Asserting Your Voice: Mastering the Art of Confident Communication

Let me share a personal lesson in leadership—one rooted in self-awareness, communication, and confidence. I suspect it will resonate with many of you, especially women.

For years, I caught myself using softening phrases like “I think…” or “I believe…” at the start of my statements and emails. At first glance, they seem polite, even collaborative. But with time, I realized these words were quietly undermining the strength of my ideas.

A wise coach once told me: We use softeners when we’re afraid of being wrong. It’s a cushion—a buffer to protect our ego if our idea is challenged. But the cost? Our insight loses its impact.

So I made it a habit: before sending an email, I scan for those subtle hedges and delete them. I don’t need to dilute what I already know to be true. And if I learn something new later? That doesn’t make me wrong—it makes me open.

Here’s a gentle challenge to all aspiring leaders:

Say what you mean.

Stand by your ideas.

Give yourself permission to grow without apology.

Professional conversations—especially in writing—are a chance to model confidence and vulnerability. We can be clear without being combative. We can take up space without overpowering. Our voices deserve to be heard—not just considered.

Try this today:

Before you hit send on your next email, pause.Scan for “I think,” “I believe,” “I just,” or “Maybe.”Ask yourself: Is this humility—or hesitation?

If it’s the latter, let it go. Own your voice.Because leadership isn’t about always being right—it’s about being real.

Here’s to showing up fully.

Here’s to saying it like we mean it.

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What softeners show up in your writing? What helps you speak with confidence?

✉️. Drop me a note—let’s keep the conversation going.