Written by Grace Carlson, Operations Coordinator with the Charleston Metro Chamber
When Mary Jo Romero asked our THRIVE audience “What does it mean to have executive presence?”, the crowd was stumped. The irony of being left speechless during a public speaking skills session wasn’t lost on us.
It turns out we weren’t the only one’s hearing crickets –51% of HR Executives say “executive presence” is difficult to define, but 81% also say it’s easy to spot. Although many people can’t pinpoint exactly what qualities make someone a captivating speaker, Mary Jo – Executive Coach with MJR Coaching & Consulting and self-proclaimed recovering New Yorker – shared some of her best practices for embodying executive presence and standing out to your listeners.
Here are 5 easy ways to revamp the way you present yourself in the workplace. (Psst… they’re great for outside the office, too!)
- Think positive! We live in a world of constant comparison, and it can be easy to slip into a habit of negative self-talk. If you catch yourself starting to dwell on negative thoughts, make an intentional shift towards developing a positive mindset. There are lots of simple techniques that can help you build a more confident and optimistic attitude – for example, gratitude journals can encourage you to reflect on the blessings present in your life and develop a routine of practicing thankfulness every day.
- So, uh, stop using filler words. Overusing terms such as “like”, “um”, and “basically” lessens your credibility to an audience and can make you sound unsure of yourself. Avoid phrases like “I just wanted-”, “Sorry, can I ask-”, or “In my opinion-” that minimize your presence and don’t add value to your message. Don’t be afraid to be direct, clear, and concise!
Pro tip: If you’re having trouble ditching the um’s, actually’s and so’s, set up your phone or laptop and record yourself speaking out loud. When you watch the video, identify sections where you’re struggling to cut out filler words. Slow down, pause while you decide exactly what you want to express and then say it confidently.
- There’s a reason why it’s called body language! Your posture and stance tell the audience exactly how comfortable you are speaking in front of them. Stand tall and try not to shift your weight back and forth. Remember to hold yourself down, up and out: shoulders back, neck extended and feet placed firmly on the ground.
- Engage with your audience. It’s the little things that go a long way, so don’t be afraid to make eye contact and ask your audience questions that get them thinking. Grow their interest in the conversation by adding depth – you can accomplish this by including a dash of humor and drama in your presentation. This can be as simple as telling a joke or story. Everyone loves a witty (and relevant) anecdote!
- Don’t forget to breathe. The pace and depth of our breath has a direct effect on our state of mind. If you start feeling overwhelmed or anxious, take a moment to focus on your breathing and calm your nerves. Hold your head high and let your personality shine through!
Public speaking can be tough, but the more you practice the easier it’ll become. Thank you to Mary Jo Romero for teaching all our THRIVE ladies how to be speak confidently in any workplace, with anyone!
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