When Women Speak Up Confidently - We Listen

Speak Up with Confidence:

Speaking up confidently begins with cultivating a positive internal dialogue and acknowledging one's achievements and courage. It's about embracing and celebrating the experiences that have brought you to where you are today. People resonate deeply with your message when you speak authentically from your life and experiences. Confidence isn't just about speaking loudly; it's about speaking with conviction and authenticity, drawing from the richness of your own journey. This authenticity enhances credibility and invites others to connect more deeply with your ideas and perspectives. Confidence in communication is a powerful tool that empowers individuals to assert their voice and make a lasting impact in any professional setting.

Here are tips you can use to be seen and heard at work.?

???- Assert your ideas clearly and directly in meetings and discussions.

Asserting your ideas clearly and directly in meetings and discussions is essential for making an impact and advancing your career. When you have an idea, it's your responsibility to share it. Preparation is key: craft a compelling pitch highlighting the strengths of your idea, its potential benefits for the organization, and any potential challenges. Engage key stakeholders beforehand to garner support and build alliances. During the meeting, confidently present your idea, standing up and owning the room with conviction. Ask probing questions to clarify ownership and demonstrate your preparedness if someone attempts to appropriate your idea. Taking ownership of your ideas asserts your leadership and positions you as a proactive and influential contributor. It's about seizing opportunities to showcase your expertise and ensure your contributions are recognized and valued. This assertiveness is pivotal in establishing your presence and influence within your professional sphere.

???- Practice power poses and breathing exercises to boost confidence before speaking.

Preparing with power poses and breathing exercises can significantly boost your confidence before speaking in any setting. Start by shaking your hands vigorously, a technique I call "Duck Hands," to release nervous energy and assert control over your body's readiness. Next, engage in full-body stretching to release tension and emulate the preparation rituals of champions before a major event. Extend this practice to your voice, ensuring it can reach lower octaves to project authority and avoid the pitfalls of nervous high pitches. Interestingly, many highly successful women in media use lower vocal tones, potentially correlating with commanding presence and influence. Finally, arrive at the venue early to mentally and physically claim the space. Stretch your arms wide, affirming aloud, "I own this room," visualizing yourself confidently dominating the space and capturing every listener's attention. These proactive steps prepare you physically and mentally and set the stage for a commanding and impactful presence in any professional scenario.

???

- Use "I" statements to own your contributions and perspectives.

Using "I" statements to own your contributions and perspectives is crucial in asserting your professional identity and expertise. Early in my corporate career, I often defaulted to using "we" to distribute credit and avoid appearing boastful. However, I realized that taking ownership of my ideas and achievements is not about ego but clarity and accountability. Only I can effectively communicate my insights and expertise by using statements like "I believe," "I discovered," or "I know based on my experience." This approach asserts responsibility for my contributions and ensures that my voice and perspective are confidently represented. Embracing "I" statements is a powerful way to convey leadership and authority in professional settings, acknowledging the unique value of your wisdom and experience.

The Author

Pegine is a beacon of hope, inspiring and empowering women leaders worldwide. Her journey is miraculous, from her challenging teen years and gang affiliations in the Bronx to becoming a celebrated women’s leader and business champion as an author and speaker. Her motto is Be Powerful, Be You.?

Engaging, Authentic, Focused, and Wise, Pegine speaks at conferences, corporations, and organizations worldwide. She coaches women leaders in influencing, impacting, and inspiring others. Her clients are in business, government, higher education, military, and associations. Team Pegine was ranked #3 among North Florida's Fastest Growing Companies by the Jacksonville Business Journal. Hispanic Business Magazine listed her as a top Latina speaker, and she's the only Latina in the Motivational Speakers Hall of Fame.

Featured in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and Forbes, Pegine's books, including “Sometimes You Need to Kick Your Own Butt,” empower readers. SHRM praised her work, The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) recognized her as a Global Thought Leader in Diversity and Inclusion. www.Pegine.com Get your book "50 Success Secrets of Feisty Fearless Female Leaders" https://www.pegine.com/50secrets