Enhancing Professional Presence

I've delivered 500+ keynotes. Here's a pro-tip for speaking/presenting. Your pre-performance ritual isn't optional. It's essential. The difference between good and transformational always comes down to those final 15 minutes. HERE'S MY NON-NEGOTIABLE RITUAL: T-minus 30 minutes: Tech check complete. No more logistics. T-minus 15 minutes: Complete isolation begins. This is when I start programming my nervous system for peak state. T-minus 10 minutes: Active preparation. I pace backstage, repeating my opening lines until they're cellular: "Change itself has changed..." "When we think about transformation..." "Let me tell you about the moment..." T-minus 5 minutes: Full state activation. No conversations. No distractions. Just presence. Why this matters: Your opening determines everything. If those first 30 seconds land perfectly, you're in flow for the entire presentation. If they don't, you spend 10 minutes trying to find your rhythm. THE SCIENCE: Your prefrontal cortex can hold 7±2 pieces of information. Your opening sequence needs all of that bandwidth. A "quick chat" deletes 3-4 of those slots. Now you're on stage trying to REMEMBER your opening instead of BEING it. FOR SPEAKERS/PRESENTERS: Protect your ritual. Write it into your contract: "15-minute isolation period before stage time required for optimal performance." This isn't being difficult. It's being professional. FOR THOSE HIRING SPEAKERS: Want maximum impact? Give us space to create it. We're not being antisocial. We're preparing to transform your audience. Think of us like athletes before a game or surgeons before surgery. The ritual isn't preference, it's preparation. THE FRAMEWORK: 1. Decide your optimal activation time (10-30 minutes) 2. Communicate boundaries clearly and early 3. Design your ritual for YOUR nervous system 4. Practice until it's automatic 5. Never apologize for protecting your performance Your boundaries aren't limitations. They're the architecture of excellence. What pre-performance ritual would unlock your next level?

99% of founders I know fear the same moment. You walk on stage. 200 people stare back. Your mind goes blank. Most CEOs think public speaking is about talent. They’re wrong. It’s about systems that hold under pressure. The difference between those who freeze and those who flow? Simple frameworks practiced until they’re 2nd nature. Here are 10 that change everything: 1. The PREP Framework Answer any question on the spot. Point → Reason → Example → Point. Clear. Concise. Confident. 2. The 10–10–10 Method 10 words to hook. 10 seconds to outline what’s ahead. 10% more energy than normal. 3. Mirror Neuron Technique Smile before you speak. The audience mirrors your energy. Nod naturally while making points—they’ll mirror that too. 4. The 3-Touch Rule Preview the message. Deliver the message. Summarize the message. Three touches = retention. 5. Tactical Silence Trick Pause and count “one Mississippi” after questions. It creates space, shows control, and stops filler words. 6. The Pyramid Principle Lead with your conclusion. Support it with 3 arguments. Details only if asked. 7. The 4-Box Story What is: Current state. What could be: Future vision. What’s blocking: Obstacles. What’s needed: Clear next steps. 8. Vocal Variety Formula Louder for main points. Slower for complexity. Faster for energy. Softer for impact. 9. The 2-Foot Rule Plant feet shoulder-width apart. Balanced stance = grounded presence. No nervous pacing, no swaying. 10. Power Position Reset Return to center stage. Reset between topics. Reclaim attention every time. The brutal truth about public speaking: Your audience isn’t waiting for you to fail. They want you to succeed. I’ve seen introverted engineers become keynote speakers. Nervous founders command boardrooms. Quiet CEOs own the stage. None of them were “naturals.” All of them used systems. Because speaking isn’t a gift. It’s a skill. And the leaders who master it don’t just get heard. They get remembered. Want a PDF of my Public Speaking cheat sheet? Get it free: https://lnkd.in/dzDk2r5D ♻️ Repost to help someone in your network. And follow Eric Partaker for more on public speaking. — 📢 Want to think & operate like the world's best CEOs? Then join my free training this week. 7 Steps to Become a Super Productive CEO Thur, Aug 21 @ 12 noon Eastern / 5pm UK time: https://lnkd.in/ds-59YPU --- 📌 Earlybird enrollment is open for the Oct cohort of The Founder & CEO Accelerator. OFFER ENDS Sep 7th Learn more & apply now: https://lnkd.in/d-NDMfzb

