# What is executive presence? Definition and examples

Executive presence is a loose term for the impression that someone is ready to lead: calm under pressure, clear when they speak and worth listening to. There's no single definition, but in speaking it usually means getting to the point, sounding sure without overclaiming, handling tough questions calmly and being comfortable with a pause.

By the Speaking Coach team at Sodhera Intelligence. Updated 2026-10-22. Source: https://www.orecci.com/speaking-coach/glossary/executive-presence/

## Speaking behaviours usually linked to it

| Behaviour | Sounds like | Instead of |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Bottom line first** | "We'll miss the March date by two weeks. Here's why, and the plan." | Five minutes of background before the news |
| **Fewer hedges** | "I recommend option B." | "I kind of think maybe B could possibly work?" |
| **Steady pace and pauses** | A pause before the key number, then saying it slowly | Rushing through the important part |
| **Owning what you don't know** | "I don't have that figure. I'll send it by 3." | Guessing, or a long apology |
| **Short contributions** | One clear point in a meeting, then stopping | Repeating the point three ways |
| **Calm disagreement** | "I see it differently. The risk I'm worried about is cost." | Raising your voice, or going silent |

Leading with the conclusion has its own name: [BLUF, bottom line up front](/speaking-coach/glossary/bluf/). Cutting filler hedges is covered under [hedging language](/speaking-coach/glossary/hedging-language/).

## An example

A made-up project update, two ways:

> "So, um, there's been a few things going on with the vendor, and we've been trying different options, and I think it might be okay, but possibly there's a slight delay?"

> "We're two weeks late because the vendor missed a delivery. I've lined up a second supplier, so the new date is the 28th. I need your approval for the extra £4,000 today."

The second takes about the same time and answers the three questions a senior listener has: what happened, what's the plan, what do you need from me.

## Fair criticisms of the term

"Executive presence" is vague, and it has been used to reward a narrow style: a certain accent, voice, height or way of dressing. That isn't a fair basis for judging anyone. The speaking habits above are useful because they help listeners, not because they fit a type. Focus on those.

## Questions people ask

### Can executive presence be learned?

The speaking parts can: getting to the point, pausing and handling questions all improve with practice.

### Is executive presence only for executives?

No. People use the term for anyone whose job involves persuading senior people or leading a room.

### What hurts executive presence most when speaking?

Burying the main point, over-apologising and getting defensive under questions are common ones.

### How do I show executive presence on video calls?

Look at the camera for key points, keep your updates short, and say the headline first.

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