Executive Presence: Being Remembered Through Emotion and Authenticity
Executive presence isn't merely about being seen; it's about being remembered, and that memorability stems from the emotion you create in others. Whether in a high-stakes business presentation or a personal gathering, cultivating executive presence involves three core elements: clarity of message, thorough self-preparation, and holistic delivery. This approach emphasizes authentic connection and understanding your audience, allowing you to leave a lasting, impactful impression.
Executive presence is about being remembered for the emotion and connection you create, not just facts or presentations.
Cultivating presence requires clarifying your message, preparing to be your best authentic self, and holistically connecting with others through non-verbal cues.
For women, leveraging inherent emotional intelligence as a "superpower" allows for competence through connection and conversation, rather than needing all the answers.
To achieve impactful executive presence, first, get clear on what you want. This involves setting back and thinking about your objective, whether it's securing an investment or exciting friends about a new venture. Clarifying your message is paramount. Second, prepare yourself to be your best version. This means understanding your emotional drivers; if exhaustive preparation, like reading thousands of pages, gives you strength, embrace it. This deep preparation can build trust, particularly with investors, as it demonstrates thorough knowledge and commitment. Third, when delivering or entering a room, be holistic in your non-verbal cues and how you connect with people.
For women, recognizing and honoring the tendency to be over-prepared can be beneficial. However, it's also crucial to understand that emotional intelligence is often an inherent superpower for women. This allows for a shift from needing all the answers to trusting that competence can be demonstrated through showing up authentically and finding answers through conversation and connection. Knowing and accepting yourself, including your preparation style, is vital. Being at peace with how you build confidence, even through meticulous preparation, empowers you to lead effectively.
Showing up as your authentic self involves considering both substance and appearance. Crucially, it means resonating with your audience. Mastering the understanding of who is in the room is essential, as your approach should differ significantly whether you're addressing bankers, a CEO, or an empowerment group. Executive presence is ultimately about the impact and emotion you create. Authenticity is key; if you don't know an answer, it's okay to admit it. Vulnerability and humility can foster deeper connection. The goal is to facilitate a dialogue where energy is reciprocal, leading to memorable and impactful interactions. This mindful approach, combined with self-awareness of your energy levels, helps you prepare and show up effectively where executive presence matters most.
Ultimately, the principles of executive presence, including the "presence framework," are universal and transcend all leadership levels, from new leaders to C-suite executives. It’s about owning the room through connection and dialogue, understanding that judgment may exist but choosing to drive your own narrative rather than letting others define it.
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