How to Command Attention in Professional Settings

I often hear from introverts that they struggle to make an impact at work without seeming pushy or inauthentic. The good news: you don't need to become an extrovert to earn respect. Did you know that 82% of our workplace impressions are based on warmth and competence? That means, how you present yourself - your body language, tone, and word choice - matters more than how much you talk. After coaching countless introverted professionals, I've identified 3 tactical approaches that transform how they're perceived: 1. Make a good impressions through physical presence Stand or sit with shoulders back and chest slightly open. This "postural expansion" not only signals confidence to others but actually makes you feel more confident internally. Make strong eye contact, smile warmly, and use a firm handshake or clear greeting: "Hi [Name], great to see you!" This combination of warmth and competence creates immediate respect. 2. Contribute early in group settings Aim to say something within the first 5-10 minutes of any meeting. It doesn't need to be groundbreaking—a thoughtful question or brief comment works: "I appreciate [Name]'s point about X. I think it connects to Y." When you do speak, use downward inflection at the end of your sentences. Instead of "I think this approach might work?" say "I think this approach might work." The difference is subtle but powerful. 3. Leverage the spotlight effect Most people are too focused on themselves to scrutinize you (this is the spotlight effect). Use this knowledge to redirect attention by asking about others: "What's been the most exciting part of your project lately?" This takes pressure off you while making colleagues feel valued - building connection and respect simultaneously. ____ The truth is, getting respect doesn’t mean being the loudest in the room. It's about being intentional with your presence and creating moments of genuine interaction. These small adjustments have massive impact. Which one will you try first?

“Executive presence” helped me reach VP at Amazon. The biggest challenge when it comes to improving your executive presence is simply defining it. Here is how I define it: Executive presence is the ability to command a room, hold attention, and present yourself as someone who should be trusted and followed. It is a composite of many skills. In order to break executive presence into specific areas for improvement, I will borrow from the author Sylvia Ann Hewlett. She breaks it down into three categories: → 60% gravitas → 30% communication → 10% appearance Gravitas, according to Hewlett, is the collection of things that make you worthy of attention and respect. The two main traits for this are your confidence and decisiveness. People follow leaders who are sure of themselves and remain determined and composed under pressure. If you project confidence and decisiveness, you have gravitas. Part two, communication skills, are clearer. Communication skills include your ability to speak in front of a crowd, but also your ability to hold attention, manage a room, read an audience, make others feel heard, and present your authentic self. The final component, appearance, is not about being attractive or looking a specific way. It is about using your dress and grooming to show you are a person who takes their work seriously and expects to be taken seriously in return. Appearance is most important as a first impression, when you are first meeting people. Research shows that first impressions are formed very quickly and people usually seek evidence to confirm their initial judgments. So, if you present yourself as serious and professional, others will look to confirm this as opposed to looking for things that contradict it. To improve your executive presence, identify which of these 3 areas need work and then make a plan. Here are some strategies to consider: For public speaking, find small, safe audiences to practice in front of. Consider joining a Toastmasters club. To learn to read a room, partner with a friend after a meeting and discuss what each of you saw. To display calm and practice emotional control, try meditation and build your emotional intelligence skills to help you handle crises. To increase your influence, read “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” and then prepare your arguments in advance (rather than on the fly). Finally, for appearance, consider a professional stylist like a Nordstrom personal shopper to help you pick out clothes, and go to the barber or hairstylist slightly more frequently. These costs are investments in your career growth. I will be running a free, live webinar on Wednesday, July 9th called “How to Build Executive Presence.” I will give a short talk and then take questions live. Sign up for the free event here: https://buff.ly/DtOqO0i Readers — Executive presence is tricky and abstract. How do you think about it and work on it?

That poppin' pink suit I'd purchased especially for the occasion was canceled. "Why didn't you wear that yesterday?" It was a great question in the cab on the way to the airport. I popped into the speaker room a day early and discovered the wall immediately behind us was orange... It was a distraction waiting to happen. Thankfully, I'd packed another basic backup option. Years of experience taught me this trick. Let me loan you a few more tips on how to show up to your next panel event ready to own the stage. 1. Own the Space: Take a moment to understand the stage layout, seating, and even the wall colors. This awareness lets you command the space with confidence and set the tone for your message. 2. Pace Yourself: Speak with intention. Slow down your pace to give the audience time to absorb your insights and keep your delivery clear and composed. 3. Look the Part: Your appearance matters. Choose attire that complements your skin tone and lighting, and avoid green if you’re in front of a greenscreen. Your look should be polished and professional. 4. Mind Your Body Language: Stand tall, keep your facial expressions open and inviting, and use purposeful hand movements. Your body language should reinforce your message, not distract from it. 5. Make Eye Contact: Connect with your audience by locking eyes. This simple act builds trust and ensures your message lands where it needs to—right in their hearts and minds. 6. Share the Spotlight: Engage with your fellow speakers. Build on their points, and create a dynamic conversation that brings out the best in everyone on stage. 7. Echo the Question: When a question comes your way, repeat it aloud. This tactic buys you a moment to think, keeps the audience in the loop, and highlights the importance of the discussion. You don't have to do it every time but, it helps people who have zoned out to think about dinner plans stay present. 8. Gracefully Handle Interruptions: If you’re interrupted, stay composed. Acknowledge the moment, address it briefly if needed, and then guide the conversation back on track with poise. These tips are designed to ease your stress and help you shine on stage—looking the part, owning your presence, and delivering a message that resonates and leaves a lasting impact.