Speaking up

How to get a word in when the meeting moves too fast

By Anton, English in Meetings

The meeting is moving fast. People are talking over each other. You have something worth saying, you wait for a gap, and the gap never comes. The topic moves on, and your point goes unsaid. Again.

Here is the thing: in fast meetings, gaps do not appear. You have to make one. Politely, but on purpose.

Three lines that claim your turn

• "Can I add something here?"
• "Before we move on, I want to flag one thing."
• "Quick point on that, then I will hand it back."

Say it at a normal volume, then keep going. Do not wait for permission after you ask. The phrase is not really a question, it is a signal that you are about to speak, and most people will give you the floor.

Why it works

People are not ignoring you on purpose. They simply cannot hear a point you never started. A short, clear signal does two jobs at once. It interrupts gently, and it tells the room your point is brief, so they relax and let you in. "Then I will hand it back" is the part that does the heavy lifting. It promises you will not take over, which makes people happy to give you the moment.

Your challenge this week

Pick one line above. The next time you feel a point slipping away, use it once. Just once. Claim one turn you would normally have lost.