Developing Assertive Presentation Skills

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲'𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬. 🎯 I've spent years collecting strategies for being heard in meetings. Then I discovered Deborah Liu's TEDx talk "Let's Make It Awkward" that changed how I think about all of them. Liu, former VP of Facebook Payments, used to watch partners at Money20/20 literally turn away from her to speak only to her male colleague. She'd stand there nodding politely. Things changed after she gave the keynote—suddenly, she was worth listening to. 👀 For years, she stayed quiet. Then at a Women In Product dinner, she and other leaders made a pact: "𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐢𝐭. 𝐋𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐰𝐤𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝." Because awkwardness is the price of change. 💡 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈'𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬: 𝐁𝐄𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 📋  - Prepare 2-3 key points. - Arrive early for a visible seat. - On video: camera on, well-lit, centered. 𝐆𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍 🗣️ - Jump in early—even with a clarifying question - Use assertive language: "I recommend..." not "Maybe we could..." - Don't wait to be called on 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐘𝐎𝐔'𝐑𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐑𝐔𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐃 ✋ - "I'd like to finish my point" - If someone repeats your idea: "Thanks for reinforcing my point. As I was saying..." 𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 📢 Have allies acknowledge your contributions: "As [Your Name] said..." And amplify yourself when needed. 𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 𝐌𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐒  💪  ✓ Claim expertise: "Based on my work on X..." ✓ Ask directly: "I'd like to weigh in before we move forward" ✓ Document your contributions in follow-up emails 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘 ⭐ You may need to be more assertive than feels comfortable. You might make things awkward. But that discomfort isn't your burden—it's the tax on outdated norms. Your ideas deserve airtime. Your presence isn't just about being seen—it's about ensuring your expertise leads to better outcomes. ✨ 𝐋𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐰𝐤𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝, 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫. 🚀 Watch Deborah Liu's TEDx talk: "Let's Make It Awkward" What strategies have worked for you? 👇 #Leadership #LetsMakeItAwkward #Communication #WorkplaceCulture #ProfessionalDevelopment

I used to believe that being assertive meant being aggressive. The reality is that you can both assert yourself and be kind. 5 proven tips to be more assertive (without being aggressive): 1/ Express your needs and wants clearly Why: Being direct and honest about your needs helps others understand your perspective and enables them to respond appropriately. It demonstrates self-respect and confidence in your own opinions and feelings. How: "I appreciate your input on this project, but I strongly believe we should take a different approach. Focusing on user experience will lead to better conversion. Can we discuss how we can incorporate both of our ideas?" 2/ Use "I" statements to communicate your perspective Why: "I" statements help you take ownership of your thoughts and feelings without placing blame or making accusations. They create a non-confrontational atmosphere that encourages open dialogue and mutual understanding. How: "I appreciate the effort you've put into this presentation, but I have some concerns about the accuracy of the data. I suggest we review the sources together and make any necessary updates to strengthen our case." 3/ Practice active listening and seek to understand others Why: Active listening demonstrates that you value others' perspectives and are willing to engage in a two-way conversation. It helps build trust and rapport, making it easier to find mutually beneficial outcomes. How: "I hear your concerns about the proposed changes to our team structure. Can you tell me more about how these changes will impact your work? I want to ensure that we address any potential issues." 4/ Offer solutions Why: Offering solutions rather than simply stating problems demonstrates your willingness to work collaboratively and find mutually beneficial outcomes. How: "I understand that you want to launch the new feature as soon as possible, but I have concerns about the current timeline. What if we break the launch into two phases? We can release the core functionality in the first phase and then add the additional enhancements in the second phase. This way, we can meet the initial deadline while ensuring the quality of the final product." 5/ Learn to say "No" when necessary Why: Saying "no" to unreasonable requests or demands demonstrates self-respect and helps you maintain control over your time and resources. It also helps prevent burnout and enables you to focus on your priorities. How: "I appreciate you considering me for this new project, but unfortunately, I don't have the capacity to take on additional work at the moment. I'm committed to delivering high-quality results on my current projects, and taking on more would compromise this. Can we revisit this opportunity in a few weeks when my workload is more manageable?" What’s one thing that helped you become more assertive? PS: Assertiveness is a form of self-care that also nurtures healthy, respectful relationships with others. Image Credit: Jenny Nurick

