Strategies to Improve Your Executive Presence

Executive presence is a critical asset for leaders.

For non-native speakers, there are added challenges to overcome, like insecurities about your pronunciation, doubts about correct grammar and the frustration of knowing you could express yourself more eloquently if you could use your native language. 

Here are some simple strategies you can use to enhance your executive presence and elevate your impact and influence:

Look confident (even if you don’t feel confident).

Confidence is a hallmark of effective leadership, but it's perfectly normal to experience moments of insecurity. 

In such instances, remember that being perceived as confident can be as vital as actually feeling confident.

Take a deep breath, and let your shoulders relax.

Practicing in front of a mirror or recording virtual meetings can help you fine-tune your facial expressions and posture, ensuring they reflect the leader within you. 

The goal is to exude confidence, even when you don't entirely feel it.

Learn phrases that will make you sound more eloquent.

While building your vocabulary is essential, non-native leaders often need more than words.

To express expertise and credibility naturally, focus on learning and using descriptive phrases.

Instead of memorizing lists of words or studying industry publications, read opinion pieces - articles describing industry trends, concepts, products and services. 

Read these articles out loud.

You have to feel these new expressions traveling from your brain to your mouth so you feel comfortable with the pronunciation and intonation. 

Stop planning what you want to say next.

Breaking the habit of planning your responses while others speak can be challenging, but it's a change that enhances your executive presence. 

When you are mentally planning what to say, your facial expressions and eye contact are less engaged. This can make your interactions be perceived as awkward.

You need to trust that you'll have the right response when the time comes and give your full attention to the speaker.

Active listening involves genuine facial expressions, natural eye contact, and a curious mind.

This not only enhances your interactions but also builds trust, a cornerstone of leadership.