Executive Presence: What It Really Means and How to Strengthen Yours

The phrase executive presence first appeared in leadership circles in the late 20th century.

It quickly became a buzzword in boardrooms, performance reviews, and coaching sessions. Yet for all the talk, it remained elusive. Many ambitious professionals were told, “You need more executive presence”, but few could explain what that meant or how to achieve it.

Executive presence is not a single trait you’re born with. It’s a set of behaviors, skills, and habits that signal credibility, confidence, and influence. It’s the ability to inspire trust in your leadership, even under pressure. And while everyone wants it, too few understand how to build it.

After decades of coaching leaders, CEOs, and professionals worldwide, I’ve distilled executive presence into practical insights. Below are 20 ways you can strengthen yours—immediately and over time.

  1. The 60-Second Rule

Most executives lose their audience in the first 90 seconds. Don’t start with small talk. Begin with a bold statement that makes people lean in.

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A New Market for Me – Who Knew?

For years, I have tracked who followed me on YouTube.

The numbers were consistent: 99% were men, and the largest group was ages 55–64.

Then I checked my stats for the last 28 days. Imagine my surprise—today, 75% of my viewers are 25–34, 25% are 55–64, and 58% are women. Quite a shift!

Even more surprising?

In the past week, two new executive speech coaching clients reached out. Both are 25-year-old, ambitious young men. One said, “Three years ago, I graduated from High Point University, and Steve Spangler recommended you.” I first met HPU’s remarkable president, Nido Qubein, at my very first NSA convention in 1977. Steve Spangler, a science rock star, is also my colleague in Speakers Roundtable, as is Dr. Qubein.

The other said, “My father recommended you.”

He never forgot how helpful you were to him 20 years ago!” And just this morning, I received an email: “I am writing to you on behalf of my son. Will you help him?” Who knew a whole new market was waiting for me?

My colleague Dylan Tweney from the Professional Speechwriters Association wrote about his experience at the most recent Renaissance Weekend.

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What Hollywood Teaches Us: 7 Ways to Become a Speaking Star

To become a better speaker, consider going to the movies.Learn from Hollywood

That is the premise of my popular presentation, How to Add Hollywood to Your Presentations. Think about it. If you had unlimited resources to design the keynote that would make you the most in-demand professional in your industry, where would you go for the best writers, directors, and production talent?

Hollywood.

In Hollywood, hundreds of creative professionals collaborate to produce one unforgettable movie. Most of us cannot hire that dream team; however, we can borrow their techniques. Here are seven proven Hollywood strategies you can use to make your presentations more compelling, more memorable, and more persuasive.

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Why Your Audience Connection Determines Your Presentation Success

When preparing for a presentation, most speakers focus on their content and slides.

That’s important—but it’s not enough. The real question you must ask yourself is: Who is my audience, and why should they care?

Your content may be brilliant, but your impact depends on the relationship you build with your listeners. Do they feel you understand them? Do they trust that your ideas are relevant to their world? That connection—both intellectual and emotional—is what transforms a presentation from forgettable to persuasive.

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Do You Want to Inspire Action and Commitment? Use More Active Verbs

At an all-day event, my client asked me to speak briefly to promote my afternoon session.

I said, “I know your morning is full, just give me three minutes.” I only took two and a half.

I began with an amusing story about a request for an interview, which made the point that your message must be of interest to your audience. Then I continued,

“This morning, you enjoyed your executives’ presentations because they acknowledged your contributions, celebrated your success, revealed fascinating industry statistics, previewed your company’s future, and confirmed that your executives are in harmony.”

Notice the effectiveness of those short phrases, each driven by a strong verb. They grab attention, paint pictures, and move ideas forward.

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Are You Missing Out on a Great Way to Improve Your Presentations?

From Good to World-Class: How to Improve Your Presentations

Socrates said, “Know thyself.”

I say, “Put your words under the magnifying glass.”

If you want to improve all of your presentations, here’s a simple process that works for seasoned professionals as well as ambitious beginners.

Step 1: Watch Yourself Like a Coach

Take a video of one of your best presentations and sit down to watch it—not as the speaker, but rather as a high-priced speech coach.

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8 Smart Steps to Set Yourself Up for Speaking Success

Even the most seasoned presenters know: preparation off stage sets you up for success on stage. Here are eight practical and frequently overlooked steps that will help you feel confident, in control, and ready to make your message memorable.

  1. Check in early.

Arrive with plenty of time to get familiar with the space. Notice the setup:

  • Is there a platform or stage?
  • Where will you stand when you’re introduced?
  • How many steps will you take to reach the lectern or center stage?

Pay attention to lighting and sound. Is the spotlight on you—not the banner, lectern, or ceiling? Remember, when the lights go down and the volume goes up, audiences often think they can’t hear clearly.

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The Power of Structure: Theater Meets Speaking

Recently, I had the joy of seeing the magnificent show A Beautiful Noise at The Smith Center in Las Vegas.

This is, of course, the life story of Neil Diamond. Having seen him perform live before, I knew to expect magic, and I wasn’t disappointed.

Part of the show’s brilliance is in its structure. It opens with Neil as he is now, in conversation with his therapist, looking back on his life through the lens of his songs. We are drawn into his world, from humble beginnings and self-doubt to becoming a worldwide megastar with more popularity than Elvis. Along the way, we see the highs and lows, the struggles, the joy, and the unwavering devotion to the music that gave meaning to his life and happiness to his audiences.

By the final curtain, the audience is on its feet, carried away on a wave of music and emotion.

And here’s the connection that struck me: the show’s structure is precisely the type of framework I help my clients use to craft their speeches when they share their own life experiences.

The Power of Structure: Theater Meets Speaking

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Do You Want to Build Emotional Connection with Your Audience? This is How

Eye Contact: The Silent Superpower in Presentations

Suppose you want to connect with your audience on an emotional level. In that case, whether it’s one decision-maker, a boardroom full of executives, or a conference ballroom of hundreds, your eyes are one of your most powerful tools. In Deliver Unforgettable Presentations, we emphasize that eye contact is not just about looking—it’s about connecting. Here’s how to maximize its impact.

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Avoid These Costly Sales Presentation Mistakes

Here are 12 Proven Fripp Suggestions

Sales professionals carry a unique responsibility. Every time they speak, they represent themselves, their team, and their entire organization. Whether they succeed or fail can come down to one factor—how well they present their message.

Even the most experienced sales professionals can benefit from expert coaching. Why? Because clear messaging, emotional connection, and persuasive structure are not optional—they are essential. These are the top 12 mistakes I see in the first coaching sessions with my clients. By the time we’re done, they know how to avoid them and win more business.

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