Welcome back to the Look and Sound of Leadership, an ongoing series of

executive coaching tips designed to help you be perceived in the workplace the way

you want to be perceived. I'm Tom Henschel, your executive coach, and today

we're talking about what compelling speakers share. During a recent

presentation skills training, the participants received a lesson I couldn't have scripted.

A young business development executive presented with a highly energized style.

He spoke at a high rate of words per minute, used broad animated gestures, and leaned

towards us while he was speaking.

After we watched his video and I gave him feedback, the next presenter got up. He was a senior technology guru. He spoke in

a professorial manner while leisurely strolling back and forth, punctuating his words with small rhythmic gestures. The two presenters,

both very effective, couldn't have been more different. The contrast led the participants to ask whether there are best practices

for all presenters. I answered by saying that presenters who command our attention share two best practices. First, they're truly present in

the room. Second, they create lots of variety.

Throughout the rest of the day, we explored those two ideas.

Here are some thoughts about each.

First, being truly present in the room.

Speakers who are truly present in the room are comfortable being looked at by their

listeners.

This means they're free of the insidious fears that swell inside our heads.

O did I rehearse enough?

I hate this slide.

My voice is shaking.

...