Do you ever feel like your voice—and the voices of others—aren’t being heard in meetings?

As a non-native English-speaking leader, ensuring that every team member feels comfortable contributing can be a challenge, especially when navigating language barriers and cultural differences.

But with the right expressions, you can foster a collaborative atmosphere where everyone’s input is valued.

In today’s globalized workplace, effective communication is key to building trust, driving success, and encouraging collaboration.

For leaders who are non-native speakers, navigating meeting participation requires a strategic approach to ensure every voice is heard and respected.

That’s why I’ve compiled this list of professional expressions to help you encourage participation, engage your team, and make sure everyone has the opportunity to contribute.

Top Expressions for Encouraging Participation in Meetings

Here are some powerful phrases you can use to create a more inclusive environment in your meetings:

• "What are your thoughts on this issue, [Name]?"
  Encouraging individuals to share their perspectives upfront sets a tone of inclusivity and openness.

• "I’d like to hear [Name]’s perspective on this. What do you think?"
  Addressing people by name signals that their input is both valued and important.

• "Would you like to share your opinion, [Name]? Please, go ahead."
  Offering explicit permission in a friendly manner encourages individuals to speak up with confidence.

• "It seems like [Name] has something to add. Please feel free to continue."
  Acknowledging someone’s attempt to contribute fosters a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing.

• "I noticed [Name] was interrupted earlier. Can you please finish what you were saying?"
  Recognizing interruptions and restoring the floor to the interrupted person emphasizes their importance in the discussion.

• "Let’s circle back to [Name]. What were you going to say?"
  Ensuring that everyone gets the chance to contribute by revisiting those who haven’t spoken yet.

• "Could you please elaborate on that, [Name]?"
  Encouraging deeper exploration of ideas shows that you’re genuinely interested in what others have to say.

• "I think [Name] has some insights that could benefit the discussion. Take it away."
  This expression empowers individuals to confidently share their ideas.

• "Before we move on, I want to make sure we hear from everyone."
  This phrase sets the expectation that everyone’s input is valued and helps create a more inclusive discussion.

Overcoming Language Barriers in Meetings

For non-native speakers, managing language barriers while encouraging participation can seem daunting.

However, you can make things smoother by using:

• Simple and clear language.

• Open-ended questions that invite thoughtful responses.

• Active listening and body language that shows engagement.

By incorporating these expressions into your meetings, you’ll create a work environment where every team member feels heard, respected, and empowered to contribute their best ideas.

Elevate Your Leadership Communication

Remember, effective leadership communication isn’t just about speaking—it’s about listening, encouraging, and facilitating meaningful dialogue.

When you can confidently lead meetings where every voice is heard, you’ll create stronger teams and drive better results.

Keep Learning

Don’t stop here—learn simple things you can do to elevate your executive presence in English. Click here to dive in!

Also, download your free audio training of the three must-know leadership communication skills for non-native speakers here.

Be a More Confident Leader in English

If you’re ready to elevate your English communication and executive presence, or if you're looking for training resources for the international leaders in your company, book a call today at TanniaSuarez.com to find out how I can help you meet your goals.