Don't we all just love meetings? In 15 years as a training consultant, I don't think I've actually met a single person who feels that they spend too little time in meetings.

And yet, despite the fact that so many people don't look forward to most of their meetings, they are an essential part of business life and most of us have to attend them regularly.

However, this 'dislike' can soon turn to 'dread' if you are one of the many who struggle to actively participate in meetings and to voice what deep down they want to say.

So, what can you do to turn from being a mouse into an eagle in the boardroom?

1. Be prepared

For most, thorough preparation is essential to building confidence. This may include:

Re-reading your notes and/or official minutes from a previous meeting(s) – are you fully aware of what has been discussed or agreed previously?

Ensure that you have updates available on any action points from previous meetings which were your responsibility;

Study the agenda carefully (you may need to request this in advance); see which items on the agenda are particularly relevant to you and prepare information you can contribute or questions to which you need answers;

Circulate significant information/figures etc before the meeting; this gives other participants the opportunity to know beforehand that you have relevant information and means that you are more likely to be included by them as they ask questions;

Talk to key influencers on a 1-2-1 basis before the meeting in order to raise awareness of the fact that you have a contribution to make.

2. Forewarn

If you have a meeting which you are due to attend and you have some relevant information, speak to the meeting chairperson beforehand and advise of the information you have available. If necessary, explain that you feel a little nervous; a good chairperson will make certain that you are given opportunity to present your information.

3. Write briefing notes

Do not rely upon your memory alone when you are going into a potentially stressful situation – when under pressure, we tend to forget all those questions and comments that we intended to make and either revert to silence or, worse, we just spout gibberish. Write down any key pieces of information you may need to offer and in particular, write down word-for-word any questions which you may need to ask to ensure that you actually ask what you need to. Writing things down is not a sign of weakness.

4. Dress the part

Regardless of whether it should or shouldn't make a difference, dressing smartly when you are attending a meeting usually adds to your credibility in others' eyes and boosts your own self-confidence. Don't go over the top, but look to match the dress code of key influencers in the room. Obviously, also pay attention to other aspects of your personal appearance and hygiene.

5. Arrive early

We usually feel much more confident when we have arrived somewhere well in advance. This also provides you with an opportunity to chat with other participants beforehand and build a little rapport. If I go to a meeting with unfamiliar people, I often take on the role of 'mum' and sort out teas and coffees for people, as this is an excellent way of being able to strike up an introductory conversation if you are a little shy when meeting new people.

6. Make notes and ask questions

You will almost certainly find that consciously making notes helps distract you from your nervousness. It also helps you be able to ask sensible, relevant questions when you can quickly refer back to key pieces of information presented by others. If a question comes into your head but it is inappropriate to ask it at the time, write it down for use later.

7. Learn from your performance

After the meeting, take a little time to think back over how it went (regarding your participation); identify the things which went well so you can repeat them in the future. Spend a little time working out why any mistakes occurred and most importantly, what you would do differently next time.

Being a positive participant in a meeting is partly down to personality, although do not think that 'loud' or 'self-confident' means that the contribution made is any higher value.

You won't necessarily be transformed from mouse to eagle overnight, but with constant application of the tips offered and continually self-learning from each meeting experience, you will find your confidence grows. For more careers advice, visit jobsite.co.uk.