EngineerHer

In the male-dominated field of engineering, female professionals often face the challenge of being talked over and ignored in meetings. Collaboration and communication are key in engineering.  It’s a pervasive issue that demands proactive strategies to ensure that the valuable contributions of female engineers are recognized and acknowledged. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore a range of empowering tactics to help female engineers navigate and manage these situations effectively.

1. Assertive Communication: Find Your Voice

One of the most effective ways to counter being talked over is to develop assertive communication skills. It’s essential for all engineers to express their thoughts with clarity and confidence. This involves maintaining eye contact, using a steady tone, and practicing active listening. By honing these skills, engineers can establish a commanding presence in meetings, making it more difficult for others to talk over them. However, it can be more difficult for female engineers to gain these skills, particularly the commanding presence part.

2. Preparation is Key: Know Your Material

Being thoroughly prepared for meetings can be a game-changer. When female engineers demonstrate a deep understanding of the subject matter, they command respect. Preparing concise and compelling talking points ensures that when they do speak, their contributions are impactful. This making it less likely for others to overlook or dismiss their insights. However, it is entirely possible to overprepare as well. If you’re looking at a 5min presentation/ conversation, three hours is probably overkill. Taking the time to learn what works for you in terms of preparation is really important. As is being comfortable saying “Let me come back to you on that”.

3. Strategic Body Language: Project Confidence

Body language plays a crucial role in how individuals are perceived in professional settings. Female engineers can utilize open and confident body language to assert their presence. Maintaining good posture, using purposeful gestures, and occupying space in a room can project confidence and discourage interruptions.

4. Amplification Technique: Support from Peers

In a collaborative work environment, female engineers can employ the amplification technique. This involves colleagues, especially those of the same gender, supporting each other’s ideas by restating them and giving credit to the originator. This not only ensures that female engineers’ voices are heard but also adds weight to their contributions. This was heavily used by women in Obama’s White House. If it worked for them, it will work for you! (https://www.vox.com/2016/9/14/12914370/white-house-obama-women-gender-bias-amplification)

5. Create a Culture of Inclusivity: Lead by Example

Cultivating an inclusive meeting culture is a collective effort. Female engineers can take the lead by actively encouraging participation, seeking input from quieter team members, and setting an example of respectful listening. When meetings become forums where diverse voices are welcomed and valued, everyone benefits. When you have the opportunity, ask others to chip in, particularly those you know have valuable inputs or who don’t usually speak.

6. Establish Boundaries: Learn to Say No

Female engineers should feel empowered to set boundaries, especially if they find themselves consistently talked over or ignored. Learning to say no to excessive interruptions or dismissive behaviour is crucial for maintaining professional respect. Clearly communicating the need for uninterrupted speaking time can be an effective boundary-setting strategy. This can be as simple as saying, “Thanks for that info, but I hadn’t quite finished”. Or “So, Mary, I don’t think you have finished making your point there?”

7. Utilize Technology: Virtual Meeting Tools

In the era of remote work and virtual meetings, technology can be harnessed to ensure equal participation. Utilize features like the “raise hand” option, chat functions, or dedicated speaking slots to manage conversations effectively. This levels the playing field, giving female engineers a platform to contribute without the risk of being talked over.

8. Speak with Data: Leverage Facts and Numbers

Backing up statements with data not only adds credibility but also makes it harder for others to dismiss contributions. Female engineers can strengthen their arguments by incorporating relevant facts, figures, and case studies into their presentations. This approach not only demands attention but also positions them as authoritative voices in their field. This also means there is no way a female engineer can be deemed to be talking from an emotional standpoint. Saying “we spent €300k last year on upgrading meeting rooms versus €100k on the canteen” can be easily proven or disproven…

9. Mentorship and Sponsorship: Seek Allies

Building strong professional relationships with mentors and sponsors can be instrumental in navigating the challenges of being talked over. Female engineers can seek guidance from experienced colleagues who can provide insights, advice, and advocacy. Allies within the organization can play a pivotal role in ensuring that their contributions are acknowledged and celebrated. Starting these conversations can be as simple as going to someone to ask for advice. People, male or female, tend to really love being asked for advice. So, when you think you have an issue coming up and there’s someone you admire in the organisation – stop them in the corridor or drop them a quick message asking if you could book out a few mins in their diary to ask their advice on something. It will be only natural to then follow up with them to tell them how it worked. Or they will reach out to ask how it went. Informal networks like this are really important for sponsorship in particular.

10. Feedback and Advocacy: Make Your Voice Heard

Constructive feedback is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Female engineers should actively seek feedback from colleagues and superiors to understand how their contributions are perceived. Armed with this information, they can advocate for themselves more effectively, addressing specific concerns and showcasing their value to the team. Now, go to people you trust for the feedback, but don’t necessarily stick to people you think will give positive feedback. Sometimes knowing the critical things that are being said are as important as the positive. Equally, sometimes you need someone to tell you you’re doing a good job. Don’t go to the person you’re constantly butting heads with for feedback if you’re feeling low.

Conclusion

In the dynamic world of engineering, where innovation thrives on diverse perspectives, it’s essential to empower female engineers to overcome the challenges of being talked over and ignored in meetings. (educating those doing the talking over and ignoring is also vital, but let’s look at what we can do ourselves first) By embracing assertive communication, strategic preparation, and supportive networks, female engineers can not only manage these situations but also contribute significantly to the success of their teams and the advancement of their careers. The key lies in fostering a culture of inclusivity, where every voice is not only heard but valued for the unique perspective it brings to the table.