Speaking up in English meetings: How to finally find your voice

The meeting has just started. Your boss introduces the new project lead from London. Everyone nods politely. Someone asks a question in English. A colleague responds - casually, confidently, as if it's the most natural thing in the world.

And you? You have an idea, too. A good one, actually. But while you're still figuring out how to phrase it in English, someone else has already jumped in. The moment has passed.

Sound familiar?

You're professionally competent. You have valuable contributions. But as soon as the meeting switches to English, you go quiet. You listen, nod, smile - and afterwards, you're frustrated with yourself: "Why didn't I say anything?"

In this article, I'll show you why speaking up in meetings feels so difficult - and more importantly: how to overcome this language anxiety and finally find the courage to speak.

Why English meetings are so much harder

Speaking English is one thing. But speaking English in a meeting - that's an entirely different challenge.

Why?

1. Time pressure and speed

In meetings, people speak quickly. Discussions jump from topic to topic. While you're still thinking about the perfect phrasing, the conversation has already moved two steps ahead.

2. Public stage

It's not just one person listening - it's 5, 10, maybe 20 people. Every mistake feels bigger because it's "public."

3. Hierarchy and performance pressure

When your boss or important clients are in the meeting, the pressure intensifies. You want to appear competent - and you're afraid that a language slip will undermine your professional expertise.

4. Interruptions and dynamics

In some cultures, people wait politely until someone finishes speaking. In international meetings - especially with native speakers - interruptions happen more quickly. That makes it harder to get a word in at all.

5. The fear of going blank

"What if I lose my train of thought mid-sentence? What if I get stuck and everyone's staring at me?"

All these factors combined lead many professionals to stay silent in English meetings, even when they have something to say.

The psychology behind language anxiety

Language anxiety - or "speaking inhibition" - isn't a language problem. It's a psychological problem.

Many of my students can read and write English fluently and even communicate well in one-on-one conversations. But as soon as they're in a meeting, there's this block.

Why?

It's about loss of control. In an email, you have time to revise sentences. In a conversation with one person, you can ask questions, pause, correct yourself. But in a meeting? You have to react spontaneously - and in front of an audience.

Add to that: perfectionism. People who are successful and competent in their jobs often have particularly high standards for themselves. The thought "I can't make mistakes" paradoxically leads them to say nothing at all.

And then there's comparison with others. "That colleague speaks so fluently. The new intern spent a year abroad. I can't compete with them."

But here's the truth: Nobody expects you to speak perfect English. They expect you to contribute your expertise.

7 strategies to find your voice in meetings

1. Prepare your opening line

The hardest moment is the beginning. Once you've said the first few words, it gets easier.

Therefore: Prepare your entry point.

If you know a specific topic will be discussed, think of one or two sentences beforehand that you can use to contribute:

• "I'd like to add something here..."

• "From my perspective..."

• "May I share an idea on this?"

You don't need to script your entire contribution. But this first sentence gives you the courage to start. And often, the rest flows naturally from there.

2. Use standard phrases to enter the conversation

You don't need brilliant, original formulations. You need reliable phrases that always work.

To take the floor:

• "If I may jump in here..."

• "I'd like to comment on that."

• "Can I add something quickly?"

To buy thinking time:

• "That's an interesting point. Let me think..."

• "Good question. I would say..."

• "From what I've seen..."

To politely interrupt:

• "Sorry to interrupt, but..."

• "May I add something here?"

• "Before we move on, I'd like to mention..."

These phrases give you structure - and with it, security.

3. Accept that you don't need to be perfect

This might be the most important point: Your English doesn't need to be perfect.

International teams are used to working with non-native speakers. Nobody expects accent-free English. Nobody expects you to never make a grammar mistake.

What they expect: That you communicate clearly.

A simple, clear sentence is better than a complicated one that trails off unfinished.

Instead of:
"Well, I think we should, uh, perhaps consider the possibility of maybe adjusting the timeline..."

