Tips for Boosting Credibility Through Communication

Your words are your currency. And every sentence is a deposit or a withdrawal in your career. Most people think strategy drives success. But often, it’s the story you tell — about yourself, to yourself, and around others — that shapes what comes next. Let me show you what I mean. A senior leader I coached — we’ll call her Maya — was up for a major internal promotion. Brilliant. Qualified. Respected. But in every stakeholder meeting, she kept saying things like: → I’m just here to support. → This might be a dumb question. → I don’t want to overstep. One day, she overheard an executive say: She’s incredibly smart. But I’m not sure she sees it. And if she doesn’t, how can we? That’s when it hit me. Maya wasn’t lacking competence. She was leaking credibility through language. Because every word you speak teaches people how to value you. Your language shapes your perception before your résumé ever does. Here’s what I teach high-achieving leaders to watch for: 1. Cut the disclaimers Instead of: “This might be a silly idea” Try: “Here’s a bold idea I’ve been considering.” 2. Speak in headlines, not hedges Instead of: “I was kind of thinking” Try: “I recommend” or “My take is” 3. Claim your wins out loud Instead of: It was a team effort Try: “I led the rollout and collaborated across teams. A special thank you to…” 4. Swap apologizing for articulating Instead of: “Sorry for the delay” Try: “Thanks for your patience , here’s where we are” Note: Use judgment to decide when an apology is truly necessary 5. Reflect powerfully, not passively Instead of: “I hope this makes sense” Try: “Let me know how this clicks for you” Every word you speak builds your brand in real time. Not the logo kind. The leadership kind. Your voice in meetings. Your framing in emails. Your tone in tense moments. That’s your real résumé. And it updates every day. Your words can open doors. Or quietly close them. Speak like the role you’re growing into. Not the one you’re shrinking to fit. Because in leadership, language is leverage. What’s one phrase you’re letting go of this quarter? Tag a leader whose words elevate every room. Follow Loren Rosario - Maldonado, PCC for practical coaching that works in real life.

How to speak up when it feels safer not to. 10 ways to challenge with respect. You’ve been in this meeting. A senior team gathers to discuss a big decision. Someone says something that doesn’t sit right. Everyone notices. Everyone hesitates. And then... silence. Because speaking up feels risky. But staying silent? That costs even more. After decades in these rooms, here’s what I’ve learned: 1) If you don’t speak up, people assume you agree. → Silence doesn’t protect you—it defines you. → Say: “I see it differently—can I explain why?” 2) Being first is uncomfortable. → But it opens the door for others to follow. → Ask: “Is anyone else thinking about it differently?” 3) You teach people how to treat you. → Every “sure” tells them their idea is fine. → Try: “I don’t love that direction—here’s why.” 4) Disagreeing isn’t disrespectful. → Tone matters more than opinion. → Say: “Would it be okay if I offered a pushback?” 5) Fake harmony blocks real solutions. → If no one disagrees, nothing gets better. → Try: “I wonder what we’re not saying yet?” 6) Credibility builds real influence. → People listen to who earns their respect. → Build it by asking smart questions. 7) Silence sends a message, even if you didn’t mean to. → People assume you're on board. → Say: “I have another take -- can I share it?” 8) You don’t need everyone to agree. → But you do need to speak clearly. → Say what you mean in one sentence, then pause. 9) You don’t need a title to lead. → Trust is built by what you do, not what you have. → Be the steady voice people rely on when it counts. 10) People remember who spoke when they couldn’t. → Your voice might be the one they needed. → That’s leadership. 💬 If you don’t say it, no one will. ✅ Speak with purpose. ✅ Challenge with respect. ✅ Lead with credibility, not just a title. You don’t have to take over the room. You just have to move it forward. What’s one phrase or approach you use to challenge with respect? Please share 👇 ______________________ ♻ Repost to remind someone that quiet isn’t always safe. 👉Follow Stephanie Eidelman (Meisel) for more ways to grow your visibility and influence at work. 📫 Subscribe to my free newsletter, The Career Edit, for tools to lead with confidence: https://hubs.la/Q03dY9_n0

