Three Ways To Build Authority When You Speak

You can know your material cold - but when nerves take over, even the sharpest message falls flat.

Aristotle had a name for the trust and character you project: ethos. He argued that persuasion rests on three pillars - ethos, pathos, and logos - but it's often ethos that carries the most weight. Before people believe your ideas, they decide whether to believe you.

🎓Three Ways to Build Ethos

1. Signal Authority Through Stillness

Before you even speak, your posture speaks for you. When you ground your body, you broadcast certainty.

2. Start Off Slow

Many people rush their openings. Instead, try saying your first sentence, then pause. If you're calm enough to pause, listeners trust you’re in control.

3. Sharpen Your Message

Ethos isn’t built by saying more - but what matters. Distill your point to three clear ideas. Remove filler words and keep things concise.

🗣️ Takeaway from Aristotle:

People trust you before they trust your message. If your delivery is calm and clear, your ideas will carry.

Until next time,
🌠Hannah