Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs, Senior Business Leaders, Managers, Sales Professionals, Female Leaders, and R&D, Innovation, DEI, and Other Critical Teams
3 Speaking Habits Holding You Back in Leadership (and How to Shift Them Fast)
Darlene Hawley
Break Free from Common Communication Pitfalls and Build Executive Presence with Confidence
Let’s be honest... leading right now feels different.
The decisions are harder.
The conversations are heavier.
And the pressure to say the right thing (and not too much) is everywhere.
Maybe you've found yourself rereading emails five times before hitting send.
Or sitting in a meeting with a lump in your throat, wondering:
Should I say something?
Is this the right time?
Will I sound too direct? Or not confident enough?
I’ve been hearing this from nearly every leader I coach... especially women.
Even when you're smart, experienced, and fully capable, there are moments where your voice shrinks back… just a little.
You feel like a bunny rabbit and want to run back to safety.
And over time? Those moments add up.
I want to shine a light on three subtle but powerful speaking habits I see getting in the way for executive women... and how to shift them, fast.
Because clarity in your communication isn’t just about how polished you sound.
It’s about how powerfully you show up. Especially when the room feels tense, the direction feels unclear, or your team is looking to you to lead the way.
1. Over-Explaining
This one sneaks up on even the most seasoned leaders.
You’re in a meeting, and suddenly you feel the need to really make sure they get it... so you share more. And more. And a little more…
And instead of building credibility, it waters down your message.
Try this:
Lead with the bottom line... your point or recommendation. Then offer 1–2 key details. Let it land. Pause (and remember to SMILE) And trust that your idea is enough without a 10-minute backstory.
2. Softening Your Message With Filler Language
This sounds like:
“I’m not sure if this is right, but…”
“This might sound silly…”
“I just think…”
These phrases are meant to protect us. But they often undercut what we’re saying before we even get it out.
Try this:
Catch yourself. Take a breath before you speak. Remove the filler. And say your thought with a full stop, not an apology.
3. Rushing Through Discomfort
You’re leading a meeting or giving feedback, and suddenly... your heart races. You feel awkward. You want to get to the other side of the discomfort… fast.
So you speed up. You push through. You skip over the deeper thing that needed to be said.
Try this:
Slow your pace. Pause after important points. Let your presence catch up with your message. The courage is in slowing down not the speed.
You’re not alone. And you’re not doing it wrong.
These aren’t “flaws”... they’re learned behaviors.
And like anything learned, they can be unlearned.
That’s exactly what we’ll explore together in Speak Up & Influence, my 4-week leadership communication experience for executive women, in partnership with C-Sweet.
Through live coaching, improv-inspired role play, and bold group conversation, we’ll build your confidence, elevate your voice, and shift these habits for good.
Because when you shift your voice... you shift your leadership.
Apply now: https://darlenehawley.com/c-sweet
Want to bring a colleague? Team rates are available.
Company-paid options and invoices available.
P.S. Want a taste of what we’ll cover?
Join me on June 25th for a workshop:
“Speak Up for a Stress-Free Workplace: Psychological Safety Strategies for Executive Women Leaders”
We’ll talk about the cost of silence, how stress shows up in our voices, and how to create the kind of communication culture that supports you as much as your team.
✨Ready to Own Your Story and Attract Your Dream Clients?✨
If you’re ready to stop second-guessing your message and start using storytelling as a powerful tool to connect, inspire, and sell—then I’d love to invite you to my It’s Time to Own Your Story: Mini-Course.
In this self-paced course, you’ll learn how to:
✔️ Identify the key moments in your story that captivate your audience.
✔️ Share your story in a way that builds trust and positions you as the go-to expert.
✔️ Use storytelling across your website, social media, and sales conversations to attract and convert more clients.
Plus, you’ll get a
step-by-step workbook and
personal feedback on your brand story—so you can start sharing with confidence.
Hey There!
I'm Darlene
As a mother, wife, connector, and dream builder, I’m Darlene Hawley, the founder of DarleneHawley.com and an Executive Leadership & Businesss Coach dedicated to empowering leaders like you.
My passion lies in helping ambitious professionals cultivate their unique leadership style while crafting an authentic and impactful personal brand. Through my coaching, we’ll work together to build a solid foundation that not only inspires your team but also drives results and growth within your organization.
Since 2007, I have been committed to guiding leaders and entrepreneurs in launching and scaling their businesses with confidence and clarity.
Today, I focus on supporting women in reaching their leadership goals and living their dream lives—all while balancing the joys of raising my family and creating meaningful memories each day.
Together, we’ll transform your challenges into opportunities, allowing you to lead with authenticity and inspire those around you.
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