What Is Executive Presence?

Often our clients refer someone to us for Executive Coaching with a glowing description such as "This is one of our most valued and brilliant employees ?. But ?. he or she needs "Executive Presence", or as one client said "He's so low-key he's invisible. Give him "Executive Swagger".

Yet when asked to explain what they mean, their responses remind me of the Supreme Court's comments on pornography - - that it's difficult to define, but you'll know it when you see it.

From our successful interviews and coaching of hundreds of executives, here are some common traits of those who do project Executive Presence: They radiate confidence, poise and authority; they know how to connect with others; and, most important, they build on their own strengths and are genuine.

Following is a 5-point plan to help you build on YOUR strengths so that you project an impression of Executive Presence that matches your abilities:

1. Use your body language and visual image to convey confidence

· Stand and walk tall
· Use steady eye contact, not eye-darting
· Give a crisp handshake, not a dead fish
· Lean forward and be engaged in meetings. Don't fidget or play with your palm pilot
· Keep gestures subdued
· Be perfectly groomed and crisp

2. Develop an authoritative voice

· Use a low-pitched voice
· Place your voice down at the end of a sentence
· Speak with energy
· Eliminate a monotone and verbal distractions such as "um" and "basically"
· Slow down your speaking rate. Have the confidence to pause.

3. Avoid tentative language such as

· "I think ... "; "I guess ... "; "kind of ... "; "maybe ... "
· "I'm not sure if you'll like this, but ... "

4. Keep your message simple and clear

· Cut to the chase
· Think first, then talk. Don't share your internal debate with others
· Talk big picture, not details

5. Connect with others

· Become aware of your effect on others by observing and responding to their body language
· Listen more than you talk. Let others know that you value their opinion
· Take advantage of "hallway conversations" to connect informally

© Roberta Prescott

Roberta Prescott heads The Prescott Group, a communication firm specializing in Executive Development. Visit our web site (http://www.theprescottgroup.com) for more information about our Communication Programs and Executive Coaching Service.

---

The Amazing Secret To Ridding Yourself Of Self Consciousness

One of the biggest challenges to developing superior communication skills... Read More

Poise, Posture, and Performance

Good posture is seen to have many advantages. From an... Read More

Say Adios to the Fear of Rejection!

Do you ever get an uncomfortable feeling in your stomach... Read More

Words That Inspire - PEACE

WORDS THAT INSPIREA monthly quick shot to motivate you, in... Read More

Plug in Your Systems for Success

Have you ever noticed that so many of us who... Read More

Time Travel

Let me quote something you wrote. "When you reach the... Read More

What Is Executive Presence?

Often our clients refer someone to us for Executive Coaching... Read More

Executive Coaching -The Business Benefits

Executive coaching is an investment for you and your business... Read More

Learn to Say No!

How many times have you agreed to do something that... Read More

Good, Good, Good, Good Intentions

I always do a lot of thinking about good intentions... Read More

Can Versus Cant

It is my personal opinion that there are two words... Read More

Mind the Gap

The underground train in London can get you anywhere when... Read More

Self-Defense Within Martial Arts Training Demands a Real-World Perspective

This story is being offered in response to a request... Read More

Beware of Psychic Vampires

I am often asked how I stay happy and motivated... Read More

5 Tips to Improve ANY Performance

Seeking improved performance at work? Wishing you could finally achieve... Read More

Top 10 Ways to Coach Yourself to Total Success!

Coaching is about being your best. It's about performance, about... Read More

The Value of Career Coaching and Its Effect on Productivity

Athletes the world over have coaches. Yet, workers whose very... Read More

Flying in the Slow Lane

Dogs distrust hot air balloons. I gathered this tidbit as... Read More

Can I Be My Own ADD Coach?

Quite often I am in contact with people who discuss... Read More

Sometimes, It Just Takes ONE Conversation to Change Your Life!

I was thinking this morning about the importance of the... Read More

Do You Dither in Your Job Search?

I looked up the definition of "to dither" before writing... Read More

How to Optimize the Awesome Power of Thoughts and Imagination

Have you encountered a time when you were in a... Read More

Become More Self-Confident

Signs of Self-ConfidenceLet's explore the meaning of self-confidence by taking... Read More

Purpose

Many people go through much of their lives without really... Read More

Listen To Me Lad Says Jack

Once upon a time, a very long time ago, when... Read More

Using Audio Programs to Increase Your Knowledge and Productivity

If you do any significant amount of driving, a simple... Read More

Going Beyond Life Coaching

In Corrogue the air is chill and the frost is... Read More

Throw a No-Heat Party for the Planet

Is it really possible to have loads of fun, and... Read More

Miscommunication - Root Cause of Problems?

People of two opposing ideas can stir up arguments and... Read More

Growing On G.R.O.W ? A More Specific Coaching Model For Busy Managers

The effective coaching of employees by their line managers is... Read More

The Role of Grief Group Facilitators

Technically, there are two types of grief groups. Informational and... Read More

Sorry Dr Maslow, I Think You Got It Wrong

In the 1950s Abraham Maslow published a book entitled "... Read More

Coaching Can Help Teachers At A Crossroads In Their Careers

Teachers enter the profession with the desire to help others,... Read More