HOW TO SPEAK UP IN MEETINGS WITH CONFIDENCE

 

IT’S IMPORTANT TO KNOW HOW TO SPEAK UP IN MEETINGS SO THAT YOU CAN SHARE YOUR IDEAS AND SUPPORT YOUR TEAM. LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS SKILL AND HOW TO IMPROVE IT.

No matter your industry, you probably must attend at least a few meetings regularly. Meetings can help teams come together and discuss projects, upcoming needs, goals, and other essential topics. But whether you've started with a new company or have trouble speaking up due to feeling shy, you might find it hard to share your thoughts in this type of setting. Consider these tips to help you feel more confident when talking in your next work meeting.

WHY IT'S HARD TO SPEAK UP IN MEETINGS

You might feel nervous about speaking up during a meeting at work for several reasons:

• You're an introvert who tends to focus on your thoughts and has a hard time speaking in front of others.
• You work in an environment where it's hard to get a word in edgewise because your co-workers outperform others' contributions to a meeting.
• You feel worried about saying something others disagree with or see as foolish.

Working in a virtual atmosphere can also bring new challenges. It's harder to read social and physical cues on a video call, making it more challenging to know when to speak up. These reasons can all make speaking up in meetings feel overwhelming. If you've felt worried about talking during a work meeting, the tips below can help you feel more confident.

IMPORTANCE OF TALKING IN MEETINGS

Before we dive into the tips for speaking up in meetings, it's helpful to understand why it's vital to do so. The purpose of a meeting at work is for team members to share their thoughts and ideas, provide status updates, and discuss plans. If you've received an invitation to a meeting, the person in charge sees your attendance as valuable. The individual is interested in your perspective and experience but won't get much from you if you're unwilling to speak up in a meeting.

If you've received an invitation to a meeting, the person in charge sees your attendance as valuable.

Sharing your thoughts in a meeting is one of the most effective ways to build relationships with other attendees. Providing insights and updates can also help you demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a supportive atmosphere designed for collaboration. Even if you think an idea you have is incomplete or incoherent, sharing it could get someone else's wheels turning, helping the team come up with a solution together. It's helpful to recognize that staying silent isn't in your best interest if you're part of a meeting.

TIPS TO HELP YOU LEARN HOW TO SPEAK UP IN MEETINGS

Now that you know why it's necessary to speak up in meetings at work (and why you might be feeling nervous about doing so), you can use these tips to feel more confident when you talk.

Come with an agenda

Before you step foot in a meeting, you should know the topics discussed and how you can help. If you're heading into a casual brainstorming meeting, jot down your ideas to share. If the meeting is to present something important to a significant stakeholder, create a more detailed agenda of what you'll be presenting and discussing with everyone there. Being prepared can alleviate some of your worries because you won't have to come up with ideas on the fly.

Keep your hands busy

People with nervous energy in meetings might benefit from keeping their hands busy. Bring a pen and notebook to take notes, along with a bottle of water. Noting what you're discussing in the meeting can help you after you check off every item on the agenda, as you'll know what action items are on your to-do list. You can also sip your water if your mouth feels dry or you need something to do to alleviate your nerves.

Interject to ask a question

Whether you're listening to a presentation or engaging in an open discussion, asking questions is always worthwhile. Bringing up a question about the topic is also a good starting point for finding your voice in the meeting. By asking thoughtful questions, you can also demonstrate to the others in the meeting that you're engaged in the discussion. You might want to prepare some questions to ask in advance so that you are not left wondering what to say.

Practice active listening

It's easy to zone out at a meeting, especially if it's a virtual meeting with no cameras. But remaining engaged in the topic by listening to what's said can make you a better contributor. You'll also have more to say in a meeting when you know what's being discussed and can make relevant points or ask follow-up questions.

Work on your speaking skills

Even the most experienced professionals feel nervous about presenting in front of their peers or other significant stakeholders. They might practice their presentation in front of a mirror, a trusted friend, or a family member to get more comfortable. You can do the same before you start speaking in a meeting. Review the planned agenda and highlight items you could discuss before the meeting begins. Practice your strategies, speaking in a loud and clear voice while looking around the room, to improve your confidence.

