June 21, 2018
I’ve had the opportunity to work directly with about eight CEOs over my career. Some were great leaders, some not so much. I’ve also witnessed many good managers struggle after being promoted to leader. Mainly because they were uncomfortable releasing the day-to-day tactical responsibilities and moving into a more strategic role.
June 14, 2018
I’m often asked this question–What are the qualities of a strong personal brand? So this week I decided to revisit and publish one of my earlier blog posts on the subject.
June 7, 2018
This week I attended a younger cousin’s graduation ceremony at Princeton University. It was very exciting to witness her receiving her master’s degree in Public Affairs from such a prestigious university. All 22 of the relatives and friends who attended beamed with pride as she walked across the stage to receive her diploma and graduate […]
May 31, 2018
A few years ago, I sat in a meeting where an agency was giving us a pitch to provide marketing communications services. As they got further and further into the presentation, it was clear they were not connecting with us. At times, a few individuals on our team shifted in their chairs and even impatiently […]
May 17, 2018
During a coaching session on effective presentations, a client asked, “Is it okay to incorporate a personal story into my presentation?” “Absolutely,” I said. “Especially if it’s relevant to your audience.”
May 10, 2018
This week I presented a “Storytelling” webinar for approximately 66 New Jersey nonprofits. Each organization received funding through the New Jersey Healthy Communities Network (NJHCN) grants program to implement healthy eating and active living strategies to advance environmental, policy and system changes. As part of their deliverables, each organization must contribute six stories/blogs to the […]
May 3, 2018
Over the years, I’ve delivered a lot of presentations. During one of my recent Personal Branding workshops, a person walked up to me and asked, “How did you learn how to be such a good presenter?” I responded, “practice makes perfect.”
April 26, 2018
I just returned from a fabulous five night/six day girls trip in Jamaica where we celebrated our dear friend Cathy’s 50th Birthday. The privately-owned villa we rented came with five-star services that included a butler, private chef and many other vacation indulgences that catered to our every whim and need. Our jam-packed agenda during the […]
April 12, 2018
Last week, I facilitated a breakout session on GRIT at the Community College of Allegheny County Women’s Empowerment Conference in Pittsburgh. Most people attended the session out of curiosity.
April 5, 2018
I recently read a story on Thrive Global about a farmer who was ready to retire and wanted to turn his farm over to one of his sons. The older son felt he was entitled to inherit the business based solely on birth order. However, the father was not convinced he would be the best […]
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.
