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Kathryn Janicek

Why Your Inner Voice Shapes Your Executive Leadership Presence

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The most important conversation happens before you ever open your mouth

Before I consult anyone on how to transform from expert to influential leader, I ask one simple question:

What are you saying to yourself?

Before you ever speak to a team, an audience, or even a loved one, you’re already communicating. With yourself.

Some days, your inner voice builds you up: “You’ve got this.”
Other days? It picks you apart: “Don’t mess this up,” or, “You’re totally going to mess this up.”

It’s subtle. It’s persistent. And it’s shaping every interaction you have.

Here’s the truth: You have power over that voice. But like any habit, it takes awareness, intention, and daily practice.

Why Mindset Matters More Than You Think

I often share Stanford research with my clients. It finds that simply shifting your mindset can improve your health, decrease stress, and help you bounce back from life’s biggest challenges.

This isn’t fluff. It’s neuroscience.

And it applies directly to executive leadership communication.
Because if you don’t believe in what you’re saying, or in yourself, your audience won’t either.

Before we talk about strategy, storytelling, or how to “win the room,” we have to address the dialogue happening inside the room of your mind. That’s what sets the tone for everything else.

What Does Your Inner Voice Sound Like Today?

I hear it all the time from executives, physicians, and high-performers I coach:

  • “I know my stuff, but I second-guess myself before I speak.”
  • “I want to sound confident, but I keep thinking I’m not good enough.”
  • “I feel like I have to prove myself before I’ve even opened my mouth.”

Sound familiar?

This inner dialogue doesn’t make you a weak leader. It makes you a human one.

But if we don’t recognize and recalibrate it, that voice will undermine your presence before you ever say a single word.

5 Ways to Shift Your Inner Dialogue and Strengthen Your Presence

Want to turn your inner critic into your inner coach? Start with these small, practical shifts:

1. Name It to Tame It – Identify Your Inner Dialog

Notice what your inner voice is saying, without judgment.
Is it helping you lead or making you shrink?

Try this: At the start of your day or before a big meeting, jot down one thing your inner voice is telling you. Then ask: Would I say this to a colleague I respect?

2. Reframe Self-Talk into Self-Coaching

Instead of: “Don’t mess this up.”
Try: “You’ve prepared for this. You’ve got tools. Focus on what matters.”

Your tone of voice to yourself matters just as much as your tone of voice to others.

3. Set a Pre-Talk Mantra

Before you walk into a room or deliver a message, use a grounding phrase.

Examples:

  • “I don’t need to be perfect. I need to be present.”
  • “I have something valuable to say.”
  • “This moment is not about me. It’s about the people I serve.”

4. Record, Review, Reflect

Record yourself speaking in low-pressure moments (like casual presentations or Zoom calls). Watch it back. Not for critique, but for patterns.

Notice how your inner voice might have shaped your delivery. Did you hold back? Did your tone drop? Did you rush?

5. Build Your Evidence File

Keep a digital or physical folder of positive feedback, wins, and “you crushed it” moments. Read it before high-stakes conversations.

Confidence doesn’t come from hype. It comes from proof.
And you have more proof than your inner critic gives you credit for.

You Don’t Need to Be Perfect. You Need to Be Present.

This isn’t about checking a box or fitting into some outdated mold of what a “leader” should look or sound like.

It’s about showing up grounded, intentional, human.
As the leader, colleague, parent, or partner you want to be.

So the next time you prepare for a presentation, a hard conversation, or a meeting that matters, start here:

Ask yourself,
“What am I saying to myself?”

Because your inner voice is speaking first.
And the world is listening.

At Janicek Performance Group, we specialize in training leaders to accelerate growth, command attention, and drive innovation through impactful communication. If you’re ready to transform from expert to influential leader, refine your presence, project confidence, and take control of your message, reach out today to learn how we can help.

A Body Language Secret For Leaders

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Executive Presence Starts with Awareness, Not Perfection

Before you say a single word, your audience is already forming an opinion.

It starts with your body.
And most often, it starts with your hands.

