1. Learn about
the participants. If you are attending an important meeting
where people will be present whom you have not yet met, learn about
them in advance. Google their names, read their websites, review
their LinkedIn profiles, or whatever options are available to you.
How would you view someone who took the time to learn about you in
advance?
2. Dress
appropriately. The way you appear in meetings will impact
how you are viewed—both at the subconscious and conscious level.
When you take pride in your appearance, people will regard you more
seriously and will place more value in what you say.
3. Come prepared.
Before attending a meeting, review the agenda and come prepared for
the discussion. Very few things reflect as negatively on meeting
participants as when they are unprepared. If you are part of the
presentation, come organized and ready to deliver your message with
excellence.
4. Arrive early.
When you show up to meetings early, you will likely feel relaxed,
comfortable, and in control. Rushing into a meeting at the last
minute never feels good. Being there as people arrive allows you to
greet and connect with each person individually. Showing an interest
in people before the meeting makes them more receptive to what you
share during the meeting.
5. Pick a good
seat. If appropriate, ask the meeting’s organizer where he
or she would prefer you to sit. If the seating is open, put some
thought into where you would want to sit. As an example, if you will
be sitting at a rectangular table, sit at the end of the table. Not
only will this allow you to easily see each person at the table, but
the end seat is often associated with authority.
6. Conceal your
phone. Put your phone on the silent mode when entering any
meeting and put it out of sight. Looking at your phone during a
meeting is not only disrespectful, but it is also an indication that
the meeting is not your priority.
7. Listen with
your whole body. One of the most effective ways to
demonstrate your respect for others is to listen with interest. Give
your full attention to the person speaking. Make 100 percent eye
contact with each person as they speak, lean forward, and listen
carefully to what they say.
8. Never
interrupt. When people are talking, give them the courtesy
of finishing before sharing your thoughts. As you listen, don’t
give any indication that you have something to say. If you do want to
contribute something, wait for the speaker to finish. If everyone is
jumping into the conversation, just signal to the person in charge
that you have something to share, and then wait until you are called
upon.
9. Think before
you speak. One of the fastest ways to lose people’s
respect in meetings is to waste their time with rambling thoughts.
Ask yourself, “What is the best way for my point to be easily
understood using the fewest number of words possible?” People
who aren’t constantly running their mouths and who are thoughtful
in what they say are those who earn people’s respect.
10. Participate.
If you are part of a meeting, it’s important to be an active
participant. You can’t gain influence if you aren’t contributing
value. It could be asking a question, volunteering to take the lead
on one of the points discussed, clarifying a point, or simply
supporting an idea.
11. Take notes.
If a topic is being discussed that falls under your area of
responsibility, make notes. Don’t rely on your memory. Taking notes
also indicates that you understand what’s being said and are taking
your responsibility seriously.
12. Don’t be a
distraction. Whispering to the person next to you, sending
notes around the table, or leaving the room to use the restroom can
cause a disruption of concentration for the speaker as well as the
audience. It indicates to everyone that the subject being discussed
is not important to you.
13. Include
everyone when talking. When you speak, make it a point to
share eye contact with each member of the group. This does not mean
scanning the group. It means being intentional to make sure each
person feels included.
14. Disagree
respectfully. If you have a concern about something being
discussed, start by asking questions to better understand the
opposing point of view. If you are still concerned, share your
position in a humble and respectful manner. If things don’t go your
way, control your emotions and body language.
15. Don’t check
out. If you are part of a meeting and a specific agenda item
doesn’t impact you, stay attentive and involved. I can scan a room
and tell who’s interested in the discussion and who’s not and so
can every other intelligent person in the room.
Twitter :: @wizbuds
