Being an introvert is tough at the best of times, but at least in your personal life you can handle things to some degree. At work, however, this isn’t possible as you are daily thrust into environments with many people and interaction is expected of you.

To get better at coping with your introversion in the workplace, Onward have created this guide with tips about how to get more out of that very regular and awkward situation, the workplace meeting.

Here are just a few:

Prepare your points beforehand

• Request a copy of the upcoming meeting’s agenda and read through it
• Make note of the areas where you wish to contribute or find out more
• Write down a brief outline of what you want to speak about
• When it comes to the selected area you will be more confident about saying what you have prepared

Get there in time and practice

• Go to the meeting room 5-10 minutes before it is due to start
• Warm up by making small talk or discussing the meeting agenda with others
• You will be more comfortable in your surroundings and be less nervous about the opinions of others if you have already engaged them

Take your time

• Introverts prefer to form their point fully in their head before speaking
• If you are asked your opinion don’t allow yourself to be rushed
• Request that they return to you after you’ve had some time to think your ideas through

Talk to colleagues individually

• If you had lots of ideas on a certain topic, ask the team member who brought it up if you can discuss it one-on-one
• Make a note of the points you want to cover and arrange a suitable time for both of you

Meetings can be the work situation most fraught with anxiety for introverts, this often means that their talents and abilities are overshadowed by their silence. By taking these small steps to boost your confidence, you can start overcoming those fears and making the most of your time at meetings.