💔 “The Brilliant Woman Who Was Interrupted 7 Times in 5 Minutes” During a leadership workshop, one of my clients shared something that stayed with me. Her voice broke a little as she said: 👉 “I counted… seven times in five minutes. They cut me off. By the end, I just gave up speaking.” I watched her eyes as she spoke. They weren’t just narrating an incident—they were telling the story of exhaustion. She described the scene in detail: The sharp tone of the first interruption. The laughter after the second. The shuffling of papers as if her words didn’t matter. By the fourth, her shoulders slumped. By the seventh, silence swallowed her brilliance. That moment pierced me. Because she didn’t just lose her voice in that meeting—she lost an opportunity to influence. And the room lost the chance to hear an idea that could have shaped strategy. 🚧 The Obstacle Gender bias doesn’t always announce itself. It creeps in quietly. In how often a woman is cut off. In how her ideas are overlooked until someone else repeats them. In how she’s told—implicitly or explicitly—to “be patient, wait your turn.” And here’s the truth: brilliance shouldn’t need permission to exist. 💡 How I Helped as a Communication Skills Trainer We worked on three things: ✔️ #AssertiveCommunication – rehearsing responses to interruptions that were firm but professional. ✔️ Power phrases – short, sharp lines that create space and command attention. ✔️ #ExecutivePresence – voice control, body language, and the subtle shifts that make people pause and listen. ✨ The Transformation At her next boardroom meeting, she walked in differently. She wasn’t waiting for permission. She wasn’t hoping not to be interrupted. She was ready. She didn’t just speak. She owned the table. And the most powerful part? The very people who had once interrupted her… leaned in, took notes, and listened. 🌍 The Learning As leaders, we must recognize that #GenderBias in communication is not imaginary. It’s real. It’s silent. And it shapes careers every single day. That’s why assertiveness training isn’t optional for women leaders. It’s #Leadership. It’s #Survival. It’s #Power. ⸻ 🔑 For Leaders Reading This: Have you ever witnessed brilliance being silenced in your boardroom? The bigger question is—what did you do about it?

Everyone says "engage your audience" when you're speaking on stage. But nobody really tells you how to own that stage and make it yours. As someone who used to shake before every presentation, I've learned a few things the hard way. Things that turned that fear into something I could actually use. Here it is. Save this for your next presentation 👇🏻 1/ Ride on Shared Narratives → Find common ground fast. People don't connect with perfection. They connect with "me too" moments. 👉🏻 I like to open with a story about struggling with something my audience faces too. 👉🏻 Like feeling invisible in a crowded room or doubting whether anyone's listening. 2/ Keep the Energy Up → Your energy sets the room's energy. If you're flat, they're flat. If you're alive, they lean in. 👉🏻 I move around the stage, vary my tone, and throw in pauses. 👉🏻 It keeps people awake and engaged, even in long sessions. 3/ Speak with Them Before You Speak to Them → A little interaction beforehand goes a long way. I used to hide backstage. Now I walk the room early. 👉🏻 Before I present, I chat with a few people in the audience, ask about their day, their challenges. 👉🏻 So when I'm on stage, I'm speaking to familiar faces. 4/ Don't Skimp on Preparation → Being prepared is your best defense against nerves. I used to wing it. I paid for it every time. 👉🏻 I rehearse my opening and closing until I can say them in my sleep. 👉🏻 It gives me confidence even when my mind goes blank mid-speech. 5/ Learn Their World, Speak Their Language → Tailor your message to resonate. Generic talks don't land. Personalized ones do. 👉🏻 When I speak to financial advisors versus tech founders, I adjust my examples and references to match their daily reality. 👉🏻 Never use a one-size-fits-all script. 6/ Use Your Stories → Personal stories make your message unforgettable. Facts inform. Stories transform. 👉🏻 Instead of listing my credentials, I share how a kid who got bullied and avoided stages now trains leaders across Asia. 👉🏻 Story sticks more than any resume. 7/ Mirror What You Want to See → Project the confidence you want your audience to feel. If you're uncertain, they'll be uncertain. If you're grounded, they'll trust you. 👉🏻 If I want my audience to feel calm and confident, I start by being calm and confident myself 👉🏻 Even if I'm nervous inside. I'm not a natural speaker. I'm someone who learned through repetition, failure, and intention. If you apply even one of these, you'll already be ahead of most people on stage. You don't need perfect English. You don't need years of experience. You just need presence, preparation, and a message that matters. So. what strategy helps you most before speaking on stage? Let's learn from each other 💬 💪 Follow me for personal brand and growth insights. #publicspeaking #professionalgrowth #coaching #careerdevelopment #financialadvisor

