What is Executive Presence?

Executive Presence: Do You Have It?

Do you have a “presence” when you walk into a room? 

As a  certified business etiquette expert, this will be one of the most important skills for you to project as speaker as well as to deliver to an audience.

As a speaker, you need to have a presence. You also need to have the context and the content to offer this topic to your participants/audience.

Executive presence refers to the combination of qualities, behaviors, and attributes that convey a sense of leadership, confidence, and influence. 

Someone with a “presence” automatically gets my attention.  I become curious.  I observe them. 

Here is the good news, you can cultivate this -in some, this is innate -others have to be aware and set the intention to have a “presence”.

It goes beyond someone’s technical skills and competence and encompasses the ability to command respect, build credibility, and make a positive impact in professional settings. 

Individuals with strong executive presence are often perceived as effective leaders and are more likely to inspire trust and confidence in others.

Key Elements of Executive Presence Include:

• Confidence: Displaying self-assurance and a belief in one’s abilities without coming across as arrogant.
• Communication Skills: Effectively conveying ideas, actively listening, and adapting communication style to different audiences.
• Poise: Maintaining composure and grace under pressure, demonstrating resilience in challenging situations.
• Authenticity: Being genuine and true to oneself, which contributes to building trust with others.
• Credibility: Establishing a reputation for expertise, reliability, and integrity in one’s field.
• Professional Image: Presenting oneself with a polished and professional appearance, both in terms of attire and demeanor.
• Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing one’s own emotions and being attuned to the emotions of others.
• Adaptability: Being flexible and able to navigate change, demonstrating agility in various situations.
• Strategic Thinking: Having a clear understanding of the bigger picture and the ability to think strategically about business goals.
• Gravitas: Projecting a sense of authority, seriousness, and substance that commands attention and respect.

Related Article: Freedom of Being a Business Etiquette Speaker

Developing Executive Presence

Developing executive presence as a business etiquette speaker is often a continuous process that involves self-awareness, ongoing learning, and intentional efforts to enhance interpersonal and leadership skills. 

It is a valuable asset for individuals and business etiquette speakers aspiring to leadership roles and is crucial in making a positive impact within an organization as well as with your audience.