Complete Intelligence
Complete Intelligence Blog



Executive Presence

I’m speaking to a summer MBA class today about executive presence. It’s not something taught in schools, yet it’s probably one of the things executives in big jobs ask about the most. It should probably be a part of the curriculum for business grad students; just like emotional intelligence training should be required in medical and law school.

So, executive presence. It comes in a lot of forms. It is definitely fueled by emotional intelligence, and I think another ingredient that is critical in the equation is trust. When neuroscientists break trust down in the brain, they find that it shows up in many different areas. The easiest way to think about trust is that the brain makes quick and parallel judgments about you based on integrity (do I believe you? Do you seem honest?); dependability (do you do what you say you’re going to do?); and competence (can you do the job? Do you have the smarts and ability). You can probably surmise…trust is NOT something you get overnight. The brain has to see you in repeat performances of the three things mentioned above.

When there is trust in a relationship, it brings about a presence you can’t replicate by holding your body properly or using eye contact…or many of the other physical attributes so often relied upon as devices for executive presence (they are a part of the equation…just not the only part, as is often believed). If you don’t understand what trust beings you…think about a relationship in which there is low or no trust. How do you behave? How do you think others view you in that relationship? How does it feel? It’s pretty bleak when there is no trust and we behave accordingly. You’ll take a major ding in executive presence without trust.
For an executive, they must have trust with a group…not just one person. That requires the above ingredients seen over and over and over again, quite publically.
I suggest to executives before they give a speech to run through their talk to make sure that somewhere in it they are addressing integrity (being boldly and sometimes baldly honest), dependability (demonstrating that you said something and you followed through) and competent (showing that you know how to be an executive…which is easier said than done. Don’t come off as a bragging ass on this one.)

That’s executive presence in a very high level nutshell.

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How to be an Effective Public Speaker

The ability to present powerfully is a must-have for those determined to advance their careers. It is through the ability to communicate to large (and small) groups of people with confidence and credibility that projects are launched, products are sold and investments are made.

Through the use of this skill, great ideas find the light of day and supporters rally to make things happen. If the idea is brilliant, but the messenger fails in his quest to convey the excitement and possibilities of the idea, all can be lost.

Here are a few rules for you to follow if you wish to be an effective public speaker:

  1. You have an obligation to be as interesting as possible. Audiences expect and deserve engaging, imaginative speeches filled with information they can use immediately.
  2. You have a responsibility to only speak on topics about which you know a great deal. A rule of thumb: for every minute that you speak, you should know eight to ten more minutes of material on that particular point. If you don’t feel qualified, do not accept a speaking engagement, or research the topic until you know it very well.  An exception to this rule might be a situation where it has been mandated that you make a presentation – for example, filling in for another speaker. To prepare in such a case, here are some things that you can do:
  • Make an inventory of the material you feel you need to know more about. Find and learn enough background data so that you’ll have the recommended eight to ten minutes of material.
  • Think about questions that might be asked and prepare possible answers.
  • If necessary, be prepared to admit that you don’t know an answer and commit to get back to the questioner with the answer.

3. Find your own style. If you’re funny, use humor. If you’re casual and a “people” person, involve the audience. There is no best style except for your own.

4. Make sure that every phrase of your speech adds value. After every phrase of your speech, ask yourself, “What point of value has been added to the overall message and the points that I am making?” If the information is useless to the audience, it is useless to your speech.

What rules would you add to this list of rules to be an effective public speaker?

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