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Kathryn Janicek

Master Your Stage Presence: The Executive’s Guide to Powerful Public Speaking

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Every executive faces that pivotal moment: walking onto a stage with hundreds of eyes watching, waiting, judging. Your company’s reputation rides on the next sixty seconds. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

Yet most executives step into the spotlight woefully unprepared. They fumble with microphones like they’ve never seen one before. Their eyes dart nervously around the room. Their introduction rambles through irrelevant credentials that leave audiences confused about why they should even listen.

The difference between executives who command attention and those who lose it isn’t talent. It’s preparation.

Here are three essential steps that separate magnetic speakers from forgettable ones.

1. Master Your Microphone Before You Speak a Word

Nothing signals amateur status faster than wrestling with audio equipment on stage. The microphone isn’t just a tool—it’s an extension of your executive presence.

Arrive Early, Test Everything

Professional speakers don’t show up five minutes before showtime. They treat audio preparation like any critical business meeting.

  • For major events: Arrive the day before to run full dress rehearsals. Fortune 500 companies we work with routinely send executives days in advance.
  • For keynotes or panels: Arrive at least one hour early if you’re the first speaker. This gives you time to test audio, adjust to the space, and settle your nerves.
  • For all speaking engagements: Request a sound check. Simply say, ‘Check, check, check one. Check, check. Sibilance, sibilance.’ That’s all you need.

Know Your Microphone Type

Lavalier microphones:

Clip these six to eight inches below your chin—never on your collar. Collar placement picks up every rustle of fabric as you move, creating distracting noise that undermines your message.

Handheld microphones:

Hold them exactly two fist widths from your mouth. Not pressed against your lips. Not waving around like a conductor’s baton. Steady, consistent, professional. This takes practice—schedule time specifically to rehearse your microphone technique.

2. Command Attention Through Strategic Eye Contact

Your eyes communicate more than your words ever will. They signal confidence or confusion, connection or detachment, authority or uncertainty.

Panel Discussion Strategy

When you’re not speaking, your attention matters just as much as your words.

  • Focus on the moderator when they’re asking questions. This shows respect and helps you stay engaged with the discussion flow.
  • Look at fellow panelists when they’re answering. Occasionally sweep your gaze across the audience to maintain connection.
  • When it’s your turn, shift your primary attention to the audience. They came to hear you, not watch you have a conversation with the moderator. Glance at the moderator occasionally, but keep your focus on the people who matter most.

Keynote Presentation Technique

Choose three spots in your audience: left side, center, and right side. This isn’t about vaguely scanning the room—it’s about genuine connection.

Make a point while looking at one section. Hold that gaze. Connect with specific individuals, looking directly into their eyes. Then transition to your next point and shift to a different section. This deliberate pattern ensures everyone in the room feels your presence.

The Fatal Slide Mistake

Never turn your back to the audience to read your slides. This single habit destroys more executive presentations than any other mistake.

If you’re glancing at the screen every few seconds, you’re telling your audience that you don’t know your material well enough to deliver it confidently. Prepare thoroughly. Know your content so well that you can maintain genuine eye contact throughout. You can gesture toward the screen occasionally, but always return to face your audience. They came to see you, not the back of your head.

3. Control Your Introduction to Position Your Authority

Most executives make a critical error: they let someone else write their introduction. The result? Rambling credentials that bore the audience and waste precious seconds establishing why anyone should care.

Write It Yourself

Event organizers mean well, but they don’t understand your audience like you do. Take control by writing your own introduction and sending it to them in advance. You’ll prevent confusion, demonstrate professionalism, and ensure your credentials resonate with this specific audience.

The Three-Part Formula

Your introduction should accomplish exactly three things:

  • State your current title and company. This establishes your current position and organizational context.
  • Add one impressive credential that builds trust. Choose the single credential this audience will find most compelling. Not your entire resume—just the one thing that matters most to these specific people.
  • Include one specific result that demonstrates your expertise. Numbers work best. Concrete achievements beat vague descriptions every time.

Example Introduction

“Jane Smith is the Chief Technology Officer at 123ABC Company, where she led the team that increased operational efficiencies and boosted revenue by 40%. She previously served as a technical advisor to three Fortune 100 companies.”

That’s it. No exhaustive list of every award you’ve ever won. No meandering through your entire career history. Tight, relevant, impressive. The audience now knows exactly why they should pay attention to you.

Transform Your Executive Presence Starting Today

These three strategies—mastering your microphone, controlling your eye contact, and crafting your introduction—separate executives who command stages from those who merely survive them.

The difference isn’t natural talent. It’s deliberate preparation. Top executives don’t wing their presentations any more than they’d wing a board meeting or investor pitch.

Start implementing these techniques immediately. Test your audio early. Practice your eye contact patterns. Write your introduction today. Your next speaking engagement is your opportunity to demonstrate the executive presence your company deserves.

Ready to Elevate Your Leadership Communication?

At Janicek Performance Group, we transform capable executives into influential leaders who command attention and drive results through powerful communication.

