In 2023, an AICPA survey found that 99% of accounting firms consider soft skills, especially communication, clarity, confidence in presenting, and relationship building, as the most essential qualities for CPA candidates.
Now let me ask you…
Have you ever felt nervous speaking in a meeting?
If yes, you’re not alone.
In today’s episode, we’ll explore how to learn and speak with clarity and confidence at work.
Let’s get started.
👋 Welcome to The Accountant Show
This is your friend Divyesh Dave, welcoming you to another episode of The Accountant Show, the community podcast of The Accountant Hub.
In this community, I share practical lessons on confidence, clarity, communication, and career skills that help accountants grow in today’s world.
In today’s workplace, technical expertise alone isn’t enough.
Clarity, confidence, and communication have become equally vital.
And as the AICPA survey confirmed, nearly every professional firm is now looking for these skills in accounting and finance professionals.
We accountants are often great at our work, preparing financials, analyzing reports, and working with data.
But when it’s time to present that work in front of management, many of us feel nervous.
You’re not alone, I’ve been there too.
🧠 My Experience
A few months ago, I was asked to explain financial results to the directors.
I had prepared everything, but the moment I started, I froze.
I had goosebumps and forgot half of what I wanted to say.
That moment taught me something powerful: everyone gets nervous, and that’s normal.
Not everyone is naturally confident, but the good news is that confidence is learnable.
And as accountants, we must learn it.
What benefit does it bring to you?
When you learn to speak with clarity and confidence, you gain three major benefits:
1️⃣ Build Trust and Credibility
When you speak clearly and confidently, people believe you.
They can sense that you understand what you’re talking about.
2️⃣ Improve Decision-Making
Your voice shapes outcomes.
When you explain financial insights with clarity, management can make better decisions.
3️⃣ Gain Visibility and Value
Confidence opens new roles and opportunities.
When you present ideas effectively, you create value, for the company and for yourself.
What Confidence Is Not?
Confidence is not about shouting or showing off your knowledge.
It’s not about ego or dominance.
True confidence is calm, composed, and in control.
When you’re in a presentation, take your time.
Breathe deeply.
Collect your thoughts before you start.
Even if you pause or restart, it’s completely fine.
It’s better to speak with small mistakes than to stay silent out of fear.
Confidence is built through action, not perfection.
The Three Core Areas to Work on: -
Clarity - Say It So They Understand
Clarity means expressing your ideas in a way that others can easily grasp.
Here are three simple steps:
1️⃣ Know Your Message and Audience
Be clear on what you’re presenting and to whom, management, team members, or clients.
Tailor your tone and examples accordingly.
2️⃣ Prepare Keywords and Short Sentences
Avoid jargon or complicated English.
Use 10–20 strong keywords and simple, short sentences to deliver your message.
3️⃣ Don’t Over-Explain
Allow silence and pauses.
Let your ideas land — this gives others time to think and ask questions.
Confidence - Feel It Before You Speak
Confidence starts in your mind before it shows in your voice.
Follow these three habits:
1️⃣ Practice in Small Steps
Speak in front of a mirror or record your voice.
Join meetings and start sharing small updates.
Ask colleagues for feedback, and use it to improve.
2️⃣ Upgrade Your Knowledge
Confidence comes from competence.
When you truly know your subject, you can simplify complex ideas and speak naturally.
3️⃣ Calm Your Heart Before Speaking
Take a deep breath before starting.
Stay relaxed and focused on your topic.
Remember, confidence is not perfection, it’s progress.
Communication - Deliver with Presence
Communication is not just speaking; it’s the art of connecting.
Here’s how you can improve it:
1️⃣ Posture and Body Language
Stand tall, open your shoulders, and maintain positive energy.
Your body language communicates confidence before your words do.
2️⃣ Voice and Tone
Take slow breaths and speak in a conversational tone.
Modulate your voice when you emphasize important points, especially when presenting key data.
3️⃣ Active Listening
Communication is two-way.
Listen carefully to questions, respond thoughtfully, and create space for dialogue.
This builds trust and engagement.
Putting It All Together
When you develop these three areas, Clarity, Confidence, and Communication —
you’ll notice a huge transformation in the way you speak and connect at work.
Confidence grows with practice, not perfection.
If you’ve spoken once, you can do it again, and better.
Over time, your comfort with speaking will become your strength.
Quick Recap for you
✅ Clarity - Simple, structured message that others can understand.
✅ Confidence - Emotional control and calm energy.
✅ Communication - Connection and listening, not just speaking.
Together, these three “C’s” create a powerful formula for career growth.
Final Thoughts
Remember, you don’t need perfect English.
You need clarity and a calm mindset.
Confidence grows with small, consistent practice.
Your voice matters because numbers need storytellers.
So, keep practicing.
Keep improving 1% every day.
And soon, you’ll be the accountant who speaks with impact and authority.
If this episode inspired you, share it with your friends or colleagues.
And comment below: 👉 “I CAN SPEAK 💪” to show your commitment.
Please subscribe to The Accountant Show on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for weekly insights on confidence, clarity, and professional growth.
You can also join my VIP community of elite accountants and finance professionals here: 👉 YESDD.co/VIP
Keep learning, keep growing 1% every day
Your friend,
Divyesh Dave
