building confidence in these less pressured environments can help you feel more at ease when speaking in larger meetings. As you gain experience and receive positive feedback, your confidence will naturally increase, making it easier to contribute in any setting. Starting small helps you develop the assurance needed to share your ideas more broadly.

Confident body language can significantly impact how your ideas are received and how you feel about presenting them. Sit or stand up straight, make eye contact, and use open, expansive gestures. A confident posture not only influences how others perceive you but also affects your own mindset. Practicing power poses or other techniques to project confidence can reduce anxiety and make you feel more self-assured. Your body language can reinforce your verbal message, making your contributions more impactful.

Adopt an open posture with shoulders back and chest open. This projects confidence and invites engagement. Make eye contact with others, especially when speaking. This shows assurance and connection. Use purposeful gestures to emphasize points. For example, when presenting data, use your hands to "draw" the trend you're describing. Lean slightly forward when speaking to demonstrate interest and conviction. Avoid fidgeting or nervous habits like pen-clicking.

Your body language can greatly impact how confident you feel and appear to others. Sit up straight, make eye contact, and use gestures to emphasize your points. These non-verbal cues project confidence to others and reinforce your own sense of self-assurance. When your body exudes confidence, your mind is more likely to follow suit, making it easier for you to speak up and share your ideas. By consciously adopting confident body language, you create a positive feedback loop that enhances your ability to contribute effectively in meetings.

Kinesics is paramount. Your appearance, apparel, proximity, even the way you make eye contact, your posture and the way you evince interest in others talk - all speaks volumes about you. We need to use our body in manner that it presents the best possible outlook to others, look to your peers with attention and ensure that the point that you make is clear. Do not interject when others are talking, till a level you feel that you really need to and that too with an excuse and if the other person needs to finish first- allow time and showcase absolute traits of being a true personality/ professional.

Eloquence involves expressing yourself clearly and effectively. To enhance this skill, practice articulating your ideas out loud, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend. Focus on being concise and to the point. The more you practice, the more natural it will become to express your thoughts clearly during meetings. Remember, it's not just about what you say but how you say it. By refining your eloquence, you'll gain the confidence to share your ideas more effectively and leave a lasting impression in any discussion.

Eloquence is about clarity and impact. Practicing your speaking skills in front of a mirror or with a trusted colleague can help you refine your delivery. Focus on being concise, avoiding filler words, and using a varied tone to keep your audience engaged. The more you practice, the more naturally eloquent you will become, making your contributions more impactful.

Rehearse what you want to say out loud, either alone or in front of a trusted friend or mentor who can provide feedback. This practice can help reduce anxiety and make your delivery smoother.

Expression is an act that at first comes naturally to an individual and second, it can be mastered. As we know, Brevity is the soul of wit and thus in meetings we need to express effectively yet be precise. To articulate ideas, concerns and contributions, ensure that your rate of speech is not too high, your tone is soft, and your volume is appropriate. We may be experts of subject, but we are heard when we follow basic principles of courtesy and respect to others who lend their ears to us.

After the meeting, ask for feedback from a trusted colleague or your supervisor. This can give you insights into how your contribution was received and areas for improvement.

In my experience as a leadership coach and former CEO, feedback has been instrumental in fostering growth and innovation. It's important to approach feedback with curiosity and humility, using it as a tool to refine your leadership approach. Embracing feedback, even when it's challenging, demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and servant leadership. Remember, each piece of feedback is an opportunity to learn and lead with greater impact.

Prepara la junta, analiza datos, documentos, presentaciones con anterioridad. Para iniciar, fíjate una meta mínima de participaciones valiosas en cada sesión. Te sorprenderá la cantidad de personas que se presentan a una reunión sin la más mínima preparación.