Stop Being Overlooked: How to Instantly Boost Your Executive Presence

Presentation Skills Strategies:

How many times have we heard this?

“They promoted Bob/Mike/Steve instead of me. They said it was because I didn’t have the right executive presence for the role.? But they couldn’t say what was missing.”

“Executive presence” is a term that often comes up in discussions about leadership and career advancement, yet it’s notoriously hard to define. However, it isn’t just about how others see you; it’s about how you present yourself and own your space. While biases can play a role in how your presence is perceived—such as being overlooked because of your gender or race—there are strategies you can implement to ensure you’re seen as the leader you are.

Remember Melanie Griffith in "Working Girl"? When she dressed like the other Staten Island secretaries, she was treated like a lowly worker. When she dressed like an executive, she was taken seriously.

How to Develop Executive Presence

1. Be Physically Grounded

One of the most effective ways to convey executive presence is through your physical demeanor. Start by being grounded—literally. When you’re standing or presenting, plant your feet firmly on the ground. Avoid crossing your legs, fidgeting, or shifting your weight from side to side. These habits can make you appear unsure or nervous, which detracts from your authority.

In the opera world, we talk about avoiding “Happy Feet”—that unconscious pacing or foot movement that happens when you’re nervous. It sends the message that you’re not fully in control. Instead, stand still and let your presence fill the room. Being physically grounded also means sitting or standing tall, with your shoulders back. This posture not only conveys confidence but also helps you feel more confident.

2. Maintain Strong Eye Contact

Eye contact is a powerful tool in establishing executive presence. In Western cultures, maintaining steady eye contact shows that you’re engaged, confident, and believe in what you’re saying. It signals that you’re fully present in the moment and taking the interaction seriously. In a virtual conversation, don’t get stuck reading your notes, because the camera will only catch the top of your head.? Look at the camera the way you would look at another person.

PRACTICE! If direct eye contact feels uncomfortable, practice until it becomes more natural. This small adjustment can make a big difference in how you’re perceived.

If you're working in a country where direct eye contact is less common or considered impolite, take the time to understand when and how to use it appropriately. Knowing the cultural nuances can help you navigate these situations with finesse.

3. Speak with Authority

The way you speak can significantly impact how others perceive your executive presence. If you’re unsure about something, it’s better to acknowledge it directly rather than undermine your entire statement. For example, “Based on the information we have, this seems like the best approach,” is much stronger than, “I’m not sure if this will work, but…”

4. Break the “Sorry Habit”

Women, in particular, tend to undermine their presence by over-apologizing or softening their statements with unnecessary disclaimers. Breaking this habit is crucial for projecting executive presence.

Instead of leading with qualifiers like, “I’m not sure if this is right, but…” or “This might be a bad idea, but…” These phrases weaken your message before you’ve even begun. Instead, state your ideas clearly and confidently. ?Be direct AND kind. This will make your communication more powerful and help others see you as a confident leader.

How can you change these unconscious habits?? Ask a friend to cough or signal whenever you start to apologize.? Once you are aware, you can shift to a more confident style.

5. Get Out of Your Head & Ground Yourself in Your Value

Instead of focusing on yourself and how you might be perceived, focus on your listeners.? You’re in your position because of your expertise and the unique perspective you bring.? You have the information they need.? Therefore your information is a gift.

Before you walk into a room or step onto a stage, take a moment to place your feet on the ground, take a deep breath, remind yourself of your accomplishments and think about how grateful your listeners will be for the gift that you are bringing.

This mental exercise will show up in your physical presence, where you project calm, confidence, and authority.

It can be done!

Developing executive presence is about being intentional in how you present yourself.

• By focusing on your physical grounding,
• maintaining strong eye contact,
• speaking with authority,
• breaking the Sorry Habit,
• and grounding yourself in your value,

you can project the confidence and leadership qualities that define executive presence, and get the recognition you deserve!

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Hi, if we haven't met yet, I’m Elizabeth Bachman, Presentation Skills Trainer, Executive Coach, and former International Opera Director.

I work with high-level executive women who “have a seat at the table” but still aren’t listened to.? Thus, they see promotions and recognition go to louder, flashier people.? (Sometimes people they have trained.)

I help hundreds of leaders become Visible & Valued? so they get the raise, the promotion or the exciting new job that will give them the recognition they deserve.

“Shift the way you’re perceived by shifting the way you communicate.”

If you want your voice to be heard, book a call at www.TalkToElizabeth.com .

No Selling.

Just Talk.

Learn more at https://elizabethbachman.com/