How do you demonstrate credibility and authority without sounding arrogant or pushy?

You state you know nothing. You’re not selling telling teaching or coaching. Just listening. All this of course in a spinny chair draped in gold jewellery smoking a cigar with the framed picture saying superman above your head. No ego here. 👏👏

This requires a delicate balance of confidence, humility, and empathy. Tips to achieve that balance are: Instead of asserting your expertise outright, share your knowledge humbly. Use phrases like "In my experience..." or "From what I've learned..." to convey your message without sounding arrogant. Demonstrate your authority by actively listening to others. Show that you value their perspectives and opinions, even if they differ from yours. This shows humility and respect and you still assert your credibility when necessary. Support your statements with evidence & facts whenever possible. This enforces your credibility without the need for self-promotion. Encourage dialogue by asking questions & inviting others to share their insights.

The problem with this approach is that it can be time consuming and it can be a long term game. Producing content will increase exposure of your expertise. It will also build confidence with your audience to see you as the go-to expert. This is why consistency is key! I found that committing to once a week with a focused topic will start the momentum to keep producing content. What I did was start simply with #salestalktuesday posts. It keeps me accountable and encouraged that I am producing content every week.

Micro-storytelling is the easiest way to build credibility without coming across as arrogant. Frame a common problem, tell them how you can solve it, tell a micro-story, and ask a question. It's all about being casual and keeping things relatable

Using evidence strengthens your arguments and enhances your credibility. By backing your claims with data, research, or case studies, you demonstrate that your insights are rooted in fact, not just personal opinion. This approach not only builds trust but also invites further inquiry and discussion. For example, if discussing marketing strategies, you might say, “Implementing video content can boost engagement rates by over 50%, according to a recent study.” Always cite credible and relevant sources to substantiate your points effectively.

Shift your focus from your own goals to genuinely understanding and helping your prospects or audience on LinkedIn. Instead of trying to dominate conversations, prioritise listening. Ask questions that invite them to share their challenges and needs. Show that you're truly interested in their success, not just your own. On LinkedIn, ensure your content is driven by the desire to offer value — whether it’s through solutions, insights, or advice. When you demonstrate that your primary motive is to serve others, you naturally build trust and authority.

It’s better to be interested, than trying to be interesting. Through questions and focus on the client, you’ll demonstrate plenty of value.

To communicate authority without arrogance, balance confidence with humility. Use a friendly tone and open body language to convey your message supportively. Engage by clarifying complex ideas and inviting questions, showing consideration for others' understanding. Acknowledge and build on others' contributions, emphasizing collaboration. This approach not only demonstrates your expertise but also fosters a respectful and inclusive environment, ensuring that your confidence encourages participation and doesn’t overshadow the contributions of others.

EQ is the strongest predictor of performance; in Bradberry's studies, 90% of top performers are high in EQ, and just 20% of bottom performers are high in EQ." Focus on understanding your buyer's desires and fears to demonstrate credibility and authority. Show empathy and curiosity by asking insightful questions that reveal their needs. Lead them TO your solutions by sharing valuable insights and tailored recommendations rather than pushing your product. By really sitting in the seat of your buyer, knowing their desires and fears, you can better help them. This approach positions you as a trusted advisor who understands their challenges and provides thoughtful, relevant solutions, building trust without sounding arrogant or pushy.