How Senior Women Leaders Need to Lead with Unapologetic Communication
Unapologetic Language
Your boardroom presence shouldn't come with a constant stream of apologies. Here's why it's time to own your authority.
“Sorry…” “Could I just say…” “I think…”
Sound familiar? Are these phrases you catch yourself using?
That’s not to say that there aren’t times when an apology isn’t appropriate. As leaders, we know that true strength includes humility - and the ability to admit you’re wrong and apologise, is an essential part of that.
But you’ve earned your present position and you’re meant to take up the space in which you operate. Diminishing yourself by certain language isn’t doing you any favours.
Corporate Communication Skills: Breaking the ‘Conditioning’ Cycle
You’re not alone - these habits have developed in a culture that’s conditioned us to believe they’re necessary.
By mid-career, many of us as women have come to believe that we need to come across as agreeable, diplomatic, or “non-threatening” — especially in male-dominated industries.
Otherwise we can be labelled as difficult, bossy or aggressive. To avoid this, we learn to hedge our language, apologise pre-emptively, or seek constant validation.
This is where corporate communication coaching skills become crucial. It's not just about what we say - it's about unlearning decades of linguistic conditioning that tells us our natural authority needs softening.
But while these linguistic habits may feel safe, they can quietly erode our executive presence and leadership impact.
Executive Presence Communication: What Unapologetic Really Means
Being unapologetic doesn’t mean being aggressive.
It means being clear, grounded, and confident in what you have to say — without diluting your message to make others more comfortable.
This is the foundation of executive presence coaching - learning that your authority doesn't need permission, explanation, or justification. It simply needs expression.
Five Power Moves for Immediate Impact
Here are a few ways to start communicating with unapologetic clarity:
Cut qualifiers like “just” and “sorry” unless truly necessary
Replace “Does that make sense?” with “Let me know your thoughts.”
Lead with your point — not three sentences of softening
Speak from experience, not from permission
Hold silence when needed. You don’t have to fill every gap.
You didn’t get to where you are by accident. Your insight, your perspective, and your voice matter — and they deserve to be heard, without apology.
That’s why today’s ‘U’ in my A-Z of Confident Communication and Executive Presence is Unapologetic.
What’s One Communication Habit You’re Ready To Leave Behind?
Maybe it's the reflexive "sorry" before you speak. Perhaps it's seeking validation for decisions you're already confident about. Or it could be that habit of ending statements like questions.
Whatever it is, name it. Then commit to leaving it behind.
Your industry needs your voice - the real one, not the diluted version you think will be more palatable. Your team needs your confidence, and you need to hear yourself speak with the authority you've earned.
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At Vermillion Coaching, we specialise in supporting senior women leaders find their authentic and unapologetic voice through targeted executive presence training and leadership development programs.
Let's explore how unapologetic leadership can revolutionise your impact and influence. Contact Vermillion Coaching today to discover our leadership communication programs designed for you!