After analyzing my early speaking coaching clients… 3 flaws emerged over & over. Fix these to grow your credibility at work. 👇 When I started coaching in 2018, I didn't see it. But over time, patterns of feedback emerged. I was doing my first workshop in 2019 and in prep for that, I looked at the feedback for my first 50 clients. People were getting the same things wrong. When they fixed them, their credibility (and their impact) went up dramatically! The session was called: "Good delivery - from Seeing it Done Wrong." If you're... a data analyst, a salesperson, a consultant, a leader, a teammate, a Director, an Executive or anyone in the workplace. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝘅 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆: If you want to be seen as a leader when you speak, these habits instantly improve your credibility & presence: 1️⃣ 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀. (92% aka 46/50) “Um…” “Uh…” “Like…” "So..." "Ya know" "Right?" Why it matters: When they get excessive, it limits your impact. A few is fine. But if someone starts counting yours... you're done! Most people are UNAWARE how many they use. Here’s how to cut them out: ✔️ Use Pauses. Half-second stops. ✔️ Breathe first, then speak words. Calm voice = clear voice. ✔️ Use transition statements. “So what that means is…” helps you stay fluid and structured. Check yours by recording a work conversation. Listen back. ❌ More than 4 per minute 💡 Practice in every conversation, every day. ✅ Most people fix it in a week. 2️⃣ 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲. (60%) The best communicators don’t read slides... and don't just regurgitate info. An expert talks about things CONVERSATIONALLY. They sound like they own the topic. They speak 'with' you, not 'at' you. So how do you implement this: Ditch the script. Internalize your key storyline. Memorize less. Land your energy at a 6... like you like the topic. That’s what real leaders sounds like. 3️⃣ 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝘆𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗰𝘁. (50%) You’re likely looking away more than you realize. (or only at your slides). Many of us do it. (I’m guilty of it too.) We glance up while thinking… look at our slides to avoid 'staring eyes'. But we need to increase our eye-contact. Why this matters: Trust is built when you look people in the eyes. Implement these 3 in the next 2 weeks and watch your street cred grow! If you found these helpful... (or you know someone who needs these 😅) would you give it a 💡,👍, or repost it ♻️so others see it? Follow me for more practical communication tips for work based on coaching 300+ business professionals over the last 6+ years.

Have you ever wondered why you don't get responses effectively most of the time when you reach out to someone? Let's talk about effective communication and avoiding common pitfalls when reaching out to others for help or guidance. Over the years, I have learned some valuable lessons that have greatly improved my communication skills, especially when connecting with busy professionals like physicians or senior colleagues. Here are some key points to consider: 1. Start with a Proper Greeting: Instead of jumping straight into your message, take a moment to greet the person respectfully. Avoid informal greetings like "hey bro" or "hi," and opt for a more professional approach. 2. Introduce Yourself Clearly: Make sure to introduce yourself early in the message so the recipient knows who they're talking to and the purpose of your communication. 3. Be Direct and Concise: Clearly state what you need or want from the recipient concisely. Avoid unnecessary details that may clutter your message and make it difficult to understand. 4. Express Gratitude: Always remember to thank the person for their time and consideration. A simple closing statement or expression of gratitude goes a long way in demonstrating professionalism. 5. Organize Your Message: Ensure your message is well-structured with proper spacing and formatting. Avoid sending multiple disjointed messages and instead, consolidate your information into a single coherent message. 6. Watch Your Grammar and Punctuation: Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and capitalization to convey professionalism and attention to detail. Simple mistakes can detract from your message and give the impression of carelessness. 7. Respond Promptly: Show respect for the other person's time by responding to their messages promptly. Delayed responses can signal a lack of seriousness and commitment. By following these guidelines, you can enhance your communication skills and make a positive impression when reaching out to others for assistance. Remember, professionalism starts from the very first interaction, so strive to communicate effectively from the outset. I'll continue to share more insights on this topic, but for now, let's focus on implementing these practices into our communication efforts. Our journey as aspiring healthcare professionals must demonstrate professionalism and effective communication skills right from the start. #communication #usmle #match2025

