How can you project authority and credibility through your executive presence?

Executive presence is the ability to communicate, influence, and inspire others with confidence, clarity, and authenticity. It is a key skill for executive management, as it can help you establish your authority and credibility, build trust and rapport, and motivate your team and stakeholders. But how can you project executive presence effectively? Here are some tips to enhance your executive presence and boost your leadership impact.

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1 Know your audience

Before you speak, write, or present, consider who your audience is and what they need from you. What are their goals, challenges, expectations, and preferences? How can you tailor your message, tone, and style to suit them? How can you demonstrate that you understand and respect their perspectives? By knowing your audience, you can craft your communication in a way that resonates with them, engages their attention, and earns their trust.

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Suha Kilani, PharmD, MBA, MSL, BCSCP, APH

Senior Executive Director of Pharmacy | Hospital & Health System Executive | Quality & Compliance | Consultant
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Understanding your audience and team members is crucial for fostering trust, enhancing collaboration, and building strong relationships. This awareness allows you to customize your communication approach, ensuring it resonates well with others. Being attuned to your team's needs also demonstrates social awareness, which is essential for nurturing a supportive and cohesive work environment.

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2 Be clear and concise

One of the hallmarks of executive presence is the ability to convey complex ideas in simple and succinct ways. Avoid jargon, filler words, and vague statements that can confuse or bore your audience. Instead, use clear and precise language, structure your points logically, and highlight the key takeaways and actions. By being clear and concise, you can show that you are confident, knowledgeable, and respectful of your audience's time and attention.

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Suha Kilani, PharmD, MBA, MSL, BCSCP, APH

Senior Executive Director of Pharmacy | Hospital & Health System Executive | Quality & Compliance | Consultant
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Effective communication, while complex, is vital for clarity in conveying goals to your team. It is important to be concise and focused. Frequent, varied methods of communication and regular reviews may be necessary to ensure comprehensive understanding across the team. Recognizing that people interpret information differently, often influenced by cultural backgrounds, is key. This understanding allows for adjustments in communication styles to accommodate diverse perspectives and learning styles, promoting a more inclusive and effective team environment.

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3 Use your voice and body language

Your voice and body language can have a powerful impact on how your audience perceives you and your message. To project authority and credibility, use a strong and steady voice, vary your pitch and pace, and avoid monotone or uptalk. To project confidence and authenticity, maintain eye contact, smile, nod, and gesture appropriately, and avoid fidgeting, crossing your arms, or slouching. To project warmth and rapport, use a friendly and respectful tone, acknowledge your audience's feedback, and express gratitude and appreciation.

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4 Be prepared and adaptable

Another aspect of executive presence is the ability to handle any situation with poise and professionalism. To do this, you need to be prepared and adaptable. Prepare for your communication by researching your topic, anticipating questions or objections, rehearsing your delivery, and checking your equipment and materials. Be adaptable by being ready to adjust your communication based on the feedback, mood, and needs of your audience. Be flexible, open-minded, and responsive to any changes or challenges that may arise.

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Suha Kilani, PharmD, MBA, MSL, BCSCP, APH

Senior Executive Director of Pharmacy | Hospital & Health System Executive | Quality & Compliance | Consultant
Report contribution
As a leader, the ability to adapt to the needs of your team, project, and organizational objectives is essential. This adaptability not only offers flexibility but also makes you more approachable, encouraging team members to seek your guidance. Transformational leadership involves tailoring your leadership style to suit various situations. Embracing change is not just inevitable but a necessary component of success, allowing for continuous growth and effective response to evolving challenges.

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5 Show your passion and personality

Finally, executive presence is not about being stiff or formal. It is about being yourself and showing your passion and personality. Don't be afraid to inject some humor, emotion, or personal stories into your communication, as long as they are relevant and appropriate. Show your audience that you care about your topic, your team, and your goals, and that you are enthusiastic, optimistic, and motivated. By showing your passion and personality, you can connect with your audience on a human level, inspire them to follow you, and enhance your executive presence.

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6 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?

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How can you project authority and credibility through your executive presence?

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2

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1 Know your audience

2 Be clear and concise

3 Use your voice and body language

4 Be prepared and adaptable

5 Show your passion and personality

6 Here’s what else to consider

Executive Management

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How can you project authority and credibility through your executive presence?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Know your audience

2 Be clear and concise

3 Use your voice and body language

4 Be prepared and adaptable

5 Show your passion and personality

6 Here’s what else to consider

Executive Management

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