Executive presence is the ability to project confidence, reliability, and influence as a leader who can inspire and guide others effectively. It’s a blend of skills and qualities that make a person stand out, instill trust, and manage their team efficiently. Executive presence is defined through eight essential components, known as the 8 C’s: composure, connection, confidence, credibility, character, command, charisma, conciseness.
All these are soft skills, and most revolve around communication. Executive presence is not just about what you say; it’s also about how you say it, how you carry yourself, how you use gestures, how you manage your emotions, and how you interact with others.
Have you ever noticed how actors in films or on stage control their emotions, consciously work with gestures and voice, adapt their communication style to fit each role, and capture attention, sometimes without saying a word? We don’t feel that they’re pretending because, at that moment, they seem natural and genuine. This is because they’ve been trained to do it, using acting techniques that are effective not only on stage but also in business.
Yes, executive presence isn’t reserved for a select few; it’s a set of learnable skills that anyone can develop with practice and intention. These skills are rooted in self-awareness and empathy and can be honed through focused, practical training.
8 C Executive Presence
1. Composure – The ability to stay calm and collected, even under pressure. Composure is about controlling your emotions and responding thoughtfully, a critical trait for managing challenging situations and leading a team with a steady hand.
2. Connection – Building meaningful, authentic relationships with others. Leaders with strong connection skills listen attentively, adapt to different communication styles, and create an environment of trust and collaboration, which fosters teamwork and openness.
3. Confidence – Projecting self-assurance and certainty in every interaction. Confidence is not about arrogance but rather about being comfortable in your own skin, able to handle any situation with poise and command respect from colleagues and clients alike.
4. Credibility – Establishing trust and reliability through consistency and honesty. Credibility means that people believe in your words and actions, valuing your insights because of the integrity you display and the reputation you uphold.
5. Character – Reflecting inner values, ethics, and integrity. Leaders with character lead by example, staying true to their principles and respecting others. Character helps build a foundation of respect and trust, which is vital for effective leadership.
6. Command – The ability to lead decisively, directing and guiding with authority. Command involves the skills to present clearly, delegate effectively, and make decisions that benefit both the team and the organization, inspiring others to follow confidently.
7. Charisma – The power to engage, inspire, and attract others. Charismatic leaders captivate attention and motivate those around them, using both verbal and nonverbal cues to create a connection that makes people want to be a part of their vision.
8. Conciseness – Communicating with clarity and precision, respecting others’ time by getting to the essence of the message without overloading. Conciseness demonstrates respect for others’ time and facilitates effective communication and productivity.
At KrisP. Production, our coach applies these proven techniques to help you build confidence, command attention, manage your voice and gestures, and hold your audience’s focus. In our private sessions, you’ll learn to work with your emotions and stay composed, even in challenging situations. You’ll discover techniques to make your voice resonate, to capture attention, whether through words or silence, and to manage gestures effectively, just as actors do. You’ll also practice warm-ups to prepare for key presentations, conferences, or team meetings, ensuring you’re mentally and physically ready to make an impact.
We know you have the knowledge and expertise; our role is to help you deliver it in a way that compels people to listen and follow.
Reach out to us to inquire about arranging a private session for yourself or your team! Each session is uniquely tailored to your personal goals and needs, providing you with the tools to maximize your executive presence on your professional journey. You can contact us via our contact page or send a message on WhatsApp +65 911 799 50.
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