July 27, 2017
Last week, I visited the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History & Culture (NMAAHC) for the second time this year. However, this trip was different because I had the opportunity to spend time with the museum’s founding director, Dr. Lonnie Bunch III.
July 20, 2017
I am in a leadership development class for women-owned businesses, and we meet once a month. During one of our meetings, Karen, our facilitator asked us to write down 25 accomplishments we’ve had since the beginning of the year. The accomplishments could include business, personal, home, etc.
July 13, 2017
Almost ten years ago, I began a new chapter in my life when I launched Hooper Williams Communications. After spending nearly 27 years in Corporate America and getting used to earning a regular paycheck, it was one of the scariest things I have ever done.
July 6, 2017
I often use the term “dated” to refer to clothes, hairstyles, and furniture. The same term refers to a person who does not update their skills on a regular basis. The computer has revolutionized society in a major way, yet there are still many individuals who refuse to get with the program.
June 29, 2017
Every one of us has a unique gift. It’s the thing that comes most naturally to us. Some of us are more visionary than methodical. Some people are more creative than others and can always be relied upon to come up with an innovate solution to a problem. Others are better at executing the solution.
June 22, 2017
Do you know how others perceive you?If not, ask a friend, family member or colleague to tell you how they view you. In other words, do they see you as positive or negative? Critical or encouraging? Engaging or aloof?
June 15, 2017
A few years ago, a colleague referred someone to me who was launching a business and needed assistance with her personal brand.
June 7, 2017
Do you have professional and personal goals? When I started my consulting business a few years ago, my business coach gave me a goals worksheet. I was asked to reflect on what I loved about the previous year…what I hated and what decisions made me feel empowered?
April 8, 2017
When I ask most people whether they are a brand, the response is mixed.In fact, most people immediately think of celebrities like Oprah, Martha Stewart, or perhaps Mark Cuban when it comes to personal brands. These individuals have managed to build a strong personal brand in their respective industries.
Have you ever been in a meeting where someone begins speaking and almost immediately commands everyone’s attention? They’re not necessarily the loudest person in the room. They may not even have the biggest title. But there’s something about the way they communicate that makes people stop and listen.
That’s vocal authority, and it’s an important part of executive presence.
We often think of executive presence in terms of how leaders carry themselves, how they dress, or how confidently they enter a room. But there’s another element that’s just as important: how you sound when you speak. Your voice sends powerful signals about your confidence, credibility, and ability to lead. And the good news? Vocal authority is a skill you can develop.
I’ve worked with leaders who had tremendous expertise and great ideas but struggled to communicate with authority. They knew their subject matter inside and out, yet their delivery didn’t always reflect their knowledge.
Having expertise and sounding like an expert aren’t always the same thing.
Whether you’re presenting to senior executives, leading a meeting, or having a difficult conversation, your delivery should reinforce your credibility—not undermine it.
Here are five ways to strengthen your vocal authority.
When we’re nervous or eager to share information, we tend to speak too quickly. Unfortunately, rushing can make us sound anxious rather than confident. Slow down, especially when making an important point. Give your audience time to absorb your message. Remember, you don’t have to rush to prove you know what you’re talking about.
Many people are uncomfortable with silence. They fill every pause with um, you know, or so. But a well-placed pause communicates confidence and composure. It also gives your audience time to process what you’ve said.
Confident leaders don’t feel compelled to fill every second with words.
Sometimes we undermine our credibility before we’ve even made our point. Consider the difference between:
“I just wanted to suggest that maybe we reconsider our approach.”
And:
“I recommend we reconsider our approach.”
Same message. Very different impact. You don’t have to sound aggressive. Just be clear, direct, and confident.
When communicating with senior executives, get to the point. Start with your recommendation, then provide the supporting information. For example: “My recommendation is that we delay the launch by two weeks. Here’s why.”
And once you’ve made your point, resist the temptation to keep talking. Overexplaining can weaken an otherwise strong message.
Vocal authority doesn’t mean speaking in a deep voice or maintaining a serious tone throughout every conversation. Use vocal variety. Adjust your pace, volume, and emphasis to reflect what you’re communicating. Your voice should convey enthusiasm, conviction, and confidence when appropriate. And remember, authority doesn’t mean intimidation. You can be warm, approachable, and still communicate with power.
Every time you speak, you’re reinforcing your leadership brand.
Here’s a simple exercise: record yourself delivering a short presentation or explaining an important recommendation. Listen to your pace, tone, word choices, and confidence.
Does your delivery reflect the leader you want others to see?
Executive presence isn’t just about how you look when you walk into a room. It’s also about what people hear when you open your mouth.
The voice of power isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about speaking with confidence and credibility that makes people want to listen.
Hi! I'm LaNella Hooper-Williams. Through my blog, my mission is to give you tips and practical tools that will help you build a powerful brand and accomplish your personal and professional dreams. You’ll learn strategies that help you manage your personal brand, get noticed and rewarded for your unique talents, and gain greater career focus.