The room goes quiet. All eyes are on you. Even senior leaders feel that familiar flutter before stepping in front of the board. It's happened to me more times than I can count, after 20+ years of working in pharma. The pressure never fully goes away. Here are 6 principles that separate confident presenters from those who just survive the room: ✅ 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀, 𝗦𝗮𝘆 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 Your slides shouldn't be your script. Your words shouldn't fill every silence. Let your message breathe. ✅ 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 Your entrance sets the energy before you speak. Rushed energy creates anxious audiences. Confident entry commands attention. Pause. Make eye contact. Then begin. ✅ 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗲, 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱 Tough questions will come. "I don't know" is better than fumbling. "Let me get back to you on the specifics" shows wisdom, not weakness. Own what you don't know. ✅ 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 Your body speaks before your mouth opens. Shoulders back. Feet planted. Hands visible. These aren't performance tricks. They're leadership signals that say "I belong here." ✅ 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗝𝗼𝗯 Read the room, not just your notes. Glazed eyes mean you've lost them - pivot or pause. Engaged faces mean you can dive deeper. Confused looks mean you need to clarify. The best presenters adjust in real-time. ✅ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝘁 Tech fails. Surprise questions get asked. Your response to chaos defines your credibility. Take a breath. Keep your voice steady. Then return to your core message. Grace under pressure separates leaders from managers. - Presentation mastery isn't about eliminating nerves. It's about channeling them into executive presence. Even seasoned leaders are constantly refining this skill. ♻️ Repost if someone in your leadership network needs to see this

"Be more assertive in meetings." If you’ve ever received this feedback, you know how tough it is. Especially if you’re an introvert who doesn’t interrupt or feel it’s your place. I was coaching an exec dealing with this exact sticking point. I said, “You’ve gotten this feedback. Let’s talk about what you want to do with it.” A priority for me is to always look at my clients holistically (who are you BEYOND the walls/screens of work). Knowing she had a teenage daughter, I asked this leader to role-play a conversation with her daughter about cleaning her room. She started gently: “Sweetheart, I really would love for you to clean your room. It would make our lives more calm and peaceful...” (you get the picture). I had her pause and imagine it was the fifth time she asked. She began again, “Honey, I really wish you’d...” I stopped her, asked, “Is that true to who you are on weekends? Do you calmly ask for the fifth time or bring up a different character?” She laughed. “No, that’s totally not true.” So, I asked her to show me the real scenario. Suddenly, she’s chopping her hands through the air: “Young lady, I need you to get off the couch, up the stairs, and clean your room right. now. I do NOT want to see you back downstairs until your room is CLEAN.” Boom. Who was THAT? “That,” she said, “was my 'Mom' voice.” Aha. She had the ability to turn on a concise, direct conversation style... she just wasn't used to bringing it to work with her. And the style, it started with a firm movement of her hands. She wasn’t even aware of the hand motion. But that was the tool she needed to embody a more assertive self. Now, when this client needs to be precise and direct, she starts with that hand movement. It cues her body into an assertive character without overthinking every word. Key takeaway: Using body language as a cue can bypass the overactive brain, tapping into characters that already exist within you. One of your Authentic Selves. So, use your body. Practice in front of a camera. Notice what works and eliminate what doesn’t. Your body language can unlock new ways to express assertiveness and confidence. There is more to you than meets the eye. Figure out WHO in YOU you can tap into to become who you need to be. #Leadership #ExecutiveCoaching #Assertiveness #BodyLanguage #ProfessionalDevelopment #Authenticity