I’ve coached thousands of executives, emerging leaders, and high-stakes speakers. And there’s one pattern I see over and over, especially in moments that matter most:

We bring our hands up.
Right in front of our chest. Guarding our core. Clutching a pointer. Fidgeting with a ring. Folding them tightly in front of us like armor.

Why does this happen?

Public speaking, even in a boardroom, not a ballroom, triggers a primal instinct to protect ourselves.

You’re exposed. You’re hoping to be liked. You’re working hard to sound smart, credible, in control.
You want to be seen, but you’re also subconsciously protecting yourself from being judged.

That protective posture makes perfect sense. But here’s the thing:

The message your body sends might be undermining the message you’re trying to deliver.

When your hands are clutched close to your chest, your audience sees hesitation.
When your gestures are tight or overly rehearsed, they see nervousness.
When your body looks guarded, they feel your insecurity even if your words say otherwise.

And when you’re leading the room, that’s not the impression you want to leave behind.

Want to Lead with More Confidence? Start with Your Body.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about intentionality.
You’ve already done the hard work. Developing the strategy, refining the data, preparing the message.

Now let your presence support the power of your words.

Here are five simple ways to align your body language with your message:

1. Lower Your Hands

Let your arms rest naturally at your sides or loosely in front of you. This signals confidence, calm, and openness.

When in doubt, start with hands at your side and use purposeful, intentional gestures to reinforce your words. Avoid the “T-Rex” position (hands clutched just below your neck) or the “fig leaf” (hands locked low in front of your body). Both restrict your energy and your message.

2. Ground Yourself

Before you speak, take a beat.
Feel your feet planted.
Breathe.
A grounded posture, shoulders back, spine tall, projects stability and authority. It also calms your nervous system and centers your attention.

3. Use Open Gestures

When you gesture, open your palms. Let your movements be natural, not scripted.
This creates connection. It communicates transparency and authenticity. Two of the most important traits in any leader.

4. Practice With Intention

Record yourself. Watch with the sound off.
Where are your hands? What is your body language saying without your voice?

Self-awareness is the first step toward transformation.

5. Remember This: You Are Enough

You don’t need to overcompensate with grand gestures or constant movement.
Your message is strong. Your presence matters. And you don’t need to earn the right to be in the room. You already belong there.

Let your body reflect the confidence you’ve already earned.

Confidence is Contagious. So is Nervous Energy.

If your body language is broadcasting self-doubt, the room will feel it.

But when you ground yourself, when you own your presence, people don’t just hear you.
They trust you. They believe you. They follow you.

This is the power of executive presence.
And it starts long before you ever open your mouth.

At Janicek Performance Group, we specialize in training leaders to accelerate growth, command attention, and drive innovation through impactful communication. If you’re ready to refine your presence, project confidence, and take control of your message, reach out today to learn how we can help.

Strategic Clarity: How the Rule of 3 Powers Executive Leadership

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Stop overwhelming. Start influencing. Why three key messages are the secret to commanding any conversation.

You know too much.

That’s not a dig. It’s a compliment. You’re an expert. You’ve spent years mastering your field, solving complex problems, and navigating high-stakes moments.

And that expertise?
It can actually trip you up when you’re trying to connect, influence, or lead.

Because what matters to you doesn’t always matter to them.

Whether it’s a boardroom, a performance review, a keynote, or a media interview, you can’t take people on a tour of everything you know.
You have to simplify. Sharpen. Prioritize.

The Rule of 3: Limit Yourself to Three Key Messages

If there’s one rule I teach every executive I coach, it’s this:
Always walk into every conversation with three key messages.

That’s it.
The brain can only hold on to so much. Studies show that people retain information best when it’s delivered in threes. Go beyond that, and you risk losing them.

Why Three Key Messages Work

When you prepare three specific messages:
✔️ You stay focused, no matter how the conversation pivots
✔️ You give your audience something they’ll actually remember
✔️ You walk in with clarity and walk out with influence

No matter the moment, the Rule of 3 delivers clarity when it counts most. Whether you’re: 

  • Delivering feedback to your team

  • Pitching a big idea to leadership

  • Sitting down for a high-stakes interview

Three is your anchor. It’s your edge. It’s your control.

How to Use The Rule of 3 for Executive Leadership 

Before any important conversation, ask yourself:
What are the 3 most important things this person needs to hear right now?