Confession: I'm a nervous public speaker… (yet I’ll make $1M+ from keynotes this year). Here are 9 strategies that turned my deepest fear into a powerful strength: PHASE 1: PREP WORK Strategy 1: Study the Best. We have the world's best speakers at our fingertips. Use them. Find 3-5 speakers you admire. Watch their talks on YouTube at 0.75x speed. Take notes on their structure and pacing, voice modulation, movement and gestures, audience engagement. Strategy 2: Create Clear Structure. Great speakers don't deliver speeches, they tell stories. Map your journey explicitly: opening hook, 3 key points, memorable close. Tell the audience where you're taking them. Strategy 3: Build Your "Lego Blocks." Don't memorize your entire speech. That's a trap. Instead, perfect these moments: your opening 30 seconds, key transitions, punchlines and closers. Practice in segments, not sequences. When things go sideways (they will), you'll adapt instead of freeze. Weird trick: Practice once while walking or jogging. It simulates the heart rate spike you'll feel on stage. PHASE 2: PRE-STAGE Strategy 4: Address the Spotlight. The Spotlight Effect: We think everyone's watching our every move. They're not. Use the "So What?" approach: Name your worst fear, ask "So what if it happens?", realize it's never that bad. You'll stumble? So what. Life goes on. Your family still loves you. Strategy 5: Get Into Character. Create your speaker persona. Ask yourself: What traits do they have? How do they move? What's their energy? Flip the switch. Become that character. It's not fake, it's your best self. Strategy 6: Eliminate Stress. The "Physiological Sigh" kills anxiety fast: Double-inhale through your nose, long exhale through your mouth, repeat 2-3 times. Science-backed. Immediate impact. PHASE 3: DELIVERY Strategy 7: Cut the Tension. Last week, they asked what song I wanted to enter to. I said "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys. They thought I was joking. I wasn't. "It's my 1-year-old's favorite song. Figured he'd be more excited to watch if Dad entered to his jam." Instant laughter. Tension gone. Audience on my side. Find your tension breaker. Use it early. Strategy 8: Play the Lava Game. Your pockets and torso are lava. Don't touch them. This forces you to gesture broadly, open your body, project confidence. Big gestures early build momentum. Strategy 9: Move Purposefully. Don't pace like you're nervous. Move like you own the room. Slow. Deliberate. Purposeful. Use movement to create dramatic pauses. Let your words land. Start with one speech, one strategy: Pick your next presentation—could be a team meeting, a toast, whatever. Choose ONE strategy from this list. Master it. Then add another. Public speaking is a muscle. These strategies are your workout plan. The more you practice, the stronger you get. Remember: Everyone gets nervous. The difference is having a system. Now you have one. Use it. Practice it. Watch yourself transform.

