“Sorry, I just want to add something quickly…”
If you’ve ever prefaced your point in a meeting like that—half-apologetic, half-hoping someone doesn’t cut in before you finish—join the club. Maybe you’ve spent the whole time mentally rehearsing your contribution, only to have someone else say a version of it louder, earlier, and with more confidence. Or maybe you’ve spoken up… and it felt like your words just hung there, unacknowledged.
It’s frustrating. Especially when you know you’re adding value—but you’re not sure how to claim space without dominating the room or becoming someone you’re not.
So how do you make your voice heard without talking over others or pretending to be someone louder, flashier, or more forceful?
Let’s break it down.
First, Let’s Reframe What It Means to Be “Heard”
Being heard isn’t just about airtime. It’s about impact. You don’t have to speak the most or interrupt others to be influential. In fact, the most effective communicators in meetings aren’t necessarily the most talkative; they’re the ones who speak strategically and are perceived as advancing the conversation with clarity and insight.
So instead of aiming to be the loudest voice, aim to be the anchor in the room—the one who listens with intention, contributes with purpose, and earns respect through substance.
1. Speak Early but With Intention
The longer you wait to speak, the harder it becomes. It’s like jumping into a skipping rope. Timing matters, and overthinking it can leave you frozen on the sidelines.
Instead, set yourself up to speak in the first 10 minutes of the meeting. It doesn’t have to be profound. You can ask a clarifying question, build on someone else’s point, or share a quick insight related to the agenda.
Why it works:
- It helps you signal presence early.
- It builds your own comfort level.
- It makes it easier to re-enter the conversation later.
Try:
“That’s a helpful summary—one thing I’d add from a customer lens is…”
“I was curious about how we’re thinking about [X] in light of the upcoming [project/milestone].”
This isn’t about hijacking the conversation; it’s about showing you’re engaged, thoughtful, and ready to contribute.
2. Use the “Bridge and Build” Technique
Let’s say someone else just made a strong point—one you were also planning to say. Instead of retreating, use the opportunity to bridge and build:
- Bridge: Acknowledge their point.
- Build: Extend it with a new layer or angle.
Try: “I really liked what Jordan said about aligning our messaging. To build on that, I’d suggest we also look at how our tone shifts across touchpoints.”
This technique:
- Shows you’re collaborative, not competitive.
- Positions you as a synthesizer of ideas.
- Helps you contribute without competing for the spotlight.
You don’t have to be first. You just have to add value.
If you didn’t get a chance to share, or if your point was overlooked, consider a quick follow-up email or message.
3. Practice the Power of Pre-framing
Want your ideas to land better? Introduce them with a bit of framing. Rather than jumping into the what, start with the why or so what.
Instead of: “I think we should switch tools.”
Try: “To help streamline onboarding and reduce time spent troubleshooting, I’d suggest we consider switching tools.”
Why it matters:
- You help others connect the dots before they mentally say “no.”
- You show you’ve thought about the broader implications.
- You elevate your input from suggestion to strategic insight.
People remember the person who made them think, not just the one who spoke loudest.
4. Watch for Conversation Patterns—and Interrupt Respectfully
Let’s be honest: sometimes the floor never opens up. In those moments, you need to assert yourself but with tact.
Look for natural pauses (laughter, agreement, a speaker wrapping up). If someone doesn’t stop talking, consider a polite interjection:
“If I may add a quick thought before we move on—”
“Building on that, I’d like to offer a slightly different perspective—”
Respectful interruptions work when paired with:
- Clear intent.
- A calm, steady tone.
- Body language (if on video, lean slightly forward and unmute early to signal you’re ready).
You’re not being rude. You’re making space in a crowded conversation—and that’s a skill worth building.
5. Follow Up After the Meeting
Sometimes your best opportunity to be heard is after the meeting.
If you didn’t get a chance to share, or if your point was overlooked, consider a quick follow-up email or message:
“I had a thought during the meeting that I didn’t get a chance to raise—sharing here in case it’s helpful as we move forward with the project.”
This does a few things:
- Reinforces your engagement.
- Makes your thinking visible to decision-makers.
- Shows you take initiative and don’t need a stage to contribute.
Quiet leadership is still leadership.
Don’t Let a Missed Moment Define You
Sometimes you’ll walk out of a meeting and wish you’d spoken up.
Maybe the moment passed. Maybe someone else said what you were going to. Maybe you second-guessed yourself.
That doesn’t mean you don’t belong there. It means you’re learning—how to read a room, how to trust your instincts, how to navigate power dynamics without losing yourself.
And that? That’s progress.
Final Thought: You Deserve to Be Heard
Making your voice heard isn’t about ego. It’s about impact.
You don’t have to bulldoze a conversation to be seen as a leader. You can ask the thoughtful question, offer the strategic insight, connect the dots others missed.
You can own your space—without taking over the room.
So, what’s one small shift you’ll try in your next meeting? Take up space on your terms.
