Expert who coached Google, Amazon leaders shares 3 phrases to ‘command attention’ at work

'Many professionals I work with are the reliable workhorses of their organisations,' Melody Wilding said. 'They go above and beyond in their roles, yet are often overlooked for promotions and leadership opportunities.' (Image credit: AFP)

A New York-based workplace psychology expert, who has spent over 15 years helping leaders at Google, Amazon, and other Fortune 500 firms, has shared three phrases that professionals can use to sharpen their communication and command attention at work.

Speaking to CNBC Make It, Melody Wilding said authority isn’t about job titles — it’s about how you speak. "Many professionals I work with are the reliable workhorses of their organisations," she said. "They go above and beyond in their roles, yet are often overlooked for promotions and leadership opportunities."

To address this, the author of Managing Up identified three phrases that signal confidence, helping professionals gain influence even before they’re formally in charge.

1. 'Our options are A, B, and C. My recommendation is…'
Instead of rambling through background details, authoritative communicators structure their message and offer a clear path forward, Wilding said. For example, try saying, "We have three options: extend the deadline, add resources, or reduce scope. I suggest we add two contractors for six weeks to launch on time and minimise costs," she said.

2. 'What we need next is…'
Wilding believes vague closings such as “Let me know your thoughts” dilute impact. She advised making direct calls to action: “What we need next is your sign-off on the contract so we can start implementation on Monday.” This clarity, she believes, helps busy decision-makers respond quickly and decisively.

3. 'Here’s what I’m seeing…'
Tentative phrases like “I could be off base…” can undermine credibility, the workplace psychologist said, suggesting focusing on what you do know instead. Statements such as “We’re seeing improvement across three sectors” or “There’s a consistent trend in the data since Q2” build trust in your judgment, Wilding concluded.