Like the best Christmas presents, it’s something that stands out, leaves a lasting impression and makes others feel confident in your abilities. But unlike a gift under the tree, executive presence isn’t something you’re handed, it’s something you develop.
What is executive presence?
Executive presence is that intangible quality that makes people sit up, pay attention and trust you – even before you say a word. It’s the aura of credibility, calm, authority and quiet confidence that separates leaders from followers. But unlike charisma, which feels innate, executive presence can be learned, refined and mastered. Here’s how to cultivate it:
Project credibility from the moment you enter
Your entrance into a room is your first impression and it’s lasting. Senior executives form opinions quickly, often in seconds. Here’s how to make sure those first few seconds work in your favour:
- Posture and poise: stand tall, keep your shoulders back and walk with deliberate steps. Avoid rushed, frantic movements, which signal anxiety.
- Eye contact: look people in the eye as you enter. It’s a small action with enormous impact, showing confidence and command.
- Composed silence: resist the urge to ‘fill the air’ as soon as you enter. A moment of stillness conveys control and presence.
Tip: Body language is louder than words. Hold your ground and the room will hold its attention on you.
Speak with clarity, precision and power
Senior executives are bombarded with information daily. If you want to stand out, your message must be clear, concise and compelling.
- Start with the headline: get to the point in 10 seconds or less. Executives appreciate brevity and it positions you as a clear thinker.
- Use executive language: swap fillers like “I think” or “maybe” for strong, decisive phrases like “here’s what I recommend” or “the data shows.” Avoid jargon unless you’re sure everyone in the room knows it.
- Pause for emphasis: a short pause before and after a key point draws attention to it. Silence isn’t awkward – it’s powerful.
Tip: The more senior the audience, the shorter your answer should be. Master the art of the 30-second summary.
Hold your own under pressure
Executives will challenge you. It’s not personal, it’s how they test for strength, competence and trustworthiness. Here’s how to pass the test:
- Breathe first, respond second: when asked a difficult question, pause. This shows you’re thoughtful, not reactive. It also gives you a moment to craft a clear answer.
- Stay cool under fire: if challenged, stay calm. Defensiveness makes you look insecure. Instead, acknowledge the question, affirm the perspective and then offer your view.
- Never bluff: if you don’t know, say so. Honesty builds trust, bluffing destroys it.
Tip: Confidence isn’t knowing all the answers. It’s being calm, composed and clear about what you know, and what you don’t.
Command the room with presence, not volume
It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room, it’s about having the most compelling presence. Here’s how to be heard without raising your volume:
- Be deliberate, not dominating: speak slower than usual, with clear articulation. Fast talkers seem nervous. Deliberate speakers seem thoughtful and confident.
- Don’t compete for attention: wait for a natural pause to speak. Leaders don’t fight for airtime, they claim it.
- Make every word count: avoid filler words. Powerful people use precise language because it’s memorable.
Tip: Own the space you occupy. Leaders don’t shrink into chairs or hunch over phones. They’re present, engaged and expansive.
Build an aura of “trust me, I know what I’m doing”
The most respected executives have an aura of calm certainty. This presence isn’t accidental, it’s built on habits, routines and self-mastery.
- Exude calm, even in chaos: when things go wrong, stay steady. People’s eyes turn to those who seem unshaken by storms.
- Control your emotional state: anxiety and frustration leak into your tone and body language. Practice mental grounding techniques, like deep breathing, before big meetings.
- Have a ritual before high-stakes moments: top performers have pre-meeting routines like deep breathing or power poses.
Tip: Trust is built slowly but destroyed instantly. Make consistency your calling card – be steady, clear and deliberate in all interactions.
Final thought
Executive presence isn’t an act – it’s a collection of skills, habits and behaviours that signal to the world: “I’m here for a reason, and you can trust me to lead.” The best part is these skills are learnable. With practice, you can build the kind of presence that commands respect in every room you walk into.
The Complete Presenter™ will help you to develop clarity, precision and power in your communication
The Complete Presenter™ workshop is available face-to-face and online. It’s highly interactive, with significant practice opportunities to build confidence and ensure real-world application. It focusses on helping aspiring leaders to develop clarity, precision and power in their communication – both for formal presentations and spontaneous discussions. Here’s how it ensures you can speak effectively:
- Structured communication: you’ll be taught how to organise and present your ideas clearly, emphasising clarity, brevity and impact. This is essential for ensuring your message is memorable and persuasive.
- Adapting to context: it equips you with strategies to tailor communication for both formal presentations and ad-hoc situations, like Q&A sessions, impromptu updates or high-pressure discussions.
- Techniques to engage audiences: it highlights the use of storytelling, analogy, and vivid examples to make communication more compelling and relatable.
- Practical skills: through practice and feedback, participants refine their delivery skills, such as handling objections confidently, transitioning ideas smoothly and turning nervousness into energy.
Find out more and book your place at www.indigobusiness.co.uk/copr
