Work meetings are a fantastic opportunity to stand out as an active and collaborative team member. However, making your presence not just felt but also recognized during a meeting is an entire art form in itself. If you’re just starting out in the corporate world, or are naturally introverted or need time to think through things, you may find the general atmosphere and pace of workplace meetings a bit daunting.

Here are 4 tips to help you get over the fear, get your voice heard in meetings and more importantly, position yourself as a team member who counts.

1. Pre-Meeting Preparation

Most meetings usually have some sort of agenda in place which gives you ample time to show up prepared with something important to say. Think about at least 2 “hot topics” related to your agenda that you can bring up during the meetings. Jot down both negative and positive aspects, any relevant history, the overall impact, and well thought-out solutions in case of concerns.

You don’t ever want to go to a meeting as the Debbie Downer. If you have a problem, be prepared to offer a solution as well for consideration. Have a brief chat with colleagues before the meeting to get an understanding of what others want to talk about and what the general feel of your opinion is. It’s a good idea to have advocates for you in the room when you’re speaking.

2. Gauging the Tone of the Room

Once everyone’s settled down in the meeting room, wait for the leader to open the floor and set the tone for the rest of the meeting. Gauge the atmosphere before you start talking- is it somber, is it light-hearted? What seems to be the main focus of the day? You will want to modify your prepared subjects according to the mood of the meeting, so pay close attention to what’s being said and indeed how.

3. Getting in First

Ideally, you want to be the first person to jump in with new ideas, smart opinions or solid feedback. This becomes easier if you take the time to do the pre-meeting prep of discussing your topics with your colleagues to get a sense of the reaction. Getting in first sends off some positive signals – it demonstrates confidence, shows pro-activity and enthusiasm, and on another note, it can also be a clever way to move the meeting strategically into an area you want to highlight, an area where you can really shine.

4. Making a Statement

When putting your points across, control your body language to ensure that your vibe is one of confidence, positivity, and enthusiasm. Aim to be assertive, but not aggressive. Avoid using words such as, “I disagree,” or “…that isn’t true”, as they can easily put the recipient on the defensive. Organize your thoughts in your mind before speaking and when you do actually speak, ensure your voice is clear, loud enough and precise. Be encouraging of other colleagues or show support where it’s needed. Pass on credit for work where it is due.

Getting your voice heard at meetings is as much about the power of words as it is about body language and being prepared. Do your homework well, and show up with confidence to really stand out.

A coach can help you to develop the skills needed to get your voice heard at meetings and make strong presentations.