Not what you want to say.
Not what you find interesting.
What they need.

Write them down. Practice them out loud. Be ready to pivot to any of the three depending on the moment.

Want More Influence? Start with Three.

You don’t need to be the loudest in the room.
You need to be the clearest.

Simplify your message.
Say less, and say it better.
And always come prepared with three.

Need help finding your three?


At Janicek Performance Group, that’s what we do. Let’s discuss how to sharpen your message and show up as the leader people remember.

Stop the Bad Habit That’s Quietly Undermining Your Leadership Presence 

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Why “Lip Smack” Might Be Drowning Out Your Message

You’re presenting in front of your team.
You’ve nailed the strategy, the vision, the data.
But something is pulling the room’s focus—something small, barely noticeable, but persistent.

You finish a sentence… pause… smack.
Then another sentence… smack.

You may not even hear it. But your audience does.

It’s called lip smack—and once it’s present, it can chip away at your credibility, presence, and the power of your message.

At Janicek Performance Group, we work with high-performing executive leaders across industries, and this is one of the most common speaking habits we encounter in presentations, team meetings, earnings calls, media interviews, and keynotes. It’s subtle. It’s unintentional. And it’s absolutely fixable.

What Is Lip Smack—and Why Does It Happen?

Lip smack is the sound made when your lips part quickly—usually right before you speak again. 

Lip smacking often shows up in these in-between spaces:

  • After completing a sentence

  • When transitioning to a new thought

  • During moments of hesitation or silence

Why Do We Lip Smack? 

1. Nervous Energy at Work 

When we’re nervous, our bodies and minds look for small ways to self-soothe. For some, it’s pacing. For others, it’s filler words. Lip smack is often a way to “reset” and buy time before speaking again.

2. Dehydration in Disguise 

If you’re even mildly dehydrated, your mouth produces less saliva—making it harder to speak comfortably. You may find yourself subconsciously trying to generate saliva between thoughts, and that motion creates the sound.

3. A Hidden Habit That Sticks 

The more you speak in high-pressure environments, the more likely certain habits will creep in—especially if you’re not reviewing footage or receiving regular feedback. Lip smack is one of those habits that often goes undetected… until it’s pointed out.

Why It Matters in High-Stakes Communication

You may be thinking: It’s just a small sound—why does it matter?

Because presence is made up of moments.And in leadership communication, small distractions can have big consequences.

We want your audience focused on:

  • Your vision
  • Your authority.
  • Your clarity.
  • Your call to action.

 

Not on a repeated sound that breaks the rhythm of your message or distracts from the gravity of your words.

In a world where every second of attention matters, lip smack can create unnecessary friction—especially in boardrooms, virtual meetings, or during keynotes that are being recorded or livestreamed.

So, What’s the Fix to Lip Smacking?

The good news? This isn’t about being perfect.
You don’t need to sound like a robot or erase your personality.

This is about showing up with presence and intention.

 

Here’s what we recommend:

1. Build Awareness

Watch a recording of your next presentation. Do you hear the lip smack? If so, notice when it shows up. Is it between thoughts? After a question? During transitions?

Awareness alone often reduces the habit significantly.

2. Hydrate

It sounds simple, but increasing your water intake leading up to (and during) speaking engagements can make a huge difference.

3. Breathe and Pause Intentionally

Often, lip smack is a filler. Instead, try this: complete your sentence and simply pause.
Let the silence do some of the work. It builds drama. It shows control. It signals leadership.

Final Thought

Your voice is one of your most powerful leadership tools.
And when used intentionally, it builds trust, drives decisions, and inspires action.

Lip smack doesn’t define you.
But when it’s present, it can dilute your message.

The best part? Once you’re aware of it, it’s entirely within your control. 

A small shift—big impact.

At Janicek Performance Group, we see this all the time—even among the most seasoned executive leaders. Lip smack is subtle, unintentional, and surprisingly common in high-stakes settings like presentations, earnings calls, and media interviews.

