Speaking like a C-Suite leader may seem daunting, but many of the communication techniques they use are surprisingly simple. This article will explore seven communication hacks to help you speak with the presence and authority of a top executive.
1. Develop Your Presence
Understanding Presence
Your presence is a critical component of your overall communication. It operates on a nonverbal level, either enhancing or diminishing your verbal communication. Presence encompasses your image and appearance, your character and personality, and your unique contributions. Executive presence, specifically, is the way you show up, communicate, and make others feel in interpersonal interactions.
Establishing the Right First Impression
Your presence acts as a filter through which everything you say is evaluated. To establish a strong presence, start by making the right first impression. Consider how you want to be perceived by your colleagues: What do you want them to think when you enter a room? What do you want them to say about you after you leave? Once you are clear on this desired perception, focus on your clothing, grooming, and body language to align with that image.
2. Upgrade Your Executive Voice
The way you spoke as a graduate employee may not be suitable for a C-Suite leader. Your tone, speed, intonation, vocabulary, phrasing, and sentence structure all require upgrading. This is an area where many emerging leaders need to focus, as it is not typically taught through formal education or mentorship.
Key Elements of an Executive Voice
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Volume: Speak loudly enough to be heard. A quiet voice can diminish your credibility and project a lack of confidence.
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Speed: Ensure that your speech sounds are clear and understandable. Pay attention to enunciation and how words link together in sentences.
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Vocabulary: Elevate your vocabulary to match the level used by C-Suite leaders in your specific industry or job function.
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Go-To Phrases: Compile a list of go-to phrases to help you begin sentences and transition between ideas. These phrases project confidence and credibility.
Ultimately, you're aiming for a firm and confident way to speak.
3. Understand Your Role in Communication
In every communication opportunity, a C-Suite leader is required to communicate differently. It is crucial to understand your role in the communication, not just your job title. Why are you communicating? What is your purpose in the conversation?
Adapting to Different Communication Scenarios
Your role can vary significantly depending on the situation:
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Leading: Sharing information and expertise confidently when you are an authority on the topic.
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Decision-Making: Sharing your thoughts, listening to others, and inviting input to reach a conclusion.
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Learning: Asking questions and actively listening to gain knowledge from others.
C-Suite leaders adapt their communication style based on the situation and the people involved. Before any interaction, consider the role you need to play and how you are expected to communicate.
4. Clarify Your Thought Process
Before engaging in business communication, plan what you want to say. Too often, people "wing it" and risk being unclear or forgetting important points, ultimately wasting credibility-building opportunities.
Planning Your Communication
Identify at least one to three key points you want to make before each conversation, especially in business settings. For serious conversations, dedicate 5-10 minutes to jotting down your main points.
5. Learn the Language of Leadership
C-Suite leaders are often visionaries, and this is reflected in their communication. They use stories, metaphors, and analogies to add emphasis and influence others.
Using Imagery and Guiding Thinking
These tools help create imagery in the minds of the audience, breaking down communication barriers like confusion or misunderstanding. Instead of dictating, C-Suite leaders guide the thinking of their audience by asking the right questions. This prompts critical thinking and encourages collaborative problem-solving.
6. Ask the Right Questions
Instead of telling people what to do, leading with questions allows your audience to come to conclusions with you. This can be achieved by asking them the right questions. This method stimulates critical thinking and is collaborative.
7. Maintain Confidence
Maintaining confidence is crucial for speaking like a C-Suite leader. If your confidence falters due to intimidation or situational factors, it will show in your communication.
Building Internal Confidence
To build internal confidence:
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Know Your Content: Thoroughly understand your subject matter to confidently address challenging questions.
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Practice: Rehearse what you want to say, reinforcing the points you identified in your planning process.
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