I go to a lot of events… And what always gets me is hearing brilliant women dilute their own authority in real time. Not because they lack expertise. Because they feel like they have to justify it.
It sounds like:
“I just wanted to say…”
“I’m not sure, but…”
“Does that make sense?”
Have you said any of these?
Be honest.
Because these phrases don’t make you sound thoughtful. They make you sound unsure. And in rooms where your voice matters, that hesitation costs you. Over-explaining. Hedging. Softening your authority.