Why Your Opening Line Matters More Than You Think

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The First 10 Seconds Define Whether Your Presentation is a Success

When we think about delivering a powerful presentation or speaking in high-stakes leadership moments, we often focus on the content itself—the facts, the data, the story. But at Janicek Performance Group, we coach leaders to understand that how you start is just as important as what you say.

Whether you’re presenting to a boardroom, a conference audience, or the media, your opening line sets the tone for everything that follows. It’s not just a nice-to-have—it’s the anchor of your executive presence.

The Most Underrated Moment of Your Presentation

Recently, during a coaching session, one of our clients delivered a strong presentation. Her body language was excellent. Steady posture, intentional gestures, no pacing or fidgeting. She looked confident and composed. That’s a big win.

But she opened with:

“So I joined…”

It immediately fell flat. The strength of her message—and her leadership—deserved more.

This is where many speakers miss an opportunity. They start casually, almost apologetically. But in professional speaking environments , we don’t have time to warm up our message. The first few seconds matter most.

The Science Behind First Impressions

 Your audience decides whether to fully engage in the first 7 to 10 seconds. We emphasize this in every coaching session.

 

Research shows that these initial moments create a cognitive anchor that’s difficult to shift later. If you start strong, your audience is more likely to perceive your entire presentation as compelling—even if you stumble later.

The “cognitive anchor” refers to the anchoring effect, a psychological phenomenon where people rely heavily on the first piece of information they receive when making decisions or forming judgments.

How to Make Your First Line Unforgettable 

Your presentation’s opening line should:

  • Command immediate attention
  • Establish your authority and credibility 
  • Show that you’re prepared and present
  • Signal: I’m in control. I know why I’m here. And you should listen.

A line like “So I joined…” doesn’t do any of that. 

But what if she said:

“When I received the five-page expectations document for this role, I realized immediately the weight of the responsibility—and the opportunity.”

Now that sets the stage.

Why You Should Memorize Your Presentation Opening 

We don’t recommend memorizing your entire presentation—but your opening lines? That’s different. You want to internalize those first two sentences so deeply that no matter what happens—tech glitches, nerves, interruptions—you’re grounded and ready.

This is part of what we teach in our executive presence programs: how to lead with intention, anchor your message, and show up like the leader you are, even before you say your second sentence.

Four Tips to Hook Your Audience

1. Practice Until It’s Second Nature

Record yourself delivering your opening line. Do you sound confident or tentative? Is your tone matching your message? Practice until the words flow naturally.

2. Create a Pattern Interrupt

The best opening lines break patterns. They make the audience think, “This is different.” Consider starting with a surprising statistic, a provocative question, or a brief story that captures attention.

3. Tailor to Your Context

A board meeting requires a different opening than a keynote. Adjust your tone, pace, and content to match the environment while maintaining your authority.

4. Connect Before Content

Establish a connection with your audience in those first moments. Even a powerful message falls flat if the audience doesn’t feel you’re speaking to them specifically.

The Janicek Performance Group Approach to Executive Presence

If you’re a leader preparing for:

  • A keynote address
  • A media interview
  • A board presentation
  • Or a major internal announcement

Your opening line needs to match the magnitude of the moment. In our one-on-one coaching and group training programs, we build these moments with you. Together, we script, refine, and rehearse so you’re not just confident—you’re compelling.

Final Takeaway: Make Your First Line Count 

Your audience is forming an impression before you even begin. That first line? It’s not just filler. It’s your launchpad.

Make it intentional. Make it powerful. And above all—make it you.

If you’re ready to elevate your message and lead with executive presence, reach out to the team at Janicek Performance Group. We’re here to help you make every word count—starting with the very first one.

The Public Speaking Secret: Say It, Say It Again, and Say It Again

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Why Repetition Works for Public Speakers

In public speaking, executive leadership, and persuasive communication, one technique stands out as a game-changer: Repetition.

If you want people to hear you, remember you, and act on what you say, you need to reinforce your message multiple times. 

This is why the best communicators follow a simple but effective structure:

  1. Tell them what you’re going to tell them.
  2. Tell them.
  3. Tell them what you told them.

This technique ensures that your message not only gets heard but also sticks. When used correctly, repetition helps leaders drive their points home, ensuring their audience walks away with a clear understanding of key takeaways.

