{"id":370,"date":"2021-04-22T16:14:19","date_gmt":"2021-04-22T15:14:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.boulden.net\/blog\/?p=370"},"modified":"2021-11-25T15:03:39","modified_gmt":"2021-11-25T15:03:39","slug":"executive-presence-in-a-virtual-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boulden.net\/blog\/executive-presence-in-a-virtual-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Executive Presence in a Virtual World"},"content":{"rendered":"
\u201cAuthenticity, honesty, and personal voice underlie much of what\u2019s successful on the Web.\u201d
\nRICK LEVINE
\nAuthor of The Cluetrain Manifesto<\/h6>\n
\"Online<\/figure>\n

<\/i><\/a>\u201cVirtual presence is problematic, but that doesn\u2019t mean that the fundamental skills no longer apply.\u201d<\/h2>\n

<\/i><\/a>Ladies and gentlemen… your attention please…<\/h2>\n

Impact, Charisma and Presence are essential qualities in a Senior Executive. If a leader wants to influence peers, enthuse employees, or inspire confidence in regulators, it is vital that they express themselves fully and with a sense of conviction. Presence, then, is a key attribute that effective leaders possess; one that enables them to motivate others.<\/p>\n

It is hard enough to build rapport and demonstrate gravitas when working with people face to face, but when trying to do that via a laptop screen many additional difficulties arise. Overcoming those challenges takes hard work and commitment to learning new skills.<\/p>\n

<\/i><\/a>Start with the fundamentals of Impact and Presence<\/h2>\n

Virtual Presence is problematic, but that doesn\u2019t mean that the fundamental skills no longer apply. The basic techniques are still as central to engaging effectively with people as they ever were. Those core skills have a long history. The ancient Greeks highly valued public speaking and over 2,000 years ago Aristotle identified \u201cthe three persuasive appeals\u201d that combine together to make a powerful argument that inspires people to act, they are:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Ethos<\/strong>: being credible as a speaker: demonstrating expertise; being thought of as trustworthy and knowledgeable<\/li>\n
  2. Pathos<\/strong>: building emotional connection to the audience through establishing common ground or linking to key values<\/li>\n
  3. Logos<\/strong>: having logical arguments supported by data, facts and analysis<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Much of what is taught today in respect of presence goes back to these
    \nwritings on rhetoric (or the art of persuasion) by the ancient Greeks.<\/p>\n

    For example, in their June 2012 HBR article Antonkis, Fenley and Leichti on Learning Charisma, note that while leaders can pressure people to do as they ask because they have the power to reward or punish employees, it is the ability to demonstrate charismatic leadership that really inspires people to give of their best. They go on to highlight twelve ancient rhetorical techniques as being especially powerful for modern leaders. These include\u2026<\/p>\n

    Rhetorical Questions<\/em><\/strong> to engage people e.g. \u201cSo, what does good performance look like?\u201d<\/p>\n

    Expressing Moral Conviction<\/em><\/strong> (setting standards for right or just behaviour) e.g. \u201cThis quality problem is damaging our relationships with our customers, it\u2019s our issue to resolve and we need to take ownership for fixing it as a group.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Reflecting the Group\u2019s\/Audience\u2019s Sentiments<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 even when they are negative \u2013 as they show empathy and help the group to \u2018connect\u2019 with the speaker e.g. \u201cI know how disappointed and upset you are about this decision\u2026it is a bitter pill to swallow after all your hard work\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

    Setting Challenging Goals<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 giving people a clear, compelling objective to focus on e.g. \u201cthis nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon\u201d, John. F. Kennedy (May 1961)<\/p>\n

    <\/i><\/a>Two issues with Remote Executive Presence<\/h2>\n

    When working remotely there are two main issues that need to be addressed when demonstrating Ethos, Pathos and Logos:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Building Trust<\/strong>. Getting a \u2018connection\u2019 with people has a lot to do with eye contact, facial expressions (in particular smiling) and open body language, but these things are hard to do in a virtual environment.<\/li>\n
    2. Establishing Credibility<\/strong>. Power gestures, small talk, looking professional, and demonstrating knowledge all contribute to establishing a professional presence, but this can be \u2018tricky\u2019 when trying to do it through a laptop screen.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      So, if a \u2018face to face\u2019 meeting is like a 3D theatre play with actors facing a live audience, \u2018in the flesh\u2019, then a virtual meeting is like a 2D TV show, with a presenter, sitting in a studio, and talking into a camera. So, successful Executive Presence in this context, in part, involves adapting the techniques used by presenters on the evening news to build trust and establish credibility remotely.<\/p>\n

      <\/i><\/a>Look the part \u2013 master your production values to establish credibility<\/h2>\n

      As noted above, a key element of Executive Presence in a Virtual World, is to appreciate the importance of looking and sounding professional on the screen.
      \nThis involves:<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Looking good on screen<\/strong>. Adjust your lighting levels to create a clear, sharp image. Make sure your light source is coming from behind your camera i.e. from in front of you. Use the Touch Up My Appearance and Adjust for Low Light, features to fine tune your image and consider buying a professional photographer\u2019s lamp. Frame yourself as a head and shoulders shot; don\u2019t have too much \u2018empty space\u2019 above your head.<\/li>\n
      2. Curating your background<\/strong>. Look at your video preview and clear any clutter in camera view; set up a professional looking background, or have an appropriate virtual background e.g. maybe use your company\u2019s logo.<\/li>\n
      3. Sounding good<\/strong>. Test your laptop speaker and microphone and use the \u201cSuppress Background Noise\u201d feature. Think about buying (and using) an external microphone that blocks out background noise.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        <\/i><\/a>Make friends with the camera \u2013 to build trust<\/h2>\n

