What advice do you have for a new NCO who is soft-spoken and lacks confidence?

I know of SRNCO who started a “Toastmasters”, speaking club during his time in Iraq. When he left, he was besieged by cry’s for him to anoint his successor so the club could continue.

Toastmaster clubs are everywhere, please seek one out.

They will provide an opportunity and guidance for you to become a more polished and confident speaker. SGT (Join to see)

On your own dime, ($-$$$?), you might find a Dale Carnegie public speaking course as I did many moons ago. They help you practice simple stuff - like laughing in front of the class for 3-5 ? minutes. You could also avail yourself of a Dale Carnegie book or ? distance learning course.

Practice giving drill and ceremony commands - alone - in the middle of any nowhere.

Practice marching yourself about until you feel comfortable with giving correct commands, properly.

If I had to guess I would say it's not because you're a female, it may be partly because you're on profile, and definitely because you lack confidence.

When you are the leader, people are looking for you to lead. You can be soft spoken and still be confident. Confidence comes through experience, so don't shy away from new tasks or experiences because you don't know how to do them. As you develop your experience you will become more confident. Treat your people like you would treat your children. Develop them, mentor them, give them solid direction.

Oooh boy. Where to begin.

For starters, being on profile doesn't mean jack in regards to Soldiers not respecting you. I have a permanent profile and I have mad respect from my Seniors, Peers, and Subordinates alike. They don't respect you because you are not giving them a reason to respect you. Your gender also has no play as to why your Soldier's don't respect you.

You are in a position of responsibility and authority. You need to start conducting yourself accordingly. One of the first things I recommend you do is find an NCO that exemplifies everything there is to be an NCO and have them mentor you. Then, I also recommend you have a sit down with your troops and do a counseling en mass and lay out your expectations of them and what they can expect from you. And follow thru.

As for your anxiety, I recommend you take a speech class to help you get over your public speaking anxiety. Because, as you get higher in rank, the higher in rank (and larger groups) of people you will have to brief.

No one likes confrontation. But, if you need to put boot to ass because one of your troops screwed up, then you need to put boot to ass.

And, the last two recommendations I have is to seek out your nearest BH section/unit and see if you can get into counseling. Also, I recommend you re-read the Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer. Because, if you truly feel that you cannot conduct yourself as an NCO and Leader should, then you need to tell your NCOIC that you need to be removed from a leadership position.