How to increase your executive presence

Leaders consciously and unconsciously reinforce an image of you with every interaction.   

What’s the danger in a run-on statements and circular conversations?   

You can be viewed as unpolished/unorganized, wasteful of others times, unsure of yourself, or that you prefer to hear yourself speak verse listening to others. 

In order to avoid this negative image it is critical to be precise and concise with your words. And DO NOT repeat yourself.  

Let’s make it actionable. There are three specific times I find people run on: 

1. Asking a question 

Example: When thinking through what we just covered, I wanted to get feedback to see if you have any concerns and what our next steps should be. What did you think was most important, what stood out to you, and anything that caused you concern, so lets take some time to discuss now from everything we went through and determine what we should do next, so we have ideas, but want yours and thought we could talk through it so if its ok with you lets spend some time addressing any concerns you have, because we want to make sure your voice is heard so if everyone is ok with it lets talk about your feedback and next steps.”  

Instead: Prep before presentation on what you want to get out of it. Repeat afterwards. Allright, lets open it up to discussion, first question: what questions and concerns do you have around the approach. Then we will discuss the timeline, and finally confirm our next three steps. Who would like to start? 

2. Closing a meeting 

Example: “Great news so we actually finished up with ten minutes left, if no one has any questions we can let everyone go a little early. But of course if you have questions we are happy to stay and talk through all of them. We really appreciate everyone making the time, appreciate the partnership.” 

**this one is a huge pet peeve of mine; if we're done, and we’ve clarified the following steps, end the meeting.  

Instead: Review action items, then: Next week Maria will provide updates on x and Nate will lead a discussion on for us to determine you. Thank you everyone for your time. Mic drop. 

3. Providing feedback 

Example: Coworker provides feedback then needs agreement and when they didn’t get the reaction they want they repeat the feedback in a different way. Sometimes multiple times. 

Instead: Remember with feedback that people don’t have to agree with you on the spot or ever. Take time to create your POV and effectively articulate it.  Once delivered, you can let it be. People may need time to digest it, or they may never change.  Repeating yourself or trying it a different way live in the same conversation takes away from your credibility and confidence in your from your credibility and confidence in your POV, as it looks like you are grasping for straws to win your way.  

 Consider if any of these have areas of opportunity and if they are:  

• Practice before your next meeting.  
• Watch others and take notes of how they ask questions and when they end their statements. 
• Ask a peer to give you real-time feedback or virtually kick you under the table if you are going long, or repeating yourself. 

What are your best practices around being concise and demonstrating executive presence? 

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About the Author 

Shayla King is a business leader, executive coach, and lifelong learner. She studies and shares information on how to intentionally design the life you Shayla promotes ruthlessly honest conversations and want, lead with excellence, promote equality, and crush your goals. Promoting ruthlessly honest conversations, Shayla helps leaders improve their approach, reach their goals, and create lasting change.