Latest news with #presence
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
Not all leaders shout — Nahrizul Adib Kadri
MAY 29 — I was never the loud one. Not in school. Not at family gatherings. Not in lecture halls, faculty meetings, or boardrooms. I've never felt the need to raise my voice just to be seen. I don't dominate a room. I don't seek the centre. But I've always been there. And over time, I've come to realise: being loud isn't the same as being effective. And presence doesn't require volume. We live in a world that often rewards noise. The loudest voices get the clicks. The most confident ones, the spotlight. The extroverted, the assertive, the performative — they're labelled natural leaders. But here's the truth: visibility isn't leadership. And performance isn't presence. Back in school, I wasn't the most brilliant, nor the most charismatic. I was somewhere in the middle — quiet, observant, a little nerdy. I didn't attract crowds, but I built friendships that spanned groups: the overachievers, the rebels, the in-betweens. I was the guy who would listen while others talked, who helped organise without demanding credit. Somehow, that made me trustworthy. And maybe that's why I ended up as president of the Arts Club — not because I asked for it, but because people knew I'd show up, get things done, and treat everyone fairly. That moment taught me something that stayed with me: leadership isn't about drawing attention. It's about holding responsibility — even when no one's watching. Years later, that same quiet rhythm carried into my professional life. As an academic, I've led departments, managed student communities, sat on panels, and even directed a corporate communications centre for a major university. I've helped the Universiti Malaya (UM) community (lecturers, staff, students) to appear in the media nearly 2,000 times. But you won't find me making grand speeches or chasing virality. My approach is different. Quieter. More deliberate. I lead by doing. By writing. By connecting people. By creating room for others to grow. Silence isn't awkward; it's respectful. Pauses carry meaning. What is not said can be just as powerful as what is. Speaking less doesn't mean knowing less; it often means knowing when to speak. — Unsplash pic And still, I've never needed to shout. Malcolm Gladwell, in his 2013 book David and Goliath, talks about the 'advantage of disadvantage.' He reframes how we see strength. David didn't win because he defied the odds — he won because he understood the odds better. Goliath was heavy and slow. David was agile and precise. What looked like weakness — being small, being quiet, being underestimated — was actually an edge. The same can be said for leadership. What we dismiss as passivity might actually be perspective. What we see as indecision might be reflection. Being quiet doesn't mean you're unsure. It often means you're thinking. Planning. Choosing your words carefully. That kind of leadership — the kind that listens more than it talks — is desperately needed today. Some cultures understand this better than others. In Japan, there's a deep cultural appreciation for ma — the space between things. It's found in music, in design, in conversation. Silence isn't awkward; it's respectful. Pauses carry meaning. What is not said can be just as powerful as what is. Speaking less doesn't mean knowing less — it often means knowing when to speak. Imagine how different our institutions, classrooms, and boardrooms would be if we respected that principle more. If we didn't equate noise with knowledge. If we made space for quiet leadership to rise. I see this often in my students and colleagues. The ones who speak softly but think deeply. The ones who hesitate before answering, not because they're unsure, but because they're weighing their words. I make a point to notice them. To encourage them. Because I know what it feels like to be overlooked simply because you're not loud. And I know what it feels like to carry weight silently. So, if you've ever felt like you don't fit the mould of a 'typical' leader — if you're the one who stays in the background, who observes more than you interrupt, who writes rather than performs — I want to tell you this: you don't need to raise your voice to raise the bar. You don't have to be loud to lead. You don't have to be the centre of attention to make a difference. Let your work speak. Let your presence speak. And when it's your time to speak, make sure it matters. Because not all leaders shout. Some listen first. Some build from the edges. Some lead with calm, with care, with quiet consistency. And in the end, when the noise fades, it's often their impact that lasts the longest. * Ir Nahrizul Adib Kadri is a professor of biomedical engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, and the Principal of Ibnu Sina Residential College, Universiti Adib Kadri is a professor of biomedical engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, and the Principal of Ibnu Sina Residential College, Universiti Adib Kadri is a professor of biomedical engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, and the principal of Ibnu Sina Residential College, Universiti Malaya. He may be reached at [email protected] ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Tahawul Tech
3 days ago
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
digital future Archives
What is the main theme of your presence at GITEX this year? We have throughout the years positioned ourselves as …
Fast Company
21-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
How to become unforgettable at work and grow your career
If you've ever been passed over for a promotion, you may have questioned the quality of your work. The other candidate probably had better experience, right? But what if the answer is that you simply weren't top of mind. Instead of focusing exclusively on building a résumé, how much time do you focus on how you're perceived? 'A lot of people think that heads-down good work will speak for itself,' says Lorraine K. Lee, author of Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence, and Catapult Your Career. 'Then there are people who are thoughtful about how they're seen, but they're not being seen by the right people in the right places.' Both can be career killers. Lee says she struggled with this earlier in her career. 'I worked on really high-profile projects,' she says. 'I was well liked by my peers. As hard as I pushed, I could not figure out how to get promoted and how to get seen as a leader.' What was missing was presence, Lee says. 'A lot of things compete for our attention. In order to stand out, we have to be unforgettable. We have to be really intentional with our presence.'
