How to Speak with Confidence and Charisma
Perceiving Presence
Amy Cuddy explains that true presence, characterized by belief in one's story, confidence, and synchrony between verbal and non-verbal cues, contrasts with inauthenticity, which can be detected through conflicting emotions and behavioral leaks.
Communication Skills
Economist Sylvia Ann Hewlett emphasizes that effective communication skills, including body language and attentiveness, are crucial for developing Executive Presence, and offers questions to enhance these learnable skills in her video lesson.
Why Confidence is Overrated (And What You Should Strive for Instead)
Debbie Millman emphasizes that courage is essential for building confidence and resilience, arguing that true bravery lies in overcoming fear and taking risks, as regret from inaction is far more detrimental than the potential for failure.
Speak Up Without Upspeak
Upspeak, characterized by upward inflection at the end of statements, reflects a generational trend among women seeking consensus, but it can undermine authority; raising awareness of this habit can help individuals break free from it.
Attract Investors
On Shark Tank, Barbara Corcoran emphasizes that strong pitches come from well-prepared, confident presenters who anticipate questions and dress appropriately, while weak pitches often stem from overcomplicated jargon and unprofessional appearances that undermine credibility.
Harness Anxiety for High-Stakes Performances
To manage pre-presentation stress, embrace performance anxiety as a positive force by saying "I'm excited!" and channel it through energetic music or quick exercises to boost adrenaline and enhance your performance.
This class explores the multifaceted concept of presence, emphasizing how it influences communication and leadership. Instructors like Amy Cuddy and Sylvia Ann Hewlett dissect the elements that contribute to authentic presence, such as belief in one’s narrative, confidence without arrogance, and the alignment of verbal and non-verbal cues. Cuddy highlights the importance of recognizing inauthenticity through behavioral “leaks,” while Hewlett underscores that effective communication extends beyond words to include body language and attentiveness. Together, they provide actionable insights to enhance one’s executive presence, making it a learnable skill crucial for professional success.
Further enriching the curriculum, Debbie Millman discusses the vital role of courage in building confidence and resilience, urging participants to embrace failure as a stepping stone rather than a setback. The class also addresses common pitfalls like upspeak, which can undermine authority, and offers strategies for delivering compelling pitches, as illustrated by Barbara Corcoran’s experiences on Shark Tank. By reframing performance anxiety as a source of energy, the course empowers learners to channel their emotions effectively. With contributions from various experts, this class equips participants with the tools to cultivate a commanding presence that resonates in any professional setting.