Most people in tech believe career growth is all about getting better at your craft. And don’t get me wrong- skills do matter. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: It’s not just about how good you are. It’s about who knows how good you are. Some of the most talented engineers I’ve worked with stayed stuck in the same role for years, not because they weren’t skilled, but because no one outside their immediate circle knew the impact they were making. Meanwhile, others who actively shared their work, spoke at events, collaborated publicly, or mentored others; they became the names that came up in rooms they weren’t even in yet. That’s what visibility does. For me, building visibility has looked like: 🤝 Sharing what I’m learning- not just what I already know. Posting takeaways from AI research papers, experiments with new tools, and real-world lessons from building systems. 📱Posting behind-the-scenes of projects, including the messy drafts. Sharing wins is easy. Sharing your process builds trust. 🎤 Speaking at meetups, podcasts, and panels Every small talk leads to bigger rooms. It’s all about building reps, and getting more people hear your thoughts. 📚Turning complex technical ideas into simple frameworks. Think: diagrams, cheat sheets, carousels. If people can learn from you easily, they’ll remember you. 🌎 Collaborating publicly and giving credit. Tag teammates, mention mentors, share lessons learned together. Visibility is not a solo game. 👩🏫 Mentoring early-career professionals. Teaching makes your knowledge visible, and it pays forward the support you once needed. 📝 Documenting your journey authentically. Not just “look at this big launch,” but “here’s what I learned this week,” or “here’s where I’m stuck and what I’m trying next.” 👥 Being active in the community- both online and offline. Whether it’s commenting on posts, joining Slack groups, or attending AI meetups, showing up consistently makes a difference. It’s not about becoming a “thought leader.” It’s about becoming someone people remember when opportunities come up. Because at the end of the day: Skill × Visibility = Career Growth If you’re already learning, building, and solving problems, start showing it ❤️ That’s how you grow beyond your current role.

From being a stammerer filled with stage fright to delivering 100+ speeches in 4 years! Here are 10 things I did to train myself to be the best at it: 🎤 Practice Small Chunks: Break your speech into smaller sections and practice each part separately before combining them. This makes it easier to remember and reduces anxiety. 🎤 Record and Review: Record your practice sessions using your phone or a camera. Reviewing these recordings helps identify areas for improvement and track progress over time. 🎤 Gradual Exposure: Start by speaking in front of a mirror, then progress to speaking in front of a small group of friends or family, and gradually increase the audience size. This helps build confidence step-by-step. 🎤 Use Flashcards: Write key points or parts of your speech on flashcards. This helps you stay on track during your speech and reduces the fear of forgetting your lines. 🎤 Join Speaking Clubs: Participate in public speaking clubs like Toastmasters. Regular practice in a supportive environment helps you gain confidence and receive constructive feedback. 🎤 Practice with Distractions: Train yourself to stay focused by practicing your speech in environments with potential distractions, such as a noisy room or with background music playing. 🎤 Mirror Neurons: Watch videos of great speakers and try to mimic their body language and speaking style. This activates your mirror neurons, helping you learn by imitation. 🎤 Mindful Breathing: Before speaking, take deep breaths in for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for four. This helps calm your nerves and centre your mind. 🎤 Positive Visualization: Spend a few minutes each day visualizing yourself giving a successful speech. Picture the audience applauding and yourself speaking confidently. This mental rehearsal can boost your confidence. 🎤 Use Technology: Utilize speech practice apps that provide real-time feedback on your speaking speed, volume, and clarity. This helps you adjust and improve your delivery. When I learned these lessons, I realized that public speaking wasn't something to fear but something to celebrate. To be able to reach more people and create a long-lasting impact! So, if you're struggling like I was, start training your brain. It's not easy, but it's worth it. ❤️ #publicspeaking #growth #communication #softskills

After seeing me give a keynote last week in Seattle, a client asked me for my go-to stage prep tips—a question I get asked often this time of year. (Yes, even the most practiced public speakers still actively prepare for getting on stage. There’s no autopilot button for this!) Here’s what I shared with her: Physical Prep— >> Breathe: Diaphragmatic breathing. In through your nose, fill your belly, exhale slowly. It centers your body and gets your mind focused. (Also calms jitters). >> Posture: Stand tall. Feet shoulder-width apart. Chest open. Shoulders relaxed. Helps project confidence… and helps you physically own the space (think Executive Presence). >>Chew gum: Yes, really. Chew gum before you get up there. Releases tension, reduces dry mouth. (Just be sure to spit it out before you start speaking!). Mental Prep— >> Reframe nerves: Instead of “I’m nervous,” tell yourself “I’m excited.” That adrenaline? Let it FUEL you. >> Visualize success: Picture yourself delivering your message with confidence. Imagine the audience responding positively. Set the tone before you even start. >> It’s not about you: The key. Focus on them, not you. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about making a connection with the audience. Shift the spotlight to them in the first 20 seconds by asking a question or inviting them to move their body. You’ll get a second to catch your breath and actually take in the stage, lights, and audience at hand. One last thing? Thank the backstage crew for all their help. Because having a working mic and flattering lighting really matters—and you most definitely couldn't do that part without them.

