In our communication, there are three ‘elements’ used to express a message: verbal content, body language, and the voice. when these elements are not congruent, we often will believe the body language and the voice. For this reason, non-verbal elements are particularly important for communicating feelings and attitudes and in engaging others; in any type of leadership role these aspects are vital in order to be an effective leader.

Leading with Presence provides a practical guide as to how and why Presence in everyday interaction is a vital component of impactful leadership. This book explores and teaches about non-verbal communication such as posture, gestures, and the voice to create more awareness and understanding of the signals sent, and explains how to be present and ‘in the moment,’ how to connect with others, to ‘read the room,’ to motivate and inspire, to instill trust, to exude confidence and thus strengthen your leadership.

Through theory, practical tools and exercises, this book is essential reading for all business professionals in understanding the science behind body language, and exploring, practicing and understanding Leadership Presence.

ANTONIE T. KNOPPERS is a trainer, coach, facilitator, guest speaker and actor. He teaches as an adjunct faculty member at the Rotterdam School of Management and as a guest faculty member at Nyenrode University and the University of Maastricht.

MILLY OBDEIJN is a trainer and coach with a performance and teaching background in dance. She teaches as an adjunct faculty member at the Rotterdam School of Management. 

STEFFEN R. GIESSNER is Professor of Organisational Behaviour and Change at the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University.

ENDORSEMENTS

“Do you want to get a good grasp of the fundamentals of effective leadership communication? Then I strongly recommend you read this book by three world-leading experts on leadership communication. Drawing on their years of experience teaching executives and MBA students, this well researched and accessible book combines deep insights from academic research with practical exercises and tips on how to alter your presence and voice and become a better communicator yourself in the process. If there is one book that you should read on persuasion and communication in the workplace, then surely this is the one!”

Joep Cornelissen, Professor at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, and author of Corporate Communication: A Guide to Theory and Practice (SAGE, 6^th edition).

“Leading with Presence is a great read for anyone interested in how to better manage themselves and their teams. The book shows how we can use our bodies and our environments to perform up to our potential. It is filled with interesting anecdotes and the latest psychology on learning and performance.”

Sian Beilock, PhD, is the author of Choke and How the Body Knows its Mind and President of Barnard College at Columbia University

“Executive presence; we recognize it instantly the moment we are confronted with it…the authors finally succeeded in demystifying the notion of “presence” and nonverbal behaviour in leadership by establishing a unique connection between vast scientific knowledge and practical tools that will enable leaders to further increase their impact…”

Ronald de Jong is Distinguished Professor of Practice in Business, Tilburg University, Chairman of the Philips Foundation and a Retired Member of the Executive Committee, Royal Philips.

“In this book a triple synergy comes together; science, experience, and practical applicability, like in the training at RSM and several of their trainings. It is inspiring and reflects where you are. Provides valuable insights and is useful regardless your level of professional experience.”

Kirsten van Benthem, Commercial Manager, Catalyze – Life Science Consultancy

“Leading with Presence is an invaluable guide for anyone who seeks to ensure that their body and voice contribute to their positive impact. Antonie, Milly and Steffen’s collaboration have resulted in a treasure trove of principles, stories and exercises underpinned by thorough scientific evidence that will make you think about and enhance your non-verbal cues in a whole new way.”

Nicola Kleyn, Professor of Corporate Marketing and Dean of Executive Education at Rotterdam School of Management

“Effective communication is key for successful leadership. Yet respective books and seminars tend to only focus on verbal communication, while reducing non-verbal communication to a side-note. This book is therefore a breath of fresh air. It takes non-verbal communication center-stage by marrying science with practice and presenting concrete exercises and how to- dos. An accessible read that makes it easy to get better at what matters most as a leader: effective communication.”

Professor Dr. Niels Van Quaquebeke, Kühne Logistics University & University of Exeter How do you get noticed and how do you connect to your audience? 

“Seemingly two separate questions, the authors of Leading with Presence convincingly explain and teach us that these issues are two sides of the same coin. Based on the most recent scientific insights, this book offers a very practical guideline to improve your Presence through tons of helpful exercises. A must have in your business book library.”

Renske Paans-Over, CHRO, Global head of talent, Randstad