Speak Up in Meetings Women: Own Your Voice & Be Heard
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- Jan 6
- 6 min read
Finding Your Voice: How to Speak Up & Be Heard in Meetings
Ever feel like you’re in a meeting, bursting with brilliant ideas, but somehow, your voice just… disappears? Like you’re trying to speak underwater, and the words just won’t break the surface? It's a bit like trying to pitch a million-dollar idea while simultaneously preventing your toddler daughter from using the dog's water bowl as a hat – talk about feeling unheard! It's a common struggle, and honestly, love, I've been there. So many times. It’s that frustrating feeling of knowing you have something valuable to contribute, but somehow, the message gets lost in the noise, or worse, completely overlooked. The Business Flourish Framework helps women own their voice & be heard.
But here’s the thing: your voice, your expertise, your perspective – they are invaluable. The world needs to hear what you have to say. & more importantly, your business needs it. So, how do we break through that underwater feeling & make sure our ideas are not only heard but truly respected?
Strategies for Speaking Up Effectively
Let’s start with the basics, the nuts & bolts of making your voice heard in any meeting, whether it's a boardroom full of suits or a virtual huddle with your team.
Prepare & Prime: This isn't just about knowing your stuff (although that's important too!). It's about owning it. Before the meeting, clarify your key points. What are the two or three core messages you absolutely must convey? Write them down. Rehearse them out loud, even if it feels a bit silly. It’s the prep work that lays the foundation for confident delivery – like building a solid website before launching your online course. Speaking of which, my Ready-to-Launch Kit can help with that if tech feels overwhelming. Find out more here. And if you are leading the meeting? Agenda is key! Like my personal workaholic always says, proper preparation prevents poor performance. Finding your voice starts from within.
Strategic Positioning (Even Virtually): Where you sit (or appear on screen) matters. Aim for a spot that allows you to make eye contact with key decision-makers. This subtly reinforces your presence & makes it harder to be overlooked. Remember that old trick I used in uni presentations? Bright colours, front row! Same principle applies. Remember, finding your voice is about being seen as well as heard. What small steps can you take to get more strategically positioned? Finding your voice also means owning your space.
Speak Early & Often: Don't wait for the "perfect" moment to contribute – it might never come! Jump in early with a comment, a question, or a brief summary of your perspective. This establishes your presence & gets your voice flowing. Even something like, "Great question," & re-stating it in your own words can add value. For example, if someone asks about next quarter's projections, you could jump in early with a brief observation about the previous week's results, linking it to the larger projection discussion. Speaking up, even in small ways, keeps you present in the conversation.
Project Confidence (Even When You Don't Feel It): This is where mindset is crucial! Your body language, your tone of voice – they all speak volumes. Sit up straight, make eye contact, & speak clearly & concisely. Even if you’re feeling like an imposter (and who hasn’t been there?!), act like the confident expert you are. Fake it ‘til you make it, right? Works every time. Remember, you get to choose how you show up. Embrace that! Finding your voice starts from within. Like Lisa Nichols says, fill your own cup. Your confidence starts with you. Finding your voice is also about owning your expertise.
Navigating Interruptions & Bias (With Grace & Steel)
Now, let’s talk about the trickier stuff. The subtle (& not-so-subtle) biases that can make it even harder for women to be heard, particularly in male-dominated environments. For the "Scaling Leader," finding your voice in these situations can be extra challenging.
The Interruption Interception: This is a classic, isn’t it? You’re mid-sentence, building momentum, & BAM! Someone talks right over you. Don't let it slide.
Politely but firmly reclaim your space. A simple "I'd like to finish my thought" can be surprisingly effective.
Or, "I wasn't quite finished sharing my perspective." It's not about being aggressive; it's about valuing your contribution.
If it's a recurring theme, address it directly but calmly: "I've noticed I'm being interrupted frequently; I'd appreciate the space to fully contribute." You are not being demanding; you are commanding respect.