Set professional goals related to speaking up

Setting goals related to speaking up in meetings is worthwhile, and your supervisor will likely support your efforts to contribute more when collaborating with the team. Setting goals can also help you hold yourself accountable, especially since you'll probably be in at least a few meetings with the manager or supervisor who will score you on your progress. If you haven't found a position where you can set the goals that matter to you, use CareerBuilder to create a profile so that employers can find you and offer you jobs that align with your goals.

Back up a team member

If you're uncomfortable putting your ideas out in the open, you can always ease yourself into speaking in a meeting by vocally supporting another team member's contribution. In a brainstorming session, listen to what others say and respond to the group when someone shares an idea that makes sense to you.

Know when to jump in

Speaking up in virtual meetings is especially tough for people who work remotely because you might end up talking over someone else. You don't always know when another participant is unmuting the microphone to speak or when the presenter will resume talking after a short break. You probably have about half of a second to jump in to speak during a virtual meeting, so take that opportunity quickly rather than waiting for the perfect moment.

Make your contribution less personal

If you feel uncomfortable sharing your ideas with personal language such as “I think” or “I feel,” try making what you have to say a little less personal. You could start by saying, “Has anyone considered ...?” or “Did anyone mention ...?” Then lead into your contribution to the meeting. This tip can assist those who want to get comfortable speaking up in meetings and using this language can help you feel less vulnerable.

Implementing these tips can make a big difference in your ability to feel confident in your ideas and share more in team meetings. By finding your voice, you can build stronger relationships and show that you're engaged and interested in the team's success.

HOW TO EXPLAIN BEING FIRED TO POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS

 

HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU EXPLAIN A TERMINATION TO A POTENTIAL EMPLOYER.

Job interviews are stressful under the best of circumstances. So if you’ve been fired, your nerves will likely go into overdrive, especially when they ask the inevitable question: “Why were you fired?”

Just as you prepare answers for other common interview questions, it's important to prepare an answer for this one. Rehearsing some go-to phrases will help you craft a professional answer during your interview.

Here are some tips to help you explain a termination to a potential employer.

Honesty is the best policy
Review the incident or issue that caused you to lose your job with an unbiased eye. Were you let go because of a conflict with a co-worker? Honestly evaluate your role in the clash. Did you fail to meet production quotas? Ask yourself whether it was due to a lack of effort or lack of affinity for the work you were doing. Before you can answer your potential employer honestly, you need to be clear-eyed with yourself.

When addressing your termination with your interviewer, don't try to position it as a layoff or any other less serious situation. Even if you've relocated to a new city for a fresh start, your employer will find out the truth. Be truthful in a way that reflects on you as favorably as possible.

Don’t bash your old boss
You want to portray yourself as a valuable addition to their team. One way to raise an instant red flag is to speak negatively about the last person who offered you a job.

Perhaps even more important, don't gossip about your last boss, your co-workers or the company you worked for. Besides showing a lack of maturity and discretion, gossiping is a strong sign that you'll be a divisive employee.

Don’t pass the blame
Along with bashing, blaming is a bad way to go. Your potential new employer wants to see that you take responsibility both for your past actions and for your performance on the job. No matter how unfairly you felt you were treated at your old job, you must recognize and accept your role in your termination.

This doesn't mean you need to give major details about what you did wrong in your previous position, though. Just make sure at some point you say, "I take responsibility for not performing up to my boss's expectations," and move on.

Stick to the point
A big mistake candidates make when answering this question is trying to explain every nuance of the situation. Don't spend five minutes setting up the circumstances around your termination. Cut to the chase and keep it simple.

If you were terminated because you had an attendance problem, for example, don't go on and on about your sick grandma, your chiropractor appointments or any other life situation that caused you to miss work. Instead, say something like, “I let personal circumstances interfere with my attendance at work. My situation is stable now and attendance won't be a problem.”

