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Last Updated on July 14, 2025
Key Takeaways
- Nonverbal communication matters: Posture, eye contact, and body language significantly influence how executive candidates are perceived during presentations.
- Delivery outweighs content: Confident speakers with clear messaging often make a stronger impression than candidates with better ideas but weaker presentation
skills . - Presentation tests are essential: Asking candidates to present helps assess their speaking ability, clarity, and confidence under pressure.
- Audience engagement reveals skill: Observing how a candidate interacts with individuals during interviews signals their public speaking experience and
leadership presence. - Clarity signals
leadership : Executives who communicate concisely and stay on message are better equipped to lead, persuade, and drive strategic outcomes.
In the business world, your ability to communicate ideas effectively can significantly influence how you’re perceived. It’s not just about what you say but how you say it. Nonverbal cues like posture, eye contact, and body language play a critical role. Mastering these elements enhances your authority and ensures your ideas are received with the impact they deserve.
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Public Speaker Pointers
Evaluating an executive candidate’s communication ability requires looking beyond resumes. Use these tips to identify strong public speaking talent during the
- Define Clear Requirements: Specify the public speaking
skills expected of executive-level candidates to guide your evaluation criteria. - Request Video Samples: Ask for past presentations to assess delivery, confidence, and audience engagement in real-world scenarios.
- Conduct a Presentation Test: Have candidates present on a relevant topic to evaluate structure, clarity, and stage presence.
- Team Evaluation: Involve your
team in assessing how well the candidate communicates with different audiences.
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When
Direct, One-on-One Communication
Succeeding in public speaking or conference meetings often comes down to focused engagement. Observe how candidates communicate during interviews—those who connect with individuals directly and shift attention intentionally demonstrate confidence and
Clarity
Clarity in communication reflects
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Receptiveness
Public speaking is about more than delivering a message—it’s about reading the room. Candidates should show awareness of their audience and adapt their delivery accordingly. Ask about their approach to engaging stakeholders or customers and how they tailor communication styles to match different groups. Their ability to reflect on this shows both emotional intelligence and strategic thinking.
Gauge how well they understand your target audience. Ask about who they believe your product appeals to and how they would communicate with that group. If they provide clear, thoughtful answers—even without being fully trained—it signals alignment with your company’s vision. Consider any relevant training they’ve completed, such as participation in programs like Toastmasters International, which can further validate their readiness.
Executive Presence Starts with Body Language
Body language is a powerful aspect of executive communication that influences how others perceive authority and confidence. The way a leader stands, makes eye contact, and uses gestures can communicate assurance or uncertainty without a single word.
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Adaptability in Communication Matters
Executives today must communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, from entry-level employees to board members and external partners. Their ability to shift tone, language, and messaging style is key to maintaining clarity and engagement across diverse audiences. Look for candidates who can articulate complex ideas simply, tailor messaging to the listener, and remain calm under pressure. These traits are vital to leading teams and navigating dynamic organizational environments.
- Audience awareness: Adjusts tone and vocabulary based on who they’re speaking to without losing consistency.
- Situational judgment: Knows when to lead with data versus storytelling to influence decisions.
- Crisis communication: Communicates clearly and calmly in high-pressure situations.
- Cross-functional fluency: Bridges communication across departments or disciplines with clarity and respect.
Listening as a Leadership Advantage
Strong executives don’t just talk—they listen with intention. Active listening is a core
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Digital Communication Competency
With remote and hybrid work becoming the norm, executives must excel in virtual communication just as much as they do in person. Mastery of video calls, messaging platforms, and asynchronous updates is essential for maintaining visibility and alignment across teams. Evaluate how candidates leverage technology to lead and communicate with distributed workforces. Comfort with digital tools is no longer optional—it’s a critical factor in sustaining
- Virtual presence: Maintains energy, clarity, and engagement on video calls.
- Tool fluency: Proficient in platforms like
Zoom , Slack, Teams, orproject management systems. - Asynchronous clarity: Communicates updates and expectations effectively via
email or written reports. - Remote
leadership : Keeps teams aligned and motivated in digital workspaces.
Next Steps
- Refine your interview process: Incorporate presentation-based tasks and public speaking evaluations into your executive
hiring framework for stronger candidate insights. - Prioritize nonverbal cues: Train your
hiring team to observe body language, tone, and presence during interviews to better assessleadership potential. - Request performance samples: Ask for video presentations or recorded speaking engagements to evaluate a candidate’s communication
skills in real-world settings. - Involve
team evaluations: Include key stakeholders in candidate assessments to gather broader feedback on speaking style and audience connection. - Consider communication
training : Offer executive coaching to promising candidates who show potential but need refinement in public speaking and delivery.
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Final Words
In today’s fast-paced business environment, clear and confident communication can be the differentiator that elevates one executive over another. By incorporating these proven evaluation strategies into your
ideal role.
Mark Fiebert is a former finance executive who hired and managed dozens of professionals during his 30-plus-year career. He now shares expert job search, resume, and career advice on CareerAlley.com.
