Executive presence refers to the ability to comfortably draw and hold attention while delivering a business-savvy message. It involves being able to authentically connect, motivate, collaborate and inspire others through flexible value-centered communication and leadership. Executive presence can be developed by focusing on elements like being present in the moment, reaching out to others, being expressive, and gaining self-knowledge. Developing executive presence also requires integrating these elements, projecting confidence, and exhibiting a physical presence that reflects the image one wants to portray.

1. Executive Presence
November 7, 2012
Michele Toth
Vice President, Human Resources & Administration
Presented by Northrop Grumman

2. What is Presence?
• Presence is….
…the ability from within to authentically connect, captivate, motivate,
collaborate, and inspire others through flexible value-centered
communications and leadership.*
…the ability to project genuine confidence that inspires the trust and
appreciation of others...*
• Personal presence can be defined as the ability to comfortably draw
and hold attention while delivering a message
• Executive presence is the ability to comfortably draw and hold
attention while delivering a business-savvy message.
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* Concepts are adapted from “Leadership Presence” by Belle Halpern and Kathy Lubar
It’s more than just charisma, having good presentation skills, or dressing well!

3. Gaining Presence
• Presence is not innate, it can be developed!
• Elements of Executive Presence:
3
Present in the Moment
Reaching Out
Expressiveness
Self-Knowing
• Elements:
– Manage distractions
– Put fear aside
– Adapt to what circumstances prescribe
• Tips
– Focus on others there, not yourself
– Be prepared, Know content
– Take a deep breath
• Elements:
– Build relationships
– Be authentic
– Truly listens
• Tips
– Eye contact
– Share of yourself
– Engage the audience
• Elements:
– Express feelings and emotions to capture interest
– Use your voice and body congruently
– Tell stories to make your point real
• Tips
– Show excitement, interest about what you
are doing
– Use eyes (connect), body (leaning) as a tool to
help convey
– Plan stories ahead of time
• Elements:
– Self-reflection
– Accept yourself and be open to growth
– Be honest and open
• Tips
– Know who you are
– Reflect values in decisions
– Know how/when to adapt

4. Putting it All Together
• Integrating the elements into who you are and how you come across
• Projecting confidence in who you are and what you have to offer
– Steady voice, succinct, avoid qualifiers
• Taking the time and effort to exhibit a physical presence that reflects
the image you want to portray:
– Casual vs. formal
– Appropriate to audience expectations vs. only your own individual expression
– Your unique style vs. a copy of someone else
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5. How to Enhance Executive Presence
• Speaking the language of business -- the single most important
element that differentiates personal from executive presence
– Know the business
• Intelligence, Insight
– Identify your objectives
• Convey, convince, coach
– Be clear in your message
• What do you want, need, expect?
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6. Takeaways
6
Power of
EXECUTIVE PRESENCE
• Personal Presence
– Passion, Poised, Personalized
• Business Message
– Clear, Concise, Connected