Executive Charisma & Command Presence
Build trust, presence, persuasion, boundaries, and calm authority.
Command the First 30 Seconds
Learning objective
By the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to explain command the first 30 seconds, apply it to a realistic situation, and defend the chosen action with evidence.
Core lesson
Use P.A.C.E.: Pause, Align, Connect, Establish purpose.
Instructor teaching guidance
Begin by establishing what the learner already knows about command the first 30 seconds. Teach the principle in plain language, define unfamiliar terms, then connect it to the course goal. Ask the learner to explain the idea back in their own words before moving to application.
Applied exercise
Enter an investor meeting and deliver a 20-second opening.
Facilitation sequence
Guide the learner through the application in five steps: describe the present situation, identify the lesson principle, choose an action, name the evidence to review, and define how success will be measured. Use follow-up questions when an answer is vague or unsupported.
Mastery standard
A commanding first impression begins with reading the room before speaking.
Knowledge check
Ask the learner to explain why “A commanding first impression begins with reading the room before speaking.” is the correct standard, then identify one limitation, one risk, and one piece of evidence that could change the answer. Do not mark mastery from confidence alone; require clear reasoning and practical application.
Build Trust With Your Voice
Learning objective
By the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to explain build trust with your voice, apply it to a realistic situation, and defend the chosen action with evidence.
Core lesson
Use breath, articulation, speed, and firm sentence endings.
Instructor teaching guidance
Begin by establishing what the learner already knows about build trust with your voice. Teach the principle in plain language, define unfamiliar terms, then connect it to the course goal. Ask the learner to explain the idea back in their own words before moving to application.
Applied exercise
Answer a skeptical investor without rushing.
Facilitation sequence
Guide the learner through the application in five steps: describe the present situation, identify the lesson principle, choose an action, name the evidence to review, and define how success will be measured. Use follow-up questions when an answer is vague or unsupported.
Mastery standard
Slow down at consequence and land the final sentence.
Knowledge check
Ask the learner to explain why “Slow down at consequence and land the final sentence.” is the correct standard, then identify one limitation, one risk, and one piece of evidence that could change the answer. Do not mark mastery from confidence alone; require clear reasoning and practical application.
Confidence That Wins
Learning objective
By the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to explain confidence that wins, apply it to a realistic situation, and defend the chosen action with evidence.
Core lesson
State what is known, the needed decision, the open question, and the way forward.
Instructor teaching guidance
Begin by establishing what the learner already knows about confidence that wins. Teach the principle in plain language, define unfamiliar terms, then connect it to the course goal. Ask the learner to explain the idea back in their own words before moving to application.
Applied exercise
Answer a technical challenge outside your specialty.
Facilitation sequence
Guide the learner through the application in five steps: describe the present situation, identify the lesson principle, choose an action, name the evidence to review, and define how success will be measured. Use follow-up questions when an answer is vague or unsupported.
Mastery standard
Earned confidence includes honest limits.
Knowledge check
Ask the learner to explain why “Earned confidence includes honest limits.” is the correct standard, then identify one limitation, one risk, and one piece of evidence that could change the answer. Do not mark mastery from confidence alone; require clear reasoning and practical application.
Speak Up in Any Room
Learning objective
By the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to explain speak up in any room, apply it to a realistic situation, and defend the chosen action with evidence.
Core lesson
Lead with the conclusion, give one reason, and propose one action.
Instructor teaching guidance
Begin by establishing what the learner already knows about speak up in any room. Teach the principle in plain language, define unfamiliar terms, then connect it to the course goal. Ask the learner to explain the idea back in their own words before moving to application.
Applied exercise
Refocus a drifting strategy meeting.
Facilitation sequence
Guide the learner through the application in five steps: describe the present situation, identify the lesson principle, choose an action, name the evidence to review, and define how success will be measured. Use follow-up questions when an answer is vague or unsupported.
Mastery standard
Place the conclusion in sentence one.
Knowledge check
Ask the learner to explain why “Place the conclusion in sentence one.” is the correct standard, then identify one limitation, one risk, and one piece of evidence that could change the answer. Do not mark mastery from confidence alone; require clear reasoning and practical application.
Tell Stories That Move People
Learning objective
By the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to explain tell stories that move people, apply it to a realistic situation, and defend the chosen action with evidence.
Core lesson
Set the scene, introduce tension, show action, identify the turn, and end with meaning.
Instructor teaching guidance
Begin by establishing what the learner already knows about tell stories that move people. Teach the principle in plain language, define unfamiliar terms, then connect it to the course goal. Ask the learner to explain the idea back in their own words before moving to application.
Applied exercise
Tell a 60-second story about one family affected by kidney failure.
Facilitation sequence
Guide the learner through the application in five steps: describe the present situation, identify the lesson principle, choose an action, name the evidence to review, and define how success will be measured. Use follow-up questions when an answer is vague or unsupported.
Mastery standard
Connect tension to audience relevance.
