In a world where numbers dominate the conversation, it’s easy to forget the most powerful tool in your toolkit: your voice. Whether you’re an accountant navigating client relationships, a bookkeeper advocating for change, or a business leader presenting your vision, the way you communicate can define your success.

And that’s the crux of it—communication isn’t just about what you say; it’s about how you make people feel.

Why Your Voice Matters

As professionals in finance and accounting, you operate in a highly technical field, but that doesn’t mean your communication should be cold or robotic. Clients and stakeholders may not remember the intricacies of your financial analysis, but they’ll remember how you made them feel empowered, understood, and supported.

Finding your voice isn’t just about speaking up; it’s about speaking in a way that resonates with your audience. It’s about clarity, authenticity, and connection.

The Challenges of Communication in Finance

Let’s face it—financial jargon isn’t winning any “Most Engaging Conversation” awards. Yet, in this industry, you’re constantly in situations where you need to translate the complex into the relatable, whether it’s helping a client understand a tax return or explaining cash flow to a board of directors.

Many professionals struggle with:

• Overcoming self-doubt or imposter syndrome when speaking.
• Building confidence to step into leadership roles or high-stakes meetings.
• Breaking down complex financial concepts into digestible insights.
• Engaging and connecting with diverse audiences, from tech-savvy clients to traditional business owners.

Step One: Own Your Story

In my Find Your Voice programme, I emphasise the importance of owning your story. Every single one of us has unique experiences and perspectives that shape who we are. Sharing those moments with authenticity doesn’t just make you relatable—it builds trust.

For example, if you’re discussing a challenging financial period with a client, sharing a personal anecdote about navigating similar challenges can make the conversation more impactful. Your story is what connects the facts to the human experience.

The Power of Emotional Leadership

I often refer to the combination of storytelling, vulnerability, and authenticity as Emotional Leadership.  It’s about leading through influence, not instruction—using your ability to change perspectives, show compassion, and inspire action.

In finance, Emotional Leadership might look like:

• Using storytelling to contextualise complex data, helping clients and colleagues see the bigger picture.
• Being vulnerable enough to share lessons learned from personal challenges, fostering a culture of openness.
• Showing compassion in difficult conversations, such as addressing financial struggles or setbacks, while still maintaining professionalism.
  

When you lead with Emotional Leadership, you don’t just deliver information—you create moments of connection that inspire trust and confidence.

Vulnerability as a Strength

In a profession often defined by precision and structure, vulnerability might feel like a weakness. But here’s the truth: it’s a superpower. Vulnerability allows you to connect with others on a deeper level, demonstrating empathy and understanding that numbers alone can’t convey.

When you share a moment of challenge, failure, or personal growth, you humanise yourself. For your clients, it reinforces that you’re not just an expert—you’re someone who understands their fears and goals. For your team, it creates an environment where they feel safe to share and grow.

Practical Tips to Find Your Voice

1. ‍Know Your Audience: Always consider who you’re speaking to. Adjust your tone, language, and delivery based on their level of understanding.‍
2. Embrace Authenticity: Don’t hide behind formality. Speak as yourself—people resonate with real, not rehearsed.‍
3. Use Emotional Storytelling: Tie facts and figures to real-life scenarios or personal stories to make your message memorable.‍
4. Simplify the Complex: Break down technical terms into clear, relatable language. Remember, less is often more.‍
5. Overcome Anxiety: It’s normal to feel nervous, but preparation and mindset shifts can transform those nerves into energy.‍
6. Ask Better Questions: Engage your audience by asking thoughtful, open-ended questions that spark discussion and build trust.‍
7. Pause for Impact: Don’t rush. Give your audience time to absorb your message—it’s often what you don’t say that holds power.
   

Creating a Lasting Impression

When you focus on finding your voice, you move beyond simply delivering a message—you create a meaningful experience.

The ability to engage emotionally and authentically ensures that your communication has lasting impact, whether you’re addressing a client’s financial concerns or pitching an idea to stakeholders.

What’s more, the skills you develop by finding your voice—confidence, resilience, and adaptability—are transferable to every area of your life. They’re not just “workplace tools”; they’re life skills.

From Surviving to Thriving

Many professionals in this industry default to “survival mode” when it comes to communication—just get through the meeting, presentation, or client call without a hitch. But thriving is about going beyond just “getting through.” It’s about standing out, inspiring trust, and leaving a lasting impression. When you find your voice, you shift from being a good communicator to being an impactful one. And in today’s fast-paced financial world, impact is everything.

The Ripple Effect

The best part of finding your voice? It doesn’t just transform how you communicate—it transforms how others see and experience you. By owning your voice, you empower your clients, colleagues, and stakeholders to do the same.

Imagine the ripple effect in a workplace where people feel heard, respected, and inspired. It starts with one person stepping into their power and grows into a culture of confidence and connection.

Why It’s Worth It

For finance professionals, communication is often seen as a soft skill, but it’s one of the hardest-hitting tools in your arsenal. Finding your voice doesn’t just help you present better—it helps you lead better, build better relationships, and create lasting impact.

So, whether you’re delivering a client pitch, hosting a workshop, or simply building your presence within your organisation, remember this: your voice matters.

And when you find it, you unlock the potential to not just communicate—but to truly connect.