How to Build Executive Presence Without Changing Your Personality

Do you struggle to speak up in group settings? You are not alone. This is one of the most common challenges I hear from emerging and senior leaders alike.

Recently, a newly promoted senior leader wrote to me and said:

“Jenn, I am a recently promoted senior leader. I am really good at building relationships and meeting 1:1, but I struggle to speak up in large groups. It has never been a problem, but now I am told I ‘lack executive presence’ and that people don’t trust me because they ‘don’t know what I stand for.’ What do I do?”

Let’s talk about it.

The Frustrating Ambiguity of “Executive Presence”

Ah yes… the dreaded “executive presence” feedback.

The term can mean a million things:

• How you dress

• The tone of your voice

• Body language

• Presentation skills

• How often you contribute in meetings

It’s frequently hard to pin down (which is part of what makes it so frustrating).

But in this case, there’s a silver lining.

The Good News About Your Situation

This leader is actually starting from a very strong position:

• You already build trust well in 1:1 relationships.

• You were just promoted—which means someone believes in your expertise.

• You received specific feedback, which tells you exactly what to work on.

Your leaders are simply asking for something actionable:
Speak up more in group settings so people can understand who you are and what you think.

You don’t need to change who you are.
You don’t need to become more extroverted.
You just need to let people hear your voice more often.

Start Practicing by Adding Small Contributions in Group Discussions

You don’t have to make a grand, mind-blowing statement every time you speak. The goal is simply to practice being visible in group settings.

Here are small, simple examples that count as “executive presence”:

• “I agree with Joan’s point.”

• “I want to make sure all voices are heard. Does anyone else have questions about the plan so far?”

• “I appreciate this discussion. Honestly, I am not sure how I feel about it yet.”

• “Hmm. I’m not sure I fully agree yet. I’ll need some time to think this over.”

Are these statements groundbreaking?
Probably not. And that’s okay.

Because this is where the concept of executive presence meets the simple act of speaking up.

Why These Small Comments Matter

When you speak in a group, even briefly, you accomplish three powerful things:

1. You show up as a leader.
   You are no longer just a silent observer in the room.

2. You make your thinking transparent.
   People begin to understand how you process, react, and make decisions.

3. You build trust publicly.
   It’s inherently vulnerable to state what you think in front of others. That vulnerability builds credibility and trust over time.

In other words:

You’re not trying to dominate the conversation.
You’re allowing the room to get to know you.

Keep Doing What You Do Well (Just Do a Little More Out Loud)

Everything that already makes you successful in 1:1 settings will continue working for you.

You’re just adding one more piece:
Weigh in publicly now and then.

Give people a chance to understand what you stand for when the room is bigger than one person.

Try it and see what you notice.

What’s Your Take?

So that’s my take. What do you think?

What advice would you give someone who struggles to speak up in group settings? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s learn together.

And if you have a sticky workplace situation causing you grief… send it my way. We’ll get you sorted.

Happy improving!