Confidence & Communication: Overcoming Barriers to Speak with Impact

“Excellent communication doesn’t just happen naturally. It is a product of process, skill, climate, relationship and hard work.” – Pat McMillan, author, CEO

Confident Communication for Doctors: A Key to Professional Success

Effective communication is an essential skill for doctors, influencing patient trust, professional relationships, and career progression. However, many medical professionals struggle with confidence when speaking in high-pressure environments, whether addressing senior colleagues, participating in team discussions, or delivering presentations. Building communication confidence requires self-awareness, strategic techniques, and regular practice.

Common Barriers to Confident Communication

1. Imposter Syndrome

Many doctors I’ve spoken with, even those with years of experience, at times, doubt their abilities, fearing they will be exposed as "not good enough." This self-doubt can lead to hesitation during discussions or second-guessing their clinical expertise.

2. Fear of Speaking to Senior Colleagues

Working in hierarchical environments can cause junior staff to feel intimidated by more experienced colleagues. This can make it difficult to voice concerns, ask questions, or contribute ideas confidently.

3. Cultural and Upbringing Factors

In some cultures, individuals are raised to be reserved, avoid confrontation, or defer to authority. As a result, they may struggle to assert themselves in professional settings, leading to missed opportunities for leadership and collaboration.

4. Lack of Public Speaking Experience

Speaking to a group—whether in a meeting, case presentation, or conference—requires a different skill set than one-on-one conversations. Without practice, many doctors find public speaking nerve-wracking and stressful.

Techniques to Improve Communication Confidence

1. Mindset Shifts: Recognising Your Expertise

Confidence begins with self-perception. The first step is acknowledging your knowledge and experience and understanding that your insights and contributions are valuable. A simple reframe—“I have something important to contribute”—can make a significant difference in self-confidence.

2. Active Preparation

Confidence grows with preparation. Before a meeting or presentation, outline key points, anticipate questions, and rehearse your delivery. Even brief preparation can significantly improve clarity and assurance when speaking.

3. Using the POWER Framework

Pause: Take a breath before speaking to gather thoughts.

Open Body Language: Maintain eye contact, stand tall, and use purposeful gestures.

Word Choice: Use clear, direct language instead of apologising or hesitating.

Engage: Speak at a steady pace, varying tone to maintain interest.

Reflect: Review past interactions and identify areas for improvement.

4. Practicing Assertiveness

Assertive communication allows us to express opinions, set boundaries, and ask questions without fear. Simple techniques, such as using “I” statements—“I believe this approach may work better” rather than “Maybe we should try this”—can help bolster and convey confidence.

5. Seeking Constructive Feedback

You can improve communication by seeking feedback from mentors and colleagues or even through video recordings of your presentations. Constructive feedback highlights strengths and areas for growth, fostering continuous improvement.

6. Developing Active Listening Skills

Confident communication is not just about speaking—it’s also about listening. People who demonstrate active listening through nodding, summarising points, and asking clarifying questions build trust and show authority in discussions.

Final Thoughts

Confidence in communication is a skill that can be developed with practice and awareness. By addressing self-doubt, preparing effectively, and applying structured techniques, you can enhance your ability to communicate with clarity and authority. This not only benefits patient care but also fosters professional growth and leadership opportunities.

Need support?

I’ve helped many doctors overcome imposter syndrome and interview anxiety for important career opportunities, including consultant, fellowship and specialty training applications.

As an experienced Medical Career Coach, I’m here to help you review your CV, refine your applications, and navigate career options through personalised coaching. Contact me today to take the next step.

You can also watch the recording of my recent webinar presentation on this topic here.

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