On Cue with Kafui Dey: Corporate Presence 101: How to dress, speak and stand like you belong at the head table

Confidence isn’t bought; it’s broadcast

Let’s face it — the corporate world can sometimes feel like a fashion show where confidence is the main outfit. Walk into any boardroom from Accra to Nairobi, and you’ll see it: the unspoken hierarchy of posture, polish, and poise. Someone enters the room, and before they’ve said a word, you just know they belong at the head table.

Meanwhile, another person — equally smart, equally qualified — slips in quietly, hoping nobody notices they’ve been rehearsing their “power pose” in the washroom mirror. The difference isn’t talent. It’s presence.

Corporate presence is that blend of confidence, communication, and composure that says, “I belong here” — without needing to say it. And here’s the good news: it’s not reserved for CEOs and ministers. It’s a skill anyone can build. Let’s break it down.

Dress like you’re already in the job you want

Clothes don’t make the leader, but they definitely introduce the leader before you open your mouth. Dressing well isn’t about spending your rent money on designer labels — it’s about being intentional.

In many African workplaces, the line between “formal” and “fashionable” can get blurry. You’ll find someone at a Monday meeting wearing sneakers that cost more than your monthly fuel bill, while another is sweating under a three-piece suit in tropical heat.

The trick? Know your context. If you work in banking, clean lines and neutral tones send the message of trust. If you’re in media or tech, smart casual with personality works. The goal is to look sharp but not stiff.

Remember, you’re not dressing to impress — you’re dressing to express. Show that you take yourself (and your work) seriously.

 Speak with the confidence of a minister, minus the length

Presence isn’t about how much you talk — it’s about how you talk. Ever noticed how some people can summarize a complex issue in two sentences, while others take ten minutes to say absolutely nothing?

Leaders who command attention use clarity like a superpower. They speak slowly enough to be heard, clearly enough to be understood, and confidently enough to be remembered.

Want a simple trick? Stop rushing your sentences. Pause. Breathe. Let your words land. It’s what separates the nervous intern from the person running the PowerPoint.

And please, skip the jargon. Saying “We’ll leverage cross-functional synergies” might sound impressive, but nobody will remember it. Instead, say “Let’s work together.” Simplicity signals mastery.

Stand like you mean business (literally)

Your body language speaks before your mouth does. Are your shoulders slouched? Are your arms crossed like you’re defending a goalpost? Or are you standing tall, grounded, open?

Confidence is 80% posture, 20% perspiration. The next time you walk into a meeting, imagine you own the building. Not arrogantly — just with assurance. Look people in the eye. Offer a firm handshake (not the one that feels like boiled yam).

Standing tall doesn’t just make you look confident; it makes you feel confident. Science backs this up — posture affects hormones, mood, and perception. So yes, straightening your back might just change your career.

Energy is everything

Ever sat next to someone who drains your will to live just by talking? That’s what low energy does. Corporate presence is about radiating engagement. Smile. Nod. Show interest. When you bring good energy into a room, people remember you for the right reasons.

In Africa, where warmth and charisma are cultural currency, a genuine smile and respectful tone can open more doors than any CV.

Confidence is broadcast, not boasted

Here’s the irony: the loudest person in the room is rarely the most confident. True presence is quiet, assured, and grounded. You don’t have to dominate conversations — you just need to own your space.

Think of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Strive Masiyiwa, or Reeta Roy. They command attention not through noise, but through clarity and composure.

Final thought

Corporate presence isn’t about pretending to be someone else. It’s about amplifying your best self — polished, prepared, and present.

So the next time you walk into a meeting, remember: you don’t need to announce that you belong. The way you dress, speak, and stand will do it for you.

After all, confidence isn’t something you wear — it’s something you broadcast.

>>> Need training? Email [email protected]

The post On Cue with Kafui Dey: Corporate Presence 101: How to dress, speak and stand like you belong at the head table appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.

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