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1 Get an early touch of the ball.
Say something as soon as you can in the meeting, even if it's micro. The longer you're silent, the more the pressure builds...
2 Avoid leading with "I-Focused Questions"
e.g. "Can I add...?" or "May I come in here...?" You're giving people a choice on whether to listen to you. If you're then ignored or talked over, it can feel belittling. Statements are more assertive (see below, Tip 4).
3 Avoid leading with "I-focused Statements" too!
e.g. "I'd like to add..." or "I've got a point I'd like to make". Again, you're exposing yourself to unnecessary dilution of your brand in the meeting.
4 Give yourself a foothold - by acknowledging what OTHERS have said.
This protects you - you're less exposed! Shows you've been listening and is more likely to get others' attention. e.g. "There's been a lot of discussion about..." or "There seems to be some disagreement about..."
5 Name-check, where appropriate.
e.g. "Sarah made a good point about..." or "a moment ago, John mentioned..." You'll certainly get Sarah/John's attention. Again it protects your brand in the meeting. If you choose a person with high status, all the more likely you'll cut through the noise.
6 Then pivot to YOUR point
Acknowledgment of others gives you the foothold. Then pivot to the point/question you want to raise. With the right transition, this may (or may not!) be related to the acknowledgment. e.g. "...but what we've NOT yet talked about is..." or "...which leads me to this question..."
7 Speak with OOMPH!
Yes, crass though it may sound, just speak louder. Louder than feels comfortable. If it feels comfortable, you're too quiet. In reality, louder speakers are more likely to be heard.
8 Commit to your opening
Decide on your opening sentence. Keep it short and bl**dy well mean it. There are no prizes for tip-toeing in - especially if there are strong egos at work. Go all in; your listeners will respond to that.
9 Avoid self-sabotage!
I've heard too many professionals make a perfectly good point... and then sabotage it with "...but maybe that's a bad idea" or "that sounds silly doesn't it?" STOP IT.
10 Use "and so..." to deliver a strong close
Perfectly OK to repeat the point you've already made. Or invite a next step for people to take. Or pose a question for others to reflect on. But close with purpose. AVOID: "Uhm... I guess that's all I have to say." The phrase "And so..." will help you transition to that final sentence.
BONUS: If you're not in the habit of speaking up in meetings, time to start... today!
#learning #communication #communicationskills #personaldevelopment #speakingtips #inspiration