For many new executives, speaking up in high-stakes meetings, especially with more senior or influential audiences, can feel daunting. The fear of saying the wrong thing, being judged, overshadowing others, or disrupting the established dynamic often holds people back. Yet holding back can be just as risky. Staying quiet may limit your visibility, dilute your influence, and cause you to miss critical opportunities to contribute meaningfully and shape the conversation.
Let’s explore barriers to speaking up and actionable strategies to overcome these challenges.
1. Introverted Style. Introverts often prefer to observe and process information before sharing their thoughts. While this approach can bring valuable insights, waiting too long might mean missing the window to share altogether, especially in fast-paced discussions.
Strategies to Overcome:
Prep with Purpose: Take time before the meeting to think through the purpose, key outcomes, and crucial decisions. Drafting talking points, including pros, cons, and recommendations, to clarify your perspective in advance and anticipate any potential concerns.
Leverage Timing: Aim to contribute earlier in the meeting when ideas are still forming, even if it’s to ask a clarifying question. This signals engagement and builds momentum for your voice.
2. Fear of Looking Foolish. The inner critic pipes up: What if I say something wrong? What if I don’t sound like I belong in this room? What if what I say doesn’t resonate? This fear keeps many smart, capable leaders from contributing.
Strategies to Overcome:
Shift from Fear to Possibility: Thought leader Susan Jeffers, in Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, advises reframing discomfort as a doorway to growth. Speaking up opens new opportunities silence never will.
Own Imperfection: Brené Brown’s research highlights that vulnerability is a strength. Even if your idea is not perfect, contributing shows courage and commitment to the team.
3. Everything Has Been Said. When others seem to cover the key points, it may feel unnecessary—or even self-indulgent—to add your voice. However, your unique lens remains valuable.
Strategies to Overcome:
Shape the Flow: According to Adam Grant in Think Again, contributing early not only increases your visibility but also gives you the chance to influence the conversation.
Enrich the Dialogue through Questions: If your key points have been addressed, ask a thoughtful question that deepens the discussion or offers a new angle. Questions demonstrate active listening and intellectual curiosity.
4. Deference to Experienced Leaders. Being new or less experienced can spark self-doubt when surrounded by seasoned executives. But your fresh perspective is an asset, not a liability.
Strategies to Overcome:
Leverage Newcomer Insight: As Harvard Business School’s Frances Frei and Anne Morriss explain in Unleashed, newcomers often bring fresh perspectives unclouded by legacy thinking. Use this to your advantage.
Frame Your Voice: Use language like “From a different angle…” or “Building on what’s already been shared…” to position your input as additive rather than disruptive, reinforcing collaboration while contributing your unique insight.
5. Nerves and Overthinking. Anxiety can lead to second-guessing, or, once you start talking, rambling. Neither helps your message land with clarity.
Strategies to Overcome:
Practice Conciseness: Jot down key points in bullet form before you speak to stay focused. Aim for clarity and brevity.
Breathe and Pause: Slow, deep breaths and deliberate pacing can help calm nerves and ensure your message lands effectively.
When You Do Speak: Add Value with Intention
When you do contribute, focus on adding value to the conversation. Here are four powerful ways to do so:
1. Share an Informed Perspective
Align with Business Priorities: Highlight how your points connect to both short-term and long-term business goals.
Take a Systems View: Discuss how ideas impact other departments, stakeholders, or the broader organization.
Offer Industry Comparisons: Share insights from within or outside your industry to provide context and innovative solutions.
2. Ask Strategic Questions. Questions can:
Clarify others’ thinking.
Identify hidden challenges or opportunities.
Guide the conversation toward actionable outcomes.
3. Take a Facilitator Role. If the conversation becomes chaotic or stuck:
Summarize key points: “Here’s what I’m hearing…”
Propose structure: “Should we park this item and revisit it later so we can cover the rest of the agenda?”
Propose action: “What feels most important to move forward, and who will take the lead?”
4. Champion Others. Acknowledging and building on others’ ideas fosters collaboration and trust. For example: “I really appreciate Jim’s idea because it prioritizes our stakeholders in innovative ways.”
· Amplify Contributions: Echo and expand on valuable ideas by connecting them to broader goals or providing additional context.
· Recognize Effort: Highlight when someone’s contribution moves the conversation forward. For example, “Susan’s suggestion provides a clear path for addressing this challenge effectively.”
Silence might feel safe in the moment, but it’s a missed opportunity to build your reputation, influence decisions, and create meaningful connections with colleagues. By preparing, practicing, and shifting your mindset, you can make your voice heard and elevate your presence in executive meetings. Your voice is your power—use it to lead with confidence.
Quote of the day: "Speak Your Mind, Even If Your Voice Shakes.” – Maggie Kuhn
Question of the day. What steps can you take to reframe fear of speaking up as an opportunity for growth and connection? Comment and share below; we’d love to hear from you!
The next blog in this series 3/4 will focus on the importance of roadshows to make your team’s work more visible.
As a leadership development and executive coach, I work with new executives to sharpen their leadership skills contact me to explore this topic further.
How do you add value in meetings?