Closing the Confidence Gap: How to Turn Competence into Influence

Have you ever found yourself in a meeting where you know you have the skills and insights to make a real impact, but somehow your voice gets lost in the noise? You see others take control of the conversation, and while you may be more competent, they seem more confident. This is the moment when you realize that competence alone isn’t enough.

In today’s professional landscape, it’s easy to assume that expertise and hard work will naturally lead to success. But the truth is, confidence is the bridge between competence and influence. It’s the key to ensuring that your voice is not only heard but also acted upon.

To start building that bridge, it’s essential to shift how you think about communication. Here are some actionable questions you can ask yourself to begin transforming your competence into confidence.

Competence Isn’t Enough: Questions to Ask Yourself

If you want to truly maximize your influence, you need to start reflecting on how you present yourself. The following questions can help you identify areas for improvement and guide you toward a more confident communication style:

How am I showing up in conversations?

Do I hold back or second-guess myself when I should be asserting my ideas with confidence? Reflect on whether your presence in meetings and discussions aligns with the level of competence you possess.

Am I communicating in a way that connects emotionally?

Great communication is more than just relaying facts. How often do I pause to consider the emotional impact of my words? Am I connecting with others on a human level, beyond the content of what I’m saying?

Do I make space for my voice?

Are there moments where I allow others to speak over me or take control of a conversation, even though I have valuable input to offer? Am I giving myself permission to speak up and take ownership of the space I occupy?

The Gap Between Competence and Confidence: Your Mindset Shift

It’s common to believe that confidence is something you’re either born with or you aren’t. But the truth is, confidence is a skill—one that can be learned and developed. Start by asking yourself:

Am I treating confidence as a skill I can build?

When was the last time I invested in developing my communication style? Do I see confidence as something I can cultivate, or do I leave it to chance?

How can I show up more consistently with confidence?

Confidence comes from repeated practice and preparation. Am I giving myself enough opportunities to practice speaking confidently, whether in small meetings or larger presentations? Do I seek feedback and look for ways to improve?

How Communicate with Confidence? Fills the Gap

The Communicate with Confidence? method is built around this mindset shift. Confidence isn’t just about speaking loudly or memorizing lines. It’s about mastering the moments in between—the subtleties of human interaction that turn ordinary conversations into impactful ones. Here are a few key questions to help you adopt this mindset:

Am I focusing on the moments, not just the words?

When I communicate, do I focus only on the words I’m saying, or do I pay attention to the non-verbal cues, pauses, and emotions that can have just as much—if not more—impact? Am I attuned to the energy in the room?

Am I listening for what’s not being said?

Great communicators are great listeners. How well do I pick up on the unspoken signals during a conversation? Am I only hearing words, or am I also tuning into the emotions and body language behind those words?

Do I balance structure with spontaneity?

Do I enter conversations with a rigid plan, or am I open to adapting based on how the interaction unfolds? Am I too focused on getting through my points, or do I allow for spontaneity and flexibility that can make the conversation feel more natural and authentic?

A Solution for Professionals: Building Confidence with Action

Confidence is relevant to everyone, regardless of profession, gender, or level of experience. It’s a universal skill that anyone can cultivate. The Communicate with Confidence? method provides a framework for building confidence and amplifying your competence through meaningful communication. Here are a few more questions to consider as you apply this approach:

How well do I communicate my ideas under pressure?

When things get stressful, do I retreat or struggle to express myself clearly? How can I prepare myself to stay confident and composed in high-pressure situations?

Am I showing my true self when I communicate?

Confidence isn’t about pretending to be someone else. How authentic am I in my communication? Do I feel comfortable being fully myself, or am I holding back because I fear judgment?

Am I consistently inspiring action from others?

When I speak, am I getting the results I want? Am I motivating others to take action, follow through, or change course? What can I do to refine my communication style to become more persuasive and impactful?

It’s Time to Close the Confidence Gap

Confidence isn’t a luxury—it’s a skill you can develop. If you’ve ever felt like your competence isn’t fully translating into influence, now is the time to start asking yourself the tough questions. With the right mindset and the right tools, you can close the gap between competence and confidence, becoming the leader and communicator you’re meant to be.

Take the time to reflect on these questions, and begin making small changes in how you approach communication. Remember, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing up with intention, authenticity, and the confidence to inspire action in every interaction.

With Admiration,

Michael Cinquino

Co-founder of SoHo Creative Studio

Creator of the Communicate with Confidence? Method