As APAGS chair for the last year, I have often been a voice for students in rooms where I have 20 to 30 years less experience compared with other attendees. As anxiety provoking as that experience has been at times, it was necessary and it taught me a great deal about how to effectively speak for student issues as well as how to make a positive, lasting impression no matter the audience. Here's my advice for all students on how to speak out on behalf of our interests:
1. Do your prep work.
Regardless of whether you are asked to formally speak to student concerns or you choose to informally comment, people are more likely to listen to you and take you seriously if you are prepared. So, before the meeting, learn about the history of the group you are speaking to. Find out which key players are likely to be present so you can connect with them about shared interests and establish allies. Ask questions beforehand to clarify issues or procedures for making comments, since group norms vary. Gather the facts about the issues you are likely to speak about and provide specific data whenever possible.
2. Listen closely.
Stephen Covey, author of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," said, "Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply." There is something to be said for truly listening. If you are going to advocate for your peers, you need to listen to them. Talk to them about the issues they face and attentively listen to their responses. If you understand their concerns, you can more effectively communicate them to psychology leaders. If you are already in leadership, listening to these concerns can guide your projects and initiatives. Also, try to understand the others' perspectives whether you agree with them or not. There is a time to listen, and a time to speak.
3. Be prudent.
This is closely related to my second point. As a student leader, the fact is that often you will be viewed as less credible than others in the room. In the past year as APAGS chair, for the most part my student voice has been highly valued, but that has certainly not always been the case. Student issues are unlikely to be the primary concern in meetings you attend, so when you speak, you want it to be powerful. That's why it is best to choose judiciously what you say and when you say it. This can be a difficult principle to follow, especially for a loquacious person like me, but it can really boost your political power and effectiveness.
4. Be professional.
This may seem like it goes without saying, but it is key to being an effective voice for students. Students are at a disadvantage already in leadership situations due to their lack of experience, their limited knowledge about the systems or politics at play, their lack of long relationship histories with senior leaders and the stereotypes that remain about students or early career individuals. As a result, the way you present yourself is often much more important than how other, more senior leaders present themselves. So, dress and carry yourself professionally. Be prompt and dependable. Watch the frequency and tone of your jokes, keeping them as neutral as possible. As you learn the culture of the group, you might be able to act more casually, but do not risk it at the start. The goal is to leverage yourself and your voice as much as possible, and being professional is key.
It is true that speaking out for student issues can be anxiety provoking, but advocating for students is important for both the profession and the development of your leadership competencies. Follow these tips and reach out to your mentors and peers for support.