Our specialized training programs help you:

  • Accelerate organizational growth through impactful leadership presence
  • Command attention in any speaking situation, from boardrooms to conference stages
  • Project confidence and authority that matches your expertise
  • Drive innovation by communicating your vision with clarity and conviction

Contact us today to discover how we can help you transform from expert to influential leader.

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Why High-Performing Executives Can’t Afford to Skip Self-Care: Your Leadership Depends on It

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The Executive Paradox: Why Leaders Struggle with Self-Care

As an executive coach, I’ve witnessed a troubling pattern among C-suite leaders and senior executives: the very traits that drive exceptional short-term business performance (relentless focus, putting others first, and pushing through challenges) often become barriers to long-term leadership effectiveness and personal well-being.

Research from the Mayo Clinic reveals that 51.3% of executives report high stress levels. Okay, raise your hand if you were studied and didn’t admit to experiencing high stress. I’ve been there. You think, “this isn’t high stress… this is just work. I love my work. I don’t need anything else…” and then you’re in the hospital getting MRIs because you can’t stand up without getting dizzy, and doctors think you had a stroke (and you end up being diagnosed with vertigo).

This isn’t just a personal problem, it’s a business imperative that directly impacts decision-making quality, team performance, and organizational culture. 

In other words, listen closely: it’s impacting your leadership.

The Oxygen Mask Principle for Executive Leadership

Every frequent flyer knows the airline safety instruction: “Put your own oxygen mask on first before helping others.” This principle is perhaps nowhere more critical than in executive leadership. I stand on stages all over North America and talk about this. I explain that this isn’t just for mothers. It’s for ALL leaders. Yet most leaders I work with struggle with this concept, viewing self-care as selfish or secondary to their responsibilities.

The reality: When executives neglect their physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being, they compromise their ability to lead effectively. 

You cannot pour from an empty cup, and attempting to do so inevitably leads to:

  • Decreased decision-making quality under chronic stress
  • Reduced emotional intelligence and team communication
  • Higher risk of executive burnout and costly leadership turnover
  • Negative modeling for organizational culture and employee well-being

Data shows that 63% of Fortune 500 boards now formally assess executive health metrics, highlighting how critical executive wellness has become to organizational success.

The Hidden Cost of Executive Neglect

High-achieving executives often operate under the dangerous misconception that self-care is a luxury they can’t afford. The data tells a different story:

When you’re not in the right mindset or not feeling well physically, you’re not just failing yourself, you’re limiting your effectiveness for your team, stakeholders, and organization.

The Executive Presence Connection: How Self-Care Impacts Your Professional Image

Your self-care practices have a direct impact on how others perceive your leadership capabilities.

Physical Vitality as Leadership Currency

  • Proper hydration keeps your skin looking healthy and vibrant — crucial when you’re the face of your organization.
  • Quality sleep prevents the tired, worn-down appearance that undermines executive presence.
  • Balanced nutrition helps maintain steady energy levels, preventing the afternoon crashes that can affect your speaking voice and mental sharpness.

Smart executives know that what you do before high-stakes moments matter.

  • Avoid over-caffeinating before important presentations — it creates jittery energy that your audience can sense.
  • Get 7+ hours of sleep before board meetings to ensure clear thinking and confident delivery.
  • Stay hydrated throughout the day to maintain vocal clarity and prevent dry mouth, a common issue that affects public speaking.

The Compound Effect: When you consistently practice self-care, you develop what I call “executive magnetism” — that hard-to-define quality where people naturally want to follow your lead. It’s not just about what you say; it’s about the energy and presence you bring to every interaction.

Essential Self-Care Strategies for Executive Performance

Executive Stress Management Through Movement

Physical exercise isn’t just about fitness; it’s cognitive performance enhancement. 

Regular exercise:

Even 20 minutes of morning movement can significantly impact your leadership presence throughout the day.

Mindfulness and Mental Clarity for Leaders

Meditation and mindfulness practices aren’t new-age concepts — they’re performance tools used by top executives worldwide. 

Regular practice enhances:

  • Focus and attention management
  • Emotional regulation during high-stakes situations
  • Creative problem-solving capabilities

Strategic Relationship Investment

Time with family and trusted friends isn’t separate from your professional success — it’s foundational to it. 

Strong personal relationships provide:

  • Emotional support during challenging periods
  • Perspective and balance that enhances decision-making
  • Energy renewal that sustains long-term performance

Implementing Executive Self-Care: A Strategic Approach

Start with Non-Negotiables

Identify 2-3 self-care practices that you commit to regardless of business demands:

  • Daily 10-minute meditation or breathing exercises
  • Weekly one-on-one time with family members
  • Consistent sleep schedule (7+ hours nightly)

Build Systems, Not Just Habits

Create structural support for your well-being:

  • Calendar blocking for self-care activities
  • Accountability partnerships with other executives or coaches
  • Regular executive coaching sessions focused on sustainable performance

Measure What Matters

Track metrics that matter for executive well-being:

  • Energy levels throughout the week
  • Decision-making quality indicators
  • Stress management effectiveness
  • Team and family relationship quality

