From competence to presence

In a professional context, we talk a lot about competence. Much less about presence.

But it is precisely this that makes a big difference on the path to fulfilling professionalism.

Presence is also becoming an increasing focus in business coaching.

How you behave in relationships, how you listen, how you communicate, how you experience difficult situations and deal with them – all of this has to do with presence.

It also has to do with how you feel and perceive, how you think about yourself and others, and how you present yourself.

This is what makes up your impact and charisma.

Presence takes place in the present moment and is the result of interaction.

We can learn many techniques, including trained body language. In many videos, I observe these trained hand and arm movements or facial expressions, which remind me of stereotypes.

No, presence cannot be learned in this way.

This requires genuine emotions and, first and foremost, access to and acceptance of your own feelings. It requires vitality, inner passion and curiosity, and a vision that you are passionate about. It requires a vital physicality and expressiveness that pushes from the inside out.

Before you show yourself, tune into your body. Your body is not an instrument, it is your living home from which everything develops.

If you sit for hours on end, you will not be able to make a present impression.

Are you preparing for an important conversation or presentation? Then put your script aside to bring the energy from your head into your body. Move, stretch or, even better, dance! This awakens your presence.

Focus on the people you are communicating with. This creates space for connection, dialogue and feedback.