Risk-Free Visibility

You know the feeling. You're sitting in a meeting, listening. People are talking - some dominating, some interrupting, some simply trying to get a word in. And you find yourself stuck between two uncomfortable options: either stay silent and feel like a pot plant at the table - or speak for the sake of speaking, just to prove you have a voice.

Neither option feels right. So what’s the alternative?

Let’s talk about how to contribute meaningfully - even when you’re unsure of what to say.

1. Become the Observer

Start by paying close attention to the room. Who’s speaking the most? Who hasn’t spoken at all? Who’s generating interesting ideas, and who’s being overlooked or cut off?

Simply noticing the dynamics is powerful. It gives you insight - and opens the door for thoughtful, supportive action.

2. Ask Clarifying Questions

You don’t need to offer a brilliant new idea to add value. One of the most powerful things you can do is to ask someone to clarify theirs.

Nancy Kline, in her book Time to Think, reminds us that many people don’t know what they think until they hear themselves say it. So if someone shares something unclear, try: “Just to check - did I understand correctly that you’re saying X?”

That moment of reflection might help them refine their thinking - or feel heard and validated. Either way, you're contributing to clearer, sharper dialogue in the room.

3. Make Space for Interrupted Voices

If someone has been cut off (it happens more often than we’d like to admit), you can gently bring them back into the conversation: “I was really interested in what Kate was saying earlier, but I don’t think she had time to finish. Kate, could you say a bit more?”

That small act of support can change the tone of a meeting - and earn you real trust and respect.

4. Amplify Good Ideas

This is a powerful technique borrowed from the women in President Obama’s cabinet. When someone shares a valuable idea, say: “That was a great point that Helen made. What she said was…”

Why does this matter? Two reasons: First, it reinforces the value of her contribution. Second, it makes it much harder for someone else to later repackage the idea as their own (something we’ve all seen happen too often). And saying it twice helps it stick.

5. Invite Quieter Voices In

Notice who hasn’t spoken. Then simply say:

“I’d love to hear what Zachary thinks - perhaps he has something to add?”

People often hold back because they think what they have to say is too obvious or not valuable. But more often than not, their insights are exactly what the conversation needs. You may be the reason that a crucial voice gets heard.

Why This Matters

Research shows that meetings where speaking time is more evenly distributed produce better decisions. It’s not just about who’s in the room - it’s about what ideas are in the room. That’s cognitive diversity. But people can only contribute if the space feels safe and inclusive enough for them to do so.

So no - you don’t need to walk into every meeting with a TED Talk in your back pocket. You don’t need a headline-making insight or a perfect one-liner.

You just need to be present, engaged, and willing to support the flow of thought in the room.

That, in itself, is powerful leadership.

Before I go, a quick announcement: the waitlist is now open for Pathway to Partnership, starting this October. It’s my programme designed especially for women lawyers who want to step into partnership with clarity, confidence, and purpose. We’ll focus on the why of partnership, building real confidence, and developing client relationships that support your growth.

If that sounds like you, send me a DM or book a chat through my website. I’d love to hear from you.

Until next time,
Cecilia

Source: LinkedIn Live: https://www.linkedin.com/events/risk-freevisibility7331226082215460864/theater/