🚀 Leadership Presence: The Skills You Need Now to Project Confidence & Command the Room

QUICK PRODUCTIVITY WIN

Before switching tasks, ask yourself:

👉 “Is this the best use of my time right now?”

If the answer is no, pause, refocus and prioritise.

Small shifts in awareness = big wins in productivity.

🔍 DEEP DIVE

🚀 Leadership Presence: The Skills You Need Now to Project Confidence & Command the Room

Why Leadership Presence Matters

Leadership presence makes people stop and listen when you speak.

It’s not about being the loudest or the most extroverted—it’s about exuding confidence, clarity and credibility.

Without leadership presence, your ideas get overlooked and your voice goes unheard.

But leadership presence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build.

Apply the right strategies, and you’ll shift from feeling hesitant to owning the room with authority.

Let’s break down exactly how to do it.

Speak with Authority & Conviction

Your voice and body language directly shape how others perceive you.

If you sound unsure, people assume you are.

Speaking with authority isn’t about being loud—it’s about being clear, controlled and intentional.

✅ Tone Matters: Lower your vocal pitch slightly for authority. Avoid ending sentences with an upward inflexion, which can make statements sound like questions. Speak at a steady, measured pace.

✅ Body Language Signals Confidence: Stand tall, keep your shoulders back and hold eye contact for 3-5 seconds with each person. Use open gestures—don’t fidget or cross your arms.

💡 Action: Record yourself speaking for two minutes. Listen for weak spots (e.g., filler words, hesitant tone) and correct them.

💡 Tip: When making a key point, slow down and emphasise keywords. It signals authority and makes your words more impactful.

Make Your Voice Heard in Meetings

Women are interrupted more than men in meetings, but you can ensure your voice is heard.

✅ Stop Waiting to Speak: Many women hesitate, waiting for the “perfect moment.” Jump in early and assert your viewpoint.

✅ Use Direct Language: Cut out weak openers like “I just wanted to say…” or “This might be a dumb question, but…” They undermine your presence.

💡 Tip: If interrupted, say firmly: “I’m going to finish my point, then I’d love to hear your thoughts.” This sets a clear boundary without being aggressive.

💡 Action: Before a meeting, write down 1-2 key points you want to make. Commit to speaking within the first 10 minutes.

Get People to Listen & Respect Your Input

Having great ideas isn’t enough—you need to make sure they’re heard and taken seriously.

✅ Contribute Early: Speaking up early in discussions signals confidence and helps set the tone. Don’t wait until everything has been said—assert your presence before the conversation moves on.

✅ Silence commands attention: Instead of rushing through your thoughts, pause briefly—it forces others to focus on your words.

💡 Action: Before a big meeting or presentation, rehearse standing up. Studies show that doing this improves delivery and confidence.

💡 Tip: Use names. Addressing someone directly (“James, here’s why I think this is critical…”) increases engagement and respect.

Break Past Self-Doubt When Speaking Up

Self-doubt silences even the most capable women.

The key is shifting from overthinking to action.

✅ Reframe Nerves as Excitement: Studies show that telling yourself “I’m excited” instead of “I’m nervous” helps your brain perform better under pressure.

✅ Use a Power Pose Before Speaking: Stand tall with hands on hips for 2 minutes to reduce stress and boost confidence.

💡 Action: Set a “confidence anchor.” Before speaking, take a deep breath and recall a time you successfully spoke up. Your brain will associate that memory with confidence.

💡 Tip: Don’t over-apologise. If you don’t need to say “sorry,” replace it with “thank you” (e.g., “Thanks for waiting” instead of “Sorry I’m late”).

Final Thought: Confidence Comes from Action

Leadership presence isn’t about being the loudest—it’s about being intentional, confident and clear.

The more you practice, the more natural it becomes.

Remember, Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build.

💡 Action: Pick one strategy and implement it in your next meeting. Small shifts create powerful transformations.