The Power of Repetition: A Strategic Communication Tool for Public Speaking

Repetition isn’t just about saying the same thing over and over—it’s a strategic tool that enhances communication in several ways:

  • Increases Memorability – The more your audience hears a key point, the more likely they are to retain and recall it later. This is why knowing your audience is more important than your slide deck.
  • Highlights Importance – When a message is repeated, it signals to the audience that this information is critical.
  • Enhances Persuasion – Studies show that the more people hear an idea, the more likely they are to accept and internalize it.
  • Provides Clarity – Repeating your main ideas in different ways ensures your audience fully understands your message.

Public speaking isn’t just a skill—it’s a vital leadership tool. Your ability to communicate effectively can open doors to new opportunities and career growth. By refining your delivery and strategically using repetition, you can become a more impactful public speaker. You can work to not be held back as a leader.

How Executive Leaders Can Use Repetition to Inspire Action

Whether you’re leading a team, pitching an idea, or giving a keynote speech, repetition helps solidify your message. 

This is particularly important when:

  • Your audience has no slides or recordings to reference later.
  • You’re setting a long-term vision and need buy-in from your team.
  • You’re motivating people to take action, not just passively listen.

For example, if you’re outlining a strategy for 2025 business goals, you might structure your message like this:

  1. Tell them what you’re going to tell them: “There are two key strategies we’ll focus on in 2025 to drive growth.”
  2. Tell them: “First, we’re investing in new technology to streamline operations. Second, we’re expanding into new markets to reach a wider audience.”
  3. Tell them what you told them: “To summarize—our 2025 success will be driven by two key strategies: leveraging technology and expanding into new markets.”

By repeating your core message in different ways and breathing along the way, you make it easier for your audience to grasp, remember, and act on what you’re saying.

The Right Way to Use Repetition in Public Speaking

While repetition is powerful, it must be used wisely to avoid sounding redundant. 

Here are a few key strategies:

1. Vary the Phrasing

Repeating an idea doesn’t mean using the exact same words. Instead, reframe your message in slightly different ways to keep it fresh and engaging.

2. Keep It Balanced

Too much repetition can feel redundant or even annoying. The goal is to reinforce—not overwhelm—your audience.

3. Consider the Context

Different settings require different levels of repetition. A high-stakes keynote speech might need more reinforcement than a small team meeting. You could, also, try to make your message more relatable depending on the context of your speech.

Common Public Speaking Mistakes When Using Repetition

Even experienced speakers can misuse repetition. 

Here are three mistakes to avoid:

  • Overloading with Repetition – Saying the same thing too many times can make your audience tune out.
  • Repeating Without a Purpose – Every repetition should reinforce a key takeaway, not just fill space.
  • Failing to Adapt to the Audience – Pay attention to how your audience is responding. If they seem disengaged, adjust your approach.

Say It, Say It Again, and Say It Again

If you want your message to be heard, remembered, and acted upon, repetition is your best friend for public speaking. Whether you’re leading a team, persuading an audience, or giving a high-stakes presentation, structuring your message with repetition ensures clarity, retention, and impact.

At Janicek Performance Group, we help leaders refine their public speaking skills so their message is heard loud and clear. If you’re ready to elevate your communication skills, build executive presence, and lead with confidence, let’s talk.

Leadership Mistakes: Are You Clearly Communicating or Merely Acting?

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Hidden Leadership Mistakes That Weaken Your Message

Leaders are communicators. Whether you’re setting a vision, delivering critical updates, or guiding your team through uncertainty, the way you speak determines how your message is received. 

Effective leadership communication isn’t just about what you say—it’s about ensuring that your audience understands and retains your message.

Recently, I was reminded of this on a flight.

The pilot had important information to share:

  • Upcoming turbulence
  • Landing times
  • Other key flight details

But no one heard him.

The Problem: Performance Over Clarity

Instead of delivering the message in a clear, direct way, the pilot decided to entertain. He played with his inflection, switched up his voice, and even channeled his inner DJ. What could have been a straightforward announcement turned into a performance.

