🔑 How to Crush Fear of Speaking Up in Meetings — Before the Meeting Even Starts
Hello Hello!
I remember when I first started working in North America. I used to look at my colleagues, a bit puzzled. In my head, they talked and talked and talked — the meeting would end, they seemed to agree on a way forward, but I wasn’t really sure what had just happened.
At first, I thought it was the language. English is my second language, and I was just getting started. But soon I realized that I needed to pay much closer attention to what people were actually saying — to really listen between the lines.
And to be honest, I was often worried someone would ask me a question in the meeting, and I’d look like an idiot — because I wasn’t fully following the conversation.
Over time, I discovered that improving my communication skills made a huge difference. Not just in understanding, but in contributing, in being heard, and in growing my career.
That’s why, in this new version of my newsletter, I want to focus on helping tech professionals like you sharpen your communication skills. From writing a stronger resume, to preparing for interviews, to speaking in public — or simply speaking up in meetings — I want to give you tools that can truly help move your career forward.
I can tell you firsthand: my career took a very different (and much more positive) turn when I improved how I communicate. And now, I want to help you do the same.
Are you ready to take this journey with me?
— Aderson
🔑 How to Crush Fear of Speaking Up in Meetings — Before the Meeting Even Starts
Have you ever sat in a meeting, heart racing, mind blank — knowing you had something to say but too nervous to speak up?
It’s one of the most common struggles for tech professionals. And here’s a question I hear often:
“How do I stop freezing up when it’s my turn to talk in a meeting?”
You don’t need to be a natural public speaker. You don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room. The key is simple — preparation beats fear.
When you walk into a meeting prepared, fear loses its grip on you. Let me show you how.
3 Simple Ways to Prepare (And Leave Fear at the Door)
🗂️ Prepare 1–2 Key Points in Advance
🗣️ Practice Speaking Your Points Out Loud
🎈 Shift Your Focus From “Looking Smart” to “Adding Value”
🗂️ Prepare 1–2 Key Points in Advance
Here’s the mistake most people make: they hope to “wing it” and contribute in the flow of the meeting. When nerves kick in — that strategy collapses.
Instead, walk in with 1–2 points ready to go.
Before the meeting, ask yourself:
- What is one update, insight, or question I can share?
- What is one place I can add perspective or clarification?
Write those points down. You don’t need a script — just bullets. When your moment comes, you’re ready.
Example: "We found that X solution improved the response time by 40%." "I’d like to suggest we consider Y approach for the next sprint."
This alone will give you 10x more confidence than going in cold.
🗣️ Practice Speaking Your Points Out Loud
A pro tip that most skip: practice saying your points out loud once or twice.
Why?
- You catch awkward phrasing
- You build muscle memory — so your brain isn’t doing all the work in the moment
- You sound more natural and clear
Before your meeting, take 2 minutes. Stand up. Say your points out loud, as if you were already in the room.
You’ll walk in with your words warmed up — not frozen in your head.
🎈 Shift Your Focus From “Looking Smart” to “Adding Value”
One of the biggest sources of fear? The pressure to sound brilliant.
Here’s a mindset shift that works wonders: Stop trying to look smart. Start trying to add value.
Your job in a meeting isn’t to impress — it’s to contribute.
- Ask a clarifying question others are probably wondering
- Share a small insight from your work
- Suggest a next step
When you focus on helping the group move forward, the fear of judgment melts away.
Final Thoughts
Speaking up in meetings isn’t about talent. It’s about preparation. The more you prep — even just a little — the more your fear will fade and your confidence will grow.
Start with these three habits. Practice them consistently. Over time, you’ll build a presence in meetings that earns trust and respect.
Personal Updates
- 🤧 I’m sick - Plans never work the way we want.
- 🌎 Getting used to the new dynamics of life in Brazil. Very different from my life in Canada. Some good, some not so good.
"The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital." — Joe Paterno