19 years ago, I used to get incredibly nervous before speaking on stage. Racing heart. Tunnel vision. Dry mouth. Today, half of my job is being on stage. Here’s my 7-step pre-stage checklist for how I conquered stage fright: (Before you step on the stage) Step 1: Set One Clear Intention Nerves often come from scattered thoughts.  So anchor your mind with a single, positive goal: • For a pitch: “Get the buyer to sign and stay firm on numbers.” • For a presentation: “Connect with the audience and deliver value.” Avoid negatives like “don’t mess up.” Your brain clings to “mess up.” — Step 2: Pick a Focal Point Choose a random spot in the back of the room (or bring a grounding object, like a pen). Right before you begin, mentally send all your nervous energy there. It gives your brain somewhere to “put” the anxiety - and frees you up to focus. — Step 3: Breathe Mindfully Most people shallow-breathe when they’re nervous. This just worsens anxiety. Do this instead: • Close your eyes • Breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth • Push your belly out with each inhale (deep belly breathing) — Step 4: Release Muscle Tension Anxiety makes us clench everything - jaw, shoulders, stomach. This kills blood flow and increases anxiety. Instead, start at your head or toes and relax each muscle group with one breath: • Relax your face and eyes • Relax your jaw and neck • Loosen shoulders and chest • Relax arms and hands • Relax your stomach and abs • Continue down to your toes You’ll feel calmer and more grounded instantly. — Step 5: Find Your Center Before going on stage, shift your focus to a spot 2 inches below your belly button. This is your physical center - used by athletes and performers to stay grounded. As you breathe, imagine calm radiating from that point. During your talk, return to it anytime nerves creep in. It’s your internal anchor. — (While you’re on stage) Step 6: Repeat Your Process Cue This is your personal “how” mantra. • Interviewer: “Smile and ask great questions.” • Speaker: “Keep it warm and engaging.” • Performer: “Smooth and steady.” Keep repeating it silently throughout to stay focused and intentional. — Step 7: Direct Your Energy Feel the nerves rising? Don’t fight them - redirect them. Use your focal point from Step 2. Mentally “throw” your anxious energy toward it. It’s like dropping a heavy backpack: instant relief. __ Save this post and come back to it before your next big moment. Whether it's a presentation, interview, or performance, these steps will help you show up as your most confident, centered self.

Is "Executive presence" code for "I don't like how you show up?" At a recent Jombay mentoring event, every woman shared the all too familiar story: receiving that cryptic feedback to "improve executive presence". 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗯𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀. 𝗜𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆? 𝗜𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 "𝗫" 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿. When pressed, the specifics dissolve into vague directives: - Be more visible --> Translation: Behave like an extrovert - Speak up in meetings --> Translation: Interrupting is a okay - Be more assertive --> Translation: Soft leadership need not apply With 90% of Fortune 500 CEOs being men, 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗯𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗼𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲𝘀 - aggression, commanding presence, showing teeth etc. It's not about competence - it's about conformity. The problem is systemic, but the solution starts with individual action. Three ways to navigate this: 1. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸. When someone points out that your introductions are too wordy or your voice trails off - that's gold. They help you understand perceptions and address real blindspots. But, with vague feedback, demand specifics. 2. 𝗕𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗬𝗼𝘂. Feedback is crucial, and authenticity even more so. Leadership isn't one-size-fits-all. Own your leadership style. I take inspiration from #KamalaHarris. When criticized for her laughter, she proudly shared that she's not one to demurely laugh by covering her mouth - she laughs wholeheartedly from her belly. 3. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀. Fair or not, executive presence matters for promotions. Build confidence in your authentic style, and take collective action to challenge status quo. Build/Join a peer support network. Mentor & seek mentors. Remember: True executive presence isn't about fitting in - it's about standing out through authentic leadership. 𝗔𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 & 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗼 - 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗿. Here's my invitation: Let's stop trying to contort ourselves into someone else's idea of a leader. Instead, let's forge our own paths, stand tall with all our features and flaws, and yes - let's laugh from our bellies. The future of leadership needs our authentic voice, not an echo of someone else's. PS. Thank you, team Jombay for your work in this space. #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #ExecutiveLeadership

