Unshrinking Your Voice in Midlife with Kirsten Birkeland

In this episode of The FxCK YOU 50s, host Andrea Claire sits down with communications expert Kirsten Birkeland to dismantle the cultural and personal barriers that keep women from speaking up. Together, they explore practical strategies to help women navigate gendered communication dynamics, build unshakable self-confidence, and command attention in both personal and professional settings without apologizing for taking up space. Key Insights Unpacking Apologetic Language: Women frequently minimize their impact by starting presentations with apologies or using softening phrases. Transitioning to direct, ownership-focused language (e.g., "I feel strongly about this") immediately projects authority. Navigating Boardroom Dynamics: From handling idea theft to asserting presence in male-dominated spaces, the conversation details strategies for overcoming perfectionism, reclaiming credit, and understanding differences in how men and women approach self-promotion and coaching. Authenticity as Power: Effective public speaking and everyday communication stem from self-acceptance and self-awareness rather than adopting an artificial persona. Actionable Growth: Practical advice covers building vocal volume, landing point-blank starts in conversations, delivering constructive feedback, and even taking the initial steps toward pitching a TED Talk. Connect with The FxCK YOU 50s here: ⁠Podcast Website⁠ ⁠IG @TheFxCKYOU50s⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠  YouTube⁠ Connect with Kirsten Birkeland / Prep Your Talk here: Instagram: @prepyourtalk web: Prep Your Talk Consulting  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices