How to Speak Up Authentically and Build Trust
After you’ve mastered showing up and owning your presence, the next step?Speaking up authentically and building trust.
Now, I know what you’re thinking—this sounds simple, right? But the reality is… too many leaders fall into the trap of trying to sound “professional” or “impressive” rather than just “being real.”
Too many leaders throw around jargon, big words, and fancy phrases, hoping it’ll win people over. But here’s the truth: people connect with sincerity, not spectacle.
Think about it. When someone’s words impacted you, was it because they used big, complex language? Or was it because they spoke with honesty and clarity? More often than not, it’s the latter.
Valuing your voice means embracing it as it is—no need to perform. Just trust that what you have to say is worth saying.
Speaking up authentically isn’t just about saying the “right” things; it is about saying “real” things.
The Day I Found My Authentic Voice
Let me tell you about a time I learned this lesson the hard way. It was during one of my first big presentations to a major client. I was a ball of nerves, convinced I had to sound super polished to gain their respect. I rehearsed my script, and loaded it with buzzwords and “corporate speak.” I thought, “This will make me sound like I know what I’m talking about.”
Well, halfway through the presentation, I noticed something troubling—the client looked... bored. Their eyes were glazing over, and I could practically hear the sound of my credibility slipping away.
So, in a split-second decision, I ditched the script. I started talking to them like they were friends, not executives. I shared my genuine insights and used simple, clear language. I told them why I believed in my message, not just what the message was.
By the end, the clients were nodding along, fully engaged. One of them even said, “I appreciate how clear and real you are.” That was my lightbulb moment.
I didn’t need to sound like anyone else. My authentic voice was enough. And guess what? It didn’t just make the presentation better—it built trust. I walked out of that room realizing that speaking up authentically wasn’t just about saying the “right” things; it was about saying “real” things.
3 Action Steps to Speak Up Authentically and Build Trust
How about you? Are you ready to take the leap and find your authentic voice? Here are three actionable steps to help you speak up with confidence and build trust along the way.
1. Use Simple Language – First up—ditch the big words. Seriously! Focus on clarity over impressing people with big words. This isn’t about “dumbing down” your message. It’s about making it “stick”.
If you can explain your point simply, people are more likely to remember it and engage with it. And remember—if people understand you, they’ll trust you.
2. Speak from the Heart – Let’s be real … people can tell when you’re not fully invested in what you’re saying. Connect what you’re saying to something you genuinely care about. People can sense sincerity… you can’t fake it.
Don’t be afraid to show a bit of your passion. It doesn’t just make your message stronger—it makes it real. And real builds trust.
3. Practice Self-Acceptance – Now, here’s a big one. Before you can speak up authentically, you need to accept that “your voice, as it is, has value”. Not the polished, “impressive” version. The real version.
We second-guess ourselves, thinking, “What if I don’t sound like a leader?” But here’s the truth—you “are” a valuable leader. And the more you embrace your unique perspective, the more others will see it too.
Your Next Steps:
Speaking up authentically and building trust isn’t just about words. It’s about showing up fully, owning your voice, and connecting with people on a real level.
And guess what? This is only the beginning. Once you start speaking up with authenticity, you’ll find that your influence grows. People want to follow leaders who are real.
People trust leaders who are real, who are genuine, who aren’t afraid to be themselves.
Now go out there and make an impact. Speak up, stand tall, and let your authentic voice lead the way. You’ve got this!
I’m cheering 📣 for you!
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