For high performing ICs, one of the easiest ways to inspire confidence in your abilities is through consistent, reliable follow-through and communication: 1. Say what you’re going to do. 2. Do it well. Tell your manager you’re doing it. 3. Tell your manager you did it. 4. Repeat. The problem is when you skip one of these steps. You might be doing the work, but if you forget to tell your manager, they will rightfully follow up because they have no idea what you're doing and how it's going. Many people think "being independent" and "having to manage up" are at odds. But actually, one leads to the other: When you proactively keep stakeholders in the loop, they trust that you'll pull them in as needed and let them know how things are going before they ask, all of which makes them want to encourage you to go forth boldly and keep doing what you're doing. __ I share lessons for high performing ICs and managers every Wednesday in my newsletter. Tap the 'visit my website' link in my bio to join.

The third tip in my series of tips to help Quality professionals excel and continue to grow is to communicate intentionally. Be intentional in your communications with stakeholders. Tailor your message to your audience. Communicating with executive leadership is very different than communicating with your peers in the Quality department. Think about the message you want to get across, but also think about the perspective from which the receiver of the message will view things in the context of their own objectives. This helps you demonstrate confidence and competence. Here are some actionable tips on how to communicate intentionally: 1. Understand Your Audience: -Tailor your message to the specific knowledge, priorities, and perspectives of your audience. -Recognize the distinct communication needs when engaging with executive leadership versus peers in your department. 2. Adapt Your Style: -Adjust your communication style to suit the preferences and expectations of your audience. -Flexibility in tone, formality, and detail ensures effective communication in different contexts. 3. Clarify Your Objectives: -Clearly define the purpose of your communication to align with your overall objectives and those of your audience. -Ensure your message serves a specific and meaningful purpose. -Also be sure you’re clear on what actions, if any, you want your audience to take as a result of receiving your message. 4. Consider Their Perspective: -Anticipate how your message will be perceived from the perspective of the receiver. -Align your communication with their objectives, addressing potential concerns and demonstrating a nuanced understanding. 5. Demonstrate Confidence and Competence: -Speak with assurance and clarity, showcasing your expertise on the topic. -Maintain a respectful and approachable demeanor. #pharmaceuticalindustry #qualityassurance #regulatorycompliance  

Effective communication conveys your legal expertise and enhances your professional image. I listed some tips and tricks to transform complex ideas into clear, impactful messages. Dive in! 1. Clarity is Key: Learn techniques to simplify complex legal concepts, avoid jargon, and present your ideas in a way that is easily understood by clients, colleagues, and the judiciary. 2. Precision in Language: Explore the power of precise language. Choose the right words to convey your message. Discover how precision in language can strengthen your legal arguments and eliminate ambiguity. 3. Structure for Impact: Understand the importance of a well-structured document. From clear introductions to concise conclusions, learn how to organize your legal writing for maximum impact. Explore techniques to guide your reader seamlessly through your arguments. 4. Edit Ruthlessly: Embrace the editing process with a ruthless mindset. Refine your writing. Eliminate unnecessary words. And make sure each sentence serves a purpose. Editing can transform your draft into a polished and professional piece. 5. Audience-Centric Writing: Tailor your writing to your audience. Whether it's a legal expert or a layperson, understand how to adapt your language and tone to effectively communicate with different audiences. Enhance your ability to connect with clients and stakeholders. 6. Embrace Technology: Explore how technology can be your ally in legal writing. From grammar-checking tools to style guides, leverage technology to ensure your writing is not only clear but also adheres to professional standards. This journey through mastering legal writing is not just about honing a skill; it's about creating a professional identity. Clear and concise communication is not only a reflection of your legal prowess but also a tool to build trust and credibility. Do all these and you will leave a lasting impression in the legal arena. #LegalWriting #CommunicationSkills #LegalTraining

