How to Speak Up in Meetings (Even If You Feel Nervous)
- Tom Lockhart
- May 30
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 1
🎧 Listen to the full recording of this blog post below, or check out the Anglo Pass Podcast on Spotify.
🎙️ Hello Anglo Passers, it's Tom here and welcome to today’s post.
Today we’re talking about something that happens to a lot of people, especially when working in international teams: speaking up in meetings... and why it can be so hard.
😶 That moment you didn’t speak
You were in a meeting and you had something to say, maybe a comment, a question. Maybe you even had a great idea. But the moment passed .You stayed quiet.
And now, days later, it’s still on your mind. Not the topic. Not the people. Just the feeling:
“I should have said something.”
🤔 Why do we stay silent?
We often tell ourselves:
“It’s not the right time.”
“Someone else will probably say it.”
“I don’t want to interrupt.”
But usually, the real reason is simpler.
We’re nervous. We don’t want to say the wrong thing, and we’re unsure if we have the right words, especially in English.
💡 The real challenge? Just starting
But you don't need perfect English. You don’t need a long speech. You just need a way to begin. That’s where short, clear phrases can help. They give you the confidence to join the conversation without pressure.
🗣️ 5 Easy Phrases to Speak Up in Meetings
Next time you’re in a meeting or Zoom call, and find yourself hesitating to speak, try one of these:
Can I just say something?
I'd like to share a quick thought
Just to add to what [Name] said…
I see your point, but…
Sorry to interrupt, but this might help…
You don’t have to use them all. Even one can help you feel more confident.
🎯 Why it works
The hardest part is getting started. Once you speak, the rest becomes easier. These phrases:
Show that you’re involved
Sound polite and professional
Help you take part, even if you feel nervous
When you speak, people notice. Not because your English is perfect, but because your voice is present.
📦 Want a bit of extra help?
I’ve put together a free Practice Pack to help you with this. It includes:
✅ A full phrase list
✅ Some quick tasks
✅ A short video presentation
👉 Click below to get the free Practice Pack
And, if you’d like to practise this in real time, with support and feedback, join us in the Business English Accelerator Course. We practise real conversations like this every day in a friendly, focused group.
Thanks for listening or reading today.🎙️ I appreciate you being here. Until next time, keep speaking up. And keep moving forward. 💬👣
