All Ears English Podcast: AEE 2457 – Can You Relate? How to Speak Up with Confidence in a Meeting

Release Date: August 7, 2025

In Episode 2457 of the All Ears English Podcast, hosts Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan delve into the art of speaking up confidently during meetings. Aimed at intermediate to advanced English learners, this episode provides practical strategies to enhance participation in group discussions, whether in academic settings or the workplace.

1. Overcoming Hesitation in Group Discussions

The episode kicks off with Lindsay and Michelle sharing their personal experiences from graduate school, highlighting the common struggle of feeling hesitant to speak up in group settings.

Lindsay McMahon [02:22]:
"I also sort of sometimes struggled to speak up in these discussions."

Michelle Kaplan [05:19]:
"It can be hard to put yourself out there in classroom discussions."

These sentiments resonate with many listeners who find themselves overshadowed by more vocal participants or uncertain about contributing meaningfully.

2. The Power of Connection and Validation

A central theme of the episode is the importance of connecting ideas and validating prior speakers to build confidence. Michelle emphasizes how linking your thoughts to what someone else has said not only fosters a smoother conversation but also demonstrates active listening and respect.

Michelle Kaplan [03:14]:
"To be able to connect ideas, to link things together I think is such a huge piece of this."

Lindsay McMahon [04:53]:
"It shows respect for your classmates… or workmates, too, in a meeting."

By validating others, speakers create a supportive environment that encourages more active participation.

3. Introducing Key Strategies: "Piggybacking" and "I Can Relate"

The hosts introduce specific expressions to help listeners confidently add to ongoing discussions:

a. Piggybacking on That

Michelle Kaplan [07:28]:
"Piggybacking on that… I also think we need to look into our sales for Q3 to make this decision."

Lindsay elaborates on the metaphor, likening it to adding your idea on top of someone else's, thereby creating a cohesive conversation.

b. I Can Add to That

Michelle Kaplan [08:41]:
"I can add to that. We have had really good progress, but we need to focus on customer attrition."

This phrase allows speakers to seamlessly introduce their thoughts while acknowledging the previous contributor's input.

c. I Can Relate

Lindsay McMahon [11:33]:
"I have had a similar experience…"

Michelle Kaplan [11:42]:
"I've had a similar experience. So I agree that it is something we should pay attention to."

Sharing personal experiences not only validates the discussion but also fosters a deeper connection among participants.

4. Practical Application Through Role Plays

To illustrate these strategies, Lindsay and Michelle conduct two role plays—one in an academic setting and another in a business environment.

a. Academic Scenario

Group Project Meeting

• Lindsay:
  "If we highlight this point here on the first page, I think we would be in great shape."

• Michelle:
  "Piggybacking on that, there are a ton of areas we should be revisiting."

• Lindsay:
  "I can add to that. I think we do need to spend some more time on this."

This exchange demonstrates how to build upon each other's ideas, ensuring the conversation remains focused and productive.

b. Business Scenario

Hiring Discussion

• Michelle:
  "Extending from what Lindsay said, this is really important and we shouldn't take it lightly."

• Lindsay:
  "I can relate to what Lindsay said. It's crucial to avoid the trap of spending too much on marketing."

Even in a one-on-one meeting, these expressions facilitate meaningful dialogue and mutual understanding.

5. Benefits of Using These Strategies

Implementing phrases like "piggybacking on that" and "I can relate" offers several advantages:

• Boosts Confidence:
  Knowing how to connect your ideas reduces the fear of speaking up, as your contributions are anchored to existing conversations.

• Demonstrates Active Listening:
  Validating others' points shows that you are engaged and value their input, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

• Enhances Communication Flow:
  These expressions help maintain a logical progression in discussions, making conversations more coherent and effective.

Lindsay McMahon [17:28]:
"Can you connect what you're saying to what someone said before? Not only to respect the people in your group but also to give yourself a confidence boost."

6. Conclusion: Building Effective Communication Skills

Lindsay and Michelle wrap up the episode by reiterating the significance of connecting ideas and validating others in boosting one's confidence to speak up. They encourage listeners to practice these strategies in their daily interactions to become more effective and confident communicators.

Michelle Kaplan [17:50]:
"It's okay. If you need that. It's human."

This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their participation in meetings and group discussions, emphasizing that connection and respect are key to confident communication.

Key Takeaways:

• Connect and Validate: Use phrases that link your ideas to others' to create cohesive and respectful conversations.
• Utilize Specific Expressions: Incorporate "piggybacking on that," "I can add to that," and "I can relate" to build confidence and demonstrate active listening.
• Practice Through Role Plays: Engage in practical scenarios to apply these strategies effectively in both academic and professional settings.

By adopting these techniques, listeners can transform their approach to group discussions, fostering environments where everyone feels valued and heard.