        Positive body language is a key aspect of demonstrating charisma; especially adopting an upright, relaxed posture, coupled with steady eye contact and a warm smile.<\/p>\n

        What this means for Virtual Presence is that eye contact has to be simulated by talking into the camera (and not to the person\u2019s image on the screen). So, when talking focus on the camera light and imagine that you are looking at a person and chatting with them as you do so. This feels very \u2018odd\u2019 at first but in time you do get used to it, so persevere. It helps to lift up the camera (by using a stand or stack of books) so that the lens is at eye level.<\/p>\n

        Also, sit up straight on your chair (don\u2019t slouch), and when not talking give active listening signals such as head nods, smiles and (maybe) the occasional thumbs up sign. Act as if you are on show at all times, which you are! Actively manage your reactions and expressions so as to demonstrate courtesy to all people at all times i.e. no eye rolling, or head shaking.<\/p>\n

        You can\u2019t use gestures as much on-line as you do in a face-to-face setting (it makes you look frenetic), but they are still an important part of the communication mix, and when used to highlight key points they are very effective e.g. doing a \u2018two handed chop\u2019 gesture to emphasise a message or statement.<\/p>\n

        <\/i><\/a>Have a script; make sure you have a message that\u2019s worth listening to!<\/h2>\n

        In their book Leadership Presence Halpern and Lubar make a link between what is required of a top performing senior executive and the actor\u2019s craft. They note that actors don\u2019t expect to be \u2018born\u2019 with charisma, but train, using specific \u2018drills\u2019, to be able to capture an audience\u2019s attention and to have people focus completely on them.<\/p>\n

        In addition, they also note that a good performance based on a poor script doesn\u2019t impress anyone: presence captures people\u2019s attention and gets them to take the speaker seriously, but the content of the message must also be compelling.<\/p>\n

        So effective leaders don\u2019t only make their point with energy and conviction (pathos), they also have something to say that is worth listening to (logos). They plan what they want to say, making sure it\u2019s logical and mentions facts and figures that convinces people of the correctness of the case they are making. This applies not only to a formal \u2018key note\u2019 speech, but also to more everyday comments, such as making a point in a meeting. Plus, again like a good actor, they rehearse what they are going to say, so it comes across fluently, without undue hesitation or the appearance of doubt.<\/p>\n

        <\/i><\/a>Putting it all together<\/h2>\n

        Virtual Executive Presence starts with understanding the classic fundamentals of capturing attention and being convincing, namely; Ethos, Pathos and Logos.<\/p>\n

        It\u2019s then a question of coming to terms with the media and accepting we are working in a TV style format and acting accordingly i.e. by getting a grip on the production values and becoming comfortable presenting into the camera.<\/p>\n

        Finally, it\u2019s about taking the time to script and rehearse what you want to say so that you are making points that are clear, logical and supported by facts and figures.<\/p>\n

        <\/i><\/a>So what\u2019s next?<\/h2>\n

        Reflect on how effective you are at working via your laptop screen. What messages are you sending through your production values and body language? Consider what changes you might make.<\/p>\n

        Reading<\/h3>\n

        Read this Short article<\/a> giving examples of Ethos, Pathos and Logos in speeches<\/p>\n

        On-Line<\/h3>\n

        Watch… this YouTube clip (5 minutes) on 6 body language tips<\/a> for conducting a video call<\/p>\n

        Courses<\/h3>\n

        Take a look at our Executive Presence in a Virtual World<\/a> programme (an intensive remote training course, for a maximum of six delegates per programme).<\/p>\n

        Coaching<\/h3>\n

        Or maybe review our \u2018one to one\u2019 executive coaching services<\/a> to get some tailored guidance on developing your personal impact in the virtual space.<\/p>\n

        Contact<\/h3>\n

        Or give us a call on 0844 394 8877 (UK)
        \nor email us at coaching@boulden.net and we\u2019ll be happy to discuss how we can work with you.<\/p>\n

        And we end with a quote from the Economist, Author and Expert in Talent Management, SYLVIA ANN HEWLETT…<\/p>\n

        \u201cThere are six elements of gravitas critical to leadership: grace under fire, decisiveness, emotional intelligence and the ability to read a room, integrity and authenticity (people don\u2019t like fakes), a vision that inspires others, and a stellar reputation.\u201d<\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        \u201cAuthenticity, honesty, and personal voice underlie much of what\u2019s successful on the Web.\u201d RICK LEVINE Author of The Cluetrain Manifesto \u201cVirtual presence is …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[2],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.boulden.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/370"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.boulden.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.boulden.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.boulden.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.boulden.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=370"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.boulden.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/370\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":412,"href":"https:\/\/www.boulden.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/370\/revisions\/412"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.boulden.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=370"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.boulden.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=370"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.boulden.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=370"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}