Don’t sound bitter
You'll make yourself unattractive to a potential employer if you come across bitter and defeated. Even if you think your previous employer was wrong to let you go, showing bitterness only makes you look bad.

Don't use language that emphasizes a past failure. Speak in ways that minimizes the impact of your termination.

Explain what you’ve learned
Including a “lessons learned” sentence in your answer shows potential employers you're aware and adaptable. It turns a negative into an asset. It also demonstrates candor and maturity by letting your interviewer see that you are objective about your shortcomings and learn from past experiences.

Promote your positives
It's difficult to turn talk of your termination into a way to showcase your skills and experience. Learning to segue gracefully into a discussion of your value to the company is an effective way to keep your interview on track.

Try transitioning with a phrase like this: “I was sorry to leave Company X; I learned a lot about the app development lifecycle there, which is why I thought my skills were well suited to this position."

Practice makes perfect
Getting fired is an emotional experience, and it's hard to talk objectively and calmly even weeks or months after the event. Practicing your answer helps you keep emotions at bay so you don't derail your interview.

Start by writing your response down; put it away, then come back to it a day later and read it again. If you are satisfied with your written answer, try it out on an objective friend or family member. Weigh their criticisms and tweak it if necessary.

Once you're completely satisfied with your answer, commit it to memory. Practice it in front of a mirror several times. Once you're comfortable with your answer and you've internalized it, you'll be able to speak naturally about your termination with your interviewer.

USE CREATIVITY TO COME UP WITH ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO RAISE A SALARY

 

INSTEAD OF GIVING UP OR SWITCHING JOBS WHEN GETTING A RAISE ISN’T A POSSIBILITY, CONSIDER SOME OF THE ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO RAISE A SALARY.

As you work in your role and become more experienced, the time will likely come when you want to request an increase in your salary. Asking for a raise isn't easy, but doing so can help you demonstrate your worth and the value you bring to the organization. However, in some cases, a company may not be able to meet your request for a raise. Consider alternative ways to raise your salary instead of giving up or switching jobs.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT

If you haven't completed your higher education degree requirements yet, tuition reimbursement may be a benefit you could ask for instead of requesting a salary increase. Having your company pay for your tuition can help you increase your knowledge while qualifying for higher positions. Some companies require employees who use this benefit to commit to working there for at least a year after graduation. Tuition reimbursement is often viewed as a direct investment into the employees and the organization, making it an attractive offering for companies across all industries.

STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT

If you've already completed your education but have outstanding student loans, consider asking your employer to pay off the debt. Companies that offer student loan repayment can typically offer up to $100 per month, which can add up over time. If you have $10,000 in outstanding student loans, your employer will pay off more than a tenth of the total balance each year.

INCREASED END-OF-YEAR BONUS

Many companies offer year-end bonuses to employees as rewards at the end of the year. Some are tied to individual or company-wide performance metrics, while others communicate thanks for a job well done throughout the year.

An employer might refer to this compensation as a holiday bonus since several holidays occur in December and early January. Employees at all professional levels can qualify for a year-end bonus, although the amount may depend on the individual's progression with the company.

Negotiating for a higher year-end bonus can be a way to earn more money without receiving a bump to your annual or hourly rate.

Negotiating for a higher year-end bonus can be a way to earn more money without receiving a bump to your annual or hourly rate. Some end-of-year bonuses are calculated based on specific metrics, such as the company's revenue or sales and profit results for the year. You could ask for an increased percentage if your bonus gets tied to metrics. For example, if you currently receive 2% of the annual sales, you could request an increase to 3%. On paper, that jump doesn't look like a lot, but your efforts could increase sales, resulting in a higher bonus each year.

SIGNING BONUS

When considering whether to accept a new job, it's helpful to review the job offer in its entirety before making your decision. If the company can't adjust your salary, you could request a signing bonus at the start of your employment. A signing bonus, also known as a sign-on bonus, is a lump sum paid to new employees when they enter new roles.

ADDITIONAL PTO

If your company offers a fixed amount of paid time off each year, one non-salary perk to consider requesting is additional PTO. Getting a few extra paid days off could help you disconnect from work more often, making you feel more recharged and productive when you're there.

