Opening (5 minutes)

• Welcome and Introductions: Briefly welcome everyone and introduce the topic of building executive presence.
• Icebreaker: Ask participants to share an example of a time they felt particularly confident and impactful in a professional setting. What contributed to this feeling?

Discussion (25 minutes)

• Defining Executive Presence:
  • Discuss what constitutes "executive presence" and why it's crucial for career advancement.
  • Explore the different dimensions of executive presence (e.g., communication, confidence, leadership, impact).
• Adapting Communication:
  • Discuss the importance of tailoring communication styles to different audiences and situations.
  • Share practical tips for adjusting tone, language, and delivery to maximize impact.
  • Ask participants to share examples of when they successfully adapted their communication style in a professional setting.
• Embracing Vulnerability and Confidence:
  • Explore the role of vulnerability in building confidence and executive presence.
  • Discuss how authentically sharing experiences and seeking feedback can enhance leadership and communication skills.
  • Share strategies for managing self-doubt and projecting a confident demeanour.
• Impactful Presentations:
  • Identify key elements of a compelling presentation, such as storytelling, clear messaging, and engaging delivery.
  • Discuss strategies for overcoming presentation anxiety and delivering impactful speeches.
  • Encourage participants to share their experiences with presentations and provide constructive feedback to one another.
• Increasing Visibility and Impact:
  • Discuss strategies for increasing visibility within an organization (e.g., taking on challenging projects, seeking mentorship, networking effectively).
  • Explore how to position oneself for career advancement and leadership opportunities.

Closing (10 minutes)

• Key Takeaways: Summarize the key points discussed, emphasizing the importance of authentic communication, vulnerability, and impactful delivery in building executive presence.
• Actionable Steps: Encourage participants to identify one specific action they can take to enhance their executive presence (e.g., practice a specific communication technique, seek out a leadership opportunity, provide constructive feedback).
• Ongoing Learning: Share resources and opportunities for continued learning and development related to executive presence (e.g., books, articles, leadership training programs).

Additional Tips:

• Role-Playing: Utilize role-playing exercises to practice communication skills and deliver impactful presentations.
• Provide Feedback: Offer constructive feedback on participants' communication styles and presentation skills.
• Share Success Stories: Use real-life examples of individuals who have successfully developed their executive presence and achieved career advancement.
• Encourage Collaboration: Facilitate a supportive and collaborative environment where participants can share their experiences, challenges, and insights.

Note: This conversation guide is a starting point and can be adapted to fit the specific needs and interests of the group and the company's communication strategy.