Knowledge check
Ask the learner to explain why “Connect tension to audience relevance.” is the correct standard, then identify one limitation, one risk, and one piece of evidence that could change the answer. Do not mark mastery from confidence alone; require clear reasoning and practical application.
Body Language With Authority
Learning objective
By the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to explain body language with authority, apply it to a realistic situation, and defend the chosen action with evidence.
Core lesson
Movement creates energy; stillness creates weight.
Instructor teaching guidance
Begin by establishing what the learner already knows about body language with authority. Teach the principle in plain language, define unfamiliar terms, then connect it to the course goal. Ask the learner to explain the idea back in their own words before moving to application.
Applied exercise
Deliver a decisive statement and become still before the key line.
Facilitation sequence
Guide the learner through the application in five steps: describe the present situation, identify the lesson principle, choose an action, name the evidence to review, and define how success will be measured. Use follow-up questions when an answer is vague or unsupported.
Mastery standard
Make body language congruent with the message.
Knowledge check
Ask the learner to explain why “Make body language congruent with the message.” is the correct standard, then identify one limitation, one risk, and one piece of evidence that could change the answer. Do not mark mastery from confidence alone; require clear reasoning and practical application.
Read People Like a Strategist
Learning objective
By the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to explain read people like a strategist, apply it to a realistic situation, and defend the chosen action with evidence.
Core lesson
Establish a baseline, observe clusters, and test interpretations.
Instructor teaching guidance
Begin by establishing what the learner already knows about read people like a strategist. Teach the principle in plain language, define unfamiliar terms, then connect it to the course goal. Ask the learner to explain the idea back in their own words before moving to application.
Applied exercise
Respond when a partner says they are fine but withdraws.
Facilitation sequence
Guide the learner through the application in five steps: describe the present situation, identify the lesson principle, choose an action, name the evidence to review, and define how success will be measured. Use follow-up questions when an answer is vague or unsupported.
Mastery standard
Test cues with a neutral question.
Knowledge check
Ask the learner to explain why “Test cues with a neutral question.” is the correct standard, then identify one limitation, one risk, and one piece of evidence that could change the answer. Do not mark mastery from confidence alone; require clear reasoning and practical application.
Give Tough Feedback Fast
Learning objective
By the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to explain give tough feedback fast, apply it to a realistic situation, and defend the chosen action with evidence.
Core lesson
Name the situation, behavior, impact, and request.
Instructor teaching guidance
Begin by establishing what the learner already knows about give tough feedback fast. Teach the principle in plain language, define unfamiliar terms, then connect it to the course goal. Ask the learner to explain the idea back in their own words before moving to application.
Applied exercise
Correct a leader who bypassed the communication chain.
Facilitation sequence
Guide the learner through the application in five steps: describe the present situation, identify the lesson principle, choose an action, name the evidence to review, and define how success will be measured. Use follow-up questions when an answer is vague or unsupported.
Mastery standard
Address behavior rather than identity.
Knowledge check
Ask the learner to explain why “Address behavior rather than identity.” is the correct standard, then identify one limitation, one risk, and one piece of evidence that could change the answer. Do not mark mastery from confidence alone; require clear reasoning and practical application.
Handle Difficult People
Learning objective
By the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to explain handle difficult people, apply it to a realistic situation, and defend the chosen action with evidence.
Core lesson
Center, acknowledge, limit, and move forward.
Instructor teaching guidance
Begin by establishing what the learner already knows about handle difficult people. Teach the principle in plain language, define unfamiliar terms, then connect it to the course goal. Ask the learner to explain the idea back in their own words before moving to application.
Applied exercise
Keep a disagreement from becoming personal betrayal.
Facilitation sequence
Guide the learner through the application in five steps: describe the present situation, identify the lesson principle, choose an action, name the evidence to review, and define how success will be measured. Use follow-up questions when an answer is vague or unsupported.
Mastery standard
Regulate yourself before redirecting others.
Knowledge check
Ask the learner to explain why “Regulate yourself before redirecting others.” is the correct standard, then identify one limitation, one risk, and one piece of evidence that could change the answer. Do not mark mastery from confidence alone; require clear reasoning and practical application.
Say No and Stay Respected
Learning objective
By the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to explain say no and stay respected, apply it to a realistic situation, and defend the chosen action with evidence.
Core lesson
Respect, explicit no, honest reason, legitimate alternative.
Instructor teaching guidance
Begin by establishing what the learner already knows about say no and stay respected. Teach the principle in plain language, define unfamiliar terms, then connect it to the course goal. Ask the learner to explain the idea back in their own words before moving to application.
Applied exercise
Decline an endorsement request for an unreviewed venture.
Facilitation sequence
Guide the learner through the application in five steps: describe the present situation, identify the lesson principle, choose an action, name the evidence to review, and define how success will be measured. Use follow-up questions when an answer is vague or unsupported.
Mastery standard
Be clear, brief, and truthful.
Knowledge check
Ask the learner to explain why “Be clear, brief, and truthful.” is the correct standard, then identify one limitation, one risk, and one piece of evidence that could change the answer. Do not mark mastery from confidence alone; require clear reasoning and practical application.
