Anyone else struggle to speak coherently in meetings?

[MuseumofInnocence]

I have noticed I sometimes struggle to speak coherently and fluently in work meetings, and I often hear other people say the most simple things confidently and fluently. In my normal day to day life I'm fairly articulate.

I was in a teleconference today and when it came to my turn to speak, I spoke gibberish and afterwards I was really embarrassed. I wasn't trying to say anything complicated, and in my defence, teleconferencing can be hard as you don't see the faces or reactions of people you are talking to. Still, I'd like to improve. It's not public speaking like giving a speech, but it's the ability to make a decent, fluent point in a meeting.

Anyone else do this, and have any tips to improve please?

I used to struggle and I have improved a lot. It's much the same advice as for interviews slow down and consider what is the point you're making. If you have a trusted colleague on the call ask for feedback. And know that it's not as bad as you thought, were you analysing what anyone else said in detail and how they said it?

It was a very short meeting so I didn't get the chance to assess the others, but there was one other person in the meeting who came across very clearly

I used to be like this but gradually became more confident, this happend over time when I became a subject expert and had to talk more to pass on info or answer direct questions. Before then I'd often not open my mouth in meetings so the fact you said anything is a real positive.

Don't get too caught up in how you think it sounded.

Most of my meetings are teleconferences now and I prefer them as no one can see if I'm nervous or not. We use Skype for business a lot and don't put the video on. Being able to go on mute really helps as can clear my throat and take a deep breath before talking.

Id rather listen to someone who might chip in with a passing comment maybe speaking a little fast due to nerves than someone dominating the conversation but not really adding value.

Write brief bullet points in advance so in your mind you are clear what your point is. As the meeting evolves (ie you can plan in advance as well) still take a minute to think about your point before speaking and often you can still scribble key words down. Take a deep breath before speaking and speak slowly to calm yourself down. If you start waffling look at your key words. If you've said each of them, stop talking.

Remember some of your colleagues are probably half looking at their phones/emails and not listening at the other end of the call anyway!

I struggle with this so much too no tips im afraid

If you know what you will be asked or are presenting on a specific topic, write a script in preparation and also consider what questions you might be asked and how you would respond.

Doesn’t have to take long but a short amount of prep will give you confidence and this will show in your delivery.

Very few people are natural at winging it, most do prep behind the scenes. I schedule meeting prep into my diary.

Good luck, it is something that can be learnt. I’d also encourage you to ask for feedback. You maybe hyper conscious of your nerves but they may not shine through as much as you think.

Thanks for the tips. It is definitely something I need to improve on. I watched some YouTube videos as well, and preparation seems key

Do you actually feel nervous? I find it helps if I decide I hate everyone in the room, I'm not nervous any more. I can fake hating them for 20 minutes if he helps me get thru a mtg.