Having presence

I am not talking about walking into a ballroom with a knock out red ballroom dress, or even the boss walking into a room where they are the meeting chair.

This is about exuding an energy that comes out without needing to speak a word.

They say that the most powerful communication is non-verbal. Presence is an indicator of how others perceive you.

You do know that presence is having energy; and the energy that influences and attracts others to want to be engaged.

Some of the basics:

Entry: Turning up late is rude. Yes, you can make an entrance, but for all the wrong reasons. I used to notice that one person who had great presence was on time if not early and it caused a change in culture – others started turning up early and the real thinking occurred before the boss arrived. Presence is not about the arrival, its how you hold yourself.

Eyes: Do have eye contact, one-on-one or with a group. You can look at everyone without looking at one person, but that said, when talking to someone, direct but soft eye contact. The Julie Bishop stare is a no-go! Confidence comes through eye contact; it is the most under-rated communication.

Company: if you come into the meeting with the person known for being a gossip, or the person known for being lazy – sorry to say, their reputation rubs off on you. You are who you associate with. Surround yourself with strong people. Those strong people can have better presence, but you want that to rub off on to you. It does not mean you should be rude or avoid ever being seen with lower performers, but if you do like their company, find other ways to engage.

Joker? Loud? You know the person, always has to punctuate the silence, always needs to be the centre of attention. They are loud, often obnoxious and whilst the friend to many, can be over-bearing. They have the wrong type of presence.

Silence is powerful. Make your words count. If you don’t have something powerful to contribute, there is no need to fill the air.

Fashion. Non verbal communication – does your clothes scream party… rapper … date night…prissiness …. Elegance, polished. How you look speaks volumes without you saying anything. Dress for the occasion and yes, inject personality, but no so much that it clouds the room. Be flexible in your image.

Finally – be self aware to pick up on the cues from others is a critical element of having presence. Being flexible to respond and engage is essential. When you are Richard Branson, then you ignore this advice!

You cannot fake full presence, because you need to match it with intelligence, articulate language and have the information that draws people closer. But make sure your non-verbal communication supports the image you desire. Own it.

Refer to my short article on the x-factor personality: http://www.maverickstella.com.au/#!The-X-Factor-personality/c218b/54c1f7cf0cf2ad5dc6cb63e4

Other helpful sites:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/karlmoore/2013/05/10/pump-up-the-volume-establishing-your-leadership-presence/

http://famousinyourfield.com/5-tactics-to-own-the-room/