#009: How to Speak with Authority (Even When You Don’t Feel Confident)
Have you ever been in a meeting or conversation where you knew what to say but didn’t feel confident enough to say it with authority? You’re not alone. Many high-achievers struggle with sounding confident, even when they have the knowledge and expertise. The good news? Speaking with authority is a skill—one that can be learned. In today’s newsletter, I’ll break down simple, actionable strategies to help you communicate with confidence, even when you don’t feel it.
What I’m Going to Teach You
The mindset shift that makes confidence a choice, not a feeling.
Practical techniques to speak with authority, even under pressure.
How to control your tone, body language, and presence to command respect.
Why It Matters to You
Your ability to speak with authority directly impacts how others perceive you. Whether it’s in meetings, negotiations, or everyday conversations, how you say something is just as important as what you say. Mastering this skill will help you gain influence, be taken seriously, and create more opportunities in your career and personal life.
Why Most People Fail
Most people assume that confidence comes before authority, but the truth is:
Confidence is a byproduct of action, not a prerequisite.
Authority comes from clarity, not volume.
Speaking well isn’t about having the perfect words—it’s about delivery.
The result? People either stay quiet when they should speak up or overcompensate by talking too much, too fast, or too aggressively.
My System (The 3-Step Framework for Speaking with Authority)
Step 1: Master the Mindset (Act Before You Feel Ready)
Confidence isn’t about being fearless—it’s about taking action despite fear.
Replace self-doubt with clarity: “I have value to share, and my voice matters.”
Exercise: Before speaking, take a deep breath and ask yourself:
What’s the ONE key message I need to communicate?
How do I want the other person to feel when I say it?
Step 2: Control Your Voice & Body Language
Pace: Speak slower than you think you need to.
Pauses: Use intentional pauses to let your message sink in.
Tone: Drop your voice slightly at the end of sentences (instead of making everything sound like a question).
Posture: Stand or sit up straight—your body affects your confidence.
Eye Contact: Maintain steady, natural eye contact to show presence and authority.
Pro Tip: Record yourself speaking. You’ll catch habits you didn’t realize you had.
Step 3: Structure Your Words for Maximum Impact
Start strong: Avoid fillers like “um” or “I think.” Instead, begin with a clear statement:
Instead of “I think this might be a good idea,” say “This is the best course of action because…”
Frame your ideas in three points:
“There are three reasons why this will work…”
“The key takeaway is this…”
End with certainty: Instead of trailing off, finish with conviction.
Instead of “Does that make sense?” say “Let me know your thoughts.”
Takeaways
Confidence comes after action, not before.
Slowing down and using stronger phrasing makes a huge impact.
Authority is about clarity and presence, not talking more.
My Challenge to You
For the next 3 days, practice speaking 10% slower and replacing weak phrases (like “I think” or “maybe”) with direct statements. Let me know what changes you notice!
