Executive presence: The relationship advantage that builds trust

Effective communication is the foundation of strong leadership, successful teams and organizational achievement. When individuals communicate well, companies thrive. And executive presence can provide the powerful communication skills you’ll need to foster meaningful connections.

But what is executive presence? Well, you know it when you see it — or rather when you feel it.

Say someone walks into the room — or logs into the virtual meeting — and something shifts. They don’t have to say a word, yet you and others lean in, feeling invited, connected and engaged.

That “something” is executive presence. It’s not how they look; it’s the energy they invite and create.

And yes, it can be developed. On purpose. Authentically. And it is different than being the loudest, smoothest or most charismatic person in the room. Could it be that person? Sure. But it could also be the quiet and awkward person. What’s important is that they openly connect and truly “see” you.

The trouble is that executive presence is often treated like this mysterious, elite quality you either have or don’t. People toss the term around in leadership conversations and employee assessments: “Do they have leadership potential? Do they have executive presence?” It’s become a “yes, they have it” or “no, they don’t” checkbox on a 360 evaluation

But ask five people to define it, and you’ll get five different answers. For some, it’s about confidence. For others, polish. For some, it’s charisma. And for too many, it’s reduced to how you “look the part.”

Here’s our ARTiculate: Real&Clear perspective on executive presence:

Executive presence isn’t something you put on. It’s how you connect to others.

Executive presence is not a performance; it’s a practice. And, like any solid practice, it starts with awareness.

And underneath all of that? It’s about relationships.

It’s not about you; it’s about them

Executive presence isn’t just about how you show up — it’s about you seeing others. It is reciprocal. It’s the link between you and the people you lead, listen to and build with. It’s the bridge. The connection. The invitation to trust. To open up to others and be available.

The usual suspects — eye contact, posture, vocal tone, attire — don’t define executive presence. They’re the tools, the ingredients. The various communication elements support the connection when used intentionally to value and engage with others.

Because here’s the truth: Executive presence without connection isn’t presence. It’s performance. And when it comes to leadership, especially within high-trust, high-accountability spaces, we need to acknowledge the need to go deeper. We need executive presence with purpose. That allows you to connect and be in a relationship with others, whether it’s your team, your clients or your board.

Executive presence lives in the body

When working with leaders, we all see this: brilliant thinkers, skilled communicators and seasoned executives who feel a gap between who they are and how they’re perceived. Maybe their voice gets tight in the boardroom. Maybe they ramble when they care too much. Maybe they’re told they need to “command the room” but aren’t sure how to do that without pretending to be someone they’re not.

That’s where being authentic comes in. Executive presence is the alignment of voice, body, mind, and values. When you’re clear on what you stand for — and when your words, tone and body all agree — you can show up, see others and be present. That’s when people trust you, follow you and want to hear more.

This isn’t about learning to sound like someone else. It’s about sounding like you. Remove the accumulated gunk and allow yourself to be clear and present.

Here’s what executive presence can look like:

• Authentic alignment: When what you say, feel, and value are in sync, people feel it and trust you.
• Clarity over charisma: People trust clear communicators regardless of the polish.
• Embodied intelligence: Your breath, body and voice shape how people experience you.
• Relational awareness: Executive presence is felt in the reciprocal connection. You see them and allow them to see you.

Why executive presence matters more than ever

In today’s workplace, executive presence isn’t a luxury — it’s an anchor.

Leaders are stretched thin. Communication is more complex. Trust can feel fragile. With hybrid teams, back-to-back meetings, and ever-shifting expectations, the ability to show up as grounded, aligned, and authentic isn’t just nice to have — it’s necessary.

So, if you’ve ever been told to “own the room” and aren’t sure what that means, you’re not alone.

If you’ve ever left a meeting wondering if you showed up as yourself, don’t worry — that’s just part of your journey of self-discovery and growth.

Embracing your authentic executive presence takes time and practice. With the right mindset, you can learn to show up in a way that truly reflects who you are.

Remember, it’s not just about commanding attention; it’s about connection. It’s about being genuine.

Want to learn more? Then check out Hilary’s discussion, Activate Your Executive Presence: The Power of Authentic Communication. The discussion includes a Q&A session with Vistage Master Chair David Spann.

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