Forbes
19-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Present Over Perfect: The Key To Authentic, Engaging Public Speaking
Dr. Sharon H. Porter (Dr. Sharon), Editor-In-Chief, Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine and Media--Founder, Leadership SHP. I still remember one of my first big speaking engagements. I spent weeks preparing, rehearsing every word and perfecting my slides. I wanted to be flawless. But when I stepped onstage, something unexpected happened—I froze. My mind went blank for what felt like an eternity. I had focused so much on delivering a perfect speech that the moment anything deviated from my plan, I panicked. After a few deep breaths, I decided to stop worrying about my script and just talk to my audience. I asked them a question. I shared a quick personal story. And suddenly, I wasn't a speaker reciting lines—I was present, engaged and connected. That was the moment I learned an important lesson: Perfection is overrated. Being present is what truly makes an impact. Striving for perfection in public speaking can actually work against you, and shifting your focus to presence can transform the way you communicate. Public speaking is often seen as a high-stakes performance, where every word, gesture and pause must be meticulously planned and flawlessly executed. Many speakers, from beginners to seasoned professionals, fall into the trap of striving for perfection. However, the pursuit of perfection can be a major distraction that pulls you away from the most powerful tool you have as a speaker—being fully present. The desire to be perfect can manifest in many ways: obsessing over every detail of a speech, memorizing every word to avoid mistakes or fearing any deviation from the script. While preparation is essential, rigidly clinging to a "perfect" delivery can actually hinder your connection with the audience. • Creates Anxiety: The more you focus on not making mistakes, the more nervous you become. This heightened anxiety can cause you to stumble over words, forget key points or appear robotic rather than engaging. • Disconnects You From Your Audience: A speaker who is too focused on their script often loses sight of the people in front of them. Public speaking is about communication, not performance. Audiences can lose interest when a speaker seems overly rehearsed or mechanical. • Reduces Flexibility: If you're locked into a rigid delivery, you won't be able to adjust based on audience reactions. Great speakers read the room and respond accordingly, whether by slowing down, emphasizing a key point or even throwing in humor. Aiming for perfection makes it harder to adapt in the moment. • Kills Authenticity: People connect with speakers who seem genuine. Imperfections—like a slight pause, a stumble or a spontaneous remark—make you more relatable. Audiences don't expect perfection; they expect sincerity. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on presence. Being present means fully engaging with the moment—your message, your audience and yourself. When you're present, you're more adaptable, more connected and ultimately more effective. Here are five easy ways to cultivate presence in your speaking engagements: Instead of thinking, "How can I deliver this perfectly?" ask yourself, "How can I connect with my audience?" This simple shift changes your focus from self-criticism to engagement. Before stepping on stage, take deep breaths and ground yourself in the moment. Let go of the fear of mistakes and embrace the conversation. Accept that mistakes may happen—and that's okay! Audiences appreciate authenticity over flawlessness. A slight stumble or a moment of vulnerability can actually make you more relatable. Even when facing a large audience, you can make eye contact, read body language and, when appropriate, invite a dialogue and respond naturally. When you're truly listening and adapting to your audience, you create a dynamic and memorable experience. You've prepared. You know your message. Now, trust that you can deliver it in a way that resonates, even if it's not "perfect." Whether you're just beginning your speaking journey or aiming to refine your presence on larger stages, there are countless ways to grow your confidence and skill. Organizations like Toastmasters International offer a supportive, structured environment where consistent practice and feedback help you find your voice and lead with clarity. Aspiring speakers can also benefit from personal coaching, mentorship, speaking workshops, online courses and improv or acting classes to develop authenticity and poise. Mastermind groups, volunteer speaking engagements, open mics and speech contests provide real-world practice and peer accountability, while professional associations and AI-powered speech tools offer even more specialized development. No matter which path you choose, the key is to keep showing up, speaking out and embracing each opportunity to grow into the powerful communicator you're meant to be. Striving for perfection in public speaking can be a distraction that takes you out of the moment, increases anxiety and distances you from your audience. Instead, focus on being present. When you engage authentically, connect with your audience and allow yourself to be human, you'll deliver a more powerful and impactful speech than any "perfect" performance ever could. Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?
