Be on the lookout for interruptions. If someone starts making a point but another loud voice cuts her off, provide cover by saying, “Hang on, Ann wasn’t finished.” As an added bonus, I’ve found that doing this also bolsters your own credibility. Similarly, if you see someone seeking to get a word in, you can help create an opening: “John looks like he wants to say something.” My colleague did this for me once in an executive review with twenty other people, and to this day I remember the rush of gratitude I felt.
