**Executive Presence** is the critical factor that enables senior professionals to inspire confidence, command attention, and influence decisions at the highest levels of an organization. This course demystifies the components of gravitas, communication, and appearance, providing a structured framework for enhancing professional authority. Participants will master strategic communication techniques, learn to speak with unwavering conviction, and utilize non-verbal cues to reinforce their message. This program is essential for high-potential leaders and senior managers seeking to project the authority, credibility, and polish necessary to move into the C-suite or top-tier roles.
Executive Presence and Strategic Communication
Leadership and Business Management
October 25, 2025
Introduction
Objectives
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define the three core pillars of **Executive Presence** (Gravitas, Communication, Appearance) and assess their own profile.
- Master the art of 'Gravitas': demonstrating confidence, poise, and decision-making clarity under pressure.
- Apply a structured approach to strategic communication, ensuring messages are concise, audience-centric, and impactful.
- Utilize non-verbal communication (body language, tone, eye contact) to reinforce authority and trust.
- Confidently engage in and lead high-stakes Q&A sessions, panel discussions, and media interactions.
- Structure and deliver persuasive presentations that focus on high-level strategic implications, not just details.
- Manage personal style, emotional reactions, and vocal delivery to project unwavering composure.
- Develop a personal brand and professional image that aligns with organizational leadership expectations.
Target Audience
- Senior Managers, Directors, and Vice Presidents
- High-Potential Leaders identified for executive succession planning
- Individuals frequently presenting to the Board or external stakeholders
- Internal Consultants and Leaders needing maximum influence with no formal authority
Methodology
- Intensive, video-recorded presentation and Q&A simulations with professional critique and feedback.
- Workshops focused on developing concise, **BLUF** communication and strategic messaging.
- Individual coaching sessions on non-verbal communication, posture, and vocal delivery.
- Role-playing high-stakes, stressful scenarios (e.g., answering a hostile board member).
- Group exercises developing a personal brand statement and visual identity audit.
Personal Impact
- Significant, measurable increase in **Executive Presence** and perceived authority.
- Mastery of strategic, concise communication tailored for senior-level decision-makers.
- Increased confidence and composure when presenting to the Board or large external audiences.
- Stronger professional relationships built on perceived credibility and trust.
- Acceleration toward C-suite or top-tier leadership roles.
- Enhanced ability to secure buy-in and influence critical strategic decisions.
Organizational Impact
- Improved quality and efficiency of executive-level decision-making through clear communication.
- Stronger external perception and representation of the organization by senior leaders.
- Increased success in securing funding and strategic approval from internal and external stakeholders.
- A highly influential senior leadership team capable of driving large-scale change.
- Faster and clearer strategic alignment throughout the organization.
- Better preparation and performance of leaders in succession planning pipelines.
Course Outline
Unit 1: Defining and Assessing Executive Presence
Section 1: The Three Pillars- Defining **Executive Presence** and its critical role in career advancement and influence
- The three pillars: Gravitas (how you act), Communication (how you speak), and Appearance (how you look)
- Utilizing self-assessment and 360-degree feedback to benchmark current presence profile
- Identifying the specific behavioral and communication gaps hindering executive-level impact
Unit 2: Gravitas: Composure and Credibility
Section 1: The Inner Game- Mastering poise: projecting calmness and confidence during high-stakes pressure moments
- Techniques for rapid self-regulation and managing emotional reactions in front of an audience
- The importance of decisiveness: communicating clear, well-thought-out judgments
- Developing and maintaining intellectual curiosity and strategic depth of thought
Unit 3: Strategic Communication for Executives
Section 1: Audience-Centric Messaging- Mastering the 'Bottom Line Up Front' (**BLUF**) approach for maximum executive clarity and brevity
- Techniques for rapidly translating detailed analysis into high-level strategic implications (the 'so what?')
- Structuring persuasive, strategic presentations that focus on vision, risk, and investment
- The executive skill of 'listening to understand'—probing deeply rather than reacting quickly
Unit 4: Verbal and Non-Verbal Impact
Section 1: Delivery Mastery- Utilizing body language, posture, and gesture to project authority and openness
- Mastering vocal delivery: pace, projection, and using silence strategically for emphasis
- Techniques for using eye contact to connect with and command the entire room
- Handling Q&A sessions with confidence, responding strategically rather than defensively
Unit 5: Image and Personal Brand Alignment
Section 1: Intentional Branding- Developing a personal brand narrative that aligns with organizational vision and leadership goals
- Strategies for professional networking and managing external perception and influence
- The role of appropriate professional attire and image in reinforcing credibility
- Creating a personal development plan focused on sustaining executive-level standards
Ready to Learn More?
Have questions about this course? Get in touch with our training consultants.
Submit Your Enquiry