How to Speak up in Meetings (and When to Hold Back)

Harvard Business Review · Oct 26, 2026 · 4m

How to Speak up in Meetings (and When to Hold Back)

Uploaded 04-01-22

4 Jan 2022

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Speaking up is one of the single-most effective ways to increase visibility and build trust with your clients and colleagues.

00:00 Speaking up in meetings can be more important than presentations or speeches

00:30 Tip 1: Prepare a few points in advance

00:44 Tip 2: Ask, "Why you?"

01:08 Tip 3: Pause and breathe to build confidence

01:30 Sometimes it's best to hold back

01:47 Hold back if you're only trying to show off

02:00 Hold back if you're trying to empower others on your team

02:15 Hold back if your…