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.
 Google News Updated : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:50:53 GMT Nobel Peace Prize winner wants jobs for the young - International Herald Tribune
International Herald Tribune - AP HELSINKI, Finland: Nobel Peace Prize winner Martti Ahtisaari said Saturday that finding jobs for more than 1 billion young people in the Middle East and Asia will be a major challenge to peacebuilding in the next decade. Ex-President Of Finland Is Awarded Peace Prize Nobel Finn Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:12:07 GMT Marriage ruling not the end of debate in Conn. - The Associated Press
The Associated Press - HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Now that the Connecticut Supreme Court has ruled same-sex couples have the right to wed, opponents of gay marriage are pinning their hopes on an infrequent ballot question in a longshot bid to block the unions. Video: Connecticut Court Allows Gay Marriage Conn. Ban On Gay Marriage Reversed Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:41:18 GMT Obama Aims for Electoral Edge, Block by Block - New York Times
New York Times - Lukas McGowan is focused on getting voters out on Election Day. “Once we register them,” he says, “that’s only half the job. Obama thanks McCain for remarks, presses attack FOX News poll: Obama leads McCain Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:21:34 GMT Palin hammers Obama on the abortion issue in Johnstown - CNN
CNN - (CNN) -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin took her message to voters in the battleground state of Pennsylvania on Saturday, lashing out at Sen. Barack Obama for his views on abortion. Palin drubs Obama on abortion during Pa. rally Palin Gets Personal On Abortion Issue Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:06:21 GMT Stevens's Reputation 'Sterling,' Powell Says - Washington Post
Washington Post - By Del Quentin Wilber Former secretary of state Colin L. Powell told jurors in the corruption trial of Sen. Ted Stevens yesterday that the powerful Alaska Republican had a "sterling" reputation among the nation's military and political leaders. Reporter's Notebook: Powell Takes the Stand for Stevens Powell says Sen. Stevens' integrity "sterling" Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 03:13:53 GMT GM Is Said to Be in Preliminary Talks With Chrysler (Update2) - Bloomberg
Bloomberg - By Jeff Green Oct. 11 (Bloomberg) -- General Motors Corp. is in preliminary talks with Cerberus Capital Management LP's Chrysler LLC about a possible merger or other partnership, people with direct knowledge of the talks said. Source: Chrysler, GM discuss merger, acquisition GM mulled Chrysler acquisition: Huh? Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:39:15 GMT This week in Apple: New notebooks, new writers, and more Woz - Ars Technica
Ars Technica - By Jacqui Cheng | Published: October 11, 2008 - 09:30AM CT This week's most-read Apple news was all over the map, but in a good way. Don't Buy A Mac Laptop* Apple may launch new laptop Publ.Date : Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:43:05 GMT Work From Home |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... There are many parts that make up you.There's the Musical... Read More When you invest your time in being a mentee you... Read More Having a mentor can mean the difference between success and... Read More So it's time for a change. You've taken that hard... Read More Do you often feel lonely, anxious, or even depressed? Is... Read More Professional athletes and other highly successful people use the power... Read More Is Having a Professional Coach a Solution to Optimizing your... Read More If you know who I mean when I say Kwame,... Read More I have one magical thought, lets see it more closely.... Read More I was thinking this morning about the importance of the... Read More Nobody will stop you in the hallway at work to... Read More What does this word really mean anyway? According to Webster's... Read More In this article we would like to help you explore... Read More Seems like a gal always learns something out on the... Read More Recently, I have received several emails asking me about coaching... Read More As a healthy business owner or independent professional, how do... Read More Joey rises before dawn to pack his lunch, eager for... Read More Terms like Postpartum, Post Traumatic and Post Gulf War are... Read More Knowing more about who you are will give you the... Read More "Joan, I'm working so hard and I'm not getting anything... Read More As a manager you are constantly being asked to do... Read More We are frequently held back from making future plans or... Read More What Is Self-Esteem?Self-esteem literally means to esteem, or respect, yourself.... Read More Most people suffer from stress at some time during the... Read More People have a difficult time letting go of the past... Read More
Adsense
websites
Parts that Make the Whole? or Not
Mentors and Coaches: How to Be a Great Mentee or Learner
Do You Really Need A Home Business Mentor?
Recreating Yourself
Enhancing Life for a Lifetime
The Power of Visualization
Coaching for Physicians
Is The Apprentice Bad For Your Health?
Among the Purpose & Personality
Sometimes, It Just Takes ONE Conversation to Change Your Life!
The Mid-Life Challenge: Make a Plan to Re-ignite Vocational Passion
D.I.S.C.I.P.L.I.N.E.
Dealing Effectively with Midlife Issues
Let?s Say You?re a Dog. Are You So Competitive You?d Eat a Carrot?
What is Coaching?
An Easy Way to End The Year
Embracing Excellence
Whats Next Syndrome
Your Past and Present Hold Key to Your Future
Belief Management - The Missing Ingredient?
Can You Say No?
A Fresh Look at the Choices We Make
Boost Your Self-Esteem
Surviving the Workday in Your Organization
Let Go of Your Past
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Executive Coaching and the American President
Perhaps no one better than a former U.S. president has... Read More
Essence of Awakeness
Be conscious, aware, and alert. Pay attention. Remember when you... Read More
Do You Want to Make More Money as A Life Coach
There's a lot of coaches out there not making any... Read More
Change vs Transition
"There is a time for departure, even when there's no... Read More
Discovering Your Passion and Purpose
"I can't seem to discover why I'm on the planet.""What... Read More
Embracing Excellence
Joey rises before dawn to pack his lunch, eager for... Read More
Hows Your Self-Talk?
You know, what are you saying to yourself? There's always... 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
Life - Is It Just An Illusion?
It's a well-known fact that electrons and atoms move at... Read More
Moment of Magic
Laughter may or may not be a shock, relieved, but... Read More
Have a World-Changing Conversation
I know what you're thinking? "Here I am, completely stressed... Read More
Flying in the Slow Lane
Dogs distrust hot air balloons. I gathered this tidbit as... Read More
Coaching May Be For You
Are you looking for someone who will hold you accountable... Read More
Top Ways to Maximize Your Talents at Work
Are you maximizing your strengths and promoting your talents at... Read More
Just Listen, Please!
When did you last do that? When did you last... Read More
The Real Truth About Working Smarter, Not Harder
Running a business or department can often stretch you to... Read More
The Pitfalls of Procrastination
We all put off making decisions and taking action sometimes... Read More
The Executive Coaching Contract
Having found a coach you feel comfortable and excited about... Read More
What is the Success Lesson in this Story?
One of my clients gave me permission to tell you... Read More
Can I Be My Own ADD Coach?
Quite often I am in contact with people who discuss... Read More
Whats Next Syndrome
Terms like Postpartum, Post Traumatic and Post Gulf War are... Read More
Is Your Life Coach Manipulating You? Five Signs to Watch For
Did you hire a "life coach" to help you sort... Read More
Controlling Behavior, Loving Behavior
When Zack and Tiffany started counseling with me, they were... Read More
Control, Helplessness, and Love
During my 35 years of counseling individuals, couples, families and... Read More
Mid Life Crisis and the Great American Dream
One of the mainstays of American culture is the "Great... Read More
Coaching |