The result? A plane full of passengers who had no idea what he was saying. This is the same mistake many executives and leaders make in high-stakes communication moments. Whether it’s a company-wide address, a board meeting, or a media interview, true executive presence isn’t about theatrics—it’s about commanding attention, building trust, and ensuring your message lands with impact. Through executive presence coaching, professionals learn how to refine their delivery, project confidence, and communicate with clarity—so their message resonates, rather than gets lost in the noise. 

What Executive Leaders Can Learn from This

We see this happen all the time in leadership. A leader delivers an important message, but the way they present it dilutes the meaning.

Common mistakes leaders make:

  • Being overly casual when seriousness is required
  • Trying too hard to be humorous
  • Burying the key message under unnecessary theatrics

When that happens, clarity is lost. Confusion takes over. And the impact of the message? Gone.

In business communication, executive presence matters. Your words should establish authority, build trust, and inspire action. If people don’t understand or remember your message, it’s as if you never delivered it in the first place.

How to Communicate With Impact

If your message is important, make sure it is:

  • Simple – Get to the point quickly so there’s no room for misinterpretation.
  • Concise – Avoid unnecessary fluff and distractions.
  • Understandable – Use direct language that resonates with your audience.
  • Structured – Organize your message in a logical way that makes retention easy.
  • Relevant – Tailor your communication to your audience’s needs and expectations.

Whether you’re an executive speaking to stakeholders, a doctor explaining treatment options to a patient, or a CEO delivering a media statement, the way you present your message will determine its effectiveness.

The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Communication

A key aspect of strong leadership communication is emotional intelligence. Great leaders understand when to be engaging and when to be serious. Emotional intelligence helps leaders read their audience, gauge reactions, and adjust their delivery accordingly. Great leaders are also authentic, which helps build trust.

If the pilot had been more self-aware, he might have realized that his passengers weren’t engaging with his announcement—they were confused. Similarly, leaders must pay attention to body language, tone, and audience feedback to ensure their message is landing as intended. 

Through executive presence coaching, leaders refine these skills—learning how to control tone, read body language, and command attention with authenticity, so their message lands with clarity and confidence.

Common Public Speaking Pitfalls Leaders Should Avoid

Even experienced professionals can make communication mistakes

Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

  • Overcomplicating the Message: Using jargon or long-winded explanations can make your audience disengage. Instead, simplify complex ideas into digestible, actionable takeaways.
  • Failing to Engage the Audience: While being overly entertaining can be a distraction, failing to engage at all can be just as damaging. Find a balance between clarity and connection.
  • Neglecting Nonverbal Communication: Your body language, eye contact, and tone of voice contribute as much to your message as the words themselves. Make sure your nonverbal signals align with your intent.
  • Talking Too Much Without Listening: Great communicators know when to pause and invite input. Give your audience a chance to process and respond.

Leadership Isn’t About Putting on a Show

There’s a time for humor. There’s a time to entertain. But when the stakes are high, when clarity is key, your responsibility as a leader is to make sure people hear and understand what truly matters.

Your words can inspire, guide, and lead. But only if your audience actually hears them.

At Janicek Performance Group, we specialize in helping executive leaders refine their communication skills so their message cuts through the noise. If you’re ready to elevate the way you communicate, let’s talk.

Top 4 Benefits of Investing in Executive Coaching for Professional Success

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How Executive Coaching Can Transform Your Leadership Skills 

In today’s competitive business world, the most successful professionals share one common strategy: they invest in executive coaching. While technical skills and experience are essential, coaching accelerates leadership growth, strategic thinking, and career advancement in ways that self-learning alone cannot.

Whether you are an aspiring executive or a seasoned leader, investing in coaching is one of the most powerful ways to unlock higher performance, stronger leadership, and long-term career success.

Here are the top four reasons why executive presence coaching is a game-changer for professionals at all levels.

1. Developed Clarity and Strategic Decision-Making

Many professionals get caught up in daily operations and lose sight of the bigger picture. Coaching helps leaders step back, analyze challenges from new angles, and make better, faster decisions.

For example, a Fortune 500 executive struggling with decision fatigue worked with a coach to refine their strategic thinking process. Within months, they reported increased confidence in high-stakes decisions, resulting in faster project execution and stronger team alignment.

