We all walk around with more computing power in our pockets, these days, than the combined might of computers in the 80s and 90s. So it’s easy to think that the chatbots; filters; influencers and auto-generators can do our job for us as leaders. Because that’s what they claim.

 

Well, the good news is, for the evolving, authentic leaders out there, you’re probably more valuable than ever. Because, despite the catfishing; the smoke; the mirrors and the relentless personal PR endorsed by empty likes and melodramatic standout stewards and click-baiters, authenticity and results-based stewardship is more valuable now than ever. Because someone has to steer the organisation’s metaphorical ship through choppy and complex, ever-changing waters. And that somebody ain’t Big Brother/Sister or programmers.

We’re fortunate enough to work across sectors with individual coaching clients and cohorts of junior, middle and senior leaders who span most of the five generations at work right now. And despite embracing what the best of the fresh tech can bring, the classics remain and will always stand the test of time.

Certainly when it comes to personal standout, impact and appeal, these established tips remain as true now as they ever were, no matter how short the attention span of the stakeholder groupings who have, charmingly, brought back the notion of “crushing it like a boss”..

 

Leading really isn’t about “bossing” anything.
Engagement (appealing to both head and heart) isn’t about stunning charisma mastered in selfies As most acting coaches will tell you, presence is largely conferred upon an individual by the reaction of others, not what you claim it to be.

 

True respect and deference comes from a combination of deep-seated self-belief (from success, plain and simple); planning; practice & authenticity.

Presence, on the back of these foundations, can be developed through following some simple principles, like these, & finding what suits your personality. But to be sustained, it has to be backed up by outputs; results and reputation:

 

1. Project Confidence: Believe in yourself and your performance. Stand tall, maintain eye contact. When you feel confident, the audience will sense it too.

2. Know Your Audience: Understand who you’re performing for. Adapt your energy, tone, & style to connect with them. Engage with their reactions and adjust accordingly.

3. Body Language Matters: Posture: Stand or move with purpose. Avoid fidgeting or slouching, unless you’re doing it for effect.

4. Gestures: Use expressive gestures to emphasize points or emotions.

5. Movement: Move purposefully within the space. & use it to involve different parts of the audience.

6. Energy & Enthusiasm: Be Animated: Express emotions genuinely. Show enthusiasm for your material and tell a story..

7. Vary Intensity: Adjust your energy level based on the content. Build anticipation during intense moments and relax during quieter ones.

8. Eye Contact: Connect with individuals in the crowd. It creates a personal bond and draws them into your performance.

9. Practice: Rehearse extensively. Familiarity with your material allows you to focus on engaging the audience rather than remembering lines or chords.

10. Breathing Techniques: Deep Breaths: Calm nerves and maintain control by taking deep breaths.
11. Diaphragmatic Breathing: Breathe from your diaphragm to project your voice effectively.
12. Authenticity: Be true to yourself. Authenticity resonates with audiences. Let your personality shine through.
13. React: Unplanned stuff happens. Respond to cues or energy.
14. Adapt to Mishaps: Stay Calm: If something goes wrong, maintain composure. The audience often forgives minor slip-ups. Improvise and turn mistakes into opportunities
15. Feedback and Reflection: Learn from Each Performance: Analyze what worked and what didn’t.

 

Take no notice of what the “one-upmanship” types are professing online. It’s easy to shine superficially with filters and gimmicks or empty “likes” Focus, instead, on your authentic style.

Hard work will pay dividends from the stakeholders that count.

Most of all, be yourself because, as your phone will remind you, everyone else is taken.