Speaking Up with Confidence: Empowering Women in Meetings
Discover effective strategies to empower women to confidently voice their ideas and opinions in meetings, especially in mixed virtual and in-person settings. Join me, a 50-year-old working mother and career and leadership coach with 25 years of working experience, as we unlock the power of non-violent communication and create a space for women to be heard.
Introduction
Picture this: you're in a meeting, a mix of virtual and in-person attendees, and the room is abuzz with conversation. As a manager for the program, you want to actively participate and contribute, but it seems your male colleagues, who happen to be more senior, dominate the discussion. How do you stop them and make your voice heard? In this article, we'll dive into the common challenge of women being silenced in meetings and explore the power of non-violent communication as a tool to empower women to assert themselves confidently and unapologetically. As a 50-year-old working mother and career and leadership coach, I'll share insights and practical tips to help you navigate this common scenario with ease and grace..
Speaking Up: Overcoming the Silence
For many women, speaking up in meetings can be a daunting task, especially when they find themselves surrounded by male colleagues with more senior titles. The fear of being perceived as assertive or difficult often leads women to remain silent, suppressing their valuable insights and contributions. However, it's crucial to recognize that your voice matters, and your perspectives are vital to the success of the team or organization.
👉 Here's how you can overcome the silence and confidently make yourself heard:
Mastering Non-Violent Communication
Embrace the art of non-violent communication to express your thoughts assertively without being aggressive. This approach involves using language that promotes understanding, empathy, and collaboration, even in challenging situations. Choose words that convey your message clearly and effectively while maintaining a respectful tone. By communicating with empathy, you can create a conducive environment for open dialogue and foster a culture where all voices are valued.
Prepare in Advance
One of the most powerful confidence-boosting techniques is thorough preparation. Come equipped to the meeting with well-thought-out ideas and suggestions. Conduct in-depth research on the topics at hand, anticipate potential counterarguments, and have data and examples to support your points. When you're well-prepared, you'll feel more self-assured, enabling you to articulate your thoughts with clarity and conviction.
Use Power Poses
Body language plays a significant role in how you're perceived by others, as well as how you feel about yourself. Utilize power poses before and during the meeting to boost your confidence and presence. Stand or sit tall, occupy space with open body language, and exude self-assurance. Power poses can positively impact your mindset, helping you project confidence and authority, which in turn encourages others to take your contributions seriously.
Claim Your Space
In a meeting, whether it's virtual or in-person, it's essential to claim your space and show your presence. Resist the temptation to shrink yourself to accommodate others, especially in the presence of more senior colleagues. Stand tall, both figuratively and literally, and assert your right to contribute meaningfully to the discussion. Your ideas and opinions are valuable, and owning your space is crucial to being heard and respected.
Be Mindful of Language
The words we use not only convey information but also influence how we are perceived by others. In meetings, be mindful of your language, and avoid using self-doubting phrases that may undermine your credibility, such as "I'm not sure, but..." or "This might be a silly idea, but..." Instead, state your ideas with conviction, framing them as valuable contributions to the discussion. Embrace the power of assertive language that reflects the confidence you have in your insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How can I deal with interruptions or being talked over in meetings?
A1. If you find yourself being interrupted or talked over, calmly but firmly assert yourself. Say, "Excuse me, I wasn't finished speaking" or "I'd like to finish my point, please." Hold your ground and ensure you're heard. If necessary, seek the support of the meeting facilitator to ensure that all participants are given an equal opportunity to contribute.
Q2. How can I handle situations where my ideas are dismissed or not taken seriously?
A2. If your ideas are dismissed, don't be discouraged. Reiterate your points and provide additional context or evidence to support them. Seek allies within the team or organization who can support and amplify your ideas. Additionally, consider reaching out to your colleagues individually to discuss your ideas in more detail and garner their support.
Q3. How can I build confidence in my abilities to contribute effectively in meetings?
A3. Confidence comes with practice and self-belief. Prepare thoroughly for meetings, seek feedback on your ideas from trusted colleagues, and participate actively in discussions. As you gain experience and receive positive reinforcement, your confidence will grow. Additionally, engage in self-affirmations and remind yourself of the value you bring to the table.
Conclusion
Empowering women to confidently speak up in meetings is essential for fostering diverse perspectives and driving innovation in organizations. Don't let your voice be drowned out by the noise; instead, embrace non-violent communication, thorough preparation, and claim your space with confidence. Remember, you are a valuable contributor, and your insights can make a significant difference. Having been in the same situations, I encourage all women to unapologetically assert themselves and share their valuable insights. Together, let's break the barriers that silence us and create a world where women's voices are heard, respected, and celebrated.
As a career and leadership coach, I can help you along your professional journey. Let's talk about how you can OWN YOUR CAREER! and SHOW UP! Here is a link to book a discovery session with me to determine if I am the right coach for you.
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Kathrina Engelhardt Empowers Women in Meetings to Speak Up with Confidence