Look at your Identity Profile.

Find where you wrote: 'My identity gap shows up most in...'

I'll bet whatever you checked — whether it's presentations, being challenged, or negotiating — the common thread is this: In those moments, your voice changes.

Not because you can't speak. But because the identity you've claimed hasn't fully taken over your communication yet.

Here's what executive communication actually is: it's your identity speaking out loud.

When you fully believe you're the executive in the room, you don't uptalk. You don't over-explain. You don't apologize for speaking.

So this week — and next — as we work through vocal authority and communication frameworks: Don't practice the techniques. Practice being HIM/HER. The Person on your identity card. Let him/her speak.

What does HE/SHE sound like? How does HE/SHE start a sentence? How does HE/SHE respond when challenged?

That's the real work for this week.