How To Be Heard In Meetings
How Quiet Professionals Can Use "Yes, and..." to Be Heard in Meetings
Does This Sound Familiar?
You sit in meetings with valuable ideas, carefully thought-out solutions, and insights that could genuinely help. But somehow, the conversation moves on before you get a chance to speak.
You prepare your points beforehand. You wait for the right moment. But louder voices fill the space, the discussion shifts direction, and your contribution remains unheard.
You’re not lacking intelligence or expertise. You’re simply a quiet professional in a world designed for the loud.
The result? Your best ideas stay locked inside your head. Your career progress slows. Your frustration grows.
You know you have something valuable to say. The challenge is knowing exactly how and when to say it.
A Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Start with "Yes" – The Key to Being Taken Seriously
Actively listen to the speaker.
Before you introduce your point, start your response with an affirmative phrase. Using “Yes,” “That’s a great point,” or “I agree that…” shows that you’ve heard them and are not immediately dismissing their idea. This builds trust and lowers the listener’s defences, making them more receptive to what you say next.
This is the acknowledgment phase.
Step 2: Bridge with "And" – Move the Conversation Forward, Not Sideways
Next, use “and…” to connect their idea to your own. This crucial conjunction signals that you are building upon their point, not contradicting it. By using “and,” you are presenting a collaborative perspective rather than an opposing one.
This is the bridge that connects your thoughts phase.
Step 3: Introduce Your Idea – The Power of Your Perspective
After the “and,” introduce your own perspective. This is where you can present a different idea, raise a concern, or ask a clarifying question. Because you have already validated their point, your contribution is now seen as a constructive addition to the conversation.
This is how you frame your input as a way to improve the project or outcome.
Step 4: Propose a Solution – Become the Go-To Problem Solver
The final step is to propose a solution or a next step. Don’t just point out a problem; suggest a way to solve it. This proactive approach shows that you are a valuable, collaborative team member. Offering an alternative, suggesting a compromise, or proposing a follow-up action, is you providing a positive input.
This is how your contribution is now about moving the project or idea forward.
What Changes When You Master "Yes, And..."
Your Ideas Get Heard No more watching your suggestions get overlooked. When you use this technique, people listen because you’ve made them feel heard first.
You Build Allies, Not Opposition Instead of colleagues thinking you’re disagreeing or challenging them, they see you as someone who builds on their ideas. You become known as a collaborative problem-solver.
Your Confidence Grows Each successful contribution builds momentum. Speaking up becomes natural rather than nerve-wracking. You start looking forward to meetings instead of dreading them.
Your Influence Expands Quiet professionals who master this technique often find themselves being asked for their opinion more often. Colleagues start seeking your input because they know you’ll offer thoughtful, constructive perspectives.
Your Career Advances When your voice is heard consistently in meetings, your expertise becomes visible. Promotions, project leadership, and new opportunities follow naturally.
The best part? This isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about using your natural thoughtfulness as a strength.
Need Support!
Your 60-Minute Problem-Solving Session – £60
Here’s what happens in our call:
You tell me your single biggest challenge with speaking up in meetings. Maybe it’s timing, maybe it’s confidence, maybe it’s dealing with interruptions—whatever it is.
I listen and give you one actionable insight tailored specifically to your situation. Not generic advice—something you can use in your very next meeting.
You leave with a clear next step that fits your personality and workplace, plus the confidence to try it.
No long programmes. No complicated frameworks. Just one conversation focused on your specific challenge and one practical solution you can use right away.
Ready to tackle your biggest meeting challenge?
Contact me to discuss your situation and we’ll schedule your session.
Contact options:
Email for initial contact: hettielistens@gmail.com
WhatsApp for quick questions: 07801 106 141
About
Early in my career, I couldn’t get meetings right. I was either too quiet and got overlooked, or I talked too much and saw people’s eyes glaze over. Sound familiar?
Over the years, I found techniques that completely changed how people responded to me and these two are my top favourites:
The “YES, AND…” method – acknowledging others before introducing my ideas,
And STRATEGIC TIMING – listening to everyone first, then speaking at the end with just 1 or 2 points or interesting questions that got people thinking.
These weren’t theories I read about. They were survival skills I developed through trial and error in real meetings.
As a teacher and union representative, I tested these techniques at team meetings and in conversations where everyone had strong opinions. They worked. Not just for me, but for other quiet colleagues who started using them too.
The difference was immediate – people actually listened when we spoke.
Now I help other professionals who struggle with the same meeting challenges I faced. Because the frustration of having good ideas that nobody hears? I’ve been there. And I know exactly how to change it.
Your voice matters. Let’s make sure it’s heard.
Henrietta Cyrille – Based in London, serving quiet professionals worldwide; online and via WhatsApp.