Your ideas are being ignored in a meeting. How can you assertively make your voice heard?

Be calm and composed. A defensive or emotional outburst can undermine your credibility. When you feel like getting defensive or argumentative, take a deep breath, maintain eye contact, and restate your idea or point. Also, consider the timing and the method of your intervention. Wait for a natural pause and then assert yourself. If you can, support your ideas with examples or data. Another effective strategy is to ally with colleagues before the meeting to ensure you have support when you present your ideas.

To assertively make your voice heard in a meeting: 1. _Prepare in advance_: Gather evidence and data to support your ideas. 2. _Build alliances_: Connect with colleagues who share your views, strengthening your collective voice. 3. _Speak clearly and confidently_: Use "I" statements, avoiding aggression or blame. 4. _Use nonverbal cues_: Maintain eye contact, use appropriate gestures, and sit up straight. 5. _Ask for feedback_: Encourage others to share their thoughts, creating a collaborative environment. By building alliances and assertively expressing your ideas, you'll increase your impact and make your voice heard in the meeting.

While asserting your ideas in meetings is crucial, it's equally important for the meeting facilitator to ensure all working styles can contribute comfortably. Introverts or reflective thinkers may struggle to assert themselves amidst more vocal participants. To address this, consider alternative idea-capturing methods such as post-meeting forums for idea submission or collaborative tools like Miro or whiteboards for written idea submission and voting. These approaches promote inclusivity and ensure all voices are heard.

Your ideas may not be considered due to but not limited to the following; If it deviates from the subject matter, if it is costly to consider,and if your responses in the group meeting are very poor to be considered. Hence, to have the issue resolved, one needs to critically consider the about causes and take measures to overcome them. One needs to put into consideration how his or her ideas will impact the aim of the meeting.