Solving a technical problem to close the deal is not enough. You must also: - Know how to uncover and connect to the prospect’s perception of value. - Understand your prospect’s problems about achieving the business goals of the organization. - Help identify the problems that are worth solving — even if the prospect does not know at the outset which are the real problems. - Understand their personal value in addition to quantifiable business benefit. - Collaboratively develop a solution you are uniquely able to deliver – through solving unique problems your competitors can’t. - Work together to develop a mutually agreed upon plan for execution and the realization of value in helping to achieve the business goals and imperatives. This process creates the foundation for trust. In order to build credibility, add value, consult, and sell your products and services you should also ask yourself: - If you’re assigned a specific industry, are you well-versed in its current issues? - Can you engage in a conversation around those issues and add perspective and insight to anyone in the industry? - Are you reading what your customers and prospects are potentially reading online, in trade magazines, and industry websites? - Are you current and knowledgeable on the issues facing the decision-makers you are calling on? - If you’re seeking new business opportunities, are you researching what company data is available in the public domain? - Do you understand the company’s goals and objectives? Can you predict where the likely struggle may be for the organization? - Do you have all of the information you need to prepare for an engaging conversation where you can contribute perspectives, insights and ask thoughtful questions? - Are you engaging with the prospect online? Demonstrating your expertise not just for a specific problem, but their industry as a whole? You need to connect to your prospects on a deeper level. This is how you set yourself apart from the crowd. Focus on credibility and you’ll close more business. What else would you add here? P.S. - Get some value? Follow me for daily posts.

Managers intimidated me at the start of my HR career.   I was younger. Less experienced. And had usually been with the org for less time.   But I needed to level up and communicate with confidence.   Are you wanting to do the same? ⬇   Here are 4 tweaks you can make to increase your confidence:   ✅ Adapt Your Style   Establishing credibility with managers can be difficult. Before interactions, do your homework. Then adapt your communication style accordingly.   Are they a data-obsessed manager? Arm yourself with spreadsheets and numbers.   Do they approach their meetings with creativity and humor? Sprinkle both into your presentation.   This is true no matter the stage of your career.   But it's especially effective when you're working to establish a reputation for yourself.   ✅ Stay Calm   This is easier said than done.   In reality, you probably will get rattled. You just can't show that you're rattled.   It takes practice.   The best way to get started on this?   Speak slower.   Measured speaking communicates confidence. And helps ensure well thought-out responses.   ✅ Listen with Empathy   You might get nervous to the point that listening becomes secondary. Fight against this.   Being able to listen closely is crucial to adapting your communication.   The empathy part takes your listening to the next level.   Overlay active listening with empathy to ensure your responses are on point.   ✅ Ask Questions   Show you understand the topic at hand. While seeking to gain knowledge and grow your understanding further.   It's a great opportunity to learn.   And managers will respect your interest and effort. You don't have to be intimidated by managers like I was. Level up and communicate with confidence.   ---------------------------------------------------------   I share career growth and high-impact business tips for HR professionals.   Follow me for practical, positive tips to grow your HR career!

To win a seat at the table, you have to speak in NUMBERS. I learned this a long time ago when I was raising money from venture capitalists. A well-known VC pulled me aside and said: “It’s really easy Kruse. When a VC asks you a question, you better have a number in your answer.” That’s because the C-level thinks and speaks in numbers. Numbers are their everyday pattern. Numbers are your fast track to credibility. *** Here’s an example of the WRONG way to approach your CEO. CEO: How’s it going in leadership development? ❌ You: Great, our New Manager Program just finished its first cohort. CEO: Hey, we speak in numbers in this room. What numbers do you have? ❌ You: We had 24 graduates in the first cohort, and they rated it 4.1/5 stars. CEO: …[throws you out of the room] *** And here’s an example of the RIGHT way. CEO: How’s it going in leadership development? ✅ You: Great, 25 participants just graduated from our New Manager program. After six months, average employee engagement scores increased 18%, stress decreased 22%, and better yet, their average number of GROW Coaching Conversations doubled. *** The second response works because you speak about the things you know your CEO cares about: —> Employee engagement —> Stress —> Behavior change for a key skill Specificity = Credibility #leadershipdevelopment #learninganddevelopment #traininganddevelopment P.S. Curious to hear from all of you. What numbers are you referencing in your meetings with senior leaders this year?