The best leaders aren't 'polished'. They're real.
Updated: Jul 13
Many communication experts offer "band-aid" fixes to create executive presence.
Advice is shoved at us, such as:
Speak louder
Use (or don't use) your hands
Smile More
Real communication starts from within.
I've worked with hundreds of leaders trying to unlearn terrible advice
The more they were told what to do, the harder it was to feel authentic, and their audiences could tell.
If you'd like to break the habit, start from the inside out:
Use this "setting intentions" 3-step framework to stay authentic AND communicate better.
Step 1: Atmosphere – What feeling do you want to create? (Hint: "smart" isn’t a feeling!)
Think: Excitement (new ideas), Safety (during change), Joy (celebrations), Assurance (updates)...
Step 2: Perception – What 3 adjectives do you want people to use to describe you?
Think: Decisive. Energetic. Warm. Confident. Approachable. Playful. Empathetic. Inspiring. Personable…
Step 3: Try it! – Record a video, play it back and assess yourself:
Am I creating the atmosphere I intended?
Am I maintaining the perception I want my audience to have?
Am I using convincing, clear language and a single main idea - to support my intentions?
Once you 𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, you’ll not only 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿—you’ll 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁.
Your Turn
Before your next meeting, ask yourself, am I creating the experience I want my audience to have?
