🔬🎤Own the Room...Speak Up with Authority...

💡SKILLS SPOTLIGHT
🎤Own the Room: How to Speak Up with Authority in Meetings 🎤

In STEM environments—fast‑paced, detail‑heavy, and full of strong opinions—speaking up in meetings can feel intimidating. But here’s the truth:

Authority isn’t about volume. It’s about clarity, timing, and intention.

When you learn how to contribute with purpose, you shift the room. You’re not just another voice—you’re a leader in motion.

Why Speaking Up Matters

Meetings are where visibility happens. They influence:

1️⃣ How others perceive your confidence
2️⃣ Whether your expertise is recognized
3️⃣ What opportunities you’re considered for
4️⃣How leadership assesses your impact

You can do excellent technical work behind the scenes, but if your voice never reaches decision-makers, your contributions stay invisible.

🎤4 Ways to Speak Up with Authority (Without Being the Loudest)

1. Prep one key talking point
Walk into every meeting with one insight you’re confident you can share.
It could be a progress update, an observation, or a question.
Prepared = present

2. Ask a strategic question early
Speaking early reduces pressure and establishes presence.
Try:
💠“What’s the core success metric for this?”
💠“How does this align with our timeline?”
These questions demonstrate leadership thinking.

3. Summarize the room
If you don’t have new information to add, add clarity instead.
A concise summary demonstrates understanding, big‑picture thinking, and strong communication.

3. Speak with calm clarity
You don’t need to perform loud confidence.
Steady tone + clear point = authority.
People remember how you deliver, not how forceful you sound.
Authority is a practice.

Small, consistent contributions build your reputation more than rare, dramatic moments.

Bonus: Speak up once in your next meeting. Ask a question, offer a summary, or share one insight. Each rep strengthens your leadership muscle.