Powerful Presence Assessment

Instructions:

First pass: Go through this assessment and check each of the behaviors you have ever used. If you did it even once, it counts!

Second pass: Once you have completed the first pass, go back and circle the behaviors you use regularly.

Find out your level of Powerful Presence at the end of this article.

Category 1: I connect with the audience immediately

1. I can keep my attention on the audience, not on myself.
2. If my attention comes back to me, I can shift it immediately back to the audience and the room.
3. I go early and meet as many people as possible before I speakI know how to connect with an audience so individuals feel like I am talking only to them—they feel as if I know them.
4. I have an aura of personal warmth—I know how to “warm up a room” (any size room).
5. I am genuine, open and authentic when speaking to others.
6. I make “friends” in the audience or with others in a meeting.
7. I learn the names of people in my audience and refer to them in my program.
8. I know how to “own” the room: I set it up early and claim the space as my own, so my audience feels like they are being welcomed into my home when they arrive.
9. I handle any technical issues ahead of time so I am not distracted—my audience knows that they have my complete attention.

Category 2: I have confidence

1. When I am speaking or presenting or at a meeting, I claim the space around me and invite others into it.
2. I am comfortable in my own skin and at home in my body.
3. I know that I am graceful.
4. I have great eye contact.
5. I can relax myself at will.
6. I have energy—not too high or low—just the perfect “cruising speed” for my audience (one person or a roomful of people; a professional event or a personal conversation).
7. I can regulate my own energy to meet the needs of the situation.
8. I have powerful voice projection—I use my breathing to vary its depth and strength to suit the occasion.
9. I am articulate—I know how to have impact with my words and my presence.
10. I can think on my feet and respond to whatever occurs.
11. I can improvise in the moment.

Category 3: I have credibility

1. When I am speaking, I know my topic—and my three main points—so I never memorize a script.
2. I tell my audience where we are going and how we will get there—right up front.
3. I know how to build my reputation to be seen as an expert.
4. I do my homework before the presentation or meeting so I know my audience—their needs, challenges, and opportunities.
5. I have appropriate handouts/products/books.
6. I keep the pace moving at the appropriate tempo for the audience and the topic.

Category 4: I am attractive

1. I know how to dress to please myself and be comfortable with what I am wearing (instead of following someone else’s fashion sense).
   
2. My grooming is impeccable.
3. I have a sense of humor and fun.
4. I am approachable and warm.
5. I am trustworthy, sincere and honest.
6. I take the audience seriously, but not myself.
7. I hear what is really being said in a conversation, even if it is not voiced—my audience feels “known.”
8. I know how to focus my attention on the audience as well as everything that is happening in the room.
9. I am authentic when I speak—and I feel “real” to my audiences.

Category 5: I am engaging

1. I know my strengths.
2. I use my strengths.
3. I can hold the attention of a room when I am in it.
4. I create a positive impact that remains even after I leave.
5. I love my audiences and they can feel it!
6. I adapt my presentations to the audience—it’s a dialogue, not a monologue.
7. I know how to use everything that is happening in the room to get my message across.
8. I am not afraid to be controversial in the service of my message.

Category 6: I am inspirational

1. I am not afraid to share my mistakes or use them to illuminate what can be accomplished.
2. I am genuine in my connection to the audience.
3. I share my strategies to overcome obstacles—because I had to fall down first before I could get up.
4. I give my audiences the feeling that they are not alone—I am right there with them.
5. I make it easy for people to learn from me.
6. I am willing to let the audience shine—and share the spotlight as appropriate.

Your Powerful Presence Score

Step 1: Go through this assessment and check each of the behaviors you have ever used. If you did it even once, it counts!

Step 2: Go back and circle the behaviors you use on a regular basis.

Step 3: Count the number of circled behaviors and see when you fall in the ranges below. While this is not a scientific assessment, you will get a sense of the level of your personal presence.

• 20 points or less: If you took the time to complete this assessment, you are interested in improving your personal presence—and that is the most important thing. You will want to take every opportunity to practice the behaviors listed in this assessment. Taking a class like PowerSpeak is a good way to jump start this process.
• 21 to 40 points: You have a good level of personal presence. You may want to spend time practicing the behaviors that are not already part of your repertoire. Working with a speaking coach will help you focus on your specific needs and take you to the next level.
• 41 to 50 points: You have Powerful Presence! Go out and change the world.