There are a ton of pieces on executive presence. This article doesn’t try to replicate or summarize them. Rather, I want to focus on a three simple things that will make you appear more executive, authoritative and put together in product interviews.

Be Concise

One of the most important tips to sounding executive is to be concise. Think about it, almost every executive you know that is successful can get to the point quickly. They can also expound on a topic, but the ones you admire often can concisely get their point across quickly.

Control your Pace

When we get nervous, most of us speak too quickly. Slowing down, and not just pausing a lot but slowing down the words we speak improves comprehension and executive presence. Those who are confident are sure people will wait to hear what they have to say.

Speak Strategically

Show that you can think strategically in all types of questions: behavioral or case questions. If you are talking behavioral, share how you set the strategy for your team and worked cross-functionally to get alignment. If you are in a case interview, you want to talk about the user and the competitive landscape. Don’t forget to highlight a company’s strengths and weaknesses.

Resources:
To up your game further…

1. Consider reading this public speaking article.

2. Read this on Hacking your Speaking Anxiety.

3. Reach out to Claire Fry for Vocal Confidence coaching.