Respect isn't something your title automatically earns. It's something people decide through every interaction they have with you.
In this episode, Karen shares seven practical communication habits that help you command respect, build credibility, and strengthen your executive presence, without changing who you are.
1. Speak First
Don't wait until everyone else has shared their opinion. Contributing early positions you as someone who helps shape the conversation rather than simply reacting to it.
2. Stop Over-Explaining
Lengthy explanations often sound like you're seeking permission. Learn how to state your recommendations with confidence and let your expertise speak for itself.
3. Be Clear Before You're Clever
Lead with the bottom line first. Clear, concise communication earns trust and helps people make decisions faster.
4. Hold Your Boundaries
Respect grows when your words and actions align. Learn how healthy boundaries reinforce your priorities and demonstrate self-respect.
5. Let Silence Do Its Job
Confident leaders don't feel the need to fill every pause. Discover why a few seconds of silence can increase your influence in conversations.
6. Make Your Words Match Your Presence
Your body language often communicates before your first sentence. Learn how calm, intentional presence reinforces confidence and credibility.
7. Keep Your Word
Nothing builds respect faster than consistency. Following through on commitments and communicating early when plans change creates lasting trust.
Choose just one of these habits and practice it intentionally:
Small communication shifts create big leadership results.
If this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague, leave a review, and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Every week you'll learn practical strategies to communicate with confidence, influence high-stakes conversations, and develop your Powerhouse Presence™.
Some resources for you:
Get 3 Strategies to Speak Up in Meetings here.
Project more confidence and credibility with my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos
My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Connect with me:
Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial
Episodes also available on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos
About me:
Many years ago I found myself tongue-tied in a boardroom, my colleagues and executives staring at me. My stomach in my throat, I was unable to get the words out (in spite of being in a senior leadership role).
Then, I heard my boss shut down the meeting. My heart sank. I was mortified. She pulled me aside and said, "You didn't trust your gut. You could've tabled the meeting like I did."
Why didn’t that option occur to me in the moment? Why did I feel like I needed permission?
That was the day I set out to change. I began a journey of personal growth to discover the root of the problem. Once I did, I wanted every woman to experience that same freedom.
I’m now on a mission to silence self-doubt in 10 million women in 10 years by giving them simple strategies to speak up and ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond, resulting in more clients, job promotions, and negotiation wins.
Companies like NASA, Netflix, Google, and Sephora have been propelled toward more effective communication skills through my signature framework, The Confidence Cocktail™.
This is your invitation to step into your most confident self so you can catapult your career!