Executive Presence and Communication Coaching Flashcards

Executive presence in leadership coaching is BEST described as:

Answer: A set of learnable behaviors that signal authority, credibility, and confidence

Executive presence encompasses learnable behavioral signals—including communication style, gravitas, and emotional regulation—that convey credible, confident leadership.

Sylvia Ann Hewlett's research identifies which three core dimensions of executive presence most relevant to CELC coaching work?

Answer: Gravitas, Communication, and Appearance

Hewlett's widely cited framework identifies Gravitas (the core), Communication, and Appearance as the three pillars of executive presence that coaches help leaders develop.

When coaching an executive on vocal presence, a CELC coach would MOST likely address which factor to increase perceived authority?

Answer: Lowering vocal pitch and using deliberate pacing and pausing

Lower vocal pitch, deliberate pacing, and strategic pausing are evidence-based techniques that increase perceived authority and executive presence in communication.

A senior executive struggles with 'upspeak'—ending statements with a rising intonation. A CELC coach would address this because it primarily signals:

Answer: Uncertainty and deference, undermining perceived confidence

Upspeak (rising intonation on declarative statements) is perceived as uncertainty or seeking approval, which undermines the confidence and credibility essential to executive presence.

In executive communication coaching, the 'Pyramid Principle' (associated with Barbara Minto) teaches leaders to:

Answer: Lead with the key message first, then support with details

The Pyramid Principle advocates leading with the governing thought or recommendation first, then layering supporting arguments—a structure that respects executive audiences' time.

A CELC coach helping an executive improve board-level presentations would MOST likely coach them to focus on which communication shift?

Answer: Shifting from operational updates to strategic insights and implications

Board audiences require strategic framing—implications, risks, and decisions—rather than operational detail, and coaching this shift is a core CELC communication competency.