How to Speak Up in Meetings (Even If You’re New)

“Speaking up is important. Yet to speak up without listening is like banging pots and pans together: Even if it gets you attention, it’s not going to get you respect.” ― Gina Barreca

Speaking up in meetings can be intimidating, especially if you are the youngest person in the room or still new to your role. It can be even more challenging for first generation professionals who may not have had prior exposure to professional environments where meetings are a central part of decision-making. However, meetings are one of the main places where your contributions are visible to decision-makers and team members alike. The goal is not to speak just for the sake of speaking, but to add value in a way that moves the conversation forward and shows that you are engaged.

The best way to prepare yourself to speak up is to do some work before the meeting even begins. Review the agenda in advance and identify one or two points where you could offer insights, ask questions, or share relevant experiences. For example, if the meeting is about launching a new project, you might prepare to say, “I can share some feedback we received from our student group last week” or “I have an idea for streamlining the intake process so it works more efficiently.” Having even one pre-planned point can give you confidence and reduce the pressure of thinking on the spot.

When you speak, aim to be concise but clear. A helpful formula is to state your point, provide brief context, and then end with either a next step or a question. For example, you might say, “I think we could improve response times by adding a dedicated email for requests. Last month, we had 12 delayed responses because requests were scattered across multiple inboxes. Would it make sense to test a single inbox for a month?” This structure ensures your contribution is easy to follow and offers a clear path forward.

If you feel nervous about interrupting or finding the right moment, look for natural openings. These can include moments when the meeting leader asks, “Does anyone have thoughts on this?” or when there is a pause in discussion. Another strategy is to build on someone else’s comment by connecting it to your own perspective. You might say, “I agree with what Maria mentioned about client feedback. I’d like to add that in our last survey, clients also mentioned they wanted clearer timelines.” This approach shows you are actively listening and thinking critically.

Speaking up does not always mean offering a brand-new idea. Asking thoughtful questions can also make a strong impression. If you are unsure about a point that was raised, you might ask, “Can you explain how this change will affect our current process?” or “How will we measure whether this works?” Questions like these keep the conversation moving while signaling that you are engaged and thinking strategically about the topic.

As you meet with your manager throughout your employment, also consider asking them if your questions for them are better suited to being asked in a meeting setting. This validation will give you the confidence to ask those questions to a group.

Over time, the more you speak up, the easier it becomes. You will start to realize that you do not need the “perfect” thing to say in order to make a positive contribution. Even a short, relevant comment can show you are invested in the discussion. Silence can sometimes be read as disengagement, so finding ways to participate consistently can help you build credibility and visibility in your organization.

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