Interrupt Smoothly
Learning objective
By the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to explain interrupt smoothly, apply it to a realistic situation, and defend the chosen action with evidence.
Core lesson
Break in, recognize, identify the reason, redirect, and give back.
Instructor teaching guidance
Begin by establishing what the learner already knows about interrupt smoothly. Teach the principle in plain language, define unfamiliar terms, then connect it to the course goal. Ask the learner to explain the idea back in their own words before moving to application.
Applied exercise
Correct inaccurate information during an investor presentation.
Facilitation sequence
Guide the learner through the application in five steps: describe the present situation, identify the lesson principle, choose an action, name the evidence to review, and define how success will be measured. Use follow-up questions when an answer is vague or unsupported.
Mastery standard
Give a legitimate reason for entering.
Knowledge check
Ask the learner to explain why “Give a legitimate reason for entering.” is the correct standard, then identify one limitation, one risk, and one piece of evidence that could change the answer. Do not mark mastery from confidence alone; require clear reasoning and practical application.
Defuse Conflict Without Surrender
Learning objective
By the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to explain defuse conflict without surrender, apply it to a realistic situation, and defend the chosen action with evidence.
Core lesson
Lower tempo, echo concern, align interests, define the next step.
Instructor teaching guidance
Begin by establishing what the learner already knows about defuse conflict without surrender. Teach the principle in plain language, define unfamiliar terms, then connect it to the course goal. Ask the learner to explain the idea back in their own words before moving to application.
Applied exercise
Guide two executives out of mutual accusation.
Facilitation sequence
Guide the learner through the application in five steps: describe the present situation, identify the lesson principle, choose an action, name the evidence to review, and define how success will be measured. Use follow-up questions when an answer is vague or unsupported.
Mastery standard
Reduce heat enough to solve the issue.
Knowledge check
Ask the learner to explain why “Reduce heat enough to solve the issue.” is the correct standard, then identify one limitation, one risk, and one piece of evidence that could change the answer. Do not mark mastery from confidence alone; require clear reasoning and practical application.
Listen Like a Leader
Learning objective
By the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to explain listen like a leader, apply it to a realistic situation, and defend the chosen action with evidence.
Core lesson
Hold space, extract the stake, ask deeper, and reflect.
Instructor teaching guidance
Begin by establishing what the learner already knows about listen like a leader. Teach the principle in plain language, define unfamiliar terms, then connect it to the course goal. Ask the learner to explain the idea back in their own words before moving to application.
Applied exercise
Invite the real concern from a withdrawing team member.
Facilitation sequence
Guide the learner through the application in five steps: describe the present situation, identify the lesson principle, choose an action, name the evidence to review, and define how success will be measured. Use follow-up questions when an answer is vague or unsupported.
Mastery standard
Reflect before attempting to solve.
Knowledge check
Ask the learner to explain why “Reflect before attempting to solve.” is the correct standard, then identify one limitation, one risk, and one piece of evidence that could change the answer. Do not mark mastery from confidence alone; require clear reasoning and practical application.
Small Talk With Purpose
Learning objective
By the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to explain small talk with purpose, apply it to a realistic situation, and defend the chosen action with evidence.
Core lesson
Observe, personalize, explore, and navigate onward.
Instructor teaching guidance
Begin by establishing what the learner already knows about small talk with purpose. Teach the principle in plain language, define unfamiliar terms, then connect it to the course goal. Ask the learner to explain the idea back in their own words before moving to application.
Applied exercise
Open and close a one-minute event conversation naturally.
Facilitation sequence
Guide the learner through the application in five steps: describe the present situation, identify the lesson principle, choose an action, name the evidence to review, and define how success will be measured. Use follow-up questions when an answer is vague or unsupported.
Mastery standard
Begin with shared context.
Knowledge check
Ask the learner to explain why “Begin with shared context.” is the correct standard, then identify one limitation, one risk, and one piece of evidence that could change the answer. Do not mark mastery from confidence alone; require clear reasoning and practical application.
The Power of the Perfect Pause
Learning objective
By the end of this lesson, the learner will be able to explain the power of the perfect pause, apply it to a realistic situation, and defend the chosen action with evidence.
Core lesson
Plant, breathe, understand, stay silent, and enter deliberately.
Instructor teaching guidance
Begin by establishing what the learner already knows about the power of the perfect pause. Teach the principle in plain language, define unfamiliar terms, then connect it to the course goal. Ask the learner to explain the idea back in their own words before moving to application.
Applied exercise
State your terms and hold the silence.
Facilitation sequence
Guide the learner through the application in five steps: describe the present situation, identify the lesson principle, choose an action, name the evidence to review, and define how success will be measured. Use follow-up questions when an answer is vague or unsupported.
Mastery standard
Do not negotiate against yourself.
Knowledge check
Ask the learner to explain why “Do not negotiate against yourself.” is the correct standard, then identify one limitation, one risk, and one piece of evidence that could change the answer. Do not mark mastery from confidence alone; require clear reasoning and practical application.