Forbes
16-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Hall Of Fame Experts Share How To Master Your Presence At Work
Your personal brand is what people say about you when you're not in the room. It's your reputation, your promise, the perception people carry over time. But your presence is what they feel when you are in the room. It's the way you hold attention and how you make people feel. A strong brand gets people in the door. A strong presence keeps them listening and commands attention. It's what makes people remember what was said and how they felt hearing it. I've had conversations with more than a dozen Hall of Fame speakers who have spent years mastering this skill through experience, repetition, and connection. Why listen to them about how to master your presence at work? To be inducted into the Speaker Hall of Fame, you must consistently deliver unforgettable presentations, demonstrate measurable impact, and be recognized by your peers as one of the top speakers in the world. I'm always humbled by how much I learn from them and the depth they bring to every conversation. I want to share with you what they told me about preparation, humor, clarity, listening, follow-through, and more to help you strengthen your presence at work. Every expert I spoke to shared the value of preparation. Those who connect the most powerfully in a room often do much more work before they walk in. Those with a strong presence take the time to understand who they're speaking to, clarify their message, and think about how to follow up. When I was younger, some of the biggest names in speaking were Zig Ziglar and Tom Hopkins. Tom, a sales training legend known for teaching millions how to close deals, told me he prepared for every event like it was the most important one of his life. He also followed up to seal the deal. He laughed and said, 'I followed up until they bought or died.' That kind of presence was reliable, and it made people feel special. Sometimes people just need to hear a message in a unique way. Joe Calloway, known for helping leaders drive performance through focus, is another master at making people feel special. After one of his keynotes, a CEO pulled him aside and said, 'You said the same thing I've been telling them for years. But this time, they actually listened.' Joe is a master of the kind of presence that makes people pay attention. I can remember how he created a video sharing his experience with me interviewing him. Going above and beyond gave him a strong presence. Humor and personality are often the most relatable ways to connect with people. The best speakers use both to help others drop their guard and listen. Using stories and moments that people can relate to helps break down barriers. Many of these speakers told me they make notes about stories that they make funnier or more relatable later. At work, that can be an effective way to share success stories and build a reputation as someone who is not only funny, but generous in sharing what worked. Known for showing how small acts can have a big impact, if you've ever seen Mark Sanborn speak, you know he's funny, but that wasn't always the case. He told me that early on, he focused too much on content and forgot the importance of connection. People probably won't remember every slide, but they will remember how you made them feel. Mikki Williams, known for her bold presence and theatrical delivery, said something I'll never forget: 'You're either memorable or you're forgettable. There is no in-between.' She is certainly memorable. She leans into who she was, big hair, bold clothes, strong voice, and uses humor that came from real life. She called it 'reliving, not retelling.' Her presence is undeniably dramatic, which makes her unforgettable. Willie Jolley's story makes people laugh when he shares how he was working as a nightclub singer and got replaced by a karaoke machine. That was the moment he decided to pivot. He said, 'A setback is a setup for a comeback.' His humor helped him reframe failure into one of the biggest careers in speaking. Larry Winget, known as the 'Pitbull of Personal Development,' was very clear that he wasn't trying to be liked. He focused on being consistent and candid. He told me, 'I love my time on stage, but I don't love everything it takes to get there.' What stood out most was how unapologetically himself he was, whether in cowboy boots or calling out workplace nonsense. He told a story about someone thanking him for sharing his passion, and he responded, 'That wasn't passion. That was excellence. I'm just good at my job.' That kind of confidence, delivered with humor and blunt honesty, is part of what makes him unforgettable. Confidence and clarity often go hand in hand. You don't need more words to sound credible. You need to mean what you say and say it clearly. Many of the experts I spoke with said their presence improved once they stopped trying to be impressive and focused instead on being clear. Ford Saeks, a business growth expert who helps leaders increase influence, said one of the biggest things that gets in the way of presence is overthinking. People try so hard to be perfect that they miss the moment. 