Important meeting coming up? Nervous? Mouth dry? Wanting to show engagement and value but not comfortable speaking a lot? Try these 3 techniques.

1) Use non verbal communication 

In short, nodding and showing emotion. Smiling, that furrowed brow that shows you’re concentrating, the odd “uh-huh’ and “mmm” all show you are in the conversation, that you’re following and are involved.

2) Show support

You’re part of a team/department/thing bigger than you. Building on other’s ideas and sharing enthusiasm for your teammates demonstrates that you’re working toward a collective goal. It’s the outcome that’s important, not necessarily the person who comes up with a winning idea.

3) Ask a question to deepen engagement 

This doesn’t have to be groundbreaking, but just explore things a little deeper or from a different viewpoint. A ‘What if…?” or a “How about doing…?” framed question can also encourage others to open up their thinking.

Finally, before you go to the meeting, decide that you’ll speak at least 3 times. 

Write “Speak 3 times” on a post-it. 

Stick it to your laptop to remind you.

Hold yourself accountable to stepping that bit outside of your boundaries. 

You can do this!