5 Tactics to Strengthen Your Voice

How would you describe your participation in team meetings? Do you find it difficult to get a word in edgewise? Your voice is valuable, and your co-workers want to hear what you have to say. Here's guidance on increasing your participation and visibility.

1. Take a pass.

Take time to formulate your thoughts. If you ask colleagues to come back to you later, they typically won't have qualms about it. We're not all gifted with off-the-cuff responses.

2. Use hand gestures.

Body language lets people know you are engaged. If you don't want to interrupt while someone is speaking, give a hand gesture to signal your desire to participate.

3. Add to the conversation.

Speak before your team moves to a new topic; let the group know that you want to provide insight and feedback.

4. Offer a piece of the puzzle.

If you haven't done your due diligence, opt out of giving an opinion. Or give a partial response, which is better than no opinion at all.

5. Agree, whether in part or in whole.

One of the ways to show you are a team player is to express agreement with the direction a project is going. Although you may not be onboard 100 percent with the direction, you should find areas where you agree.