Laurie Robinson Haden | Fall 2025
In high-stakes corporate and legal environments, meetings are more than status checks or a seat—they’re where influence is built, perceptions are shaped, and visibility is earned. Remaining silent, even with impeccable work behind the scenes, can unintentionally signal disengagement or lack of leadership readiness. Speaking up strategically ensures your contributions are not only heard but remembered and valued.
Here are 10 practical, high-level strategies to amplify your voice and presence in meetings:
- Echo a Leader’s Point with Purpose
Affirming a senior executive’s statement, then building on it, shows alignment and initiative. For example: “I agree with Angela’s insight on operational risk, and in Legal, we’re seeing a similar trend as we draft vendor agreements under the new policy.”
- Link the Discussion to Your Work
Tie broader conversations to your legal priorities to elevate relevance. “This conversation around data expansion aligns with the privacy risk assessments we’re running. We’re flagging early issues before implementation.”
- Cite and Connect Colleagues’ Ideas
Weave together others’ contributions to show leadership and synthesis. “Building on what Marcus mentioned about compliance gaps and tying in Jasmine’s point on training, this gives Legal a real opportunity to drive education on policy clarity.”
- Offer a Strategic Question, Not Just a Comment
A well-placed question shows foresight and engagement. “How are we planning to position ourselves if the pending legislation passes? It could impact our current licensing strategy.”
- Translate Legal into Business Value
Frame legal input in terms executives care about: risk, reputation, and revenue. Instead of “We need to revise the NDA,” say, “To protect our IP and reduce exposure, we recommend tightening confidentiality terms before entering negotiations.”
- Use Data to Support Your Point
Bring metrics, even if qualitative. “Last quarter, we cut contract cycle time by 18%—a direct result of our new triage process.”
- Speak in Sound Bites
Make your points concise and memorable. “Three risks, one solution.” Or, “This decision buys us speed but costs us cover—what’s the appetite?”
- Connect to the Enterprise Strategy
Position your comment within the company’s mission or goals. “As we pursue international expansion, this regulatory landscape will define how aggressive we can be in-market.”
- Close with a Path Forward
Avoid speaking in isolation—offer direction. “Based on this discussion, Legal can return with a mitigation plan by next Tuesday.”
- Don’t Wait to Be Called On
Influence doesn’t come quietly. Find a moment, even briefly, to insert a thoughtful point. “Before we move on, one legal consideration on the vendor terms worth noting…”
In conclusion, strategic participation isn’t about dominating airtime; it’s about seizing key moments to position yourself as a business-minded legal leader. Each meeting is on stage, and speaking with intention helps ensure that your insight, influence, and impact are recognized at every level. Your voice isn’t just commentary—it’s currency. Use it wisely.
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