How do you show executive presence virtually?

1 Master the medium

The first step to showing executive presence virtually is to master the medium you are using. Whether it is a video call, a webinar, a podcast, or a presentation, you need to know how to use the tools, settings, and features effectively. This means checking your audio, video, lighting, and background before you go live, testing your connection and backup plan, and avoiding distractions and interruptions. You also need to adapt your style, tone, and pace to suit the medium and the audience. For example, you might need to speak slower, louder, and clearer on a video call than in person, or use more visuals, gestures, and stories on a webinar than on a podcast.

2 Communicate with clarity and impact

The second step to showing executive presence virtually is to communicate with clarity and impact. You need to have a clear purpose, message, and structure for every communication you make, whether it is an email, a chat, a report, or a speech. You need to use simple, precise, and powerful language that conveys your point and persuades your audience. You also need to use storytelling, metaphors, analogies, and examples to make your message more memorable and relatable. And you need to use vocal variety, pauses, emphasis, and questions to engage your audience and keep their attention.

3 Build rapport and trust

The third step to showing executive presence virtually is to build rapport and trust with your colleagues, clients, and stakeholders. You need to show genuine interest, empathy, and appreciation for them, and listen actively and attentively to their needs, concerns, and feedback. You need to be respectful, polite, and professional in your interactions, and avoid sarcasm, jokes, or comments that might be misunderstood or offensive. You also need to be consistent, reliable, and accountable in your actions, and follow through on your commitments and promises.

4 Demonstrate leadership and vision

The fourth step to showing executive presence virtually is to demonstrate leadership and vision. You need to show that you have a clear direction, strategy, and goals for yourself, your team, and your organization, and that you can communicate them effectively and convincingly. You need to show that you can make sound decisions, solve problems, and handle challenges with confidence and competence. You also need to show that you can inspire, motivate, and empower others to perform at their best, and that you can recognize, appreciate, and celebrate their achievements.

5 Adapt and learn

The fifth step to showing executive presence virtually is to adapt and learn. You need to show that you are flexible, resilient, and open to change, and that you can cope with uncertainty and ambiguity. You need to show that you are curious, eager, and willing to learn new skills, tools, and methods, and that you can apply them to improve your performance and results. You also need to show that you are humble, self-aware, and reflective, and that you can seek and receive feedback, and act on it to grow and develop.

6 Be authentic and human

The sixth and final step to showing executive presence virtually is to be authentic and human. You need to show that you are not a robot, a screen, or a voice, but a real person with a personality, a passion, and a purpose. You need to show that you have values, beliefs, and opinions that guide your actions and decisions, and that you can express them respectfully and diplomatically. You also need to show that you have emotions, feelings, and experiences that make you relatable and trustworthy, and that you can share them appropriately and vulnerably.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?