The ROI of Executive Self-Care

Self-care for executives isn’t about work-life balance—it’s about sustainable high performance. When you prioritize your physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being, you’re making a strategic investment in:

  • Enhanced leadership presence and decision-making capabilities
  • Increased resilience during market volatility and organizational challenges
  • Better team performance through positive modeling and clear communication
  • Long-term career sustainability and personal fulfillment

Your Next Steps: From Insight to Action

  1. Assess honestly: Where are you currently compromising your well-being for short-term business demands?
  2. Choose strategically: Select 1-2 self-care practices that align with your leadership goals and schedule
  3. Implement systematically: Build structural support and accountability for consistent practice
  4. Evaluate regularly: Track the impact on your leadership effectiveness and adjust accordingly

Remember: Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, it’s an essential leadership strategy. Your team, organization, and family need you at your best, and that requires putting your own oxygen mask on first.

At Janicek Performance Group, we specialize in training leaders to accelerate growth, command attention, and drive innovation through impactful communication. If you’re ready to transform from expert to influential leader, refine your presence, project confidence, and take control of your message, reach out today to learn how we can help.

What Diet Coke Teaches Us About Leadership Presence

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How Small Habits Can Undermine Your Confidence and Influence Without You Realizing It

As I’ve reflected on this year, one theme keeps surfacing: our work goes far beyond public speaking, messaging, or media training.

At JPG, we transform experts into magnetic, inspirational leaders.

We work with highly technical people — engineers, scientists, and executives — who are becoming the faces and voices of their organizations. Our goal is to help them be seen, heard, and trusted.

The Leadership Lesson Hidden in a Soda Can

Have you ever watched a speaker close their eyes too much when presenting? Or someone whose voice shakes when they address a team? What about constantly clearing their throat? These are coachable behaviors — and we fix them.

In over a decade of coaching high-performing individuals, I see a lot of patterns. Easy changes that could elevate someone’s career quickly. There’s one that I haven’t addressed here – and it’s important. Don’t come for me… I know how many people love their Diet Coke!

This is something that keeps coming up, and the transformation blows me away. I’ve had a few presidents of organizations who constantly cleared their throats when they spoke.

The transformation always starts the same way: I’m prepping them for a big speech, town hall, any high-stakes meeting – and they can’t get through the talk without constantly clearing their throat.

After the first run through, I’ll ask, “What do you drink all day?” And it keeps coming up. They’ll say, Diet Coke all day, no water.” 

First Case Study: Company President

I’ve even had the heads of Comms or Marketing at organizations ask me not to bring up the Diet Coke issue.

“He’ll never give it up.”

And then, 30 minutes into the speech, the team is shrugging their shoulders because they know how distracting the throat clearing is.

They’re so afraid of telling the guy not to drink Diet Coke anymore.

So I do. I gently bring up the issue. In this case, I explained what it was doing to him and suggested he just try to do 50/50 Diet Coke and water for a few weeks to see what happens.

Six months later, when he gave his speech, he didn’t clear his throat. He thanked me privately on LinkedIn.

“Thank you. Nobody told me this.”

Second Case Study: Three-Day Intensive

This just happened again a few weeks ago. A guy got up in Day #1 in our three-day intensive communications training we do for larger companies and cleared his throat the entire time.

Day #2, I called it out.

“Tell me, what do you drink? What do you like to drink all day?”

He had his can right there.

“Diet Coke.”

I asked him to see what would happen if he didn’t drink it. I wasn’t forceful; it was just a suggestion.

Day #3, he got up, delivered his speech, and there was a big applause at the end. He SOUNDED like THE EXPERT. He was confident. He evoked confidence from the audience.

I asked him, “What happened? What changed? You didn’t clear your throat. There were no distractions.”

And he looked down sheepishly and said, “I haven’t had a Diet Coke in 24 hours since yesterday morning. I heard you, and I wanted to try it. I didn’t believe it, but I wanted to try it.”

He was not clearing his throat. He wasn’t dehydrated. He, he wasn’t looking for that fluid. His throat was great. He drank water, green tea, and whatever else.

Why This Matters for Every Leader

This isn’t about Diet Coke — it’s about awareness.

These kinds of transformations occur when we tweak someone’s food, liquids, sleep, movement, or supplements. 

Leadership isn’t only about what you say; it’s about how you show up. The smallest daily habits can impact how your team perceives your confidence, energy, and authenticity.

When you optimize your body and voice, you amplify your influence.

When you eliminate distractions — physical, vocal, or emotional — you create space for your message to land.

That’s why our approach at JPG is holistic. We don’t just refine speeches; we strengthen the entire communicator. From hydration to posture to mindset, everything affects how powerfully you connect with an audience.

Ready to Optimize Your Leadership Presence?

Take a moment today to look at what’s not optimizing you as a leader.

It might not be soda — it could be a habit, a mindset, or a blind spot that’s holding you back from being fully magnetic.

At JPG, we help leaders transform these subtle patterns into strengths that elevate every room they walk into.

Because the most influential leaders aren’t just polished — they’re fully present.

Contact JPG today for a strategic consultation.

