Overcoming the Challenge of Being Talked Over in Meetings: 9 Effective Tips

Meetings are essential for collaboration and decision-making, but they can sometimes be frustrating, especially when you find yourself being talked over or interrupted. This behavior can undermine your confidence and hinder your ability to contribute effectively.

It is important to build skills to overcome these challenges. Here are nine practical tips to help you tackle this challenging topic.

1. Assertive Communication

Assertiveness is key to ensuring your voice is heard. Practice speaking clearly and confidently. Use phrases like, “I’d like to finish my point,” or “Can I add something here?” to assert your presence without being confrontational. Remember, it’s about being firm yet respectful.

2. Non-Verbal Cues

Your body language can significantly impact how others perceive you, even in online meetings. Maintain eye contact. Sit up straight. Use hand gestures to emphasize your points. These non-verbal cues show others you are engaged in the conversation and when you speak they will naturally want to listen.

3. Be Observant

If you’re in a meeting and see this behavior happening to someone else, encourage respect the culture where everyone gets a chance to speak. You can say, “I believe Pam has something to say.” Or “I have a few ideas but before I go does anyone else have some thoughts? Pam?”

4. Use Technology

Leverage tools like the “raise hand” feature in virtual meetings to signal when you want to speak. This can help manage the flow of conversation and ensure everyone gets a turn. In in-person meetings, you can use a similar approach by raising your hand or using a signal agreed upon by the team.

5. Follow Up

If your point wasn’t made during the meeting, follow up with an email or a message summarizing your thoughts. This ensures your ideas are still heard and considered, even if the moment passes during the meeting. When this happens, take a moment to reflect on how you could have handled the meeting differently. Remember this skill is hard to learn for many people so it may take time to build and adjust.

6. Practice Active Listening

Show that you value others’ contributions by actively listening. Summarize what they said and add your thoughts using an ‘and’ phrase. This can encourage reciprocal behavior where others are more likely to listen to you. Nod, make eye contact, and provide feedback to show you are engaged even during online meetings.

7. Prepare and Practice

Being well-prepared can boost your confidence. Organize and practice your points beforehand so you can deliver them succinctly and confidently. This preparation can help you stay focused and assertive during the meeting. Don’t forget to listen during the meeting and adjust your points on the fly to accommodate the conversation.

8. Address the Issue Privately

Whether to a specific person or the meeting leader, having an open conversation in private will show your courage, boost your confidence, and bring the topic into the open. You can say, “I’ve noticed that during our meetings, I often get interrupted when I’m speaking. I understand that everyone is eager to contribute, but it makes it difficult for me to share my ideas. Could we work together to ensure everyone gets a chance to speak without interruptions?”

9. Share Your Struggles with a Peer or Mentor

It’s hard to be vulnerable but building a relationship with a trusted colleague or finding a mentor who can support you during meetings is healthy. Having someone back you up or give you the floor can be very effective. Not only will it help to have everyone have a voice, it can help you build your communication skills and offer valuable insights and strategies you hadn’t considered.

Final Thoughts

Effective communication is a skill that can be developed with practice and patience. Feeling like your voice is heard is a common struggle, but it’s one that you can overcome. By implementing these strategies, you can transform your meeting experiences and ensure not only your contributions are valued, but you feel included and appreciated. Remember, your voice matters, and with determination and focus, you can confidently assert yourself in any meeting. Embrace the journey!

Have you experienced being talked over in meetings? How did you handle it? Share your thoughts in the discussion forum!