Projecting executive presence on a video conference call is challenging enough, with the lack of body language it entails. But what about demonstrating executive presence over the phone? On a telephone call, radiating gravitas becomes an even more specialized skill, since body language doesn’t come into play at all.
Here, I’ll share some techniques that have worked for countless clients who are mastering the transition to working remotely—or who simply wanted to enhance their ability to connect with remote colleagues, coworkers, and clients. These strategies will help you enhance your executive presence on all your phone calls.
7 Tips on how to Enhance Executive Presence Over the Phone
1. Warm up your voice.
On the phone, your voice is your only attribute that projects who you are.
- Before getting a call, warm up by doing vocal exercises (especially if you’re at home or in a private office where you won’t disturb anyone else!).
- Have a few sips of water to keep your throat from sounding scratchy, and avoid eating right before a phone call.
- Smile before you begin the call—listeners will hear it in your voice.
This will all help your voice to sound clearer and more relaxed, rather than becoming high-pitched or stifled.
2. Project confidence with your body language.
Just because the person on the other end of the line can’t see you, don’t slouch in your chair and keep your arms crossed. Not only do those gestures resonate in your voice by keeping you from projecting effectively; they also affect how you feel about yourself. You’ll feel like a person with unshakable confidence when you put your shoulders back and sit up straight rather than slumping forward as though you’re cowering. You’ll then carry that self-confidence in your tone and conviction.
3. Punctuate your points.
Don’t rush your words on a phone call, which can lead people to miss key points and make you sound like you’re uncomfortable speaking to them. In Talk Like TED, Carmine Gallo says that 190 words per minute is the ideal speaking rate—not slow enough to be boring, but not too fast to retain what the speaker is saying.
When saying something especially important, slow down your cadence and punctuate particular words or phrases for emphasis. In the absence of gestures, varying the pacing of your speech will help others to grasp when you’re sharing key takeaways you want them to remember.
4. Speak from your chest, not your throat.
When you speak powerfully over the phone, your executive presence will grow. Practice speaking from your lungs, so your voice sounds fuller and more authoritative. Take a deep breath before you speak, which will give your voice more power. Speak from deep in your chest and compare it to how you sound when you haven’t drawn a deep breath and are speaking from the back of the throat. Record yourself to better hear the difference.
5. Talk in an engaging voice.
Vary your tone as you speak, so you’re not talking in a monotone. You want to radiate charisma, and a monotone is the opposite of that. Think of people you know who are good storytellers, or simply interesting to listen to—they probably have engaging speaking patterns. Listen to comedians and other presenters you admire and pay attention to how their tone fluctuates as they tell stories.
To increase your charisma, tell engaging stories and pay particular attention to your tone of voice. Record yourself speaking so you’ll get a sense of what sounds natural and compelling.
6. Show you’re listening—even though they can’t see you.
To signal that you’re listening on a phone call, use short verbal cues now and then, like “sure” and “yes,” that let speakers know you agree with them without interrupting. Be a little quieter than in your normal speech, so they don’t perceive these cues as interruptions, but rather, as affirmation. Never underestimate the importance of listening in good communication.
7. Never use speakerphone.
Using speakerphone tells the person on the other end that you’re multitasking because they’re not important enough to command your full attention. Plus, it makes your voice sound smaller and more distant. Use a good mic with a headset to sound your best.
Follow these 7 tips, and you’ll excel in your phone conversations and conferences. People will wonder how you manage to sound so poised, comfortable, and sure of yourself! And by developing your executive presence on the phone, you’ll strengthen your work relationships and make sure people see you as a confident leader.
For more tips and strategies for building and enhancing your executive presence, contact Joel for executive coaching.
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