How often do you cringe when you hear the sound of your voice? Whether it’s a meeting recording or a voicemail greeting, that moment of discomfort is nearly universal.

Rebecca Kleinberger’s TED Talk, Why You Don’t Like the Sound of Your Own Voice, explores the science behind this common reaction and shares insights that can help us embrace our unique voices.

For leaders, this knowledge is invaluable. Your voice is one of your most powerful tools for inspiring, influencing, and building connections. Overcoming self-consciousness about your voice isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about showing up as a confident, effective communicator who rallies others toward shared goals.

Why Don’t We Like Our Voices?

The disconnect between how you hear your voice internally and how it sounds in recordings comes down to how our ears work. Internally, you hear your voice through vibrations in your skull, which adds depth and resonance. But what others hear—and what you hear in recordings—lacks those vibrations. The result? A thinner, higher, and often unfamiliar version of your voice.

For leaders, this discomfort can amplify self-doubt. You might find yourself second-guessing your delivery or even avoiding speaking opportunities altogether. But here’s the good news: you can learn to love your internal and external voice with the right mindset and strategies.

Reframing the Narrative

What truly matters in leadership isn’t the exact pitch or tone of your voice. It’s the clarity, conviction, and energy behind what you’re saying. In fact, what you perceive as flaws—like a unique cadence or regional accent—can make you more authentic and relatable to your audience.

Your voice is the vehicle for your ideas, and those ideas are what spark action, drive innovation and foster connection. By shifting your focus from how your voice sounds to the impact of your message, you can lead with greater confidence.

Trust the Value of Your Knowledge and Experience

Confidence in your voice is deeply tied to confidence in the value you place on your opinion, value, and worth. As a leader, your knowledge, expertise, and lived experiences provide the foundation for your insights. Trusting in these elements, and in your ability to navigate challenging situations, allows you to speak with authority and conviction.

Remember, you were hired into this position for a reason, and your knowledge, skills, and abilities speak for themselves. The value you bring to the table as a leader doesn’t depend on sounding perfect; it depends on your ability to communicate your ideas, advocate for your team, and influence those around you. When you focus on the depth of your knowledge, and your ability to inspire, you naturally project confidence that resonates with your audience.

Start by acknowledging your expertise. Reflect on the accomplishments, challenges, and lessons that have brought you to this point in your leadership journey. Each success and setback has added to your credibility. By leaning into this awareness, you can trust that your voice carries weight and deserves to be heard.

Need more support in this area? Here are two additional articles that can help you unleash your full leadership potential:

Steps to Reclaim Confidence in Your Voice

Reclaiming confidence in your voice requires increased self-awareness and practice. Here are four practical steps to help you embrace your voice and communicate more effectively:

1. Normalize Your Discomfort

Recognize that disliking your voice is normal. Instead of letting this discomfort hold you back, focus on the value of your message. Before a meeting or presentation, take time to learn about your audience. What do they care about? How do they like to receive information? This understanding helps you tailor your delivery in a way that resonates, regardless of how you feel about your voice.

2. Refine Without Losing Authenticity

If aspects of your delivery—like volume, enunciation, or clarity—need improvement, invest in resources or groups that support your growth. Several clients have joined their local Toastmasters chapter, while others have hired public speaking and voice coaches. These options can help you refine your speaking style while staying true to your authentic self.

3. Practice Purposeful Communication

Practice speaking regularly in settings that matter. Whether you’re presenting to your team, recording yourself, or speaking up in a weekly leadership meeting, consistent practice will help you build your confidence. Over time, you’ll become more comfortable hearing your voice and more skilled at using it effectively.

4. Reflect on Positive Impact

Think about moments when your voice made a difference. Maybe it was a heartfelt conversation or a successful pitch. Journal about these experiences to remind yourself of your voice’s power to influence and connect. Reflecting on these successes helps reframe your narrative and boosts your confidence.

5. Embrace Growth and Imperfection

Practice makes progress. Keep trying new approaches until you find what works for you! Here are two additional articles that can help you reclaim your voice:

Final Thoughts

Your voice is a reflection of your unique perspective and leadership style—a tool that has the potential to inspire, motivate, and connect on a profound level. Rather than minimizing its power, recognize it as an extension of your purpose and a bridge to the people you lead. Embracing your voice allows you to move beyond self-consciousness and into authentic leadership.

This journey isn’t just about sounding confident; it’s about being confident in the value you bring to every conversation, presentation, and decision. When you focus on the impact of your message and the strength of your conviction, you position yourself as a leader who empowers and influences others.

If this article resonated with you, subscribe to my newsletter for more actionable insights on leadership and communication. Let’s connect on LinkedIn and Instagram, or schedule a complimentary discovery call to explore how coaching can help you amplify your leadership presence. Together, we’ll transform your voice into one of your most impactful tools for connection and influence.