Sylvia Ann Hewlett has researched executive presence over 10 years. She has identified 3 characteristic tips.
A serious and dignified manner that commands respect. (Gravitas)
How you communicate.
Personal presentation.
In her research, a serious and dignified manner makes up 2/3’s of executive presence. She describes that as “keeping your poise, your calm, your wits about you when the going is rough.”
Majority of managers and executives have walked into situations feeling uncomfortable. “Do I belong here?”
Important to remember: If you were invited you belong there. You do have something to say.
2 Steps to take control immediately?
State your first sentence with conviction. Then continue that conviction. Presenting with conviction conveys your confidence to those listening. It gives listeners confidence in you
How?
Be compelling, In your words, body language, and tone of your voice.
That conviction is established by how you prepared. You know your topic. That’s easy part.
How you speak about the topic conveys your conviction to your audience.
Leave notes and PowerPoint presentations behind. They get in the way. Your audience wants you to speak “off the cuff.”
Just talk with them. Reread that sentence. Just talk with them. Not to them, with them.
Finding confidence and conviction when you doubt yourself.
Remember other times you have lacked confidence/questioned yourself.
Remembering you were prepared. You were invited. People who invited you believed you had something important to say. You were supposed to be there. Just like now, today you are supposed to be here. Audience wants to hear you.
Previous outcomes? As you spoke and looked at audience, your confidence grew. You demonstrated your knowledge and conviction. You did make a difference.
Before walking into a room: Clearly state to yourself what you have to offer. Think about your audience. They are here because they want to learn what you have to say
What to do when audience puts you on spot/challenges you?
Buy yourself some time.
Repeat their question.
Thank them for asking.Pause.
Give yourself time to think about portion of your topic that created the question.
Are they really attacking you? Or simply asking the question.Never take offense.
Ask them a question back.
Get them to clarify. Are they asking about something specific that relates to their company? If so, ask them to email their question so you can answer it specifically.
If they are asking general question. You still want them to clarify. See where your presentation answer may have confused.
Politicians are used to having questions/opinions shouted at them. Person talking is shooting for effect.
When people challenge during a presentation. They are not trying to put you on the spot. They genuinely did not understand something.At end, ask if you answered their concern. Again, thank them for asking.
5 Summary Points
Being uncomfortable in some situations is normal. Think back to results other times you were uncomfortable.
Prepare in advance. Review beforehand.
Speaking confidently with conviction will come through. Increase your confidence. Increase confidence of audience in you. Enable you to relax
Talk with the audience. Not to them.
Expect the unexpected.
Stand out. Leave audience wanting more. Your executive presence will come through. Lead to more opportunities.
Tom Ferree is the founder of Ferree & Associates and SecureEmploy, organizations focused on helping companies find exceptional talent and helping professionals advance their careers. Since founding Ferree & Associates in 1977, Tom has worked extensively with hospitality companies, executives, and rising leaders across the industry. Through SecureEmploy, he shares practical career strategies, leadership insights, and real-world advice to help professionals grow their careers and help organizations build stronger teams.
