Have you ever been in a meeting,  and people in the meeting start using terminology or acronyms that you don’t understand?  Or you have a comment or clarification related to the meeting discussion but you’re afraid to say it for fear of sounding ignorant? This happens to me often. I’m in a lot of meetings. Between work, my faith community, and Rotary, I’m on five boards.  Acronyms and  industry jargon gets slung around all the time. I don’t always know what they mean.   When that happens, I am in a bind. I am thinking everyone but me must understand this because no-one is asking for clarification. I think to myself, “do I ask what this confusing language means? Will I look dumb for asking? I don’t want to keep sitting here not understanding.”

As I’ve gotten older I’ve decided that if I don’t understand something, I am going to ask and if I  have a comment that’s relevant I’m going to say it.

I let go of of the the fear of sounding stupid.  I figure, at best I’ll gain knowledge and enrich the conversation.  At worst, nothing will happen.  So, if  I can’t quickly figure out the terminology with a Google search, I ask for clarification.

Since I’ve started being inquisitive, do you know what happened? I have started to learn. I know more terms, acronyms and industry-specific language. Also. I’ve found I’m more part of the dialog. Speaking up actually enriches the conversation.

I have found that by asking questions or weighing in with my opinion, I not only learn more. I am asking questions that other people have. I am often pushing the conversation forward in a direction that is lending itself to better decision-making. The discussion is more thorough about the topic.

I know that there’s a saying that goes something like, “better to remain silent and be thought, a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” Yes, there are times to remain silent. I still keep quiet for the most part when politics are discussed or when I am really angry. Words at those times can veer off track.

Fear is an emotion that helps keep us safe when we are in danger. However, when misplaced, fear can keep us from growing. It can cause us to stay out of a conversation. It can cause us to not follow our curiosity. It lets our self talk driven by intimidation or being overly self conscious win the moment. Professional meetings, conferences, or classrooms are places for us to learn, grow, contribute. Not to be fearful.

When you find yourself in meetings with terms being used you don’t know or that need clarified, don’t be afraid to ask about them. People are gracious. They want you to be included in the conversation. After all, you are there to be part of the group and to help make decisions. People leading meetings are usually glad when someone asks for clarification. The last thing  those responsible for leading a meeting want, is for people to not understand what they are saying.

Quiet your negative self talk. Take ownership for your part of the meeting. Ask questions. It will likely make a positive impact on  the outcome.