“Presence” has been a topic in several recent conversations. Is it innate or developed? Is it commanding attention when entering a room, or a subtle quality that draws people in without words?
I see presence as a composite of actions rather than a static trait. It is built from:
• Self-confidence and awareness
• Engaging fully in the moment
• Commanding attention authentically
• Balancing vulnerability with composure
• Communicating through voice and body
Science backs this up. Harvard psychologist Amy Cuddy defines presence as “being attuned to and comfortably expressing our true thoughts, feelings, values, and potential”. It is not dominating a room but bringing your authentic self forward. I remember trying my first power pose before a big presentation in graduate school – awkwardly standing like Wonder Woman in the restroom. I felt ridiculous, but walked into that meeting with unexpected confidence.
What surprised me? Sylvia Ann Hewlett’s research shows presence is 67% gravitas/how you act and carry yourself, 28% how you speak, and only 5% appearance. When I first read Hewlett’s research, I nearly spilled my tea. Only 5% is appearance? All those hours obsessing over outfit choices, and it’s my gravitas that matters most! While first impressions matter, behavior and communication carry real weight. This sounded counter intuitive to what many of us have learned over the years. Dress the part to be taken seriously!
For those of us not born with natural presence (myself included), it is absolutely a muscle we can develop:
• Practice power poses before important moments
• Wear an outfit or carry something that makes you feel strong or confident
• Apply that perfect shade of lipstick as your armor
• Use breathing exercises to center yourself
• Eliminate filler words that undermine your confidence – “you know” or “like”
• Actively listen to find a genuine connection to someone or a group
The key is finding your personal “superpower” – that unique strength that energizes you. I use how I dress as my muscle, alongside connecting the dots between information and people. It is not unusual for me to remember some detail about someone. Doing my homework on a topic allows me to hopefully speak with authenticity and confidence. When you tap into authentic strengths (and everyone is different), presence flows naturally.
However you define presence for yourself, we all have it within us. The question is: Are you ready to uncover and strengthen yours?
As for me? I am still working on my presence. If you see me practicing power poses on screen or in person, just pretend you did not notice!
What techniques have helped you develop your professional presence?
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