How to “Take Up Space” with Confident, Assertive Communication

Are you making yourself smaller with your communication?

I’m learning to take up space. This is a practice that shows the world—and ourselves—that we matter. And I help my clients do the same!

Physically, this can mean commanding a stage to engage your audience instead of gripping the podium with sweaty palms. In a broader sense, it means not shrinking away in your life and allowing your voice and needs to be heard.

Here are a few techniques my clients use to cultivate a mindset of expansiveness in daily communication:

1. Take the compliment.

❌ “Oh, I was just lucky that everything went smoothly.”

✅ “Thank you! I worked really hard preparing for that presentation.”

I’m guilty of this. I downplay my own successes because I was taught to be humble. However, if someone is generous enough to sing our praises, we should be generous to ourselves in return. Learn to say “Thank you” with ease.

2. Avoid hedging language.

❌ “Just wondering if maybe we could try a new approach for this project.”

✅ “I’d love to try a new approach for this project.”

Do you find yourself using words like “just, “seem,” and “maybe” to come across as polite? It’s an easy habit to fall into. You don’t need to qualify your thoughts or request permission share your ideas and needs through hesitant language. Being mindful of using these types of words is an easy, effective way to boost your confidence in daily communication.

3. Stop apologizing (unless truly warranted).

❌ “I’m sorry to bother you, as I know you’re busy.”

✅ “I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me today.”

Of course, sincere apologies are often necessary. However, if you find yourself apologizing excessively, it’s time to find alternative ways to reframe and rephrase your thoughts.

Let’s take up more space this week! Which of these strategies will you try first?