How Executive Coaching Helps:

  • Provides structured frameworks for critical thinking
  • Develops problem-solving skills under pressure
  • Helps leaders navigate complex corporate environments

2. Strengthened Leadership and Executive Presence

Leadership goes beyond holding a position of authority; it’s about influence. Great leaders have the ability to command a room, inspire their teams, and communicate with clarity and confidence—skills that set them apart from the rest. 

A senior VP working toward a C-suite promotion leveraged coaching to refine their presence in board meetings. By focusing on tone, body language, and storytelling, they were able to build stronger rapport with decision-makers, earn their trust, and ultimately secure a major leadership role within the year.

Executive coaching plays a crucial role in developing these qualities. Through personalized feedback, coaching helps individuals build their executive presence, enhance public speaking abilities, and lead with confidence rather than fear.

3. Faster Career Growth and Increased Earning Potential

Research consistently shows that professionals who invest in coaching tend to see faster promotions and higher salaries compared to those who rely solely on experience. 

Coaching helps individuals identify and leverage their strengths, allowing them to accelerate their careers more effectively. It also builds critical negotiation skills for securing better salaries and promotions while providing a strategic roadmap for long-term success.

For instance, a mid-level director worked with an executive coach to redefine their leadership brand, positioning themselves as a standout performer in their industry. Within just one year, they secured a 30% salary increase and a promotion to VP, demonstrating the powerful impact coaching can have on career growth.

Executive Coaching Helped this Mid-Level Director by:

  • Focusing on enhancing their leadership style and positioning themselves as a top performer in the industry.
  • Receiving tailored insights on communication, decision-making, and strategic vision to build a stronger leadership presence.
  • Developing the ability to effectively communicate achievements and strategic ideas, helping to influence key stakeholders.



4. Overcoming Blind Spots and Unconscious Barriers

Every professional has areas of growth they may not be fully aware of—whether it’s limiting beliefs, ingrained habits, or internal barriers that hold them back. This is where coaching comes in, offering an unbiased perspective that helps leaders recognize and overcome these obstacles. 

Executive coaching is effective in identifying hidden weaknesses that could be limiting growth, guiding individuals through challenges like stress, imposter syndrome, and self-doubt, and developing strategies to break through professional plateaus.

For instance, a rising executive struggling with imposter syndrome doubted their ability to lead at the highest level. Through coaching, they were able to reframe their mindset, build self-assurance, and ultimately secure a role as a C-suite executive at a Fortune 500 company.

Executive Coaching is an Investment, Not an Expense

The best leaders understand that success isn’t about going it alone—it’s about surrounding yourself with the right mentors, advisors, and coaches to unlock your full potential.

If you want to make better decisions, strengthen leadership skills, accelerate career growth, and overcome personal barriers, investing in coaching is one of the most powerful moves you can make.

If you’re committed to advancing your career and unlocking your full potential, Janicek Performance Group’s executive presence coaching services can help you get there. Schedule a call today to explore how coaching can make a transformative impact on your career.

Why Talking Out Loud is the Secret to Building Confidence

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We hear it all the time.

Me: “How do you practice your talks?”

Leader: “I go through my slides on the plane on the way to the conference.”

That is not how you practice before a board meeting, speech, media interview, conference talk, or panel. Practicing is actually doing the talk out loud.

Speaking out loud while practicing helps leaders find their authentic emotional connection to the message – it transforms abstract words on a page into deeply felt convictions. 

When you hear yourself say the words aloud, you naturally discover which parts genuinely move you and resonate with your core beliefs. This emotional authenticity is the foundation of inspirational leadership because audiences can sense when a leader truly believes and feels what they’re saying versus simply reciting rehearsed lines.

You may believe it. But you’re not delivering in a way that sounds like you believe it – unless you practice out loud.

If you’re giving a talk about your company’s mission, practicing out loud helps you identify the moments when your voice naturally becomes more passionate or your energy shifts—these are often the parts that matter most to you personally. By recognizing and leaning into these authentic emotional peaks, you can build your entire message around the most genuinely inspiring elements rather than what you think “should” be inspiring.

