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Sometimes speaking less during a work meeting is the most impactful way to say volumes about yourself.
I used to think that the more you spoke during a meeting, the smarter you appeared. Consequently, whenever I had a chance to speak up, I would talk a mile a minute because I felt pressure to cram in as many points as possible while I had the floor and before someone could interrupt me.
I’ve come to realize that, as counterintuitive as it may seem, speaking less is often the key to saying more. The real key to possessing executive presence and making an impressive impact is to measure your words and to use them purposefully.
Saying more doesn’t make you sound important. Have confidence that you ARE important and then say what is necessary.
The most articulate and charismatic executives I know tend to keep their comments brief, and when they do speak, they take their time. They are so confident in their status that they don’t need to rush because they know that when it’s their turn to speak, no one is going to interrupt them. Sure enough, when I listen to these individuals, I am rapt with attention as I physically lean forward to hear what they have to say.
