Executive Presence and Public Speaking: Why Your Authentic Self Is Your Greatest Asset
I’ve always found it fascinating that in the world of executive presence and public speaking, so many professionals focus on perfecting their slides, scripts, and statistics — but overlook the most powerful tool they already have: themselves. Your authentic self is your greatest leadership asset. When you bring it into the room, everything changes. When
Three Leaders Share How They Nurture Emerging Talent (and 4 Ways You Can Too)
One of my favorite parts of coaching is helping organizations spot and develop their next generation of leaders. Too often, companies focus almost exclusively on their senior executives — but the future of every business depends on how well it cultivates emerging talent. I recently asked several leaders how they intentionally grow high-potential employees —
Public Speaking and Leadership: How One Skill Instantly Strengthens the Other
I’ve always found it fascinating that many people don’t connect the dots between public speaking and leadership — but these two skills rarely exist without each other. Think about the leaders who’ve inspired you most: chances are, they didn’t just lead with strategy or authority; they led with their voice, presence, and ability to move
What’s the #1 Thing You Should Bring to Your Executive Presence and Presentation?
YOU. Your authentic self is your greatest asset. When you bring your authentic self:• You instantly capture attention through genuine presence• You create meaningful connections that resonate beyond your words• You inspire listeners not just to hear your message — but to feel it When you leave yourself behind:• Your facts and data fall flat
“I know my stuff. I manage big budgets and lead a team… but when I speak up in front of senior leaders, I freeze.”
Does this sound familiar? Madeleine Pollak is a six-time Emmy Award–winning television producer, writer, and director turned executive coach and speaker, and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation. She blends her background in storytelling and performance with her expertise in leadership coaching, public speaking, and media training to help leaders connect
How a President’s Voice Affects Us
Whenever I think about a president and how I might be able to live with him for the next four years, I listen to his voice. These kinds of questions come to mind:
Housefly Steals the Show: How Not to be Upstaged by a Bug
The only vice presidential debate of 2020 highlighted, for me, the importance of laughter and expressiveness while public speaking. The fact that a fly landed on Mike Pence’s hair for a full 2 minutes indicates: His hair was over-sprayed, making it sticky He lacked physical expression He wasn’t laughing I don’t know the details
Lessons Learned From Video Meetings Gone Awry
In a matter of just weeks, much of the world has shifted from business as usual to business via video meetings. And, in this short time frame, we need to learn the foreign language of communicating in online meetings?? It’s a challenge! The world’s population is working hard at kitchen tables, in closets, and, even in bathtubs.
9 Tips to Mastering Any Virtual Meeting
The sudden rise of virtual meetings and conferences is forcing people to get their on-camera presentation skills up to a professional level fast. They’re a great way to stay safe, connect and share information. But, if you lack on-camera skills for virtual meetings and conferences, you can unwittingly undermine yourself and your credibility as well
Give Your Next Story a Storytelling Workout: Use These 7 Steps For Maximum Impact
Before you go too far in planning what camera you’re going to use for your next video, or deciding on what you’re going to wear when you give your next speech, figure out your story. Chew on it, shape it, poke holes in it, have fun with it, first. Get it to a place where