Don’t Look Down: Eye Contact Tips That Transform Your Public Speaking Impact

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Why Looking Down Is Killing Your Connection and Credibility

You’ve prepared your content. You know your material inside and out. You walk onto the stage with purpose. But then, almost unconsciously, your eyes drift downward—to your notes, to the floor, anywhere but to the faces in front of you.

This single habit undermines everything you’ve worked to build as a speaker and leader. Looking down doesn’t just disconnect you from your audience; it signals uncertainty, nervousness, and lack of confidence—even when you feel none of those things inside.

The good news? Eye contact is a skill that can be learned and mastered. Developing strong presentation skills includes learning techniques that help even the most nervous speakers maintain a confident visual connection with their audience.

1. Understand Why We Default to Looking Down

Before you can fix the habit, you need to understand why it happens. Looking down during presentations is almost universal, and it stems from very human psychological responses.

Here are the most common reasons speakers look down.

  • Notes Dependency: Many speakers become overly reliant on their notes or slides, creating a cycle where they look down to check their material, lose connection with the audience, feel less confident, and look down even more frequently.

  • Anxiety Response: When we feel nervous or uncertain, our natural instinct is to avoid eye contact. Looking down feels safer and less exposing than meeting the gaze of audience members who might be judging our performance or when we feel like we’re being judged.

  • Camera Consciousness: In our increasingly digital world, many speakers are aware of being recorded and instinctively look down to avoid the intimidating presence of camera equipment.

  • Perfectionism: Speakers who are worried about making mistakes often look down to double-check their notes, inadvertently prioritizing perfect delivery over audience connection.

The problem is that looking down creates a negative feedback loop—the less you connect with your audience, the more nervous you feel, which makes you look down even more.

2. Master the Foundation: Keep Your Chin Up

The most fundamental change you can make to improve your eye contact is simply keeping your head up. This isn’t just about where your eyes go—it’s about your entire head position and how it affects your presence.

Here’s how to establish strong head positioning.

  • Find Your Neutral Position: Your head should sit naturally on your shoulders with your chin parallel to the floor. Avoid tilting your head down even slightly, as this immediately breaks the visual connection with your audience.

  • Practice the “Chin Check”: Before you begin speaking, consciously check your head position. Your chin should feel lifted but not artificially raised. This position allows for natural eye contact without strain.

  • Understand the Visual Impact: When you keep your head up, you project confidence and authority. When you look down, even briefly, you signal uncertainty and disengagement to your audience.

3. The Wall Technique: A Practical Solution for Eye Contact Anxiety

If direct eye contact with audience members makes you nervous, there’s a simple technique that can help you maintain confident head positioning while you build your comfort level.

Here’s how to use the wall technique effectively.

  • Choose Strategic Focal Points: Before you begin speaking, identify three to four spots on the back wall of the room—one center, one left, one right, and perhaps one slightly higher. Avoid choosing the clock (it makes you think about time) or anything that might distract you.

  • Rotate Your Focus: Rather than staring at one spot, slowly rotate your focus between these points throughout your presentation. This creates the illusion of eye contact with different sections of your audience while keeping your head up and confident.

  • Pick Neutral Objects: Choose spots like exit signs, architectural features, or small decorations—things that won’t draw your attention away from your message or make you self-conscious.

Successful leaders must maintain composure under pressure — be the calmest person in the room. Using the wall technique helps you project that calm confidence while you develop more advanced eye contact skills.

4. Graduate to Real Eye Contact

The wall technique is a stepping stone, not a permanent solution. Once you’re comfortable keeping your head up and maintaining the illusion of eye contact, you can begin making real connections with your audience.

Here’s how to transition to authentic eye contact.

  • Start with Friendly Faces: Begin by making eye contact with audience members who appear engaged and supportive. Nodding faces and smiling expressions give you confidence to continue connecting.

  • Use the “Lighthouse” Method: Instead of darting your eyes around the room, focus on one person for a complete thought or sentence (about 3-5 seconds), then smoothly move to another person in a different section of the room.

  • Don’t Forget the Middle: Many speakers only look at the front rows or the back of the room. Make sure to include people in the middle sections—they’re part of your audience too. And… if your presentation is being recorded or livestreamed, the camera is often in the middle of the room.

  • Build Confidence Through Practice: The more you practice making eye contact in lower-stakes situations—team meetings, one-on-one conversations, small group presentations—the more natural it becomes on bigger stages.

5. Handle the Camera Challenge

In today’s world, many presentations are recorded or livestreamed, which adds another layer of complexity to eye contact. 

Here’s how to manage both live audiences and cameras.

  • Acknowledge the Camera Strategically: If you’re being recorded, occasionally look directly into the camera lens (not at the camera operator) to connect with your virtual audience. Treat the camera like another friendly face in the room.

  • Don’t Let Equipment Distract You: Camera equipment can be intimidating, but remember that your primary connection should be with the people in the room. Use the camera as an occasional focal point, not your primary focus.

Practice Camera Eye Contact: If you frequently present on camera, practice looking directly into camera lenses during rehearsals. This builds comfort and helps you maintain natural head positioning even when being recorded.

