Taking the Stage

Many women today wonder: what will it take to get that seat at the boardroom table? Earn that coveted promotion? Or simply have their voices heard? Taking the Stage provides a comprehensive, proven approach that enables women to come forward into the spotlight and speak up, stand out, and succeed. Based on a program from the Humphrey Group that has been delivered to over 400,000 women worldwide, Taking the Stage shows women—no matter their age, rank, or profession—how to communicate with courage and confidence in every situation, from formal speeches to brief hallway conversations. Judith Humphrey provides the inspiration and practical advice for women to “take the stage” mentally, verbally, vocally, and physically. Women can make the most of every opportunity by understanding how best to: Speak up confidently, even when others don’t agree; Convey their accomplishments without self-doubt; Be assertive but not aggressive; Deliver clear and convincing messages; Move beyond “minimizing” language and apology; Find their own powerful and authentic voice; Achieve confident body language and a leadership presence. By applying these techniques and others to every communication— whether making a presentation, speaking at meetings, conducting an elevator conversation, or selling themselves in job interviews—women will be recognized as the leaders they are and attain positions of influence. For women at all stages of their career, and for managers and executives committed to supporting and guiding women on their leadership journeys, Taking the Stage is the practical, broad-based solution that will allow women to speak up confidently, gain respect, earn the promotions they deserve, and secure their places at the boardroom table.

Preface ix Introduction 1 Part One Choose to Take the Stage 11 1 We Have Been Taught to Fit In, Not Stand Out 13 2 Silence the Inner Crow 20 3 Develop a Center Stage Mindset 28 4 Speak Up Confidently 34 5 Be Assertive, Not Aggressive 42 6 Promote Yourself 48 7 Be Courageous 59 8 Hold Your Ground 66 Part Two Create a Strong Script 77 9 Portray Yourself as a Leader 79 10 Strengthen Your Language 88 11 Structure Your Script 96 12 Master Meeting Scripts 102 13 Craft Career Conversations 109 14 Elevate Your Elevator Scripts 117 Part Three Unlock the Power of Your Voice 123 15 Begin by Breathing 125 16 Find Your Full Sound 130 17 Develop Your Leader's Voice 137 18 Pace Yourself 143 19 Be Expressive 148 20 Articulate Clearly 155 Part Four Stand Out on Stage 159 21 Understand the Power of Presence 161 22 Be Fearless on Stage 167 23 Sit Tall, Stand Tall 175 24 Strengthen Your Body Language 183 25 She's Smart . . . but She Doesn't Look It 190 Conclusion: The World is Your Stage 199 Notes 205 Acknowledgments 213 About the Author 216 Index 218