'Done is more profitable than perfect,' he told me. And he's right. He also reminded me that presence goes beyond the stage. It shows up in your digital footprint. 'What people see when they Google you is part of your presence.' Phil M. Jones, a master of word choice and persuasion, said the best communicators study the way words work. They pick their phrasing on purpose, so people feel understood. There are moments when presence reveals itself in the reactions and behaviors of those around us. It might be how individuals respond in unexpected moments or in times of pressure. Scott McKain, a branding expert and storyteller who focuses on how to create distinction, shared a moment where he was speaking at the White House and noticed Arnold Schwarzenegger sitting in the front row, fully engaged, taking notes. Even the best speakers can feel pressure to do well, and to see someone so famous hanging on his every word made a big impact on him. Jay Baer, a marketing strategist who focuses on responsiveness, reminded me that presence shows up in how you respond under pressure. He talked about the importance of being useful in the moment. People remember leaders who are available, responsive, and real, especially when things go wrong. Presence often comes down to noticing what others might miss. Several speakers talked about the power of listening, recognizing effort, and showing that people matter. These small, intentional moments reflect real engagement. Randy Pennington, known for helping organizations build cultures of trust, explained that presence is about noticing. It means pausing to say thank you and giving recognition before someone leaves your team. If you wait too long, the moment passes. Presence is paying attention to how you respond now and not waiting until it's convenient. Bob Burg, known for his deep belief in listening as a superpower, said the people who listen better than anyone else in the room are the ones others remember. He explained the value of offering your full attention. That level of focus is rare and often more powerful than anything you say. Presence grows through deliberate practice, awareness, and consistency. The most influential speakers I talked to emphasized that presence is developed over time. It's how you show up when things are going well and how you respond when it's not. Stacey Hanke, an expert who teaches how to stay influential in every interaction, said presence is a 'Monday to Monday' habit. You can't be great in a presentation and then disconnected in meetings. People notice the gaps. She has leaders record themselves, ask for honest feedback, and then work on showing up with the same level of influence in every setting. Marilyn Sherman, who helps people stop settling, said people spend too much time sitting in the balcony when they belong in the front row. She told me that courage isn't always loud. Sometimes it's just showing up and saying, 'This matters.' She helps people spot where they've been holding back and take steps to change it. Common Mistakes That Weaken Your Presence At Work getty Some of the most common ways people weaken their presence include: Presence is not about being perfect. It's about being intentional and paying attention to what people need in the moment. Tips To Improve Your Presence At Work getty Whether you give presentations or not, presence matters. It shows up in meetings, emails, interviews, and hallway conversations. Some of the best advice I heard from these experts included: Your Presence At Work Is A Trainable Advantage getty I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn great insights from some of the best orators in the world. Their advice has helped me tremendously and can help you improve your presence at work if you focus on preparation, humor, clarity, listening, and follow-through. Every speaker I talked to shared examples of how presence was built through practice, paying attention, and remaining consistent. That's what made them stand out. You can do the same by listening more closely, preparing more intentionally, and following through. The people who do this well will leave an impression that lasts. That kind of presence earns trust, builds connection, and respect.
