Turn Nerves into Power: Speaking with Confidence at Work

Ever had that moment in a meeting where your mind goes completely blank? One second, you're ready to share your brilliant idea, and the next, you're staring at your laptop like it personally betrayed you. Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. Many professional women—especially those speaking English as a second language—struggle with nerves in meetings, presentations, and high-stakes conversations. The fear of making mistakes, being misunderstood, or simply not sounding “confident enough” can hold you back.

But here’s the good news: nerves don’t have to be the enemy. In fact, you can turn them into your secret weapon. Here’s how:

1. Reframe Your Nerves as Excitement

Your brain doesn’t know the difference between fear and excitement—it’s all just adrenaline! Instead of thinking, “I’m so nervous, I’m going to mess up,” tell yourself, “I’m excited to share my ideas!” This small shift makes a huge difference in how you show up.

?? Try this: Before your next meeting, take a deep breath and say out loud: “I’m excited for this opportunity.” Yes, you might feel silly, but trust me—it works!

2. Prepare Key Phrases, Not Scripts

Trying to memorize full sentences? Bad idea. One forgotten word, and poof!—your whole thought process derails. Instead, prepare key phrases and ideas you want to express.

?? Example: If you need to challenge an idea in a meeting, have a go-to phrase like: “That’s an interesting perspective. Another approach could be…” This way, you’re ready to speak up naturally, without overthinking.

3. Slow Down and Own Your Space

Speaking quickly makes you sound more nervous, not more fluent. Confident speakers take their time.

?? Try this: Pause for a second before you speak. Take a breath. And if you need a moment to think? Use a filler phrase like “That’s a great question, let me think about it for a moment.” You’ll sound more composed—and give yourself time to gather your thoughts.

Final Thought: You’re More Capable Than You Think

Your voice matters. Your ideas deserve to be heard. And the more you practice, the easier it gets. Confidence isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up despite the nerves and speaking anyway.

?? Want more practical strategies to boost your communication confidence? Download the Empowering Professional Women E-Guide —it’s packed with tools to help you speak up, stand out, and succeed.

Now, tell me in the comments: What’s your biggest challenge when speaking in meetings? Let’s tackle it together! ??