We just finished an intensive workshop, designed in multiple modules and spread out over multiple days, with one of our top clients. The topic was Executive Communication Skills, and the goal was to coach a small group of ten rising executive stars in the art of persuasive, executive-level communication skills. We covered a lot of ground over the two days, but one topic worth sharing here is the concept of “speaking in the executive voice.”
Have you ever been in the presence of someone who just commands attention with their words and their speaking style? Have you ever witnessed someone captivate people by their mere presence? I’m sure you have, but it doesn’t happen often. It’s happened to me a few times in my career. And when it does, we tend to remember the moment, the person, and their topic. We remember it clearly because it just doesn’t happen very often.
What is it that makes that person memorable? What is the “je ne sais quoi” that makes them stand out? What is the special sauce? There is no denying that some people have a natural gift to command attention. Some people have the voice, a natural confidence, some aspect of a physical presence that sets them apart. But is it all natural? Can some of it be coached and nurtured? We believe it can.
We could discuss this issue from many directions, but in my mind, it all comes back to a comfort level on the content, a high level of preparation, and the confidence that comes from knowing your topic, your audience and being comfortable in your environment. People ask me all the time how to acquire the executive voice, and there are some specific delivery skills that can be coached… A more measured pace… Speaking in declarative sentences… Riveting eye contact… Enough volume to be clearly heard, but not so much as to overwhelm… All of these things, among others, can lead to that polished executive delivery.
But none of those skills will help you if you are not, first and foremost, totally comfortable with your content, and your conviction about what you are saying.
We can spend days and days working on the executive voice… and I just did with some great people. But don’t make the mistake of thinking that the executive voice is all about delivery. It starts with content, preparation, practice and conviction. That is the foundation of your executive voice.
Have a great day.
—
Does your team:
– Overwhelm the audience with too much detail?
– Make things too complicated?
– Fail to ask for what they want or need?
Does your organization:
– Waste time because of poor internal communication?
– Take too long to make decisions?
– Struggle to clarify and frame discussions?
Do your leaders:
– Exhibit poor executive presence?
– Lean on incomplete communication skills?
– Fail to align the organization?
We transform teams and individuals with repeatable toolsets for persuasive communication. Explore training, coaching, and consulting services from The Latimer Group.
Comments