Timing: Communicating and making your presence felt early in a
meeting is a good idea for two reasons. First, it tends to calm jitters
which you may be experiencing about speaking up in front of the
group. Hearing your own voice and "getting it over with" often
diminishes these fears. Second, saying something asserts your
energy and presence as a force in the gathering. Don't be the first to
comment or ask a question, but stay alert for the first appropriate
opportunity early in the proceedings where you can either ask a
pointed, relevant question or comment upon the topic being
discussed. Be clear, brief, and to the point. Non one appreciates
long-winded, rambling, or irrelevant monologues.