6 tips to effectively contribute to team meetings
Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes
Is there anything worse than sitting in a meeting feeling like you have nothing productive to contribute?
You may be asking yourself: "Why can't I speak in meetings? Is it bad that I'm not saying anything?"
Here are a few tips on what to say in a meeting when you have nothing to say, and how to contribute more effectively to discussions.
1. Plan in advance
Doing your research is one of the best ways to ensure you come to a meeting prepared and ready for any type of discussion around the meeting topic.
If it’s commonplace for your organisation to prepare meeting agendas then get your hands on it.
Even if the participants stray from the topics, you’ll be well versed on the agenda items with a fair idea of where the conversation could lead.
Write notes and prepare a few insights to share – use the meeting as an opportunity to advance the group’s thinking and highlight your own abilities.
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2. Ask the right questions
Ask questions that pertain to something you can talk about. And make sure your questions reflect a considered interest in the topic.
When composing your questions, keep these goals in mind:
- Does your question attempt to get a handle on the situation or to get to the root of the problem?
- Does it bear in mind the impact of the problem, possible solutions and potential payoffs for the various solutions?
Ask your questions at appropriate junctures of the conversation and allow people to answer without interrupting.
Show your desire to be productive, not self-interested.
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3. Have faith in yourself
Be confident in your own abilities.
Remind yourself that you have a right to be at the table – you’re there because your peers need, and in most cases value, your input.
You don’t need to utter bursts of brilliant insights every time you open your mouth.
Most people are equally as concerned about how they’re being perceived in a meeting, so chances are they’ll be too focused on themselves to be critical of you.
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4. Request information
Don’t be afraid to ask for the information you need. Colleagues often enjoy feeling useful and delivering from their own information reserves for the good of the company.
The point is to be a participant as well as a facilitator. Not only does being honest about your knowledge make for a more productive meeting, it can also broaden and substantiate your remarks.
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5. Stick to the program
Stay focused on solutions – don’t go off on tangents just to hide your own lack of knowledge about the topic.
And be positive about other people’s contributions. For example, “I really like Julie’s idea about how we can use a different approach to dealing with software issues.”
This will showcase your humility – a common and necessary attribute in successful leaders.
6. Last resort
If you prefer not to be spontaneous, take if offline.
Plan another catch-up with the relevant people and do your research beforehand.
And as a last resort, say nothing. It’s certainly the low-risk option, especially if you’re new in an organisation, but do make sure you engage enough with pertinent questions to leave colleagues with the impression that you’re focused and interested.
By preparing yourself and being fully aware of how your office dynamic works, you will be able to overcome any lingering fears of being unable to contribute to work meetings.
Working on developing your soft skills this year? Discover our tips to improving your professional skills in the workplace.
