Guest blog post by member Darlene Hawley, Executive Leadership & Business Coach

Have you ever walked away from a meeting, conversation, or networking event thinking, “Ugh… why didn’t I say what I really wanted to say?”

If so, you’re not alone.

Whether you’re a business owner, team leader, or professional stepping into more visibility, learning to speak up isn’t just nice to have. It’s necessary if you want to grow your impact and influence.

As a business, communication, and leadership coach, I’ve worked with hundreds of leaders who have big ideas, yet still struggle to use their voice when it matters most. That’s why I teach the Step into Your Moxie® Vocal Empowerment System—a trauma-sensitive framework designed to help you overcome fear, find your message, and lead with confidence.

Here are the five elements of this system:

1. Taming the Inner Critic

The first voice you have to overcome is your own. That inner whisper saying, “Who am I to say this?” or “What if I mess this up?”

One client I coached was preparing to pitch her business on a big stage. She knew her stuff, but her inner critic kept telling her she didn’t belong. Through our work together, she learned to recognize that voice, question it, and reframe the narrative to step into her power.

Action Tip: Next time your inner critic speaks up, write down exactly what it says. Then ask yourself:
Is this true?
Whose voice is this really?
What do I know is true about my strengths?
This reframe helps you shift from fear to confidence.

2. Understanding Physiological Sensation

Speaking isn’t just mental… it’s physical. You might feel a lump in your throat, sweaty palms, or a racing heart. These are natural reactions to visibility.

Action Tip: Pause and take three deep belly breaths before your next big moment. Inhale for four counts, hold for four, and exhale for six. This helps regulate your nervous system and ground your energy.

3. Clarifying Your Message

Confidence isn’t enough if your message isn’t clear. You need to be able to communicate what you do in a way people understand and remember.

Action Tip: Write a one-sentence answer to this question: “What do I want people to understand, believe, or do after hearing me speak?” Keep it simple and practice saying it out loud.

4. Embodied Presence

Your presence speaks before you do. It’s how you show up physically and energetically.

Action Tip: Before you speak, stand tall with both feet grounded. Roll your shoulders back, take a breath, and feel yourself growing roots into the ground. This small shift in posture can change how people experience you.

5. Moving People to Action

Great communication creates change. Always speak with intention about the outcome you want to inspire.

Action Tip: Before speaking, ask yourself: “What do I want people to think, feel, or do after this?” End with a clear call to action.

A Trauma-Sensitive, Justice-Oriented Approach

I believe voice is power… especially for women, BIPOC leaders, LGBTQIA+ professionals, and other historically silenced communities. You don’t need to fix your voice. You need to own it, practice in safe spaces, and rewrite the story that your voice doesn’t belong.

If you’re ready to lead with clarity and confidence, I’d love to support you. I offer private coaching, group training, and workshops to help you speak up and grow your impact.

Let’s connect and explore how to amplify your voice and leadership.

Darlene Hawley is a communication expert dedicated to empowering heart-centered entrepreneurs and executive leaders to find their voice and share their message with confidence and clarity—because she believes clear communication is the key to thriving businesses and powerful leadership. Growing up, Darlene was often told not to speak up, and overcoming that challenge inspired her commitment to helping others be seen, heard, and valued. With extensive experience in leadership development and communication coaching, she equips her clients with practical tools to engage their teams, build trust, and create lasting impact in any setting.

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/darlenehawley
Instagram: www.instagram.com/coachdarlenehawley