Appear More Senior When You Communicate

Discover effective techniques to command attention and earn respect when presenting at work, especially as a younger employee, based on my experience presenting to VPs and senior directors during my tenure at Microsoft.

1. Harness the power of deliberate speech.

Speaking slowly and purposefully not only conveys confidence but also minimizes nervousness and interruptions.

Emphasize and enunciate your words clearly, taking intentional pauses for added impact.

2. Provide the bigger picture.

When delivering a presentation, offer the 'why' and provide necessary context. Help your audience understand how your work and contributions fit into the broader scope.

Let’s say you’re giving a project update in a company town hall. Start with the why.

Here’s an example: Hey everyone, I just want to give a performance update on a new product launch. But before I do, I just want to give you some context on why we launched this product and so forth.

3. Utilize speaking signposts.

Enhance clarity by incorporating speaking signposts, such as structured transitions and key points indicators.

Use phrases like 'first,' 'second,' and 'third' to signal shifts between main points, or use phrases like 'now that' to smoothly transition between topics.

For example, 'Now that I've provided an update on the sales numbers, let's discuss our future projections for this product.'"

Thank you for reading.

With gratitude,
Simon