EP 286: Choosing Confidence, A Journey to Communication Mastery w/Karen Laos

What makes someone sound like a leader, even before they have the title?

In this episode of Entrepreneurs United, John St. Pierre and Rich Hoffmann sit down with communication expert Karen Laos to unpack the subtle shifts that instantly elevate your presence, credibility, and influence.

Karen shares why the first person to speak is often perceived as the leader, how your “focus face” may be working against you, and the fastest way to eliminate filler words without sounding robotic. You will learn practical frameworks you can apply immediately, including how to stop rambling in real time with one simple phrase, how to make direct asks that actually get results, and how small language tweaks can either shrink your authority or amplify it.

Karen also opens up about the pivotal boardroom moment that shaped her mission to help women stop over apologizing, minimizing their expertise, and waiting for permission to speak.

If you run meetings, pitch clients, lead teams, negotiate deals, or want to be taken more seriously when you speak, this episode delivers clear, actionable insights you can use today.

After listening, ask yourself: What is one communication habit you are ready to change this week?

Timestamps
00:00 The Power of Speaking First
00:41 Introduction to Karen Laos
01:05 Understanding Communication Challenges
02:03 The Importance of Self-Awareness
03:39 Improving Your Presence
05:02 Mastering Public Speaking
08:54 Bringing Fun into Professionalism
14:59 The Confidence Key: Asking for What You Want
22:11 Empowering Women Executives
24:41 The Power of Speaking First
25:29 How to Stop Rambling
26:04 The Impact of Language on Mindset
27:57 Interpreting Word Choice in Communication
29:10 The Role of Gratitude in Communication
31:27 Effective Communication Techniques
35:02 Coaching on Communication Skills
40:59 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Connect with Karen Laos
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/
Book, Trust Your Own Voice: https://karenlaos.com/book/
Free Guide, 9 Words to Avoid: https://karenlaos.com/words-to-avoid/
The Confidence Cocktail™ Self-Assessment: https://karenlaos.com/confidence-cocktail-fb/