Ways to Speak Confidently at Work

We’ve all been there: your turn comes up in a meeting, and suddenly your heart’s racing. Speaking up at work can feel intimidating, but confidence isn’t something you’re either born with or not. It’s a skill, and like any skill, it gets easier the more you practice. Here are seven simple ways to start sounding (and feeling) more confident whenever you speak.

1. Prepare Like a Pro

Confidence usually comes down to preparation. When you know your topic inside and out, you don’t have to rely on memorized lines. Do your research, jot down key points, and think about the kinds of questions people might ask. Walking in prepared means walking in calm.

2. Practice Until It Feels Natural

The secret to confident speakers? They’ve practiced probably more than you realize. Run through what you want to say out loud. Record yourself and listen back. Even better, rehearse in the same type of setting you’ll actually be in. The more familiar it feels, the smoother it’ll go.

3. Pause; Don’t Fill the Silence

We tend to fear silence, but short pauses make you sound more confident and give people time to absorb what you’ve said. Instead of filling the gap with “um” or “you know,” let the quiet do the heavy lifting.

4. Let Your Body Do Some Talking

How you stand and move tells a story before you even open your mouth. Keep your posture tall, use open gestures, and make steady eye contact. People notice your energy as much as your words.

5. Drop the Filler Words

Those little “likes” and “uhs” sneak in when we’re nervous. The fix is to slow down and take a breath. Even a sip of water gives your brain a quick reset. Clean, direct words land much stronger than sentences padded with filler.

6. Keep It Simple and Real

The best communicators don’t try to impress with jargon. They keep things clear and authentic. Use shorter words, avoid overcomplicating, and let your real voice come through. People trust you more when you sound like yourself.

7. Own the Virtual Room

These days, a lot of our speaking happens on Zoom or Teams. Look into the camera, as it feels more personal than staring at yourself on the screen. Keep your background clean and avoid distractions. And since voices carry more weight online, play with tone and pacing to keep people engaged.

The bottom line is that confidence isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being prepared, clear, and authentic. Start small, try one or two of these tips in your next meeting, and you’ll notice the difference. Over time, you’ll not only sound more confident, but you’ll also feel it too.