At Janicek Performance Group, we teach leaders of $20 billion private companies and Fortune 500 organizations how to refine their messaging, articulate their value, and inspire action. One of the most overlooked yet powerful tools for building confidence as a speaker? Talking out loud to yourself. 

Here’s why this simple habit is transformative—and how you can use it to elevate your communication. 

Practice Builds Confidence and Skill 

Speaking out loud isn’t just practice—it’s a path to mastering confidence. By hearing your own voice, you gain the power to:

  • Refine pronunciation: Identify and correct how you articulate certain words.
  • Enhance grammar and word choice: Notice where your phrasing or vocabulary could improve.
  • Boost fluency and ease: The more you speak, the more naturally and confidently your ideas will flow.
  • Master pacing and emphasis: When you practice aloud, you can fine-tune your speed, pauses, and vocal emphasis to create more impact. You’ll naturally discover where to slow down for important points and where to add energy to engage listeners.
  • Develop vocal variety: Experiment with different tones, volumes, and inflections. This variety keeps listeners engaged and helps convey emotion and conviction in your message.
  • Build muscle memory: Regular vocal practice strengthens your speaking muscles and breathing patterns, leading to a more confident, resonant delivery when it matters.
  • Identify awkward phrasing: Speaking aloud reveals clunky wording or hard-to-pronounce sequences that might trip you up. You can then revise these sections to flow more smoothly.
  • Internalize the content: Hearing yourself speak helps cement key messages in your memory. This deeper familiarity allows you to focus on delivery and connecting with your audience rather than struggling to remember content.
  • Master nonverbal elements: Out-loud practice naturally encourages gestures and facial expressions that complement your words. These nonverbal elements significantly boost your presence and influence.

Self-Awareness Unlocks Growth 

Speaking out loud allows you to:

  • Evaluate pacing and tone: Are you speaking too quickly, too slowly, or without enough variation? Practicing helps you find the perfect balance. 
  • Eliminate filler words: Saying “um,” “uh,” or “you know” becomes less tempting when you embrace intentional pauses. Learn how to avoid filler words here.
  • Organize your thoughts: Articulating ideas verbally forces you to structure them logically and clearly.

Practical Ways to Talk Out Loud and Boost Your Skills

Read Aloud

Grab a favorite article or book and read passages aloud. Pay attention to your pacing, clarity, and emphasis on key points. This exercise improves your articulation and helps you practice varying your tone for engagement. 

Rehearse Speeches

Got a big pitch or presentation? Rehearse it out loud multiple times in different settings to feel more comfortable and confident in your delivery. Practice in front of a mirror or a trusted friend for added feedback. 

Think Out Loud

When solving a problem or planning your day, verbalize your thought process. This habit enhances clarity, improves decision-making, and trains your brain to organize ideas logically. If you can, explain your thought process to someone else—they might ask questions that challenge your clarity.

Record Yourself

Play back recordings of your practice to evaluate your tone, pacing, and overall delivery. Listen for strengths and areas for improvement, such as filler words, monotone delivery, or rushed pacing. Use the insights to adjust and track your progress over time.

How Talking Out Loud Prepares You to Pitch Yourself

When you practice talking out loud, you’re doing more than improving your speech—you’re building the confidence to sell yourself effectively. Consider this:

  • Clear Messaging Wins: Leaders often confuse audiences with unclear messaging or too much jargon. By practicing out loud, you learn to drill down to your core message.
  • Confidence Inspires Trust. People can tell when you’re uncertain. Articulating your value and expertise confidently makes you a leader others want to follow.

Learn more about public speaking and how JPG can help.

Mistakes to Avoid When Practicing

  • Overthinking It: Don’t strive for perfection every time you practice. Focus on progress instead.
  • Skipping Consistency: Practicing sporadically won’t create results. Build a habit of talking out loud daily.
  • Ignoring Feedback: When you record yourself, don’t ignore the areas for improvement. Use them to grow.

Talking out loud to yourself – is one of the most overlooked yet powerful tools for building confidence as a speaker. Use it to elevate your emotional authenticity and inspire your team.

At Janicek Performance Group, we specialize in helping leaders refine their communication and bring their best selves to every conversation. From public speaking to executive coaching, we’re here to support your growth. Contact us today to unlock your potential.

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