Key Strategies for Confident Communication

People often ask me: “How do I talk about myself confidently in interviews or at events without bragging?” This is STILL hard for me. But I have a few tricks: 1. Ask a friend for help Ask a friend or colleague their 3 to 5 favorite traits about you. Tag them below if you want to use this post as a reason to reach out! Sometimes, it’s hard to see our own strengths. — 2. Harvest stories that show those traits Don’t just say “I’m detail-oriented.” Instead, say: “In my last role, I managed a complex, multi-phase project where tracking every detail mattered. I created a system that helped the team stay on schedule—and we launched early.” — 3. Use the ‘Problem → Hard Work → Outcome’ framework When you tell stories about your traits, structure them like this:  • What was the challenge? • What did you do about it? • What was the result? This gives people a full narrative arc, and helps them visualize you solving problems and delivering results. — 4. Let others brag for you If talking about yourself feels awkward, borrow someone else’s words. Example: “My last manager used to say I was the most organized person she’d worked with. That’s why I was often assigned to high-stakes projects.” Testimonials and quotes add credibility, and make it easier to sound proud, not boastful. — 5. Practice out loud Writing your story is one thing. Saying it confidently is another. So, say it out loud like you’re chatting with a friend. Smooth out the rough parts and make it sound like you. If you hold back from presenting your best self, just to avoid sounding like you're bragging, you might end up missing real opportunities. So, get comfortable sharing your strengths. Practice telling your story. And remember: confidence isn’t bragging when it’s backed by truth.

Is that critical inner voice sabotaging your confidence? Here's your 3-step battle plan to silence it for good. Recently I witnessed a remarkable transformation at UC Berkeley School of Information. Graduate students who entered my public speaking workshop trembling with anxiety left confidently presenting their ideas. No magic involved. Just structured approaches, peer support, and breaking down intimidating challenges into manageable steps. Self-doubt can turn ordinary tasks into overwhelming obstacles. After a journey conquering my own inner critic (and helping clients do the same), I've identified 3 game-changing techniques to build up self-trust: 1) Recognize Your Inner Parts (Internal Family Systems) Your mind isn't one unified voice—it's a committee of different parts! That harsh critic? Just one member trying to protect you in its misguided way. When self-doubt strikes, pause and ask: "Which part is speaking right now?" Is it your perfectionist afraid of failure? Your overachiever terrified of looking incompetent? Don't fight these parts—acknowledge them: "I see you're trying to protect me, but right now I need to trust my capabilities. I've prepared for this." 2) Reframe Imposter Syndrome as Growth Energy Did you know up to 82% of professionals experience imposter syndrome? It's especially prevalent in tech where we're constantly navigating uncharted territory. But what if that uncomfortable feeling isn't a problem to solve? Try this perspective shift: - That discomfort signals you're stretching into new growth territory - Channel the nervous energy into preparation, not paralysis - View each learning curve as evidence of growth, not failure 3) Apply the "Let Them" Theory Mel Robbins' approach is brilliantly simple: Let people think what they want. Let them react however they choose. Let them misunderstand you. You can't control others' perceptions, but you absolutely control how you show up. Ask yourself: "What weather am I bringing today?" Replace every spiral that begins with "What if they think I'm not good enough?" with "Let me": - Let me trust I'm contributing my best - Let me decide I'm enough, regardless of external validation - Let me focus exclusively on what I can control You don't need permission to lead or perfection to add value. Everything you need is already within you - you just need to trust yourself to use it. Next time self-doubt creeps in, identify which inner voice is speaking, recognize that discomfort signals growth, and focus on what you control rather than others' opinions. What technique will you try first? Share in the comments! #SelfConfidence #LeadershipDevelopment #ImpostorSyndrome

Why Your Brilliant Ideas Get Ignored: The Hidden Psychology of Workplace Credibility Research consistently shows that workplace credibility is established within the first 30 seconds of interaction, yet many professionals struggle with being taken seriously due to presentation rather than competence. Here's what I observe coaching professionals: we focus on being right while ignoring the psychology of being heard. The credibility killers sabotaging your career:  → Apologizing before sharing ideas ("This might be wrong, but...")  → Over-explaining to prove competence instead of demonstrating confidence → Speaking in questions instead of statements ("Maybe we should consider...?") After coaching individuals for over 20 years, I’ve noticed that people often make competency judgments very quickly, and these judgments are usually based on confidence markers rather than expertise, such as strong, steady eye contact, a clear and measured speaking voice, and assured physical presence It’s a perceived authority that comes from specific behavioral signals that can be learned. Here’s a credibility framework that I use with clients and that works: 🔹 Master Decisive Communication  ➤ Replace "I think maybe we could..." with "I recommend we..." Replace questions with statements.  ↳ Tentative language signals uncertainty about your expertise. 🔹 Own Your Contributions  ➤ Start with "Based on my analysis..." Never start with apologies or disclaimers.  ↳ People respect professionals who own their expertise rather than downplay it. 🔹 Use Strategic Silence  ➤ After making a point, pause for 3 seconds instead of immediately explaining further.  ↳ Over-explaining signals insecurity. Confident professionals make their point and trust it. 🔹 Document Your Impact  ➤ Keep a weekly record of contributions and outcomes. Reference these in discussions.  ↳ Concrete examples establish credibility more quickly than generic claims about hard work. Being taken seriously isn't about fairness—it's about psychology. The most respected person understands how credibility actually works. Stop hoping your work will speak for itself. Start speaking for your work with the authority it deserves. Coaching can help; let's chat. Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Joshua Miller for more tips on coaching, leadership, career + mindset. #CareerAdvice #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #Workplace #ExecutiveCoaching #Communication

