The 6 Ways You Communicate Your Executive Presence – or Don’t!

According to a year-long study by the Centre for Talent Innovation, leadership potential is signalled through  your gravitas, your communication skills and your appearance.

The following six communication skills were deemed the most important by director-level executives and above.

No. 1: Excellent Public Speaking

Great speaking skills were identified as the most important communication requirement.

Leaders must be able to speak confidently and persuasively in all situations, 1-2-1, in front of groups and to the media.

No. 2: Ability to Command a Room

Of the executives polled, 54% said this is a top requirement for men and 49% said the same for women.

Commanding a room means getting people to listen when you speak–through great speaking skills, confidence and standing tall. Moreover, if you phrase and emphasize ideas well, it will get people’s attention.

No. 3: Assertiveness

Executives believe assertiveness is equally important for men and women to attain the top jobs.

It means speaking up with confidence without being confrontational.

No. 4: Well Developed Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is one’s ability to make others feel valued and understood.

It requires good listening skills, empathy, eye contact and evoking a positive feeling in others.

No. 5: Sense of Humour

The report found that the ability to show a sense of humour and excel at off-the-cuff and casual conversations is also incredibly important.

This requires the ability to read an audience and also have a basic understanding of the latest news and popular culture headlines.

No. 6: Good Posture and Body Language

Nonverbal communication says a lot.

Body language portraying strength and confidence signals you’re leadership material.

Stand tall, hold your head upright and make eye contact.

So it seems that if you want to get ahead and be taken seriously as a leader then you need to develop a high level of communication expertise and flexibility.

Until next time,

Kind regards,

Cath

P.S. if you are a woman in business and want to develop Your Persuasive and Powerful PresenceTM then and learn the tools and techniques of Speak Like a Woman  then arrange a free, no-obligation 1-2-1 Coaching Conversation with me by clicking here.

For free tips and techniques to develop your communication and presentation skills watch out for the Winning  Presentations 7 Part Mini-course coming soon.