Welcome back to our three-part series on Cultivating Leadership Presence. In Part 1, we explored the essence of leadership presence and the importance of self-awareness and self-management. This next section shifts focus to communication—what we say, how we say it, and what we communicate without saying anything at all.
Communication is one of the most powerful tools available to us as leaders. It influences how others perceive our intentions, engage with our ideas, and respond to our leadership. It is not simply about talking. It is about being understood, building trust, and creating clarity.
Verbal Communication: Speaking with Intention
Leaders who communicate with clarity, confidence, and focus create stronger connections. Communication that lacks direction or purpose often leads to confusion and missed opportunities. A strong leadership presence includes the ability to express ideas clearly and consistently.
Speak with clarity
Keep your message simple and focused. Avoid unnecessary detail or over-explaining. A clear message is easier to follow and more likely to leave a lasting impression.
Use a grounded tone
A steady voice signals confidence. Speak at a pace that feels natural. Avoid rushing. Be deliberate. Consider the impact of your tone as much as your words.
Know your message
Prepare in advance. Understand what you want to say and why it matters. Stay connected to your message throughout the conversation. Purpose strengthens presence.
Eliminate diminishing language
Avoid phrases that undercut your authority. Phrases such as “I might be wrong, but…” or “This may sound silly…” weaken your message. Speak with assurance. Even when exploring new ideas, use language that reflects confidence.
Non-Verbal Communication: What You Say Without Saying a Word
How we carry ourselves often speaks louder than what we say.
Leadership presence begins before a single word is spoken. Posture, facial expression, eye contact, and overall energy communicate intention, confidence, and credibility. These subtle cues shape how others experience us. They influence the trust and respect we earn over time.
Becoming aware of these habits and choosing to refine them enhances your leadership presence in a powerful way.
Posture and poise
Maintain a grounded, confident posture. Stand or sit tall. Keep your shoulders relaxed. Lift your head. An open, steady posture communicates composure. It also reinforces inner confidence.
Facial expressions
Ensure your expression aligns with your intention. A furrowed brow, distant gaze, or strained smile can send unintended messages. A calm, engaged expression reflects presence and approachability.
Eye contact
Use intentional, steady eye contact to signal attentiveness and connection. Avoid staring. Avoid looking away too quickly. Balanced eye contact builds trust and helps establish credibility.
Gestures and physical space
Use gestures that support your message. Avoid fidgeting or self-soothing movements. Be mindful of how you enter a room, how you move through it, and how you hold space. These actions leave a lasting impression.
Listening: The Often Overlooked Skill
Many leaders focus on how to speak. Fewer focus on how to listen. Listening is a critical part of communication and one of the most powerful ways to build trust.
Pause before responding
A brief pause demonstrates thoughtfulness. It gives space for reflection. It signals respect for what has just been shared.
Acknowledge what you hear
Simple phrases such as “That’s an important point” or “I hear you” help people feel seen. Validation strengthens connection.
Be present
Set distractions aside. Multitasking sends the message that the conversation is not a priority. Presence communicates value.
Refine Through Practice
Communication is a skill. It improves through reflection, feedback, and consistent practice.
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Record yourself speaking and review the playback. Observe tone, posture, and clarity.
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Ask a trusted colleague to observe you in a meeting. Invite feedback on how your communication style supports or undermines your leadership presence.
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Before high-stakes conversations, pause. Take a breath. Ground yourself. Clear internal space leads to more effective external presence.
Connection Over Perfection
The goal is not to become a perfect speaker. The goal is to become a more present one. Leadership communication begins with intention. It grows with awareness. It becomes powerful when rooted in presence.
Next month, we will complete the series with Part 3: Executive Presence in Action. We will explore how to integrate everything we’ve covered and bring leadership presence to life in your daily leadership practice.
In the meantime, I invite you to reflect on the communication habits that shape your presence. What’s working? What needs refinement? I would love to hear from you—reach out at hello@businessgems.co.bw to share your insights, questions, or challenges.
Together, we are creating space for women leaders to lead with clarity, confidence, and connection.