Better:
"I suggest we adjust the timeline."

Short. Clear. Confident.

4. Speak early in the meeting - not at the end

The longer you wait, the harder it becomes.

Why? Because the anxiety builds. You sit there, listening, thinking: "I should say something... but when?... now?... no, that moment's passed..."

The solution: Speak early.

Even if it's just a small comment. Even if it's just agreement:
"I agree with Sarah on this point."

Now that you have spoken once, the threshold for your next contribution drops significantly. You're "in the conversation" - and that makes everything easier.

5. Use the chat feature in online meetings

If the meeting is online, you have an advantage: the chat.

If you don't feel confident speaking directly, you can write your contribution first. This gives you:

• Time to organize your thoughts

• The opportunity to check your wording

• Visibility for your idea, even without speaking

And often, something interesting happens: The host picks up your point and asks you directly. That makes it much easier to respond - because you're no longer speaking "out of nowhere."

6. Practice "thinking out loud" - alone

Many people practice vocabulary or grammar. But hardly anyone practices what really matters in meetings: reacting spontaneously in English.

Therefore: Practice "thinking out loud."

Imagine you're in a meeting. A colleague makes a suggestion. How would you respond?

• "That's a great idea."

• "I see your point, but have we considered...?"

• "I'm not sure I agree. What if we...?"

Say these sentences out loud - even when you're alone. Your brain gets used to formulating spontaneously in English. And in a real meeting, it will feel more familiar.

7. Allow yourself to ask questions - it's not a weakness

There's something you didn't understand? Ask.

That's not a weakness. That's professionalism.

Better to ask now than to draw the wrong conclusion and work in the wrong direction.

How to ask politely:

• "Sorry, could you repeat that?"

• "Just to clarify - do you mean...?"

• "I want to make sure I understood correctly. Are you saying...?"

Native speakers ask questions, too, by the way. It's part of good communication.

The difference between "knowing English" and "mastering meeting English"

Perhaps you can read English, write emails, and deliver presentations (with preparation). But meeting English is its own skill.

It's about:

• Response speed - reacting spontaneously to questions or objections

• Assertiveness - making yourself heard, even when others speak faster

• Flexibility - handling unexpected topics or discussions

• Confidence - appearing composed even with uncertainties

You don't develop these skills through textbooks. You develop them through practice in realistic situations.

What to do when the anxiety feels too big

Sometimes language anxiety is so strong that strategies alone aren't enough.

If you notice that:

• you're missing important career opportunities because you stay silent in meetings,

• the fear of English meetings is affecting your quality of life,

• you lie awake at night worrying about it,

...then it's time for professional support.

An experienced language teacher or coach can:

• role-play meeting situations with you

• give you individual feedback on your pronunciation and phrasing

• help you identify and dissolve mental blocks

• provide a safe environment to make mistakes and learn from them

Because the truth is: You'll speak more confidently when you practice regularly without fear of consequences.

Your next step: Speak up in your next meeting

You don't have to become an eloquent meeting expert overnight.

But you can take one small step.

Choose one strategy from this article:

• Prepare your opening line

• Speak early in the meeting (even if it's just agreement)

• Use the chat in online meetings

• Ask when there is something you don't understand

Just one of these steps. In your next meeting.

And then observe what happens. Usually, the thing you feared most doesn't happen at all. The world doesn't end. Nobody laughs. The meeting continues. And you've proven - to yourself - that you can do it.

Small steps lead to big confidence. And to a voice that gets heard.

Need support with speaking English at work?

At Linguages, I've been helping professionals communicate more confidently in English for over 25 years – in meetings, on calls, and in presentations.

Whether individual coaching with meeting simulations, conversation training, or customized corporate courses - together we'll find the solution that fits your needs.

Book your free consultation now and let's talk about how you can overcome your language anxiety.

What's your biggest challenge in English meetings? Fear of mistakes? Finding the right moment? The speed? Share in the comments - I'd love to hear from you!