Some companies have also altered their PTO offering to provide unlimited time off to employees, as long as they get their work done. If you want to work for one of these organizations, upload a resume to CareerBuilder and filter your employment search.

IMPROVED BENEFITS

When your position includes health care benefits, it's worth determining whether you can qualify for expanded perks, such as the following:

• Some companies offer different insurance plans to employees based on their level. For example, C-level executives might get access to a plan with a lower deductible or an expanded coverage network. Talk to your employer to find out what's available and what you can qualify for before you complete the open enrollment process.
• Another benefit that might be worth negotiating is access to a wellness plan. Many companies have started offering wellness plans to employees to provide mental health resources and other tools to help them improve their overall health and well-being.

Additional wellness perks that you might quality for include the following:

• Gym membership reimbursement.
• A standing desk.
• Access to a company fitness room.

CHILD CARE REIMBURSEMENT

The costs associated with daycare during work hours can be astronomical if you have children. The average weekly cost for infant child care in the United States is $216, which translates to 17.1% of the nation's median household income, according to Move.org. Living in an area where the cost of living is higher means child care is even more expensive. The most expensive states for daycare include:

• Washington, D.C.: $21,678 per year
• Massachusetts: $18,004 per year
• Indiana: $14,210 per year
• Minnesota: $14,170 per year
• New York: $14,116 per year

Child care reimbursement or other daycare alternatives provided by your employer can offset some of this expense, so it's worth asking about what's available. Some companies offer child care flexible spending accounts, allowing employees to set aside pretax funds to pay for qualified care, while others provide on-site daycare options.

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

A flexible schedule is an appealing perk to ask for that doesn't cost the company anything. You could request to work a few days from home, trimming your commuting cost, or you could ask for one day off per week in exchange for working longer hours the other four days.

Alternatively, you could request an adjustment to your regular working hours. If you live a substantial distance from the office and you must report in person each day, you may want to consider asking to work from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to avoid rush-hour traffic.

HIGHER COMMISSION RATE

If you get paid commission based on your performance or sales, consider negotiating for a higher commission rate instead of a base salary increase. Since commissions directly connect with your performance and overall success, such an increase puts the opportunity to earn more money in your hands.

As you succeed in your role and make more sales for your employer, the company benefits as well, making this an option that most organizations are willing to consider for top-performing salespeople.

MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT

Commuting to the office can get expensive, especially if you have to report to the office daily. Although some employees work remotely, many work in an office setting that requires them to drive (or take another form of transportation) to get there. If your job requires you to visit different locations, transportation costs could be eating into your take-home pay. Asking for reimbursement for these expenses could help you earn more money without asking for a salary increase.

Calculate the average amount you spend on transportation over several months. Present this information to your supervisor. Request reimbursement for some or all of your transportation expenses as a term of employment. You could also request a company car to reduce wear and tear on your vehicle.

Although a raise might seem like the only option to make more money in your career, you can get creative when discussing opportunities with your employer. These alternative ways to raise your salary can help you keep more of the money you earn while taking advantage of programs offered by your company.

ENJOY FLEXIBILITY AND GREAT WAGES IN THESE HIGH-PAYING TEMP JOBS

 

ENJOY THE FLEXIBILITY OF SHORT-TERM WORK WITH GREAT PAY TO BOOT WITH THESE HIGH-PAYING TEMP JOBS. WE ROUNDED UP 10 OPTIONS WITH GREAT SALARIES.

Temp jobs are the ultimate in flexibility. If you like to diversify your skill set and tackle new opportunities, these short-term positions may offer the perfect fit for your lifestyle. The options for short-term work are vast and varied, with many high-paying temp jobs in the mix.

Over 3.1 million people were employed in temporary help services as of May 2022, representing a 19.3% increase over the previous year. This growth is expected to continue, creating a wealth of options for anyone looking to explore a short stint in a new field. We've rounded up 10 of the fastest-growing occupations for temporary employment, many of which are on track for faster-than-average growth in coming years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also reports that these positions pay at least $40,000 a year, and some offer six-figure incomes.