Keep Your Head Up: Transform Your Speaking Impact Through Confident Eye Contact

Looking down is one of the most common habits that undermines speaker credibility, but it’s also one of the easiest to fix with conscious practice. Whether you start with the wall technique or jump straight into audience eye contact, the key is keeping your head up and maintaining visual connection with your room.

Remember, your audience wants you to succeed. They’re not waiting for you to make mistakes—they’re hoping to be inspired, informed, or entertained by what you have to share. When you keep your head up and make that visual connection, you invite them into your message rather than shutting them out.

The difference between a speaker who looks down and one who maintains confident eye contact isn’t just technical—it’s the difference between someone who appears to be talking at their audience and someone who’s genuinely connecting with them.

Ready to transform your presentations through confident eye contact?

We’re here to help you master every aspect of powerful public speaking at JPG!

How to Recover Quickly from Mistakes in Your Speech

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Techniques to Help You Regain Control After a Mistake 

We’ve all done it. We’ve messed up. Misspoke. Quoted something incorrectly. Gotten tongue-tied. Pronounced a word wrong. We’ve all made mistakes during a presentation. But have we all recovered with grace? 

Messing up is natural. Recovery? Not so much.

At JPG, we first coach our clients to be as prepared as possible to minimize the chance of mistakes. Not just preparing our content, data points, and slide decks, but also our mental state. Prior to a speaking engagement, we recommend these top five tips to channel nervous energy and eliminate as many mistakes as possible.

How to Regain Confidence and Stay Calm on Stage

Engage in Physical Activity

Whether it’s first thing in the morning or just some time before your talk, getting the nervous energy out of your body (preferably in a way you genuinely enjoy) is the biggest answer to entering into your presentation with a calm, confident attitude

Do a ritual that boosts your confidence 

Multiple studies have shown that a two-minute “power pose” can boost confidence and therefore boost performance. Whether it’s standing like you have a cape billowing behind you in the wind, reciting powerful song lyrics, or simply meditating — the rituals work. 

Don’t try to eliminate nerves entirely

This seems counterproductive, but if we hyperfocus on not being nervous at all, that will only lead us to failure. Instead of fighting nerves, reframe them as excitement. 

Take care of yourself

This goes beyond the physical activity in the first tip. Making sure that you’re getting an adequate amount of sleep at night (at least 7-8 hours before a presentation day) as well as eating balanced meals go a long way for mental and physical health, which directly impact your performance. 

 

And, finally.

Perfect your deep breathing

Studies show that breathing from your belly lowers your heart rate and your cortisol levels, giving you a better sense of control.

It’s tip No. 5 that takes us from preparation to delivery and is helpful in both instances. 

How to pause and breathe to overcome and prevent speaking mistakes

Sometimes mistakes are easy to correct and we can say a simple “Excuse me [insert correct word or phrase here]” and move on. Bigger blunders require a bit more finesse. 

For instance, if we see that a slide hasn’t been updated with the latest numbers or we went off on an unscripted anecdote and have lost our place — these mistakes have the potential to derail the entire presentation and that’s what we want to avoid. 

In this situation we pause, we breathe, and we move on. Here’s how:

  1. Use the natural break. If you’re in the middle of a sentence when you realize something isn’t right, finish your thought first and end the sentence.
  2. Close your mouth. This is important for two reasons. First, it prevents you from sneaking a filler word or sound into your talk. Second, it lets you breathe correctly.
  3. Belly and nose breathe. In through the nose, feeling your belly expand. This does not need to be an exaggerated motion. A discreet breath will calm you down and let you either move on to the next point or make a necessary correction with poise. 

Sometimes we get pushback from clients who say that it feels awkward to pause and breathe.

Remember: The time it takes to do this feels so much longer in your head than it actually is to your audience. 

They’ll have no idea that you’re regulating your nervous system. They’ll just be anticipating the next thing you say. 

Master the Art of Pausing on Stage 

Of course we all want to deliver a seamless and perfect presentation, but sometimes nature has other plans. And that’s okay! At JPG, we prepare you for the “human moments” by teaching you how to do the most basic human function — taking a breath — with purpose and ease.

The Most Magnetic Non-Verbal During a Presentation: Your Smile

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How Showing Emotions (Especially the Good Ones) Will Draw Your Audience In When You’re Speaking

Women hear it our whole lives: “Smile more!” “You look so pretty when you smile!” And while these comments are most often unwelcome, in the context of public speaking, they’re not totally wrong (and they don’t just apply to women). 

At JPG, we teach our clients that more than 80% of effective communication comes from our nonverbals — namely, our body language and facial expressions. This greatly impacts our credibility, influence, and perception. 

Your Facial Expressions, Vocal Tone, and Words Should Match

We know that the three pillars of effective communication are: 

  • words and messaging, 
  • vocal tone and inflection, and
  • body language and presence. 

We want each pillar to work together when we’re delivering a presentation or talk — not just to a group of people but one-on-one as well. 

More often than not, executives have no problem when the message is serious or stern. It’s when they are delivering good news (or even neutral news) that the pillars misalign. We see this time and time again, especially with our male executives. 