Want To Master the art of building confidence and owning achievements without feeling boastful? Use These 5 Techniques To Promote Yourself. I have been in the Sales industry for 15+ years. During that time, I have closed millions in sales deals while building high-performing teams in male-dominated industries. I recently had the honor of presenting at the INBOUND conference, where I shared insights on how Women Sell Better by Leveraging Diversity to Boost Sales. In fact, I’ve invested so many hours into mastering my craft that I’ve developed frameworks and techniques that not only increase sales but transform how professionals see themselves and their abilities. But do you want to know a secret? I actually use the same five proven techniques every time. Technique #1: The Acknowledge & Affirm Strategy Here’s how it works: - Step 1: When someone compliments you, pause and fully absorb it. - Step 2: Acknowledge the compliment by saying, “Thank you,” but don’t stop there. - Step 3: Affirm it with “It’s true” or by stating the achievement behind the compliment. This simple template allows you to confidently own your accomplishments, transforming compliments into moments of empowerment. Technique #2: The Achievement Reflection Here’s how it works: - Step 1: Regularly reflect on recent successes, no matter how small. - Step 2: Write down your specific actions to achieve them. - Step 3: Share these reflections with others as part of your personal brand story. Quick note: Don’t downplay or brush off your accomplishments. That's a mistake. These steps work better when you fully embrace and communicate your wins authentically. Technique #3: The ‘Lead with Value’ Method Here’s how it works: - Avoid starting conversations with 'I did this' – it can come off as boastful. - Do lead with the value your action brought to the team or the client instead. - If you avoid self-centered language and focus on the value you create, you’ll unlock greater recognition and deeper connections. Easy, right? Technique #4: The Feedback Amplifier Here’s how it works: - Step 1: Ask for feedback on specific aspects of your work. - Step 2: Use the positive feedback to validate your strengths. - Step 3: Incorporate this feedback into your narrative when promoting your skills. Do these 3 things, and you’ll naturally amplify your confidence and others' perception of your expertise. Technique #5: The Confidence Anchor Here’s how it works: - Tip 1: Create a daily ritual where you recognize at least one thing you’ve done well. - Tip 2: Visualize a past success before entering a challenging situation. - Tip 3: Use affirmations to remind yourself of your strengths. That’s it! These techniques help you build unshakable confidence and promote your achievements without feeling boastful. #ThankYouItsTrue #OwnYourAwesome #WomenInSales

Fact: The secret to being a top performer isn’t in working harder. It’s in communicating smarter. Yes. Let me elaborate: After more than 15 years in the corporate world, the biggest lesson that I’ve learned is that the way we communicate plays a pivotal role in rising the ranks. Top performers take ownership of the room. They make people feel heard, they are considerate to everyone, and they lead not just through their work, but through their language. I've spent countless hours across executives, and the one quality that I often see in them is excellent communication skills. The language we use has a profound impact on our success, and the way we’re perceived by the world. People want to work with those who set a positive, empowering tone. These are the kind of folks who sneak out the promotion right from under their most productive team members. In my experience, it’s not the hardest workers who always get ahead, it’s the ones who know how to speak with conviction, empathy, and professionalism. The best news about this? You can get better at your communication skills to become a top performer. -> Here are a few simple language changes that can make all the difference: 1/ Thank, Don’t Apologize: Instead of saying “I’m sorry for the delay,” say “Thank you for your patience.” It shifts the focus from the negative to the positive and shows appreciation. 2/ Commit to Learning, Not Admitting Ignorance: Instead of “I don’t know,” try “I will look into that and get back to you.” This demonstrates growth, accountability, and a proactive attitude. 3/ Be Grateful, Not Apologetic: Instead of “Sorry for disturbing you,” say “Thank you for your attention.” It acknowledges the other person’s time without sounding uncertain. 4/ Own Your Actions: Instead of “I didn’t mean to,” say “I take responsibility for this.” Owning your actions shows confidence and accountability, not excuses. 5/ Ask, Don’t Assume: Instead of making statements, try asking open-ended questions like, “What do you think about this?” It invites collaboration and shows respect for others' input. 6/ Focus on Solutions, Not Problems: Replace “This is a challenge” with “Here’s a potential solution.” This shifts the mindset from obstacles to opportunities and demonstrates problem-solving skills. This level of intentional communication is what sets them apart. It’s not just about delivering excellent results, it's about expressing ourselves in a way that builds confidence, respect, and rapport with your underlings, peers, and bosses. What small changes in your communication have made a big difference? #Leadership #CareerGrowth #Communication #ProfessionalDevelopment

𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫? As a professional speaker and speech coach, I am frequently asked, “Were you always this confident?” The answer is, “No.” Confidence in public speaking doesn’t come naturally to everyone. It’s built over time through a commitment to learn, improve, get coached, review your presentations, and continuously stive to hone your skills. Even those with natural talent must know the proven principles and timeless techniques. One of the most transformative benefits of developing good public speaking skills is the boost it gives to your confidence. 𝟏. 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 Begin by understanding the basics of public speaking. Learn how to structure your presentations, use visual aids effectively, and engage your audience. Practice these techniques regularly. 𝟐. 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 Invest in professional coaching. A skilled coach can provide personalized feedback and help you refine your delivery. Don’t hesitate to seek feedback from peers and mentors as well. Learn from other people’s experiences and shorten your learning curve. 𝟑. 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 After each presentation, take the time to review and reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Record your presentations and watch them as if you were looking at ‘that speaker.’ Pretend you are a high-priced speech coach who advises clients. What did they do well? What advice would you give them to improve? What areas could be improved? 𝟒. 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 Every successful presentation, no matter how small, is a building block for your confidence. Celebrate your successes and use them as motivation to tackle larger, more challenging speaking opportunities. 𝟓. 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 Consider your public speaking confidence an ongoing process, not a training day. You will soon transform anxiety into confidence and become a compelling and credible speaker. Let us have a conversation if you want to speed up the process! What do you do to increase your confidence? #presentationskillsexpert #keynotespeaker #publicspeaking #frippvt

The difference between being heard and being influential Often comes down to how you communicate: After coaching 100+ technical experts into powerful leaders, here are the communication practices that exude confidence: 1. Strategic Silence  Confident leaders use purposeful pauses to let key points land and create impact. 2. Question Architecture  Strong leaders ask powerful questions that drive insight rather than simply making statements. 3. Voice Calibration  Your pace, volume, and tone should match your message and convey authentic conviction. 4. Preparation Mastery  Know your audience, anticipate concerns, and structure your message before every important conversation. 5. Feedback Reception  How you handle pushback reveals your true confidence - listen without defensiveness and respond thoughtfully. 6. Concise Messaging  Eliminate unnecessary words and communicate with clarity - confident leaders don't hide behind complexity. 7. Body Language Alignment  Maintain purposeful movements and appropriate eye contact that reinforce rather than undermine your message. Communication confidence isn't innate — It's developed through practice, feedback, and continuous refinement.

“This might be a stupid idea…” is how brilliance dies in silence. I heard that exact phrase in a meeting last week. It came from a brilliant engineer. Someone who had solved complex systems, led teams, and earned deep respect from her peers. And yet… before sharing her idea, she apologized for it. Why do we do this? Because somewhere along the way, many of us were taught to play it safe, soften our language, and make ourselves small, just to be heard. ⚠️ When we lead with self-doubt, we train others to doubt us too. ⚡ When we lead with conviction, even the same idea lands with impact. Let me show you what I mean: ❌ “I might be wrong, it’s just an idea…” ✅ “Here’s an idea we could explore.” ❌ “I’m not sure, but…” ✅ “I suggest…” ❌ “This is probably stupid, but…” ✅ “A potential solution is…” ❌ “You may not agree, but…” ✅ “I propose…” Same brain. Same value. Very different influence. How many ideas have been dismissed… just because they were delivered with doubt? If we want cultures where everyone contributes fully, we have to: ✔️Train teams to share without shrinking ✔️Coach leaders to listen without ego ✔️Normalize confident communication, even if it’s imperfect Because ideas don’t need apologies. They need to be heard. The good ones and the bad ones. 👉🏼 Your voice matters now. Not when it’s perfect. ➡️➡️➡️ Follow me on Linkedin for daily tips on bold communication for leaders = influence = bold impact. #LeadershipDevelopment #SpeakUpCulture #InclusiveLeadership #CommunicationMatters #WomenInTech #WomenInHealthcare #EmployeeExperience #TalentDevelopment #LD #ERGLeadership #AssertiveCommunication #VoiceAtWork #CareerGrowth #PsychologicalSafety #LeadershipCommunication #CultureChange

Sorry if this sounds critical… That’s how I used to start audit conversations. Polite. Non-threatening. Safe. But also? Completely ineffective. I remember one meeting in particular. I had valid points. Real risks. But I sandwiched every issue between disclaimers and half-apologies. The client nodded. Smiled. And. Ignored everything. Shocker. Afterward, my manager pulled me aside. She didn’t yell. She didn’t criticize. She just said: “If you keep apologizing for doing your job, they’ll stop listening altogether.” That was the wake-up call. I didn’t need to be rude. I needed to be clear. Direct. Confident. Now I use what I call the A.P.O.L.O.G.Y.™ approach, a way to communicate with confidence, without needing to apologize for it. A – Assess the situation, not your self-worth P – Position your message with confidence O – Own the issue—don’t deflect it L – Lead with facts, not fear O – Offer insights, not just criticism G – Ground your point in evidence Y – Yield the floor with purpose, not permission Confidence isn't arrogance. It’s clarity with a backbone. We teach this, and more, in our communication courses for auditors.