How to Sound Authoritative: 9 Habits That Earn Respect
To sound authoritative in professional settings, focus on nine core habits: lower your vocal pitch at the end of sentences, eliminate filler words, use declarative statements, pause before responding, speak at a measured pace, choose precise language, lead with conclusions, maintain steady eye contact, and frame opinions as informed positions. These vocal, linguistic, and behavioral habits signal competence and command respect — even before people evaluate the substance of what you're saying.
