How to Speak up for Yourself in Tense Moments

In this episode, Karen shares practical, real-world phrases and mindset shifts to help you hold your ground in conversations, redirect when needed, and communicate with calm confidence — without being confrontational or shutting others down.

You’ll learn how to protect your time, set boundaries gracefully, and stay grounded even when dealing with over-talkers, poor listeners, or conversations that go off the rails.

What You’ll Learn

• Why “Here’s what will work for me” is a powerful, confident phrase that moves conversations forward 
   
• How to redirect conversations gracefully without offending or over-explaining
   
• Simple ways to include others and avoid being dominated by one voice
   
• Why silence can be one of your strongest communication tools
   
• How to share a differing perspective without sounding argumentative
   
• The mindset shift behind choosing relationship over being right
   
• Why clarity is kindness — to yourself and to others
   
• How confident communication is about being clear, not loud
   

Key Phrases to Practice

• “Here’s what will work for me.”
   
• “Let’s change gears.”
   
• “I’d like to hear what others think.”
   
• “I see it differently.”
   
• “I have another perspective I’d like to share.”
   

Big Takeaway

Confidence isn’t about overpowering others — it’s about clarity, self-respect, and presence. You are allowed to take up space, set boundaries, and communicate your perspective with calm authority.

Coaching & Practice

These are skills that get stronger with practice. Inside Karen’s coaching and group programs, including The Powerhouse, leaders practice these exact conversations in a safe, supportive environment — because senior leaders rarely have space to rehearse real-life communication.

Final Reminder

You are worthy of taking up space simply because you exist.
Confidence isn’t being loud. Confidence is being clear.

Favor to Ask

If you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review on Amazon or wherever you listen. Your reviews help more people find the show and start communicating with greater confidence and ease.

Some resources for you:

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

Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world’s most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Powerful Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator.

Get my free tips: 9 Words to Avoid & What to Say Instead: Words to Avoid | Karen Laos

Connect with me:

Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial 

Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsulting

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/

Episodes also available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos

My book “Trust Your Own Voice”: 

https://karenlaos.com/book/