Friday, August 19, 2016
DO YOU HAVE EXECUTIVE PRESENCE
Many people in business need to work on Executive Presence. However, they are swamped, doing the job of two or three people plus attend one meeting after another etc.
In theory, most people agree it would be great to develop Executive Presence, but yet, they don't really know what they should do differently.
The reality is, if people don't develop strong Executive Presence, their business will suffer both now and in the future!
Why does Executive Presence matter?
How you deliver your message affects whether or not people listen and take you seriously. It impacts people's perception of you, your company and its products or services.
Amy Cuddy, in her book, 'Presence' notes, "When you have presence, it signals authenticity, believability, genuineness, and trustworthiness, all critical elements for a leader, for anyone hoping to rise up the corporate ladder".
The question you must ask yourself is... "Can I afford not to address how I convey my message including my Executive Presence?"
What Presence is
Amy Cuddy notes, "Presence is hard to define. People can describe the lack of it but can't easily put words to what it is".
Amy describes presence in a number of ways:
- Believing and revealing the abilities you truly have
- Confidence without arrogance
- Passion without being over-the-top
- Ability to relate on a personal level
- It's not about trying to impress
The more you are yourself, the more your ideas will be heard
Executive Presence behaviours
- Stand or sit up straight. Don't rock or shift from one foot to the other
- Look people directly in the eye with sustained eye contact
- Complete thoughts or sentences with each person
- Don't scan the room and assume audiences are connecting
- Show how you feel
- Speak with a strong voice, not one that is a monotone
- Do not rush through arguments. Instead, allow time for ideas to sink in
- Gesture and move to make a point
- Don't curtail energy. Instead, work at letting it out purposefully
How you improve presence
Most of us in business have important messages to deliver to important people. This can cause anyone to feel anxious. It is easy for people to feel they aren't confident enough. As a result, they just try to get through it.
Many people present by talking quickly and reading from slides or notes. Their nervousness shows through strange mannerisms or tics.
Amy Cuddy notes, "You can trick your body into feeling confident by doing certain actions. You can fake it until you make it. In essence, your body can influence your brain and behaviour".
To get to the point where you aren't faking, you have to practice until Executive Presence delivery skills are part of your muscle memory. By isolating the skills of eye contact, posture, gestures, movement, vocal and facial animation and practicing them one at a time, they will begin to feel natural. Your body will automatically do them. You will let out energy appropriately.
Sometimes, we only get one chance to make a positive impression. Obviously, we want Decision Makers to feel we are the right one to handle the job, the perfect person to put in charge. Displaying confidence, showing conviction and connecting on a personal note will make others conclude we deserve the right to be there. Others will see us as having Executive Presence!
All the best with your business communications!
Posted in
Business presentations Presentation skills training Sales presentations,
communication coaching,
Conference presentations
by effectivecommunication.com.au
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