Dear High Achiever,
In high-stakes rooms—boardrooms, interviews, pitches, panels—you get only seconds.
Seconds to shift the energy.
Seconds to anchor your message.
Seconds to leave an impression that outlasts your introduction.
Presence isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about being the clearest one. The leaders who master this? They don’t perform. They connect.
Let me tell you about one of them.
She’s an executive who once led powerhouse teams at one of the Big Tech firms. Recently, she took a leap—joining a high-growth startup as a key engineering hire. As the only woman on the team, her leadership wanted her front and center at Investor Day.
The room? Packed with polished speakers, Ivy League resumes, and sharp suits. She was the only woman on the lineup.
Just before stepping on stage, the doubts rushed in:
“Do I really belong here?”
“What if they see through me?”
"Maybe I’m not ready for this.”
The day before, we talked it through. I didn’t give her a new script or checklist. I simply reminded her of what was already true—but momentarily forgotten:
👉 She belongs.
👉 Her perspective matters.
👉 Her presence was already enough.
And on the day? She didn’t rely on cue cards. She didn’t stand behind a lectern. She moved naturally across the stage, grounded and assured, speaking from experience—not from a script.
She told stories about building innovative teams, navigating failure, and why collaboration always wins. Her message wasn’t polished for effect. It was powerful because it was hers.
She didn’t try to command the room—she invited it in.
And the result? People leaned in. That’s presence.
🛠️ 7 Ways to Make a Powerful, Unforgettable First Impression
(Especially in Rooms That Matter Most)
The most magnetic leaders don’t perform. They connect. Here's how:
1. Own the Energy You Bring In. Presence starts before you speak. Ground yourself. Enter with intention, not speed.
2. Lead with a Clear, Distinct Perspective. Be the signal in the noise. Speak from your truth—not from what’s trending.
3. Show You’re Present, Not Performing. Eye contact. Stillness. A calm voice. You don’t need to dominate—just be there.
4. Ask Questions That Build Bridges. Don’t race to impress. Slow down. Ask something real. Presence listens.
5. Give Before You Ask. Offer insight. Share a solution. Add value. Generosity builds memorability.
6. Follow Up with Substance. Don’t just say “Nice to meet you.” Add insight. Presence continues after the room clears.
7. Match the Room—But Stay Fully You. Respect the tone, but don’t shrink. Authenticity across contexts is your greatest asset.
🔄 Your 7-Day “Unforgettable Impression” Challenge
Try one action per day to build intentional presence:
📅 Day 1: Before your next big meeting, pause. Take a breath. Say to yourself: “I belong here.”
📅 Day 2: Refine your 30-second intro. What do you do—and why does it matter?
📅 Day 3: Dress for impact. Wear what makes you feel powerful and fully yourself.
📅 Day 4: In conversation, ask a question that proves you were truly listening.
📅 Day 5: Follow up with someone by sharing a thoughtful takeaway.
📅 Day 6: Compliment someone on their presence—not just their performance.
📅 Day 7: Reflect: When did I feel most at ease—and most effective? That’s your zone of power.
🧠 Big Insight:
The most impactful leaders don’t chase approval. They anchor in alignment.
Presence isn’t a spotlight you turn on. It’s not a mask you wear. It’s something you return to—a remembering, not a performance.
To your presence,
Melissa
📌 P.S. Ready to walk into every room with more clarity, confidence, and quiet power? Hit reply! Let’s talk.
✨ Bonus Resource: Want to lead with resilience—even under pressure? 🔗 Download the Resilience Guide → https://lnkd.in/dQKRnesC
🔁 Found this helpful? Forward it to a leader who needs the reminder: You already belong.