OPERATIONS RESEARCH ANALYST

As an operations research analyst, you can help organizations problem-solve using logic, analytics, and mathematics. You may find positions in industries as diverse as health care, business, logistics, IT, operations, and more. Operations research analysts may address issues with resource allocation, supply chain, pricing, or production schedules. Employment is expected to increase by 25% between 2020 and 2030.

PARALEGAL OR LEGAL ASSISTANT

Paralegals and legal assistants provide essential support for lawyers, working on a team alongside attorneys and other support staff. They assist with research, collect and organize evidence, maintain and file documents, draft correspondence, complete reports, and communicate with clients, witnesses, and other lawyers. These careers are expected to see 12% growth between 2020 and 2030.

MARKET RESEARCH ANALYST OR MARKETING SPECIALIST

Market research analysts and marketing specialists evaluate the sales potential for various products and services. They conduct in-depth research into market conditions, sales trends, consumer opinions, and competitor performance. Using complex data, these analysts will determine the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and offer detailed recommendations. Job opportunities should increase by about 22% by 2030.

APPLICATION SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

The essential computer applications that so many people use on a daily basis come from the talented minds of application software developers. In this role, you may get a temp assignment to create a new application from the ground up. This includes drafting a plan, producing diagrams and models, designing the code, and testing the application for proper functionality. This field anticipates 22% growth between 2020 and 2030.

BIOLOGICAL TECHNICIAN

Biological technicians conduct laboratory tests and experiments. Responsibilities include maintaining lab equipment, preparing samples, documenting work, and analyzing results. Some biological technicians may even conduct fieldwork. This field will grow about 7% between 2020 and 2030.

REGISTERED NURSE

"Temporary nursing positions offer the perfect time management solution for professionals who are going back to school to earn an advanced degree or pursue a particular specialty."

Temporary jobs in nursing offer a great way for these health care professionals to avoid burnout and manage their work-life balance. Temporary nursing positions offer the perfect time-management solution for professionals who are going back to school to advance their degrees or pursue a particular specialty. Registered nurses can find work in physicians' offices, hospitals, nursing care facilities, and home health care facilities. The BLS anticipates growth of 9% between 2020 and 2030.

TOOL AND DIE MAKER

As a tool and die maker, you'll construct metal forms or precision tools that are used to shape, form, and cut materials. These workers may produce gauges, fixtures, jigs, and other tools. This job can encompass everything from reading the blueprints to polishing finished parts. Job opportunities should increase by approximately 7% by 2030.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEER

Electrical engineers work with electrical equipment to solve problems, test functionality, design solutions, and develop improvements. Electrical engineers typically work with a project manager throughout the production process to ensure that they properly coordinated all efforts with other teams on the job site. Electrical engineering opportunities will increase by about 7% by 2030.

HUMAN RESOURCE SPECIALIST

Human resource specialists help companies with interviewing, hiring, and onboarding new employees. This may include verifying references, scheduling interviews, and organizing new employee orientation. HR specialists may also assist existing employees by handling payroll, benefits programs, and paperwork. The BLS expects a 10% growth for this career by 2030.

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Physician assistants work alongside physicians, surgeons, and other medical professionals. As a physician assistant, you may record patient histories, perform initial examinations, order tests, diagnose conditions, and provide treatment. You can find work in a variety of areas, including surgery, psychiatry, family medicine, and emergency medicine. The BLS expects this career to grow 31% by 2030.

If you're interested in short-term work with the flexibility to maintain an ideal work-life balance, high-paying temp jobs like these may offer just what you need. Set up email alerts for the positions that fit your experience and expertise so you'll never miss out on a prime work opportunity.

OFFICE ETIQUETTE RULES FOR EMPLOYEES

 

THESE 12 OFFICE ETIQUETTE TIPS CAN HELP YOU ADJUST TO A NEW OFFICE OR CLEAN UP YOUR BEHAVIOR IN A PLACE YOU'VE WORKED FOR YEARS.

