Do you ever feel nervous or freeze up when asked about a topic you don’t fully understand? Does self-doubt creep in when you’re put on the spot, making it hard to project confidence? What makes someone truly stand out in a room, even when faced with unexpected questions?
That’s the magic of executive presence—it’s the mix of confidence, authenticity, and influence that leaves a lasting impression. But how can you develop this elusive quality while staying true to who you are?
Here are some tips to help you cultivate a strong, authentic executive presence—even when you don’t have all the answers.
✔️ Understand your core values
Executive presence starts from within. To project genuine confidence, you must be clear about your values. Do you prioritize innovation? Teamwork? Integrity? Knowing your core values grounds your leadership style, helping you align your behavior with your beliefs. This kind of alignment is what sets authentic leaders apart.
🗣️ Communicate with clarity
Use clear, concise language to ensure your message is understood the first time. Avoid jargon unless necessary, and don’t be afraid to pause—this adds emphasis to key points and gives your audience time to process. Infuse your communication with personal stories to make yourself relatable. Sharing your journey not only makes you more memorable but also helps you connect on a deeper level.
👐🏽 Enhance your body language
Stand tall, maintain eye contact, and use purposeful hand gestures to signal confidence and invite trust. Avoid “power posing” if it feels inauthentic; instead, focus on small adjustments that feel natural. If you’re an expressive speaker, embrace it—just ensure it aligns with your audience’s energy.
🧘🏽 Stay composed when caught off guard
What about when you’re asked a tough question or don’t know the answer? Take a breath, pause, and say something like, “That’s a great question, and I’ll need a moment to consider it.” If you truly don’t know, be honest: “I don’t have the answer right now, but I’ll look into it and get back to you.” This demonstrates confidence, honesty, and a willingness to learn—key traits of authentic leaders. Staying calm under pressure and showing curiosity keeps you in control of the moment.
👂🏽 Embrace mindful listening
Focus on the speaker’s words without formulating your response in advance. This builds trust, allows for genuine insight, and shows you’re truly engaged.
🎬 Build confidence by taking action
Your confidence grows through action. Whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, giving feedback, or tackling an unexpected question, the act of trying is what solidifies your executive presence. Remember, confidence is about being willing to try and treating yourself with self-compassion when you fail.
Authentic executive presence isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about how you respond when you don’t. By practicing these strategies, you’ll not only become more influential but also remain true to yourself.
Ready to boost your executive presence and become the leader you aspire to be? Book a 30-minute Clarity Session with me to uncover your goals, identify any obstacles, and see if we’re a good fit to work together.
Lots of love,
-Anna
