4 Speech Patterns That Can Diminish a Woman#8217;s Credibility at Work

4 Speech Patterns That Can Diminish a Woman8217s Credibility at Work 4 Speech Patterns That Can Diminish a Woman8217s Credibility at Work PerceptionsThey form quickly and set like cement.Unfortunately, other peoples perceptions of us often form in our blind spots. It is hard to really know just how we are coming across to others. You may think you are just having a casual conversation or making a post on social media, but people are forming opinions about you instantly based on what you say or write.Relationshipscan be formed or broken over words spoken. Countries can be split or united. Business covenants are made (or broken) in meetings and contracts.As women, we are often unable to see how the words we use on a daily basis in the office can affect peoples perceptions of us.Here are four small ways women discredit themselves over and over again without even realizing it.1. ApologizingConstantlyIm sorry. Im sorry. But what are you sorry about? Constant apologizing can be the kiss of death for a women in the office. Unless you stepped on someones foot, there is no reason to be sorry.2. Asking Questions When You Know the Answers Often, when women end their sentences as if they werequestions on purpose to keep the dialogue going. This is called upspeak.Silence is powerful. Be okay with sitting in the silence, especially at meetings. If you know you tend to talk too much when you get nervous, focus on your breath. Feel your chest rise and fall. Disengage the wild thoughts and the compulsion.3. Wishy-Washy SpeakNothing on earth discredits a women especially with a man in a meeting more than words like perhaps, just, actually, maybe, a little bit, etc.Be definite in your speech. You are not a little bit concerned aboutyour disruptive employee. You are concerned.This isbusiness. No one in the room feels comfortable with maybe or a little bit of anything. Be firm. Be definite. Have an opinion. Its okay.4. Fear of Being a WomanIve been asked many times if Ive ha d to act more like a man to get ahead in business.Never. This isnt about changing who you are or asking you to shelf yoursensitivity, compassion, and collaborative spirit. Find your voice and style. Women can be very powerful without coming off asauthoritarian.Heres what it boils down to at work Like it or not, men rule the business world still. If that werent true, wed see more than five percent of SP 500 CEO roles belonging to women.There is a game that is being played in the office. Know that there is a game and figure out the rules. Once you know the game, you can play it successfully.A version of this article originally appeared in Plaid for Women.Elizabeth Lions is an executive career coach. You can learn more atElizabethLions.com.