Breaking Into the Boys’ Club series | Part 2. In the previous post, Deliver the Right Message, I shared strategies to help women leaders communicate with clarity, project authority, and stay composed under pressure. This second installment takes the next step — because delivering the right message is only half the equation. The other half is owning the room when you do.
How I Coach Women Leaders to Be Heard and Lead with Authority
In Part One of this series, “Deliver the Right Message,” I shared how women leaders can refine their communication style to deliver messages with impact and clarity. In this follow-up, I want to focus on the next stage of leadership communication: claiming your voice and projecting authority in meetings, presentations, and strategic discussions. From getting your message heard and sounding more strategic to maintaining composure and leading with confidence, these strategies have helped many of the women I’ve coached strengthen their leadership presence. My goal is to help you move beyond being seen as a capable implementer to being recognized as a visionary leader who inspires trust and respect.
Sounding Strategic
Tip: Keep Your Cool
Never allow yourself the luxury of anger, no matter how “hot” the discussion gets. Instead, control your emotions so it doesn’t interfere with your message. Keep your anger in check by preparing ahead of time for your meeting and knowing the challenges you may face. Think about the issues and visualize possible arguments that will be made. This way, you’ll be able to plan your response instead of simply reacting.
In a meeting, before getting bogged down in minutiae, make clear statements about how the project fits into the business strategy of the company and overall vision of your organization. Make it clear that you have the big picture in mind, and use the who-does-what details to support the strategy, not drive it. Women find themselves getting caught up in details and, because of this, are frequently not viewed as strategic thinkers. Instead of talking about a vision for the future, or the global impact of a project, women often talk about the specific steps needed to solve a problem or drive an initiative forward. While this is a practical approach and the details will need to be thought out to move the project ahead, don’t allow yourself to be pegged as simply an “implementer.” Be conscious of conveying that you are a “big thinker” as well.
Soliciting Opinions
Women’s styles favor inclusion in decision-making. When leading meetings, women often ask questions and seek everyone’s opinion before making a decision. In a one-on-one or social setting, this is a positive because it makes individuals feel included. In a meeting, however, the same behavior can be seen as evasive or passive or “un-leaderlike.” It is both necessary and important to receive the input of others in a meeting, but a decision must be made in a timely fashion with authority and purpose.
Be a Strong Meeting Leader
Tip: Know When to Pause
Think about the best way to phrase your message, say it clearly — and then stop talking. Your silence will enable you to gauge your listener’s reaction, process it, and respond in a more productive way. Silence can be a powerful tool that can help you communicate more clearly.
Establish your presence as a leader when you enter the room by greeting each person individually and looking them in the eye. As you begin the meeting, speak in a clear, steady, authoritative voice, stick to your agenda, and stay within your time parameters. Make it a point to recognize all members of your audience and to “read” them periodically to make sure you’re on point.
Claiming Your Voice, Owning Your Leadership
I believe strong leadership begins with strong communication. By learning how to claim your voice, project authority, and guide discussions with clarity, you establish yourself as more than a contributor — you become a leader others look to with confidence. These strategies aren’t about changing who you are; they’re about making sure your presence and perspective are fully recognized. As you continue to develop these skills, you’ll strengthen both your leadership impact and the opportunities that come your way.
Work with Molly Shepard on Leadership Communication
Strong communication is the foundation of strong leadership. If you’re ready to refine your message, claim your voice, and project confidence in every room, I’d love to help.
Reach out to me today to start a conversation about leadership communication coaching.
Breaking Into the Boys’ Club | Read Part 3: The Confidence Gap Holding Back Women at the Executive Level. Claiming your voice is only part of the equation. In the next installment, I tackle what often quietly undermines even the most accomplished women leaders — impostor syndrome. Because the issue is rarely a lack of competence. More often, it’s a visibility and credibility gap that can be closed — by owning your accomplishments, seeking honest feedback, and leading from your proven strengths.
About This Series
Breaking Into the Boys’ Club
Breaking Into the Boys’ Club is a blog series drawing on the landmark book of the same name by Molly D. Shepard. The book is a complete guide for women navigating the realities of corporate life: the unspoken rules, the invisible barriers, and the practical strategies that make the difference between being overlooked and getting ahead. Through real stories, research-backed insights, and actionable advice, it covers everything from communicating with authority and building strategic networks, to mastering workplace politics, self-promotion, and executive presence.
This blog series brings those lessons to life — one topic at a time — with fresh perspectives for today’s professional woman.
