Mastering body language for executive presence

When it comes to executive presence, your body language often speaks as loud as your words. How you stand, breathe, and use your hands shapes how confident and credible you appear. Mastering these non-verbal cues is essential for anyone looking to influence and lead effectively. If you want to improve in this area, a presentation skills course can provide the practical training you need.

Here are some of my favourite tips for you:

1. Stand tall and brace your core. Good posture creates an image of strength and readiness. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, chest open, and shoulders back. This powerful stance signals confidence and as long as you don’t over arch your back you’ll command respect, something every executive should embody. You can learn more about perfecting this in one of our dedicated presentation skills courses in Sydney.

2. Practice diaphragmatic breathing. Shallow chest breathing is a common symptom of nervousness, limiting your voice and energy. Breathing deeply from your diaphragm not only helps you sound more authoritative, it also assists in clarity of thought and keeps you calm and composed during presentations or meetings.

3. Avoid crossing your arms across your body. This defensive posture puts a barrier between you and your audience, making you appear closed off or unsure. Instead, keep your arms relaxed and open to invite engagement. If you want hands-on guidance, look for a presentation skills course to practice these skills with experts.

4. One critical habit to avoid is placing your hands over your crotch – known as the “fig leaf” or “reluctant nudist” posture! Ha ha! I know right?! This gesture unconsciously signals discomfort and insecurity and it makes your audience look at the thing you’re touching! Instead, find a more natural hand position, like resting your hands loosely by your sides or using purposeful gestures.

5. While hands behind your back can look authoritative during brief moments, holding this posture too long makes you seem stiff or disconnected. Keep your elbows free from your sides so you don’t appear like a ‘T-Rex’ or puppet.

6. Strong, deliberate gestures make your message more memorable. Avoid limp or floppy hands; they can communicate nervousness, low energy or a lack of commitment to your subject. Your hand movements should reinforce your words with clarity and confidence. Always maintain space under your armpits by keeping elbows away from your torso – it projects openness and ease.

7. Don’t forget to keep your eyes open. Closing your eyes when thinking or speaking can make you look shy and cut the connection with your audience. Instead, maintain steady, open eye contact with your audience to convey presence and confidence. These subtle habits are best practised with expert coaching in a presentation skills course.

8. Eye contact should be natural – connect with individuals across the room without staring. Use your facial expressions to show emotion; a warm smile invites connection, while a focused expression can highlight seriousness when needed.

9. Purposeful movement also adds to your executive presence. Avoid pacing aimlessly or fidgeting, which distracts from your message. Instead, move intentionally to emphasise key points and engage your audience. Plan where you want to walk to and then go there, then stand still.

If you want to improve your body language and overall executive presence, consider joining one of our life-changing presentation skills course. For those in Australia, our public presentation skills course in Sydney offers practical, hands-on training to transform how you communicate. We even offer 1-day presentation courses in Sydney and online for a tailored experience that suits busy professionals.

Mastering body language isn’t about perfection. It’s about intentional and authentic communication. These simple changes can elevate your presence, helping you inspire trust, influence outcomes, and lead with greater confidence.