Executive Presence: The Low-Hanging Fruit

Executive Presence is a topic that elicits tons of conversation and plenty of controversy. Some people "got it" — and lots more don't. And the very mention of what it is or how we get more of it — or why we actually need it (and who determines if we have it) is fraught with bias — implicit and otherwise.?

Do you look like a leader? Sound like one? Walk into a room with confidence and poise, projecting gravitas? Do we see, hear, and trust you — or barely notice you're there? How does authenticity fit into the picture??

Here's the real question: do you show up in a way that amplifies your actual abilities? Or are you underselling yourself, hiding your potential or future impact from plain view? One thing we know for sure, after much debate, is this: Executive Presence doesn't reflect your actual ability. It's not a value judgment but rather a signal.

As the OG Sylvia Ann Hewlett says: "Executive presence isn't about performance — it's not about whether you deliver the goods, hit the numbers, know your craft, have the skills — it's about what you SIGNAL about your preparedness for the next big chance."

And that signal to the marketplace, my friends, can make all the difference in the world. Are you going to get that next big chance, or will it pass you by??

The "definition" of Executive Presence that I prefer includes three main components, all of which build upon each other — gravitas, appearance, and communication. We could spend days breaking down each one.

But a very tiny sliver of a very big piece (communication) is this: filler words. You know them — the ums, ers, likes, you know(s), and really(s) that litter our everyday conversations. Those small little words have a big impact. Almost nothing takes away our power faster.

• ? Slow down. Take a beat. Take a breath. What takes the place of a filler word? A PAUSE. A simple, shut your mouth, take a moment, "give your brain a rest" pause. The goal isn't zero filler words (don't be a robot); rather, they shouldn't distract us. They shouldn't overtake your speaking so we can't hear your actual message.?
• ? Practice eliminating filler words by putting in some real intention during low-stakes moments — meetings with your team, a conference call (that you are not leading), one-on-one conversations with a friend or colleague (who isn’t judging you). Don’t put the pressure on when all eyes are on you. Instead, find low-stress moments when you can work on eliminating filler words and don’t have to worry about impressing others with your technical expertise or focusing too much on your content.?

• ?? For the brave among you — press "record" and listen to yourself. You won't like the way you sound, but that's beside the point. How's your pacing? Too fast? Too slow? Too many ums and ers? Do you sound smart and confident or cringy? There's so much learning to be had by listening to yourself. And no, you don't have to share the tape with anyone else.

• ??Pay it forward and spread the love (and learning) by giving someone else feedback on their filler words or pacing. "Hey teammate, I just read this great post and realized that I have a lot of filler words I'm working on eliminating so I can sound more confident and composed. I noticed that you use the word "like" a lot, and I think it might impact how people see/perceive/listen to you. One of the strategies I'm trying is to record myself; maybe you should try it, too:" You're welcome.

Sure, filler words are one small piece of a big puzzle, but they can and do have an outsized impact on how others perceive you. So why wouldn’t you make the effort to get rid of them? Why shouldn’t you take control of one aspect of your Presence so that the true you — in all of your brilliance and glory — shines through??