Trivia Question❓

In a Canadian meeting, what does it mean when someone says "Let's take this offline"?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Newcomer Digest – Thursday's Edition

By the Newcomer Digest Team · A weekly guide for newcomers to Canada

You have good ideas, but in meetings you stay quiet. By the time your sentence is ready, someone else has said it. This week, we show you how to get into the conversation and be heard.

In this issue:

The story: Why newcomers go quiet in meetings
What to do instead: Three habits for your next meeting
What to say: Five phrases you can use right away
Tool of the week: A free place to practise speaking

Featured Story

How to Speak Up in Meetings When English Is Not Your First Language

Many newcomers stay quiet in meetings, even when they have strong ideas. The problem is usually not your English. Read our guide for three simple habits and ready-to-use phrases you can try in your next meeting.

Three habits for your next meeting

Prepare one point before every meeting. Read the agenda and write one idea, question or update in a short sentence.
Speak in the first 10 minutes. The longer you wait, the harder it gets. One early comment makes the next one easier.
Say the main point first. Give your idea in one sentence, add one reason or example, then stop.

Not ready to give an opinion? Ask a question. A good question is also a contribution.

Newcomer reality check: Your accent is not the problem. Silence is. Your manager cannot see ideas that stay in your head.

What to Say

Five phrases you can use this week

To get into the conversation:
"Can I add something here?"

To build on someone's idea:
"Building on what Sam said..."

To buy a few seconds to think:
"That's a good question. Let me think for a second."

To disagree politely:
"I see it a bit differently. What if we tried..."

When you missed your chance:
"I had one more idea after our meeting. Would it help if I wrote it up?"

Tool of the Week

Toastmasters

Toastmasters clubs meet in cities across Canada to practise speaking in a friendly, supportive group. Guests can visit for free, with no pressure to speak. It is one of the easiest ways to build confidence before your next meeting.

How to use it:

Website: toastmasters.org/find-a-club
Search by city or postal code
Check each club's meeting day, time and format

Know a newcomer who stays quiet in meetings? Forward this edition to them.

What makes meetings hardest for you? Reply to this email and tell us.

From the publisher

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💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Let's talk about it later, outside this meeting, with only the people who need to be involved. It is not a rejection of your idea.

Before you go

Every newcomer has questions that nobody answers clearly. We answer them one at a time, in plain language, with sources you can check.

Your turn. Reply to this email with the one question you'd like us to cover next. Your replies shape what we write.

Know someone new to Canada? Forward this email to them. It's the best way to help.

Missed an issue? Read them all at newcomerdigest.com/archives.