Commanding Presence: How to Get Noticed as a Future Leader

Stepping into a leadership role doesn’t always come with a title right away—it begins with how you show up every day. Leadership isn’t just about what you do; it’s about how you make others feel, how you communicate, and the energy you bring into every interaction.

When I started my own journey toward leadership, I quickly learned that technical skills alone wouldn’t get me noticed. I needed to stand out, and that required a shift in how I carried myself, interacted with others, and presented my ideas. Over time, I discovered that developing a commanding presence—something that signals to others, “This person is ready to lead”—wasn’t a mysterious gift. It was a skill, one that I could cultivate with intentional effort.

Here’s what I learned along the way and what you can apply to your own leadership journey.

Nonverbal Communication Speaks Louder Than Words

One of my first lessons in leadership presence came during a meeting where I had a great idea but struggled to communicate it. Why? My slouched posture and nervous fidgeting gave the impression that I wasn’t confident, even though my idea had merit.

I realized that leaders aren’t just heard—they’re seen. The way you carry yourself sets the tone before you ever open your mouth.

• Stand tall: Keep your shoulders back and your head high to project confidence. This simple adjustment can make you appear more capable and self-assured.
• Make eye contact: Look directly at the person you’re speaking to, but balance it with natural breaks to avoid seeming intense. Consistent eye contact conveys engagement and sincerity.
• Use purposeful gestures: Let your hands emphasize your words, but avoid overusing them or appearing frantic. Even subtle gestures can reinforce your message and command attention.

I began to practice these techniques in everyday interactions, not just formal settings. Whether chatting with a colleague or presenting an idea in a meeting, I made sure my body language aligned with the confidence I wanted to convey.

Pro Tip: Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself during conversations to identify areas for improvement. Watching yourself interact can reveal hidden habits that might be undermining your presence.

Speak Like a Leader

Have you ever heard someone speak and immediately thought, “They know what they’re talking about”? That’s the power of clear and confident communication. Early in my career, I noticed that even when I had great ideas, I often couched them in uncertain phrases like, “I think maybe we should try this.”

To gain credibility, I needed to re-frame my language. I started saying, “I recommend we try this,” and it changed everything. People started listening because I sounded confident in my own ideas.

What I practice now:

• Eliminate filler words: Words like “um,” “you know,” and “like” detract from your authority. Instead, pause when needed to gather your thoughts.
• Speak with purpose: Be clear and concise, avoiding long-winded explanations. State your main point early, then provide supporting details.
• Use your tone effectively: Add variation to your pitch to keep people engaged. A monotonous voice can make even great ideas seem dull, while an energetic tone conveys passion and confidence.

If public speaking feels daunting, start small. Practice articulating your ideas during team meetings or one-on-one conversations. Over time, these small steps will build your confidence and help you find your voice.

Pro Tip: Join a public speaking group, like Toastmasters, or practice with trusted colleagues to refine your communication skills in a supportive environment.

Dress for the Role You Want

This one might sound obvious, but it’s easy to overlook. Early in my career, I didn’t think much about how my appearance influenced others’ perceptions. But I quickly learned that the way you present yourself matters. It’s not about being flashy—it’s about being polished and professional.

Think of it this way: If you were meeting a potential leader for the first time, what impression would you want them to leave? That’s the standard you should aim for every day.

• Wear clothes that fit well and align with your company’s culture. If your workplace is business casual, aim for the more professional end of that spectrum.
• Prioritize grooming—neatly styled hair, polished shoes, and pressed clothing go a long way. These small details show that you care about how you’re perceived.
• Add a touch of formality to stand out in key situations, like meetings or presentations. A blazer, for instance, can elevate your look without being over the top.

When I started putting effort into dressing the part, I noticed people responded differently to me. It wasn’t just about the clothes—it was about the confidence they gave me.

Pro Tip: Observe how senior leaders in your organization dress and take cues from their style. Aligning your appearance with theirs subtly communicates your readiness for similar responsibilities.

Emotional Intelligence is Your Superpower

What sets great leaders apart is their ability to connect with others. That’s where emotional intelligence (EQ) comes in. I’ll never forget the moment I saw a team member struggling with a problem and, instead of jumping in with a solution, I simply asked, “How can I support you?”

That small act of empathy built trust and respect. People remember how you make them feel, so approach every interaction with authenticity and care.

Here’s how I practice EQ daily:

• Self-awareness: I check in with myself to ensure my emotions aren’t clouding my decisions.
• Empathy: I listen more than I speak and try to understand others’ perspectives.
• Composure: I stay calm, even in high-pressure situations, to reassure my team.

Leaders who prioritize emotional intelligence build deeper relationships and create a positive, collaborative work environment.

Step Up and Take Responsibility

Finally, I realized that leaders are the ones who take ownership, even before it’s their job to do so. Early in my career, I volunteered for projects that no one else wanted. It wasn’t glamorous, but it showed initiative and built my confidence.

Taking responsibility also means being accountable for your mistakes. No one expects perfection, but owning up to errors and learning from them demonstrates integrity and resilience.

If you want to get noticed, look for opportunities to lead. It might mean offering to run a meeting, tackling a challenging task, or simply being the first to raise your hand. Over time, these small steps add up, and people begin to see you as a leader.

My favourite mantra: “Don’t wait for permission to lead. Act like a leader, and the opportunities will follow.”

Final Thoughts

Commanding presence isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room or having all the answers. It’s about showing up intentionally, building trust, and consistently demonstrating the qualities of a leader.

The best part? These skills are accessible to anyone willing to put in the effort. So, take a moment to reflect—what’s one thing you can do today to project confidence and leadership? Maybe it’s improving your posture, speaking with more clarity, or stepping up in a new way.

Start small, stay consistent, and watch as your presence transforms the way others see you—and the way you see yourself.

Are you ready to lead with confidence? Share your thoughts, experiences, or strategies in the comments below—let’s grow together!

By Ian France CEO, ThynkTank Solutions