How to Improve Presence with Body Language

"Be more assertive in meetings." If you’ve ever received this feedback, you know how tough it is. Especially if you’re an introvert who doesn’t interrupt or feel it’s your place. I was coaching an exec dealing with this exact sticking point. I said, “You’ve gotten this feedback. Let’s talk about what you want to do with it.” A priority for me is to always look at my clients holistically (who are you BEYOND the walls/screens of work). Knowing she had a teenage daughter, I asked this leader to role-play a conversation with her daughter about cleaning her room. She started gently: “Sweetheart, I really would love for you to clean your room. It would make our lives more calm and peaceful...” (you get the picture). I had her pause and imagine it was the fifth time she asked. She began again, “Honey, I really wish you’d...” I stopped her, asked, “Is that true to who you are on weekends? Do you calmly ask for the fifth time or bring up a different character?” She laughed. “No, that’s totally not true.” So, I asked her to show me the real scenario. Suddenly, she’s chopping her hands through the air: “Young lady, I need you to get off the couch, up the stairs, and clean your room right. now. I do NOT want to see you back downstairs until your room is CLEAN.” Boom. Who was THAT? “That,” she said, “was my 'Mom' voice.” Aha. She had the ability to turn on a concise, direct conversation style... she just wasn't used to bringing it to work with her. And the style, it started with a firm movement of her hands. She wasn’t even aware of the hand motion. But that was the tool she needed to embody a more assertive self. Now, when this client needs to be precise and direct, she starts with that hand movement. It cues her body into an assertive character without overthinking every word. Key takeaway: Using body language as a cue can bypass the overactive brain, tapping into characters that already exist within you. One of your Authentic Selves. So, use your body. Practice in front of a camera. Notice what works and eliminate what doesn’t. Your body language can unlock new ways to express assertiveness and confidence. There is more to you than meets the eye. Figure out WHO in YOU you can tap into to become who you need to be. #Leadership #ExecutiveCoaching #Assertiveness #BodyLanguage #ProfessionalDevelopment #Authenticity

We've been conditioned to believe that "good" women make themselves smaller: speak softer, apologize more, defer quicker. But being a leader isn't about shrinking to fit other people's comfort zones. It's about expanding to fill the role that your vision, expertise, and impact deserve. And yet, we still catch ourselves minimizing our contributions in meetings, hedging our statements with "I think maybe..." and literally making ourselves smaller by slouching. We've been taught to be grateful for crumbs when we should be setting the table. That's space abdication. Women: your discomfort with taking up space is someone else's comfort with you staying small. Every time you shrink, you're not just limiting yourself; you're modeling limitation for every woman watching. And trust me, they're watching. (And if you're reading this, you're watching me so I'd BETTER take up space.) Taking up space isn't about becoming aggressive or adopting masculine behaviors (though there's nothing wrong with those either, if they're authentically you). It's about showing up as the full version of yourself, with all your ideas, insights, and yes, your strong opinions intact. Here's your roadmap to claiming your rightful space: 1. Speak first in meetings. Not after you've heard everyone else's thoughts and carefully calibrated your response. Lead with your perspective, then listen and adapt. 2. Stop hedging your expertise. Replace "I'm not an expert, but..." with "In my experience..." You didn't accidentally end up in a leadership role. 3. Take up physical space. Sit forward, not back. Gesture naturally. Use your full vocal range. (I've been accused of not having an "inside voice". Oh well!) Your body language should match the size of your ideas. 4. Own your wins publicly. When someone asks how the project went, don't say "the team was amazing." Say "I'm proud of how I led the team to deliver X results." 5. Interrupt the interrupters. "Let me finish that thought" is a complete sentence. So is "I wasn't done speaking." Your leadership isn't a consolation prize or a diversity initiative. It's a business imperative. The world needs what you bring, but only if you're willing to bring all of it. #womenleaders #communication #executivepresence

The energy at NYC networking events is electric, but also extremely overwhelming. One of the struggles I have been facing is how to present myself in the right manner... So, I began researching the art of body language to make every interaction count. Here's what I found: ✋ The Power of Hand Gestures - If effectively done = amplifies your message up to 60%. - The most compelling TED Talks? Where speakers use nearly 2x the hand gestures of less popular talks. **Generally,  👐 Palms Upwards: Openness, willingness to connect. 👇 Palms Downwards: Authoritative, asserting a point. 🦵 Legs: The Anchors of Composure - Keep your legs still and shoulder-width apart. It projects confidence and makes you appear more grounded. - Point your feet towards the person you're talking to; it subtly shows you’re engaged. **Never undermine yourself by placing your feet together. If you struggle to keep a wider stance due to your outfit, choose another one. 👀 The Eyes Have It: Striking a Balance - Holding eye contact too intensely can be off-putting, while too little can make you seem disinterested. Find the middle ground. 🛑 Mind the Gap: Respect Personal Space - In the U.S., the unspoken rule is to maintain an arm's-length distance. These findings have been a game-changer for me… What about you? Any networking hacks that have made a difference? #NYC #Networking #BodyLanguage #FirstImpressions #PersonalBranding #CommunicationSkills #NetworkingTips #ConfidenceBoost #EmotionalIntelligence #ProfessionalDevelopment #GameChanger

🌟 Harnessing the Power of Body Talk: A Transformative Leadership Lesson 🌟 As a public speaking coach, I often emphasize the subtle yet profound impact of body language in communication. Recently, I witnessed a remarkable transformation that truly encapsulates this principle. During a high-stakes meeting, I observed a promising young executive, Alex, who initially struggled with his presence. His ideas were innovative, yet his slouched posture and averted gaze didn't convey the confidence needed to captivate the senior management. Realizing the disconnect, we worked together to harness the power of assertive body language—straight posture, steady eye contact, and purposeful gestures. The change was not just physical but psychological. At the next meeting, Alex entered the room with a presence that was palpable. He stood tall, his eyes engaging his audience, his movements deliberate and confident. The room's dynamic shifted; people leaned in, they listened, engaged, and nodded. Alex's ideas were the same, but his delivery had transformed. He wasn’t just heard; he was felt. This moment was a testament to the empowering potential of body language. It's more than aesthetics; it’s about visibility and credibility. Alex's story is a powerful reminder that our bodies speak volumes before we even utter a word. In leadership, how we say something can be as impactful as what we say. Let’s remember, great leaders not only inspire with their words but also with their presence. What story is your body language telling?