5 Key Strategies to Help You Shine in Front of a Business Audience  

It’s widely known that women are underrepresented in key leadership positions and in the C-Suite throughout corporate America. According to the Center for American Progress, while women make up 45% of the overall S&P 500 labor force, they hold only 19% of board seats, and only 4.6% of CEO slots.  Women also aren’t known for speaking up and standing out in meetings as much as their male counterparts. Whether it’s the cause – or the result – of women’s underrepresentation in the corporate hierarchy, it’s important that women in professional settings feel confident, respected, and appreciated when sharing their opinions and asking questions in meetings.

Below are five ways that women can stand out in a meeting and help close the gender gap in the boardroom.

• Think Ahead. The best way to feel confident in a meeting is to know what you want to communicate ahead of time. Therefore, think through the purpose of the meeting, read the agenda (if there is one), and jot down ideas for key thoughts you would like to share with the group. In this way, when the opportunity presents itself, you will be able to communicate your input in a clear, confident, and articulate manner. If you’re not quite comfortable sharing your input in a meeting and want to work your way up to it, then start by asking thoughtful questions. Think of three thoughtful questions in advance of the meeting and write them down. That will ensure you don’t forget – and provide a bit of comfort in case you get nervous!
• Practice Makes Perfect. Would you perform at a piano recital without practicing your song extensively? How about play in a basketball game without getting warmed up first? Speaking in public and contributing to meetings are no different. Practice speaking to yourself in front of the mirror and record it using your smartphone. Give yourself honest feedback after playing back the video. Do you speak too quickly? Do you fidget? Do you stumble on any words in particular? Focus on your areas of weakness, and practice, practice, practice. To take your practice a step further, sign up for a public speaking organization like Toastmasters.  With enough time, you will feel comfortable not only speaking up in a meeting, but speaking to an audience of hundreds.
• Emulate Experts. A great way to learn how to speak confidently in a meeting is by watching others do it with ease. Fortunately, with today’s technology, you can watch the best speakers in the world – be they politicians, celebrities, or TED Talk presenters – all from your cell phone. Before I speak at an event, I watch videos of Ivanka Trump speaking publicly. She speaks slowly and clearly, and is strong, confident, and articulate with each word. There is no better way to learn than by watching and emulating the best in the business!  Remember, those “experts” may not have been experts when they were just starting out. About 75% of all people experience anxiety about public speaking – and it is the greatest fear that people have, above spiders and death!  You are not alone in being nervous.  Use these “experts” as your role models of where you hope to be with one year of practice under your belt.
• Remember Your Body Language. Body language is one of the most important aspects of speaking up in a meeting or presenting in front of a large group. So make strong eye contact with your audience – it will keep them engaged – and project self-confidence. Also, have good posture – whether sitting or standing – as it makes a huge difference in how others perceive you. If you sit with rounded shoulders, you will look nervous and meek. Alternatively, if you have strong posture, you will be perceived as powerful and authoritative.
• Don’t Apologize. Many women have a habit of apologizing before speaking, which implies that they are not sure of what they are saying! Never apologize for sharing a thought or asking a question, as it actually discredits your comment before you even say it! When this happens, you open yourself up to criticism and interruption, which will lead to a downward spiral for your control of the situation.

It’s time to take charge in the boardroom. Remember, you were invited to the meeting for a reason, and your contribution is important and beneficial to everyone. Let your voice be heard!