Practice One Executive Skill Weekly
Dr. Kevin Gazzara recommends practicing one executive presence skill weekly — like making faster decisions or staying calm under pressure. Patricia Fripp outlined speech delivery essentials: look the part, act naturally, show don't tell, and vary intensity throughout presentations.
Executive presence is often described as the ability to inspire confidence and motivate others. It's a blend of behaviors and communication skills that convey competence and poise, helping leaders to command attention and maintain calm under pressure. This quality is considered a crucial factor in leadership success, with one study indicating that 67% of senior executives see it as essential. Developing this presence involves honing specific skills. For faster decision-making, leaders can adopt strategies like Jeff Bezos' "70% rule," which advocates for making a choice with 70% of the desired information to avoid delays. Another technique is to limit the number of options to two or three to prevent decision fatigue. To remain calm under pressure, techniques like "box breathing"—inhaling for a count of four, holding for four, exhaling for four, and holding for four—can slow the heart rate and reset the nervous system. Another strategy is to mentally reframe a stressful situation, which can help in managing emotional responses and maintaining composure. For impactful presentations, varying vocal delivery is key. This involves intentionally altering the tone, speed, and volume of your voice to keep the audience engaged and emphasize important points. A monotonous delivery can lead to disengagement, while vocal variety helps in conveying confidence and making the message more memorable. The principle of "show, don't tell" is also vital in presentations. Instead of stating a fact, a speaker can use a story or example to illustrate the point, creating a more engaging and emotionally resonant experience for the audience. This technique helps in painting a picture and rooting the message in concrete details. Dr. Kevin Gazzara, an expert in leadership development, has a background that includes 29 years of experience in industries from heavy equipment to high-tech, and has developed leadership programs for companies like Intel. Patricia Fripp, a Hall of Fame keynote speaker and executive speech coach, has delivered over 3,500 presentations and helps leaders and sales teams enhance their communication skills.