Two things I do to get over nerves of a big presentation or a talk (like my first TEDx coming up) is to rehearse with photos of a crowd in front of me and to power through the entire presentation no matter what distractions happen. Before I had this little multi-monitor set up, I’d actually print photos of crowds and pin them up. There’s a strange but pretty realistic thing that happens when you do this. Like exposure therapy, this brings up very real emotions of what it actually feels like on stage. I’ve learned that I need a mix of photos: ✅ Central image of a crowd being a normal crowd right before you get started. It makes me take stock of the moment right before I start and my energy in the first 30 seconds. This makes or breaks whether people will engage with you. ✅ A side image of an engaged crowd. When I feel like I’m in rhythm, my eyes tend to go to this one more to simulate flow. ✅ A side image of a bored crowd. This one I glance at for two occasions. If I’m feeling lost or nervous, I’ll look at this image to practice getting back on track and back to the engaged audience. Or, if I’m still in a state of flow, I’ll practice NOT getting thrown off by people who appear disengaged. The second thing I do to improve my practice is that I complete my run through no matter what. 🟢 Kids knocking on my office door 🟢 Text message or phone going off 🟢 Dog barking at the Amazon delivery In every real presentation I’ve done, there is ALWAYS some unplanned distraction that comes up. You have to practice getting back on rhythm when sounds and movement distract you. A bonus tip: record yourself and then watch it back as if you were an audience member. Adopt the mindset of someone sitting in the audience and cue up their “What’s In It For Me?” moment. ➡️ I hope this is good ➡️ I need inspiration for ______ ➡️ The last speaker was great/not so great ➡️ A “dementia advocate” is speaking about the future and innovation? Why? The audience isn’t there for you. They are there for them (even when they’re there for you). Serve them. Speakers, what advice would you add for the week prior to your big engagement? Assuming you’ve got the rehearsal of content down, what’s your next focus and why? 👇🏼

For the longest time, I questioned why our appearance should dictate our credibility as professionals. Shouldn’t our expertise, intellect, and hard work be enough? And then, Sylvia Ann Hewlett burst my bubble. Executive presence isn’t just about looking good, it’s about inspiring confidence. It’s about showing up in a way that signals long-term reliability, competence, and influence. It’s not about dressing in brands; it’s about dressing the room. Think of it like this, ever walked into a room where someone’s attire was completely out of sync with the environment? A tech startup CEO in an ultra-formal three-piece suit at a brainstorming session might feel out of place, just like a financial analyst in sneakers and a hoodie at an investor meeting. Neither is “wrong,” but both have missed an opportunity to align their presence with their audience’s expectations. Our visual presence is the first handshake before we even speak. In a marketing agency buzzing with creativity, casuals might scream “I get this space.” But step into a high-stakes boardroom with industry leaders, and business formals say, “I understand the gravity of this conversation.” The trick? Authenticity with Adaptability. You don’t need to dilute your personality, but you do need to be mindful of the visual signals you send. As a leadership consultant, I encourage professionals to ask themselves before any critical meeting: • Who is my audience? • What message do I want to send? • How do they expect me to show up? Executive presence isn’t about a rigid dress code, it’s about strategic alignment. It’s about dressing in a way that ensures your presence commands attention, respect, and trust. Your expertise is your foundation, but your presence is your amplifier. Dress authentically while respecting the decorum of the room you step into. In doing so, you won’t just be seen, you’ll be remembered. So, the next time you stand before your closet, don’t just pick an outfit. Choose your presence. #ExecutivePresence #DressingTheRoom #NyraLeadershipConsulting