Coaching Information

What Is Executive Presence?


Often our clients refer someone to us for Executive Coaching with a glowing description such as "This is one of our most valued and brilliant employees ?. But ?. he or she needs "Executive Presence", or as one client said "He's so low-key he's invisible. Give him "Executive Swagger".

Yet when asked to explain what they mean, their responses remind me of the Supreme Court's comments on pornography - - that it's difficult to define, but you'll know it when you see it.

From our successful interviews and coaching of hundreds of executives, here are some common traits of those who do project Executive Presence: They radiate confidence, poise and authority; they know how to connect with others; and, most important, they build on their own strengths and are genuine.

Following is a 5-point plan to help you build on YOUR strengths so that you project an impression of Executive Presence that matches your abilities:

1. Use your body language and visual image to convey confidence

· Stand and walk tall
· Use steady eye contact, not eye-darting
· Give a crisp handshake, not a dead fish
· Lean forward and be engaged in meetings. Don't fidget or play with your palm pilot
· Keep gestures subdued
· Be perfectly groomed and crisp

2.Develop an authoritative voice

· Use a low-pitched voice
· Place your voice down at the end of a sentence
· Speak with energy
· Eliminate a monotone and verbal distractions such as "um" and "basically"
· Slow down your speaking rate. Have the confidence to pause.

3.Avoid tentative language such as

· "I think ... "; "I guess ... "; "kind of ... "; "maybe ... "
· "I'm not sure if you'll like this, but ... "

4. Keep your message simple and clear

· Cut to the chase
· Think first, then talk. Don't share your internal debate with others
· Talk big picture, not details

5. Connect with others

· Become aware of your effect on others by observing and responding to their body language
· Listen more than you talk. Let others know that you value their opinion
· Take advantage of "hallway conversations" to connect informally

© Roberta Prescott

Roberta Prescott heads The Prescott Group, a communication firm specializing in Executive Development. Visit our web site (http://www.theprescottgroup.com) for more information about our Communication Programs and Executive Coaching Service.

  


MORE RESOURCES:

Globe and Mail

Rivers recalls Thibodeau almost being nuts enough to pass up coaching Rose
Chicago Tribune
Then Rivers' associate head coach as the Celtics faced the Lakers in Los Angeles, Thibodeau held public offers from the Bulls and Hornets and a quieter yet still concrete offer from the Nets to become head coach. Multiple reports at the time indicated ...
Rivers compares Thibodeau, BelichickESPN (blog)
Thibodeau returns to face CelticsThe Patriot Ledger (blog)
Back at site of 'lowest point,' Deng now at peaceCSNChicago.com (blog)

all 579 news articles »


NBCSports.com

Jaguars coach Mike Mularkey has busy first month
Florida Times-Union
By Vito Stellino Jaguars owner Shahid Khan (left), coach Mike Mularkey (center) and GM Gene Smith gather after a news conference Jan. 11. In his first month as Jaguars head coach, Mike Mularkey hired a 21-man coaching staff, talked to every player on ...
Mike Mularkey Has Confidence In Coaching Staff, Ability To Turn Jacksonville ...Rant Sports
Mularkey says he assembled an unbelievably great coaching staffNBCSports.com

all 10 news articles »


LB, DB coaching positions filled
ESPN (blog)
By Pedro Moura USC coach Lane Kiffin announced the hiring of two assistant coaches at Sunday's Junior Day, according to multiple media reports. Marvin Sanders will coach defensive backs and Scottie Hazelton will coach linebackers.
USC football: Lane Kiffin fills 2 of 3 assistant-coach openingsLos Angeles Times
Kiffin hires Defensive Back, Linebackers Coaches; Both Connected to MonteConquest Chronicles

all 9 news articles »


Penn coach Jerome Allen not considering Ivy League title race
Philadelphia Inquirer (blog)
Now, let's hear from Penn coach Jerome Allen and guard Zack Rosen, and Dartmouth coach Paul Cormier. Who cares if Princeton beat Harvard? It's a press conference about Penn and Dartmouth. We just sat here for two hours and watched the Penn-Dartmouth ...

and more »


New coach, but high expectations for Lady Crusaders
Gaston Gazette
BELMONT – New Belmont Abbey College women's lacrosse coach Jenn Flaherty knows the brief but rich history her school's program has had. That's why she's very motivated to prove Conference Carolinas rival coaches wrong after they picked the Lady ...

and more »


Bleacher Report

Brey coaching against type
Chicago Tribune
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — From behind the Notre Dame bench at Purcell Pavilion during Saturday's 84-76 victory over DePaul, coach Mike Brey heard the most accurate assessment of where his program stood 12 years into the job. The longer DePaul hung around, ...
Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly introduces new Fighting Irish staffWashington Post
Kelly announces ND 2012 coaching staffNiles Daily Star
Kelly introduces new Irish assistant coachesWNDU-TV
Bleacher Report -Post-Tribune
all 255 news articles »


NOLA.com

Hornets Coach Monty Williams is enduring a season of frustration as New ...
NOLA.com
By John Reid, The Times Picayune With the Hornets already trailing by 13 points in the first quarter against the Chicago Bulls last week, Coach Monty Williams tried to keep his composure after watching center Chris Kaman turn over the ball.

and more »


RINGO: Coach Jerry Quiller 'was a coach before anyone knew he was a coach'
Daily Camera
A memorial service was held at the Byron R. White Stadium Club for former University of Colorado track and field coach, Jerry Quiller. Quiller, who coached at CU from 1985 to 1995, died of cancer at age 69 on February 2, 2012.

and more »


Huntley football coach resigns
Northwest Herald
By JOE STEVENSON – joestevenson@shawmedia.com HUNTLEY – Matt Gehrig has resigned his position as head football coach at Huntley, during which time the Red Raiders were 6-12. Gehrig gave his resignation letter to the District 158 administration on ...



NBCSports.com

Mora reminds recruits he's last Falcons coach to win playoff game
NBCSports.com
Now that Jim Mora the Younger has become the head coach at UCLA, he has to recruit kids to come play for him. He immediately targeted some of the college prospects from the Atlanta area, given that he spent several seasons there as coach of the Falcons ...
UCLA getting Mora momentumESPN (blog)
Bruin Bites: Grading Mora, Kelyn Rowe Interview, Interesting Take on Howland ...Bruins Nation

all 7 news articles »

Google News

Article List | Index | Site Map
All logos, trademarks and articles on this site are property and copyright of their respective owner(s).
The comments are property of their posters, all the rest is Copyright © 2006 CanadaSEEK.com - All Rights Reserved.