The Credit Claimer Counter: Ever had an idea subtly “borrowed” by someone else & presented as their own? Ugh. This one stings, doesn’t it?
Documentation is your best defense here. "As I mentioned in my email on Tuesday…"
Or, a more conversational approach: "Building on what we discussed before, my thought is…" This gently reminds everyone of your original contribution. Finding your voice also means owning your ideas.
The Dismissal Deflector: Sometimes, despite your best efforts, an idea is dismissed or overlooked.
Don't internalize it! It's not a reflection of your worth; it's often just a mismatch in communication styles or priorities.
Reframe the situation. Is there another way to present your point? Can you gather supporting data? Finding your voice sometimes involves adapting your approach, staying persistent.
This isn't about giving up; it's about finding a way to make your message truly land. Like Sue Knight's NLP principle: "There is no failure, only feedback." Every dismissal is a chance to refine your delivery & strategy. As my Wood Tiger side always pushes, stay curious. Finding your voice is about resilience.
Leading Your Own Meetings: A Powerful Shift
Feeling unheard repeatedly? Perhaps it’s time to take the reins & lead your own meetings! This is where you set the agenda, control the flow, & create an environment where everyone feels heard & respected.
Create a Clear Agenda & Objectives: What is the purpose of this meeting? What outcomes do you want to achieve? A well-defined agenda keeps the discussion focused & productive, preventing those meandering conversations that drain everyone's energy. Finding your voice as a leader often starts with clear communication & focused goals.
Establish Ground Rules (Especially for Inclusive Discussions): This could be as simple as "one person speaks at a time" or, for a more structured approach, "We will use a talking stick to ensure everyone has a chance to speak." Or, how about, "Everyone gets two minutes to share their top priority for the project, uninterrupted." Ground rules, especially when agreed upon upfront, foster an environment of mutual respect. Finding your voice sometimes means first creating a space for others to do the same.
Active Listening & Facilitation: As the leader, your role is to guide the conversation, ensure everyone has a chance to speak, & actively listen to all contributions. This creates a culture of respect & fosters collaboration. For the "Scaling Leader", mastering these skills is crucial for building high-performing teams. If you’re a “Scaling Leader” looking for support in developing these leadership skills, our Momentum Coaching program can help. It’s designed specifically for entrepreneurs like you who are ready to take their business (& their leadership) to the next level. Finding your voice is also about empowering others.
Taking Ownership of Your Voice & Impact
Ultimately, speaking up & being heard is about more than just getting your ideas across in a meeting. It's about owning your expertise, your value, & your impact. It's about stepping into your power as a leader & recognising that your voice matters – not just in the boardroom, but in the world. I remember early in my career, at Apple, feeling like my ideas weren't taken seriously. There was one product launch meeting where I'd spent weeks preparing market analysis, only to have my presentation completely dismissed by a senior manager without a single question or comment. It felt like a punch to the gut, and I seriously questioned if I even belonged in that room. It was so frustrating. I eventually realized that if I wanted my voice to be heard, I had to find a way to present my ideas with more confidence & data. It took some trial & error, but that experience actually shaped my leadership style & inspired a whole module in Momentum Coaching on empowering communication – we dig deep into that. Finding your voice can be a journey.
It can feel daunting, I know. Especially when we’re juggling businesses, families, pets who think the sofa is a trampoline (Espresso, I’m looking at you!), & everything else life throws our way. But I promise you, it's worth it. Your voice has the power to change things. Don't let it be silenced. Speaking up is a skill you hone, like anything else. & honestly, it becomes easier over time with practice & a bit of strategic planning.
What’s one small step you can take today to start reclaiming your voice? Share it in the comments below. Let’s support each other on this journey. It’s always easier when we do it together, right?
Ready to connect with a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs? If you're looking for dedicated support to launch your online business & secure your first clients, our Launch Programme is designed to provide structure, strategies, & community for making it happen. Learn more here.
Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
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