How to Speak to Senior Leaders

When You Are NOT Known to the Audience
🟢 Establish Credibility Quickly
Briefly introduce yourself with relevant expertise.
Example: “I’m [Your Name], leading [Project/Initiative]. I’ve analyzed [Key Issue] and have a recommendation for you.”
If someone is sponsoring your presentation, mention their support.
How to Choose Your Executive Speech Coach

When you are looking for an executive speech coach, how do you evaluate your choices? How can you choose the coach that is right for you? Like communication, it’s an imperfect process. Yet, there are principles that you can follow to help you make a better choice.
My Journey to Become a Confident Communicator and Powerful Presenter
I was a shy and introverted student who learned to become more confident and more effective as a communicator and speaker. I’m still an introvert. That means that I can participate in public engagement and then I need alone time to recharge. You can be an introvert and still be a confident speaker.
Communication lessons from Star Trek TNG

The fiction is only one part of the story. The setting is a spaceship, yet the individual episodes are often about relationships and communication challenges.
What might we learn about communication while humans attempt to communicate and forge relationships with alien species about the cosmos?
Mastering the Art of Leadership: Executive Communication Coaching Uncovered

Mastering the Art of Leadership: Executive Communication Coaching Uncovered Why Exceptional Communication Skills Matter for Leaders In the competitive landscape of the business world, exceptional communication is essential for executives to drive their teams and organizations forward. A leader’s ability to articulate ideas, inspire employees, and resolve conflicts can make or break their success. Executive communication coaching offers personalized guidance and training to help leaders develop and hone their communication skills, empowering them to excel in the boardroom and beyond. Unlocking the Potential: Benefits of Communication Coaching Investing in communication coaching can bring a wealth of advantages for executives, such as: 1. Strengthened leadership skills 2. Enhanced team collaboration and morale 3. Amplified influence and persuasion 4. Improved conflict and crisis management 5. Elevated success in presentations and public speaking engagements Essential Elements of Executive Communication Coaching Executive communication coaching typically addresses several vital areas, including: 1. Clarity and conciseness 2. Active listening 3. Emotional intelligence and empathy 4. Nonverbal communication 5. Storytelling and persuasion Tailored Solutions: Types of Communication Coaching for Executives A variety of communication coaching styles caters to the diverse needs of executives. These include: Public Speaking Coaching Public speaking coaching empowers executives to become more self-assured and effective presenters, whether addressing large audiences or intimate gatherings. This coaching style focuses on techniques to control nerves, engage listeners, and deliver captivating messages. Interpersonal Communication Coaching Interpersonal communication coaching improves an executive’s ability to communicate effectively with team members, peers, and other stakeholders. This coaching covers active listening, rapport building, and conflict resolution. Media Training Media training prepares executives to interact confidently and proficiently with the media, including interviews, press conferences, and social media engagements. This coaching style encompasses developing key messages, handling challenging questions, and projecting a favorable image. Crisis Communication Coaching Crisis communication coaching equips executives with the skills needed to navigate difficult situations and communicate effectively during times of crisis. This coaching focuses on crafting clear, concise messaging, managing stakeholder expectations, and maintaining composure. The Roadmap to Success: The Process of Communication Coaching The communication coaching process typically follows several stages: Assessment At the onset, the coach evaluates the executive’s existing communication strengths and weaknesses, often through observation and/or questionnaires. Goal Setting Based on the assessment, the coach and executive establish specific, measurable improvement goals Skill Development The coach provides tailored guidance and exercises to help the executive cultivate the necessary communication skills to achieve their goals. Practice and Feedback The executive has opportunities to practice their new skills in a supportive environment, receiving constructive feedback from the coach. Evaluation and Ongoing Support As the coaching process progresses, the coach assesses the executive’s improvement and adjusts the coaching strategy accordingly. Ongoing support may be provided to ensure continued growth and success in communication skills. Choosing Your Guide: Tips for Selecting the Right Communication Coach When selecting a communication coach, consider these factors: 1. Experience and expertise: Find a coach with a proven track record in helping executives enhance their communication skills. 2. Coaching style: Choose a coach whose style aligns with your preferences and learning style. 3. Customization: A competent coach will tailor their approach to your specific needs, goals, and learning style. 4. Testimonials and references: Seek testimonials or request references from other executives who have worked with the coach. 5. Compatibility: Ensure you feel comfortable and trust your coach, as this will lead to a more productive and enjoyable coaching experience. Making the Most of Your Executive Communication Coaching To ensure that you fully benefit from your executive communication coaching experience, consider the following tips: 1. Embrace the process: Be open to learning and growing, recognizing that communication skills can always be improved. Maintain a positive mindset and be receptive to feedback. 2. Set realistic expectations: Understand that change takes time and effort. Be patient and stay committed to the coaching process, even if the results aren’t immediate. 3. Apply your learning: Take every opportunity to practice the skills you’ve learned during your coaching sessions. Use your newfound knowledge in real-world situations to reinforce your learning and build your confidence. 4. Track your progress: Regularly assess your development and celebrate your achievements. Keeping track of your growth can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals Stay curious: Continue to explore and expand your communication skills even after your coaching sessions have concluded. Lifelong learning is essential for staying ahead in today’s fast-paced business environment. Beyond Coaching: Additional Resources for Executives In addition to communication coaching, consider leveraging other resources to further enhance your leadership skills: 1. Books and articles: Stay informed about the latest communication strategies and techniques by reading books, articles, and blogs written by experts in the field. 2. Seminars and workshops: Attend seminars and workshops to learn from other experienced professionals and gain fresh perspectives on communication and leadership. 3. Networking and mentoring: Build relationships with other executives who share similar challenges and goals. Engage in mentoring relationships to exchange insights, experiences, and support. 4. Online courses: Take advantage of online courses and webinars to expand your knowledge and skills in communication, leadership, and other relevant areas. By combining executive communication coaching with these additional resources, you can continue to refine your leadership abilities and excel in your career. Conclusion Executive communication coaching is a valuable investment that unlocks the full potential of leaders, equipping them with the skills necessary to inspire their teams and drive success. By engaging in this tailored coaching, executives can refine their public speaking, interpersonal communication, media relations, and crisis communication abilities. To maximize the benefits of communication coaching, be sure to select a coach with the right blend of experience, expertise, and coaching style to suit your needs. Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is the typical duration of executive communication coaching? The duration of communication coaching varies depending on the executive’s needs and goals. Some may see significant improvement within a few sessions, while others may engage in ongoing coaching for months or even years. 2. Can communication coaching benefit executives
Executive Presence: Be Fully Present and Look like you Belong