“We hit our profit goals for the quarter!” 

“We just ranked number one in our market!” 

“We’ve had a breakthrough in our research!”

Messages like these should be delivered enthusiastically with a bright vocal tone and a warm smile to match. Even a “I’m happy to be here” should convey with non-verbals that you are actually happy to be there.

It may seem silly, but if your tone and facial expressions don’t match your words — it ends up undermining your credibility. If you’re monotone when you should sound excited, if your face is neutral or even stern when you should be smiling, it gives the impression that you don’t genuinely believe in the message that you’re delivering. 

And that? That leads to distrust, which is the last thing we want as leaders. 

A Smile Draws People In

While mastering effective communication is paramount, a smile has other benefits, too. Companies often will bring JPG in to coach their executive team to make them more “magnetic.” Their leaders know their stuff, but they’re not bringing much of a presence to the company, which means employees are less likely to buy into what they have to say. 

A warm smile can have a large impact both in the boardroom and on a stage.

  1. It brightens the mood. Unless the meeting is on a somber or serious topic, you WANT the mood to be light. You want people to want to be there because they’ll be more likely to listen to what you have to say. 
  2. It attracts people to you. You don’t need to have over-the-top charisma, but you do need to have a personal appeal if you want people to follow and, more importantly, stick around.
  3. It makes you look confident. Again, when your words, tone, and face all align, especially for a positive message, it portrays you as the confident leader you are and imbues the audience with trust in you. 

Master the Art of the Smile 

There’s a lot more to non-verbal communication than just smiling, but that’s a great place to start. Making sure your audience — whether it’s your employees, your board, or your peers — trust you and listen to you is the top priority when you’re presenting.

At JPG, we give you a safe place to practice this skill so that you can give the impression that matches your intention. 

How to Prepare for a Business Presentation to Get More ‘Yes’ Responses

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The Question That Changes Everything About Public Speaking

I was coaching 25 executives from a Fortune 500 company last week when someone asked a question that stopped me cold:

“Can you overprepare for a presentation? I like to wing it because then I feel great energy and I know I’m awesome when I wing it.”

Here’s what I told them:

That energy you feel when you wing it? It’s not confidence. It’s adrenaline masking anxiety.

Real confidence comes from business presentation preparation so thorough that you can handle anything the room throws at you.

Why Great Presentations Rely More on Prep Than Talent 

At Janicek Performance Group, we have a rule: You must prepare so you can play.

This isn’t about killing spontaneity, removing personality, or turning you into a corporate robot. It’s about building a foundation so strong that when the unexpected happens in your business meeting, you’re ready for it.

If your public speaking skills can capture someone’s interest straight away, there’s a good chance they’ll listen to the rest of the presentation. That capture happens through preparation, not improvisation.

Let me share a story that proves this point.

The $10 Million Business Presentation That Changed Everything

We worked with the president of a major organization who needed to go before his board and ask for $10 million in additional funding.

Ten. Million. Dollars.

The stakes couldn’t have been higher.

We spent 20 hours together, both on Zoom and in person. We practiced his 12-minute pitch until he could deliver it in his sleep. We anticipated every possible question, every potential objection, every way the conversation could unfold.

When he walked into that boardroom, something magical happened.

He delivered his presentation with such clarity and conviction that the board didn’t hesitate. They didn’t need time to think it over or discuss it among themselves.

“Thank you. Absolutely. You’ve got the money.”

His text to me afterward was simple: “I got it. I got the money.”

That’s the power of strategic presentation preparation.

Why ‘Winging It’ Is Sabotaging Your Executive Presence

When you wing business presentations, you’re gambling with your reputation, your message, and your results.

Sure, sometimes you get lucky. Sometimes the adrenaline kicks in and you deliver something decent.

Sometimes.

Here’s what happens more often when you don’t prepare for presentations.

  • You ramble instead of delivering clear, focused messages that drive action.
  • You miss key points that could have sealed the deal or secured the promotion.
  • You stumble when faced with unexpected questions from stakeholders.
  • You leave the room feeling like you could have done better.
  • Your audience walks away unsure of your main message or next steps.
  • You lose credibility with senior leadership and key decision-makers.

The executives who consistently get “yes” responses don’t rely on luck or natural charisma. They prepare strategically.

How to Prepare for a Business Presentation: 7 Essential Steps

Effective presentation preparation isn’t about memorizing a script word-for-word. It’s about building competence and confidence through deliberate practice.

Here’s how the most successful business leaders prepare for high-stakes presentations.

1. Define Your Core Message and Call to Action

Write your key message as a single sentence. Everything else in your presentation should support this central idea.

Can you explain your main point in 30 seconds? Two minutes? 12 minutes? Your presentation should tell a persuasive story, establish your business expertise, address any concerns of customers, clients, investors, or partners, and end with a call for action.

2. Create Audience Profiles For Key Decision-Makers Who Will Be Present 

Before you create a single slide, understand who’s in the room.

  • What are their priorities and pain points?
  • What level of detail do they need?
  • What objections might they have?
  • What does success look like from their perspective?

 

3. Structure Your Presentation for Maximum Impact

Great presentations require you to frame your story — figure out where to start and where to end. 

Your business presentation should follow a logical flow.

  • Opening Hook: Start with a compelling story, statistic, or question.
  • Problem/Opportunity: Define what needs to be addressed.
  • Solution: Present your recommendations with supporting evidence.
  • Benefits: Clearly articulate the value and ROI.
  • Next Steps: End with specific, actionable requests.

4. Anticipate Questions and Prepare Thoughtful Responses

List five potential questions and practice your responses. Focus on bridging back to your core message.

You should also prepare answers for the challenging questions that will inevitably come up. Successful executives don’t just prepare their main presentation, they prepare for the conversation that follows.

5. Practice Your Delivery Until It Feels Natural

Plan your delivery. Develop bullet points and then rehearse it, out loud, over and over.

Practice Methods That Work.

6. Prepare for the Unexpected

What if the projector fails? What if you only get half your allotted time? What if the CEO joins unexpectedly? Professional speakers always have contingency plans.

Backup Strategies.

  • Create a “no slides” version of your presentation.
  • Prepare five-minute, 15-minute, and 30-minute versions.
  • Bring printed handouts as backup.
  • Have your key points memorized, not just scripted.

7. Focus on Your Opening and Closing

Start your presentation with a small story or anecdote about your business. Use something that captures curiosity. Your first 30 seconds determine whether people listen or mentally check out.

Your closing should be equally powerful. Summarize your key points and make your ask or point crystal clear.

The ROI of Thorough Presentation Preparation

That $10 million presentation wasn’t just about securing funding. It was about a leader who showed up so prepared, so confident, and so compelling that his board had no choice but to say yes.

Think about your last important business presentation. How did it go? Did you get the outcome you wanted?

Now imagine walking into every high-stakes situation knowing you’ve done the work. Knowing you’re ready for whatever comes your way.

That’s what strategic preparation gives you: the confidence to get more “yes” responses because you’ve earned them through thorough planning and practice.

Your Next Step: Stop Winging It, Start Winning It

The question isn’t whether you should prepare for your next important business presentation.

The question is: How thoroughly will you prepare?

Because here’s the truth: Your competition is preparing. Your colleagues are preparing. The leaders getting promoted and closing deals are preparing with intention and strategy.

When you show up thoroughly prepared, people notice. They lean in. They say yes more often.

Don’t you want to be so prepared that people just say yes to you more often?

Don’t we all want that?

Ready to Transform Your Presentation Skills?

Every business presentation is an opportunity to advance your career, secure resources, or drive important change.

The executives who consistently succeed don’t leave these moments to chance. They prepare strategically, practice deliberately, and show up ready to win.

At JPG, we specialize in training leaders to accelerate growth, command attention, and drive innovation through impactful communication. If you’re ready to transform your presentations from wing-it moments to win-it moments, reach out today to learn how we can help you prepare to play at the highest level.

Virtual Backgrounds Are Unprofessional and Undermine Your Executive Presence

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Boost your virtual authority with a clean, professional setup 

Your Presence in Zoom and Other Virtual Meetings Impacts Your Leadership Authority

In the digital age, how you present yourself virtually matters just as much as how you show up in person. 

Executive presence isn’t just about your words; it’s about how you appear and engage, especially when the camera is on you. One of the most common (and damaging) mistakes many leaders make is using digital backgrounds during virtual meetings. While these backgrounds might seem like an easy way to hide distractions, they could be sabotaging your authority.

How do digital backgrounds hurt your executive presence?

And what are some practical tips to improve your virtual setup to project confidence, professionalism, and authenticity?

The Hidden Impact of Virtual Backgrounds on Leadership Perception

When it comes to virtual meetings, the focus should be on your message and your leadership. 

Unfortunately, digital backgrounds often distract from the most important element…yourself. While they may offer the illusion of a polished environment, digital backgrounds rarely live up to expectations. 

In fact, virtual backgrounds often create more issues than they solve:

  • Missing body parts
  • Pixelated features
  • Weird visual glitches

All of these can make you look disoriented or unprepared. This is especially damaging for leaders in high-stakes meetings or presentations, where your presence and clarity are paramount. 

Imagine a critical town hall or board meeting with a CEO whose fingers are fading away as they speak. The audience won’t be focused on the message; they’ll be distracted by the technical failures and the lack of visual clarity.

Yet, many top leaders continue to use these digital backgrounds, often without realizing the negative impact they have on their credibility and influence. 

The unfortunate truth is that no one is telling them to stop. Without feedback, this issue can persist, quietly undermining your leadership presence.

How to Strengthen Your Leadership Presence in Virtual Meetings

It’s time to put the digital backgrounds aside and focus on creating a virtual environment that enhances your leadership. 

I teach these key strategies to our clients to help them project a more authentic and powerful executive presence:

1. Set Up a Simple, Professional Physical Background

Instead of relying on a digital background, opt for a clean, uncluttered physical backdrop. A neutral-colored wall or a simple bookshelf can work wonders. These options are far less distracting and allow your audience to focus on you, not your surroundings. The goal is to create a background that is professional, but not overwhelming.

