Hi Friend,
Have you ever wanted to speak up in a meeting. . .but hesitated?
Or maybe you shared an idea, only to have it dismissed…and then a few minutes later – someone else repeated it almost word-for-word and now suddenly it’s brilliant?
I know that feeling. Early in my career, I spoke up but went unnoticed. My ideas had value, but my delivery didn’t land. That’s when I realized: public speaking isn’t just about a stage. It’s about how you use your voice in every meeting, every update, every moment you’re at the table.
The good news? You don’t need to overthink it. With the right tools, you can shift from being overlooked to being heard.
Two Tools for Speaking with Impact
Administrative Assistants often tell me their biggest challenge is sharing too much backstory or losing their audience in the details. That’s why I teach two simple tools that cover both everyday updates and bigger presentations.
Quick Update Formula (HCA) – For everyday updates and meetings
Headline: The key point in one sentence (the “so what”).
Context: The why or what caused it. A short fact. (1-2 sentences).
Ask: Be specific about what you need — what should they do, decide, or take away, and by when?
💡Use this when giving project updates, briefing your manager, or sharing quick wins. It cuts through rambling and keep people leaning in.
10-Minute Prep Framework – For bigger presentations and conversations
Intention (1 min): What outcome do I want?
Audience (2 min): Who’s in the room and what do they care about?
Message Map (4 min): Opening, 2-3 points, close.
Delivery (3 min): Voice, posture, pauses, eye contact.
💡Use this when presenting at staff meetings, leading a training, or delivering a high-stakes update. It ensures you’re clear, confident, and credible.
Real-Life Example: From Tuning Out to Leaning In
One of my recent attendees had an aha moment: she realized she was giving way too much backstory in her updates. She could see people tuning out. Not to mention the manager who kept using the subtle circling motion with your hand, (like winding a clock forward), a universal gesture that means move it along.
Once she tried the Quick Update Formula (HCA) – Headline, Context, Ask – her manager and team leaned in, listened, and acted.
A small change made a big difference.
Free Resource: Speak with Impact Toolkit
I’ve bundled both tools into a simple, printable handout you can keep at your desk. Use the Quick Update Formula for short, sharp updates, and the 10-Minute Prep Framework for bigger conversations.
💡Why this matters right now.
It’s not just me saying this. Multiple leading reports highlight public speaking as one of the top five skills professionals need for 2025 and beyond:
- LinkedIn’s article: Future-Proofing Your Career in the Age of AI
- ASAP’s State of the Profession Report
- Office Dynamics’ Future Ready Report
When three separate industry leaders agree, it’s clear:
your ability to speak with impact isn’t optional – it’s essential.
👉 That’s why I created this month’s free Speak with Impact Toolkit – so you have practical tools to sharpen this in-demand skill.
Quick Challenge
This week, pick one meeting or presentation and use one of the tools. Notice how people respond differently – and how much more confident you feel.
Reflection Question: Where’s the next place you want your voice to carry more weight?
Next Steps – Choose Your Growth Plan
Here are a few ways I can support you beyond this newsletter:
- 12-Month Program: Speaking with Impact — a year-long journey to strengthen your voice, presence, and influence as an administrative professional.
👉 (View Program Overview / Reserve Your Spot). Email Peggy for the brochure. - Keynotes & Training: Bring me to your organization for a high-impact session that helps your team communicate with confidence, clarity, and credibility.
👉 (Book a Workshop or Keynote) - Coaching: Work with me 1:1 for personalized feedback and practical strategies tailored to your career.
👉 (Sign Up Now) - Books for Growth: Not Just an Admin and Mean Girl No More — story-driven, practical tools for career advancement and building supportive workplaces. The Roadmap To Empowering You – a step-by-step framework designed to help you define your vision, create actionable goals, and take charge of your career, one intentional step at a time.
👉 (Shop Peggy’s Books)
October sets the tone for how you’ll finish the year. Don’t let your ideas get overlooked. With these two tools, you’ll have the confidence and clarity to make your voice count.
I’m cheering you on,
Peggy
Speaker | Bestselling Author | Empowerment Coach | Admin Advocate