6 things to avoid if you don’t want to appear like you lack confidence in a meeting

We’ve all been there— when you’re speaking in a meeting, and you know you’re not coming across as confident. The good news is, you can easily avoid these common habits that undermine your credibility if you build an awareness of them. Here are 5 things to steer clear of if you want to sound confident, even if you’re secretly nervous:

1. Using Apologetic Language

Starting your sentences with "Sorry" or "If I could just mention..." sends the message that you’re unsure if your point is worth saying. It can undermine your credibility and make you seem less authoritative.

Tip: Avoid apologizing for sharing your ideas. Be direct: “Here’s what I think…” or “I’d like to share an important point…”

2. Talking Fast

When you talk too quickly, it often suggests you’re anxious or trying to rush through your points. It can also make it harder for others to follow your ideas.

Tip: Slow down. Take a deep breath, pause between key points, and speak with purpose. Giving yourself time to think will make you sound more deliberate and confident.

3. The Upward Inflection

It’s that tendency to raise your tone at the end of a sentence, almost as if you’re asking a question. While it might seem harmless, it makes you sound uncertain or like you’re seeking validation.

Tip: Speak with a steady, clear tone. Ending statements confidently signals to others that you’re sure of your message.

4. Jumping in to Fill a Silence

When there’s a pause in the conversation, it can feel uncomfortable. But rushing in to fill the silence often comes from nervousness and can make you sound unsure.

Tip: Embrace pauses. Silence gives you a moment to gather your thoughts and allows your message to land with more impact.

5. Fidgeting

Small nervous habits like tapping your foot, adjusting your clothes, or fiddling with your pen can be distracting and signal that you're not comfortable.

Tip: Practice staying still and composed. Focus on maintaining strong body language—standing tall with your feet firmly grounded helps project confidence.

6. Overusing Filler Words

Words like "um," "like," "you know," and "uh" can make you sound unsure or unprepared. They distract from your message and can give the impression that you’re struggling to find the right words.

Tip: Practice pausing instead of using fillers. A brief moment of silence is more powerful than an "um" or "like," and it gives your points more weight.

By avoiding these habits, you can start sounding more confident in meetings—even if you don’t feel it at first. Over time, projecting confidence becomes second nature, and that confidence becomes real. Ready to boost your presentation skills and project more gravitas? Check out our courses or 1-to-1 coaching.