Learning these office etiquette rules for employees can help you adapt to a new office and new co-workers or improve your relationships with your existing co-workers. In some ways, today's work environments are more casual and relaxed than they were in the past. In other ways, people are more likely to become offended if others don't act in a professional way. Here are some tips you can use to get along well with co-workers and supervisors and advance your career.

STAY OFF SOCIAL MEDIA

People can view your social media posts from years ago, and what's acceptable can change over time. Posts that were perfectly fine when you made them could become offensive later, because of recent current events or changes to laws. It's a good idea to set your social media accounts to private or friends only. That way, an employer won't decide not to hire or promote you because they don't like one of your past social media posts.

Before you post on social media, think carefully about how people might react to the post in the future. Avoid any statements that could be considered unprofessional or offensive. It's also a good idea to avoid surfing social media, especially while you're at work. There are many ways that you can spend your time more effectively, increasing your productivity and performance.

TAKE PHONE CALLS IN PRIVATE

Most people have cell phones, and getting an occasional personal call at work is normal. However, you should avoid taking these calls at your desk and letting others hear your personal business. Instead, take a brief walk outside or go to an empty conference room. That way, you can talk privately without disturbing other people who want to concentrate on their work.

DON'T GOSSIP ABOUT OTHERS

Gossiping about other people often says more about you than those you discuss. When you speculate about the personal lives of others or spread rumors that may not be true, you show people that you can't be trusted to keep a confidence. You could even hurt your chances for a promotion. When others gossip, don't participate.

In some ways, today's work environments are more casual and relaxed than they were in the past. In other ways, people are more likely to become offended if others don't act in a professional way.

WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE

Avoid cursing at the office, no matter how laid-back your co-workers seem. Also, avoid songs with lots of cursing or graphic language. It's OK to wear headphones to listen to this type of music occasionally, but don't make them a constant fixture on your head. That way, you can respond immediately if someone needs to talk to you or you get a phone call.

KNOCK BEFORE ENTERING

Whether you're entering a conference room or a co-worker's cubicle, it's polite to knock before you go in. That way, you can avoid interrupting or distracting people. Others will also be more likely to remember to knock when they enter your personal space.

STAY HOME IF YOU FEEL SICK

Even if you tested negative for COVID-19, working from home can be a good idea if you don't feel 100%. It gives you a chance to rest, recuperate, and avoid spreading germs to others. Working from home can often be quieter, more comfortable, and less distracting than working in the office.

USE SOCIAL DISTANCING

While COVID-19 isn't as widespread as it was during the height of the pandemic, it's still around. You can help protect others and prevent the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask while indoors and using social distancing. Before you shake hands with someone or come into other forms of close contact, ask if it's OK. Some people may prefer a friendly wave or an elbow bump instead.

SET REMINDERS FOR VIRTUAL MEETINGS AND CONFERENCE CALLS

For many people, one of the hardest parts about working remotely is remembering to log in to virtual meetings or conference calls. Set a reminder about 15 minutes before each meeting or call is scheduled to start. That way, you'll have time to go to the restroom and work out any issues with your computer software, webcam, microphone, or other equipment.

DRESS PROFESSIONALLY

Even if you're working from home, it's a good idea to dress professionally. That way, you'll be prepared if there's a last-minute virtual meeting. Pajamas might be comfy, but they can look very unprofessional. It can also be pretty embarrassing when you get out of your chair to grab a drink or pet your dog and everyone sees that you're not wearing pants.

WORK IN A QUIET, NEUTRAL PLACE

When you work from home, set up in a spare room where you can stay away from distractions. Sit with a blank wall or a bookshelf behind you to keep pets or family members from wandering into your webcam's view. If you have a child, consider using child care, hiring a nanny or babysitter, or getting help from a spouse. That way, you won't have to try to work and take care of your child at the same time.

Whether you work in a large office or a small business, etiquette matters. These office etiquette rules for employees can make getting along with others and working as a team easier. If you're looking for a new job, create a profile on CareerBuilder to find a new position faster.