As you progress through your career, increasing your levels of gravitas, having a strong level of impact and being viewed as a credible voice of authority become increasingly important.  Not only do they add value to others perception of you – and help you to be taken more seriously – but they also help you feel more confident and in control.

Watch Love Public Speaking founder Carrie Swift sharing her thoughts on this here.

To help you boost your gravitas try:

• Slowing the pace of your speech down – by about 30%.  Not only does this help the listener really take on board what you are saying, but it also helps your brain keep up with your mouth so that you can be confidently articulate.
• Introducing pauses into your talking pattern.  The pause is powerful!  They are an excellent tool for emphasising a point that you are making, and for ensuring your audience stay engaged.   They also demonstrate that you are in control of your presentation.
• Commanding the stage by standing tall in a strong ‘power pose’ position, and using calm and intentional body language – positive, open gestures that complement your words.
• Avoiding the upward inflection at the end of a sentence.   Ask a friend to listen to whether your voice normally goes up or down at the end of a sentence.  In important meetings and presentations, try to ensure that your sentences finish on a downwards inflection.

If you’d like to find out more about boosting your gravitas, click here to take a look at our Presentation and Gravitas training course.