How to be assertive in the workplace

Every morning, I make it a habit to listen to experts and thought leaders who help me continue growing and refining my skills. Recently, I tuned into Mel Robbins’ podcast, where she interviewed Jefferson Fisher, and their conversation was packed with valuable insights—many of which are particularly useful for non-native English speakers who use English in professional settings.

I’d love to share some of the key takeaways that can help you speak with more clarity and confidence at work.

When speaking in a professional environment, repeating yourself or over-explaining can actually weaken your message. Many non-native speakers tend to do this because they want to ensure they’re understood, but it often has the opposite effect—it can make you seem uncertain or even nervous.

What can you do?

• Prepare properly for meetings and discussions.
• Clearly define your objective before speaking.
• Write down your key points and practice delivering them concisely.

Before you begin speaking in a business setting, take a breath. This simple action helps in multiple ways:

• It naturally lowers your pitch, making your voice sound more confident.
• It lowers your volume, preventing you from sounding rushed or anxious.
• It gives you a moment to gather your thoughts, helping you sound more thoughtful and intentional.

Pausing before speaking is a subtle yet powerful way to project calmness and authority.

When you feel anxious, your body reacts as if you’re in a high-stakes survival situation—your heart races, your voice may rise in pitch, and you might speak too fast or too loudly. While this is a natural response, it doesn’t always serve you well in professional conversations.

To counteract this:

• Be mindful of your pace. Speaking more slowly conveys confidence.
• Keep your volume steady—avoid getting too loud, which can come across as aggressive.
• Remind yourself to breathe between sentences. Controlled breathing helps regulate nervous energy.

If you’re in a negotiation or an uncomfortable discussion and you’re unsure if someone is trying to undermine you, one of the best tools at your disposal is asking simple, direct questions. This helps assert your confidence while remaining professional and non-confrontational.

Some powerful questions to use:

• Did you say…?
• Can you clarify…?
• What did you mean by…?

These questions create space for the other person to clarify their intent while also signalling that you are aware and engaged in the conversation.

Confidence in the workplace isn’t just about knowing English—it’s about how you use it. The way you structure your speech, the pauses you take, and the questions you ask all contribute to how you’re perceived. By implementing these strategies, you can make a strong impact in professional settings.

Here is the link to the YouTube video!

I’d love to hear from you—have you ever struggled with over-explaining or speaking too fast in meetings? What strategies have helped you feel more confident?

P.S. A Quick Announcement! For those of you who join my free Conversation Club, please note that our meeting day is changing! Due to a new corporate contract, sessions will now be held on Fridays until June. Make sure you are registered to get updates and times. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Until next time, keep speaking up with confidence!

—Sandra