1. Think about your natural body space

Then imagine it is twice as great, then imagine it fills the whole room or street. Hold that thought and your body language will automatically increase your presence. 

2. Talk at a measured pace

Gushing suggests gullible; steady suggests wise. Don’t raise your voice: if you have presence you don’t need to.

3  When you’ve made your point, stop talking even if there is silence

People with presence don’t worry if it takes other people time to understand them.

4. Look slightly above the people you are talking with

 As if the point that you are making is more important than the reaction of the people that are listening.

5. If you’re having difficulty gaining gravitas

Change the role that you are playing, eg, if the other people know more than you provide incisive summaries or ask challenging questions rather than compete in an area where you are unlikely to shine.

6. Set the mood

Be the source of enthusiasm if the others are sombre, or the voice of calm consideration if the rest are ebullient.

7. Don’t talk over other people

Or, if you have to, wait until there is silence before you make any serious points.

8. Give your undivided attention when others are speaking

At least to start with (unless they cut across you in which case look irritated).

9. People with presence tend to say relatively little

But what they say counts – focus on quality rather than quantity.

10. Taking a few notes suggests that you are sifting the gems

Or having brilliant thoughts (high presence) but furiously scribbling will encourage others to see you simply as the note-taker.

11. Don’t expect to be liked

Gravitas is for gaining respect; if it’s love you want try building rapport (which requires the opposite of many of these techniques).

‘Having presence’ is one of the 90 minute workouts run by The Mind Gym