Ever catch yourself ending sentences on a high note, like you're asking a question? That’s called upspeak and it could be sabotaging your credibility without you even knowing it. 

As an emerging leader, speaking with confidence is essential if you want to be taken seriously. Whether you're pitching in meetings, leading a team, or delivering a presentation, your voice needs to project authority and self-assurance. In this blog, we’ll explore how to ditch upspeak and embrace techniques that will elevate your vocal power so you can start speaking with confidence in every professional setting.

What is Upspeak and Why It Gets in the Way of Speaking with Confidence

Upspeak, also known as ‘uptalk’ or ‘high-rising terminal (HRT)’, is when you end a declarative sentence with a rising tone, making it sound like a question. 

Think: “I’m leading this project?” instead of “I’m leading this project.” 

While it might seem like a minor vocal habit, it can have a major impact on how others perceive your leadership and competence. For those striving to be seen as confident communicators, upspeak is a subtle yet powerful obstacle.

The Confidence Killer: Why Upspeak Sabotages Speaking with Confidence

Here’s the deal: when you rely on upspeak, you’re unconsciously signaling doubt even when you know exactly what you’re talking about. It’s a vocal pattern that can quietly but powerfully undercut your impact, especially in leadership conversations where clarity, conviction, and presence matter most. Speaking with confidence isn’t just about what you say, it’s about how you say it. Certainty should come through in your tone, pacing, and delivery.

Upspeak does the opposite. While it may seem polite or tentative, it often sends a message of hesitation or insecurity. And in professional settings, that can be costly. To project authority and credibility, it’s crucial to recognize this habit and take steps to shift it. Otherwise, even your most confident ideas may land with a question mark instead of an exclamation point.

Embrace the Power of the Pause to Support Speaking with Confidence

Want to instantly sound more confident? Stop. Literally. Pause. 

Strategic pauses give you time to think, reduce filler words like “um” or “uh,” and allow your message to land. They also signal that you’re composed and in control which are key components of speaking with confidence. 

Silence isn’t awkward; it’s powerful. Use it to emphasize your message and lead with intention.

Breaking the Habit: Replacing Upspeak with Speaking with Confidence

Getting rid of upspeak is not trying to change who you are, it’s teaching you to align your delivery with your intent. Speaking with confidence means ending sentences with downward inflection and projecting strength in your words. 

Practice reading aloud with purpose, record yourself, and get feedback. Over time, you’ll retrain your vocal habits and feel more empowered in every interaction.

Final Thoughts: Your Voice is a Tool for Speaking with Confidence

Your voice is your personal brand in motion. Speaking with confidence helps you build trust, inspire action, and own your space as a leader. Ditching upspeak is just one step in unlocking your vocal authority. With practice, awareness, and a few key strategies, you can boost your vocal power and speak with confidence in every situation that matters.

If you’re ready to move beyond vocal habits like upspeak and truly command the room, our Speaking with Excellence program is your next step. Designed for leaders who want to communicate with greater clarity, conviction, and presence, this executive-level experience helps you unlock your authentic voice and develop the skills to inspire, influence, and lead with authority.

Let us help you elevate your communication style and build the vocal power and executive presence that will set you apart as a leader.