Presence can be categorized into three states: "First Circle" (withdrawn energy), "Third Circle" (overly assertive, bluffing energy), and the ideal "Second Circle" (a state of readiness and connection). By identifying which circle you're in—often revealed by your posture—you can consciously shift to a balanced state for effective communication.
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Beyond body language or tone, your entire 'way of being'—your thoughts, emotions, and beliefs—creates an energetic field. This field subconsciously shapes the experience of those around you, making your internal work a powerful tool for external influence.
Leadership styles manifest physically. A "controller" archetype may be physically rigid, while an "achiever" may talk and move too quickly. By becoming aware of these somatic patterns, leaders can consciously alter them to more effectively engage with their teams and overcome inherent biases.
Contrary to the impulse to disconnect, maintaining attunement during conflict is a source of power. It enables you to accurately hear and understand the other person's position, preventing you from reacting to misperceptions. This clarity allows you to assert your own needs and arguments in a way that is more likely to be heard and have an impact.
If your natural communication style can be misconstrued (e.g., direct, quiet, transactional), preface interactions by explicitly stating it. For example, "I tend to go straight to action mode." This provides crucial context, manages others' perceptions, and gives you permission to be authentic.
Your physical presence extends to the space around you, nonverbally communicating status. Withdrawing into your space signals inferiority, while pushing into others' space signals superiority. Acknowledging and respecting shared space is crucial for establishing equality and psychological safety.
In high-stakes networking events, avoid a transactional, "one shot" mentality. Projecting the calm confidence of abundance, as if you have many opportunities, makes you more appealing and less intimidating than an overly eager, high-energy approach.
Your physical energy is a key non-verbal signal of competence and reliability. Potential hires, investors, and partners subconsciously assess your energy to gauge if you can deliver on promises. Low energy can communicate untrustworthiness, causing you to lose high-caliber opportunities.
Standing motionless behind a lectern creates a boring, static presentation. To command attention and keep an audience engaged, you must project energy physically. Move around the stage, use your hands and arms, and actively fill the screen or room. Your physical energy must be great enough for the entire audience.
Deepak Chopra provides a tangible framework for the abstract concept of presence. It consists of four components: deep listening without judgment (Attention), empathy and compassion (Affection), valuing the uniqueness of the interaction (Appreciation), and expressing your view without attachment (Acceptance).
Communication extends far beyond words. How you carry yourself—your posture, demeanor, and overall presence—is a constant broadcast that communicates your value and influence. Citing WNBA icon Lisa Leslie, Chiney Ogwumike argues this "physical communication" is as critical to one's professional brand as their spoken words.