2. Prioritize Proper Lighting

Lighting plays a significant role in how you’re perceived on camera. Make sure your face is well-lit and free of harsh shadows. Position yourself near a natural light source or invest in a ring light to enhance your appearance. Good lighting will help you look more engaging and authoritative, while poor lighting can make you appear disengaged or unprepared.

3. Dress for the Role

Even though virtual meetings focus on your upper body, your attire should still reflect the professionalism you want to convey. Choose clothing that aligns with your personal brand and project confidence without being overly distracting. Stick to solid colors or subtle patterns that complement your environment.

4. Test Your Setup Before Big Meetings

Preparation is key. Before you step into a high-stakes virtual meeting or presentation, take the time to test your setup. Check the angle of your camera, adjust your lighting, and ensure your background is free of distractions. A few minutes of prep can make a huge difference in how you come across to your audience.

Why Leadership is About More Than Digital Gimmicks

Your virtual presence can be a powerful extension of your leadership if done right. 

Avoiding digital backgrounds is just one of many ways you can show up authentically and confidently in virtual meetings. By embracing a simple, professional setup, you’ll communicate authority and clarity to your audience, ensuring they focus on what truly matters: your leadership and your message.

At Janicek Performance Group, we coach our clients that their environment is an extension of their personal brand. When you’re authentic, clear, and focused, your leadership presence will shine—no digital gimmicks required.

Take control of your virtual presence and maintain your executive authority in any setting. Keep it simple. Keep it professional. And most importantly, keep it real.

The Power of Non-Verbal Communication

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How to Influence Without Words

When we think about effective communication, we often focus on words. But the truth is, at least 80% of communication is non-verbal. From your posture to your tone of voice, these silent signals shape how your message is received—before you even say a word.

Why Non-Verbal Communication Matters

Great public speakers don’t just choose the right words—they master how they deliver them. Whether you’re leading a meeting, pitching to investors, or speaking on stage, your body language, vocal tone, and facial expressions impact your credibility and influence.

The Three Pillars of Effective Communication 

Communication is more than just words. 

It’s a holistic experience that brings together three essential elements. These elements work together to shape how your message is received. 

1. Words & Messaging

Your words are important in public speaking, but they make up only a small part of your overall message. While clarity and structure are essential, it’s your delivery and message—your tone, body language, and presence—that determine whether your audience trusts you and remembers your message. 

2. Vocal Tone & Inflection

How you say something affects how it’s perceived. Your tone, pitch, speed, and volume influence whether you come across as confident, uncertain, or even disengaged. A flat or rushed delivery can weaken even the strongest message.

3. Body Language & Presence

Your stage presence is often the first impression you make on your audience. 

  • Do you stand tall and confident or shrink back? 
  • Do you gesture with purpose or fidget nervously? 
  • Do you maintain eye contact or avoid it? 

How you carry yourself on stage directly influences how your audience perceives and responds to you.

The Landmark UCLA Study on Communication

A groundbreaking study from UCLA called the Mehrabian communication study or 7-38-55 Communication revealed just how much of communication is non-verbal:

  • 7% of communication is based on the words you speak.
  • 38% comes from your vocal tone (pitch, volume, pace). 
  • 55% is expressed through body language (posture, gestures, facial expressions). 

This means that 93% of what people take away from a conversation is NOT the words themselves — it’s how you say them and how you present yourself. So, how you say something and how you present yourself can have a far greater impact than the content of your speech.

The Consequences of Poor Non-Verbal Communication

How you present yourself physically plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of your message. As a public speaker, if your body language doesn’t align with your words, it can undermine your credibility. 

  • Slouching might make you appear disengaged, 
  • Avoiding eye contact can signal insecurity or dishonesty 
  • A monotone voice can make even the most captivating topic seem dull. 

When your audience sees a disconnect between what you’re saying and how you’re saying it, they’ll tend to trust what they observe over what they hear, weakening the impact of your presentation.

How to Master Non-Verbal Communication

The best leaders, executives, and public speakers actively train their non-verbal communication to enhance their influence. 

Here’s how you can begin improving yours: 

1. Record Yourself Speaking

Watch how you naturally move and speak. Do you use open gestures? Do you fidget? Self-awareness is the first step toward improvement. Practice makes perfect.

2. Make Eye Contact

Strong eye contact builds trust and keeps your audience engaged. Aim for three to five seconds of eye contact per person before shifting.

3. Adjust Your Tone

Vary your pitch, volume, and pacing to emphasize key points. A well-placed pause can be just as powerful as a strong statement.

4. Align Your Body Language with Your Message

If you’re talking about confidence, stand tall and open up your posture. If you’re expressing concern, let your facial expressions reflect it. Your words and non-verbal cues should work together.

Speak with More Than Just Words

The way you carry yourself speaks louder than words. Whether you’re leading a team, negotiating a deal, or giving a keynote, mastering non-verbal communication will make you more persuasive, confident, and memorable.

Want to refine your executive presence and leadership communication? At Janicek Performance Group, we help leaders elevate their impact through public speaking  coaching. Reach out today.