| ody"> | | | | · Lean forward and be engaged in meetings. |
| Often our clients refer someone to us for Executive | | | | Don't fidget or play with your palm pilot |
| Coaching with a glowing description such as "This is | | | | · Keep gestures subdued |
| one of our most valued and brilliant employees .... But .... | | | | · Be perfectly groomed and crisp |
| he or she needs "Executive Presence", or as one | | | | 2. Develop an authoritative voice |
| client said "He's so low-key he's invisible. Give him | | | | · Use a low-pitched voice |
| "Executive Swagger". | | | | · Place your voice down at the end of a |
| Yet when asked to explain what they mean, their | | | | sentence |
| responses remind me of the Supreme Court's | | | | · Speak with energy |
| comments on pornography - - that it's difficult to define, | | | | · Eliminate a monotone and verbal distractions |
| but you'll know it when you see it. | | | | such as "um" and "basically" |
| From our successful interviews and coaching of | | | | · Slow down your speaking rate. Have the |
| hundreds of executives, here are some common traits | | | | confidence to pause. |
| of those who do project Executive Presence: They | | | | 3. Avoid tentative language such as |
| radiate confidence, poise and authority; they know how | | | | · "I think ... "; "I guess ... "; "kind of ... "; "maybe ... " |
| to connect with others; and, most important, they build | | | | · "I'm not sure if you'll like this, but ... " |
| on their own strengths and are genuine. | | | | 4. Keep your message simple and clear |
| Following is a 5-point plan to help you build on YOUR | | | | · Cut to the chase |
| strengths so that you project an impression of | | | | · Think first, then talk. Don't share your internal |
| Executive Presence that matches your abilities: | | | | debate with others |
| 1. Use your body language and visual image to convey | | | | · Talk big picture, not details |
| confidence | | | | 5. Connect with others |
| · Stand and walk tall | | | | · Become aware of your effect on others by |
| · Use steady eye contact, not eye-darting | | | | observing and responding to their body language |
| · Give a crisp handshake, not a dead fish | | | | · Listen more than you talk. |