Executive presence is a set of qualities that leaders display in their behavior, demeanor, communication, and appearance. It refers to the way they carry themselves, exude confidence, and project their authority and leadership skills. It is a critical attribute for anyone aspiring to advance to leadership positions in their organization or industry.
How Can Emerging Leaders Deal with Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern in which a person doubts their accomplishments, skills, or abilities and has an internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud or impostor. People with imposter syndrome often feel like they don’t belong or that they have achieved their success due to luck rather than their own abilities.
Executive Communication Skills

What are the communication skills that an executive leader might need to develop and exhibit?
You might be brilliant, yet if you are unable to convey your messages or understand your people, you will fail as a leader. You are simply brilliant and might make a successful engineer, executive assistant or inventor but not an effective leader.
Where does executive communication start?
What is Executive Presence?

What is Executive Presence?
I believe that executive presence means that you look, sound and feel like you belong in a leadership role. Presence means that you show up and look like you are present. That you are comfortable and most importantly that you belong in your position. Presence might mean looking good when you don’t feel good. Presence means owing your space – physical, emotional and relational.
How to Own the Room when You Present

Do you want to own the room? What might that mean? How can you own the room? Owning the room is a feeling of comfort and confidence.
A successful presentation starts with the presenter owning the room. When you know and own the room, you will feel more powerful and confident. That enables more effective and successful presentations for you.