You Do Not Have to Be Loud to Be Heard
Let’s face it: not everyone is born ready to command a room.
And in some workplaces, being smart, prepared, or capable still isn’t enough.
Maybe you’ve tried to speak up in meetings, only to be ignored.
Maybe you’ve been told to be “more confident” or “more assertive,” but no one ever told you how.
Or maybe you’re the person who freezes when it’s your turn to talk—even though your ideas are better than half the room.
I get it.
I remember the first time I was invited to an executive meeting. Everyone in the room knew who I was, but no one knew I was supposed to be there.
I walked in, held my breath, sat down, and opened my notebook like I had a job to do. Meanwhile, I could feel it—those stares, the unspoken question:
“Why is she here?”
I said nothing.
I scribbled notes I didn’t need.
I tried not to shrink.
So yes, I get it.
And I’ve coached dozens of professionals through this exact experience.
Here are five practical strategies you can start using today to find and use your voice—without pretending to be someone else.
1. Prepare Power Phrases
We over-prepare our content and under-prepare our delivery.
Start building a bank of go-to phrases that help you jump in, redirect, or land your point with confidence.
Try phrases like:
“Let me build on that…”
“Here’s what I recommend based on the data.”
“To circle back to the original question…”
“I have a different take — here’s what I’m seeing.”
Having these in your back pocket prevents scrambling when the pressure is on.
Try this: Write down five phrases that feel natural to you and practice saying them aloud, like you’re in a meeting.
2. Anchor in Data, Land in Impact
Technical experts often bury their brilliance in details.
To lead, start with impact and then support it.
Example:
Instead of:
“We reviewed six versions of the model and ran three sensitivity analyses…”
Say:
“The new model reduces client risk by 22 percent. Here’s how we did it.”
Women, in particular, tend to downplay outcomes to avoid sounding arrogant. Flip that instinct.
Try this: Write your main point in one sentence before the meeting. Practice leading with it.
3. Use the “Pause and Pivot”
If you’ve been interrupted, talked over, or ignored (especially in male-dominated spaces), this one is for you.
Try saying:
“Hold on, I’d like to finish my point.”
“Let me wrap this thought, then I’d love to hear your perspective.”
Pause, then repeat your last sentence calmly and clearly.
This isn’t confrontation. It’s presence.
Try this: Practice one of these lines aloud until it feels like second nature.
4. Make Eye Contact with Purpose
You don’t need to stare anyone down. But visual connection helps anchor your message—especially when delivering key points.
If you’re nervous, try:
Looking between someone’s eyebrows
Holding eye contact for one full breath, then moving on
Try this: Practice with a friend or in the mirror. Say something bold, hold the gaze, and let it land.
5. End Strong, Avoid Trail Off
How you end your message matters more than you think.
Avoid phrases like:
“…but that’s just my opinion.”
“…unless someone has a better idea?”
“…so… yeah.”
Instead, try:
“That’s the recommendation I’m standing behind.”
“Let me know what questions you have.”
Try this: End your next contribution with clarity even if it feels uncomfortable at first.
Bottom Line
You don’t need to change who you are. You need to own how you show up.
Voice isn’t about being loud.
It’s about being clear, intentional, and unshakeably present.
Pick one of these strategies and try it this week.
See what shifts.
Your ideas are already solid.
Let’s make sure people hear them.
Want to Strengthen Your Leadership Voice?
If you’re ready to build authentic leadership presence and communicate with more confidence in high-stakes moments, the VOICE™ Method may be exactly what you need.
Let’s elevate how you show up without compromising who you are.