Have you noticed how you can speak with complete authority at home, but when it comes to business you sometimes lose your voice?

I’ve been guilty of that myself. In a room full of professionals, I’ve been afraid to speak up, voice my opinion or ask for what I want. It makes sense as we were taught growing up to be soft and quiet. However, this tendency will definitely backfire on you in the professional world.

If you want anything in life, you have to ask for it! And when you ask, make sure you’re speaking in a voice loud enough to be heard!

Here are some tips to speak in your power so you can make any request with confidence:

1.  Never say "Can I ask you a question?" before you ask a question! You should never ask permission to ask a question. Just ask! You lose your power if you ask first and come across as timid.

2. Never use "but" before you share your idea or ask your question!  Here's some examples: "I know you're busy, but…" or "Someone may have thought of this already, but…" or “This may sound stupid, but…” When you use the word "but” to preface your statement, you're asking permission to speak again, or apologizing for what you’re about to say, which shows lack of confidence. Get rid of "but" altogether and just say what you have to say with strength.

3. Pump up the volume!  Women sometimes speak so softly in business that few people can even hear what they’re saying. We have brilliant things to say, so speak up! A good rule of thumb is to speak loud enough so that someone across the room, with a hearing problem, can hear you. This might take practice so go ahead and practice at home. Talk to a wall, or into the mirror. Think of your voice as an instrument. Remember, you won't be taken seriously if you speak so softly that no one can hear you.

4. Get to the point, quickly. When we speak without confidence, we tend to beat around the bush and talk in circles before we make our point. Think of bullet points, and talk in bullets. You’ll know when the situation allows for more information, but always start off short, sweet and to the point. If it takes you half an hour to make your point, no one will be listening by the time you get to your point.

5. Don't worry about getting NO for an answer. Who likes rejection? I know I don’t! Sometimes we get so worried about rejection and getting no for an answer, that we don't ask for what we really want. Remember a “no” is not a tragedy; it’s just a response. It's only a setback, and a temporary one at that. Do not take it as a personal rejection. Take it as a piece of information to work with and then figure out how to turn that no into a yes!

When these practices become natural to you, you’ll stop speaking from a place of no-permission, and instead start speaking from a place of power! And that’s how you start getting what you want in all areas of your life.