I’ve been thinking about this word lately in relation to what it is
I do in my Presentation Skills Coaching. I realized that no
matter what aspect of human behavior I’m working on with my
client, the desired end result is for them to convey authority
when they’re in professional conversations.
So what does look like when a person is able to be authoritative
in their demeanor?
That person is able to assure the listener that they are an
expert in what they’re talking about by appearing calm and in
control.
You, the listener, believe what they’re saying because of how
they’re able convey the information.
There is a certain “likability” in the way they present
themselves that implies humor and a willingness to be open
and friendly. No matter what your level of expertise, you lose
your effectiveness the moment you indicate arrogance. At the
same time, it is crucial to appear confident in your professional
conversations.
The more I do this work the more I understand that it requires a
certain “state of mind”. If I can help a client relax and trust
themselves, they can achieve a way to be in the moment of the
conversation or presentation. By that I mean that they are able
to focus on the immediate instead of anticipating the end. So
many of my clients dread their professional conversations
because they feel insecure and nervous. They are not able to
speak with authority because they are sabotaging themselves
by wishing it were over!
The reason I love doing this work is that there is always a
moment in the coaching process when my client begins to
understand that it’s more about how they’re thinking than
what they’re doing. Understanding that simple but challenging
concept is the bridge to achieving the kind of authority you will
need in your professional success.