The Art of Speaking with Authority: Finding Your Voice as a Leader

At the executive level, it’s not just about what you say—it’s about how you say it. Your voice shapes decisions, drives change, and influences organizational culture.

Yet, even in a leadership role, you may find yourself struggling to be heard. Executive teams are filled with strong personalities, competing priorities, and high-stakes discussions. In the best teams, these conversations spark debate and challenge assumptions. A diversity of perspectives fuels better decisions, ensuring a well-rounded approach that serves the business.

But in environments like these, it’s easy to shrink back—to check out and simply go through the motions. The best leaders don’t just participate; they cultivate discussions where healthy debate flourishes. They own their voice. And sometimes, that means speaking with presence—and with silence.

Photo by Edmond Dantès

The key is finding the balance between authority and approachability. Here’s how:

Presence: Owning the Room Before You Speak

When I moved into senior leadership, I knew things would be different. But I wasn’t sure how. I was confident leading my direct reports, but in executive conversations, I sometimes hesitated.

I remember a time when I received a harsh, scathing email from a peer. It blindsided me. I don’t even recall the exact issue—it was years ago—but I remember how it felt: frustrating, discouraging, even paralyzing.

I could have ignored it, vented to colleagues, or let it shake my confidence. Instead, I scheduled a face-to-face meeting for the next day. I pulled myself together, asked questions, listened, and calmly shared my expectations for how we’d handle disagreements moving forward.

I sat tall. I maintained my composure. And I learned something critical:

💡 Presence is the ability to enter a room, say very little, and still command respect.

Here’s how to strengthen yours:

• Command vs. Conversation: Balance authority with approachability.

• Strategic Brevity: Say what matters—no more, no less.

• Power of Certainty: When you eliminate self-doubt in your delivery, how people respond to you will change.

  
  

Vocal Techniques: Owning Your Voice

• Tone & Modulation: Confidence doesn’t require force—own your voice without overpowering.

• Pacing & Pauses: Slow down. Take intentional pauses. Let your words land.

• Remove Weak Language: Eliminate “I think,” “just,” and “maybe” from your vocabulary. They diminish your authority.

  
  

Body Language: Speaking Before You Speak

• Boardroom vs. Virtual Presence: In person, take up space—posture matters. Online, maintain eye contact (look at the camera!).

• Nonverbal Cues: Master eye contact, nods, and gestures that reinforce confidence.

• Handling Tough Questions: If you don’t know, don’t fumble. Say, “That’s a great question. I’d like to think about it and get back to you.” Poise is power.

  
  

At this level, your voice isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how you inspire confidence in others.

👉 What’s one habit you will refine this week to project more authority in meetings?

Enjoying these insights on executive presence? In Ignite: Executive Edge, I share exclusive strategies, personal reflections, and leadership lessons to help you lead with confidence and impact. Subscribe now to get the latest insights straight to your inbox!