Body Language: The Secret to Building Executive Presence
Bryant University Alumni Association Today’s Presenters
Diane Wilbur ‘88
Robin Warde P ‘17 Overview of Alumni Engagement Series
To view past webinars, visit the career section at alumniconnect.bryant.edu Upcoming Webinars:
12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7
Employee Engagement in a Changing Work Landscape with Lenore Uddyback-Fortson ’90
Register today at alumniconnect.bryant.edu Today’s Objectives
What is Executive Presence and why has it become so critical?
Powerful body language strategies to strengthen Executive Presence
Common mistakes that can negatively impact your Executive Presence Listener’s Poll
How are you hoping to leverage skills to strengthen Executive Presence:
(1) Get promoted to the next level (2) Help in my search to land a new role (3) Strengthen my skills in my current role What is Executive Presence?
Executive Presence = “gravitas” or “Wow Factor” Can you command a room? Do people stop & listen when you speak? Do you have the ability to influence others? Do you project confidence & communicate clearly? The “Wow Factor”
Includes: Ability to easily influence others Poise and Confidence High level of emotional intelligence Works well under pressure Displays positive body language Communicates with authority Who Has It? Why Do We Need It?
Executive Presence is consistently rated as the #1 most important skill to be an effective leader, surpassing technical and functional expertise. The Impact… According to a new study by the Center for Talent Innovation, being perceived as leadership material is essential to being promoted. Their research indicates that “executive presence” accounts for 26% of what it takes to get promoted. The Importance of a 1st Impression…. “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”
What image do you want to convey? Do your actions reinforce this image? Ability to build relationships It can make or break your meeting or sale The impact to your career You are an “extension” of the company The Importance of a 1st Impression
Accurate: Studies have shown that in less than 5 minutes we make personality assessments that are remarkably accurate
Lasting: Once people have formed an impression of you, they disregard information that is inconsistent with their initial thoughts The 7/11 Rule- In 7 seconds we form 11 impressions about:
Education level Trustworthiness Experience Level of Credibility sophistication Level of success Sexual orientation Political views Ethnic background Religion Social & professional desirability Listener’s Poll
What has the biggest impact on Executive Presence?
(1) The actual words you use (2) Non verbal signals (3)The tone of your voice when communicating The Power of Body Language Body Language: Represents 55% of how we communicate
Conveys level of confidence Shows level of your engagement Confirms or contradicts your words Can build trust Facial Expressions
Smiling-makes you more likeable Eye Contact: 40-60% Emotional “Contagion” Micro expressions Micro Expressions The Powerful Handshake To form an instant connection Touch is a powerful non verbal cue to create a bond and lasting impression People are twice as likely to remember you after shaking hands Handshake Positions Handshake Positions What to Do With Your Hands:
Palms up Gestures Arms raised Steepling Hands by your side Positive Hand Gestures: Hand Gestures that Negatively Impact Your Executive Presence:
Fig Leaf Pointing Self soothing gestures Scratching face, neck, arms Crossing arms Avoid Doing this With Your Hands: Posture Stand Tall “Level Head” Belly Button Theory Position of Feet Chin level to ground Taking up space Walk with purpose and confidence Remove physical barriers The Power Pose Examples of Poor Body Language Mirroring Behavior It is the behavior in which one person subconsciously imitates the gestures and speech patterns of another.
Builds rapport and stronger connections You experience emotions associated with those gestures It is not conscious imitation or manipulation, it puts others at ease Mirroring Behavior Taking up Space Common Mistakes to Avoid
Little or no eye contact Fidgeting Self soothing gestures Hiding hands Folding arms Fists or pointing Squaring off Poor Posture About Your Presenter:
Diane Wilbur is an Executive Coach and Adjunct Faculty member who is passionate about helping others make an impact and achieve their personal best. Through her coaching efforts, she has accelerated the development of mid to senior level managers in the areas of Executive Presence, Personal Brand, interpersonal skills and leadership.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-wilbur-6705a07
401-633-5484