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Own the Room: Discover Your Signature Voice to Master Your Leadership Presence
Find your signature voice
People are drawn to and influenced by leaders who communicate authentically, connect easily with people, and have immediate impact. So how do you become one of them? How can you learn to “own the room”? This book will help you develop your leadership presence.
According to Amy Jen Su and Muriel Maignan Wilkins, leadership presence is the ability to consistently and clearly articulate your value proposition while influencing and connecting with others. They offer a simple and compelling framework, as well as practical advice about how you can develop your own personal presence.
No matter where you sit in an organization, you can “own the room” if you are able to do two things well: first, demonstrate your authentic value and distinction, and second, connect to others in a positive way. Leaders who are able to be authentic while connecting with and impacting others have what the authors call a “signature voice”—a means of self-expression that is uniquely and distinctly their own. Once you discover and express your own signature voice, you’ll be ready to take your leadership presence to the next level.
Filled with real-life stories and examples, Own the Room demystifies the concept of presence and gives you the tools you need to identify and embrace your unique leadership voice—and have a greater impact on the world around you.
People are drawn to and influenced by leaders who communicate authentically, connect easily with people, and have immediate impact. So how do you become one of them? How can you learn to “own the room”? This book will help you develop your leadership presence.
According to Amy Jen Su and Muriel Maignan Wilkins, leadership presence is the ability to consistently and clearly articulate your value proposition while influencing and connecting with others. They offer a simple and compelling framework, as well as practical advice about how you can develop your own personal presence.
No matter where you sit in an organization, you can “own the room” if you are able to do two things well: first, demonstrate your authentic value and distinction, and second, connect to others in a positive way. Leaders who are able to be authentic while connecting with and impacting others have what the authors call a “signature voice”—a means of self-expression that is uniquely and distinctly their own. Once you discover and express your own signature voice, you’ll be ready to take your leadership presence to the next level.
Filled with real-life stories and examples, Own the Room demystifies the concept of presence and gives you the tools you need to identify and embrace your unique leadership voice—and have a greater impact on the world around you.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
289 people are currently reading
2072 people want to read
About the author
Amy Jen Su
20 books34 followersFor almost two decades, Amy Jen Su has worked with CEOs, executives, and rising stars in organizations to sustain and scale their best as they lead organizational growth and transformation. She is Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Paravis Partners, a premier executive coaching and leadership development firm.
Amy is the author of The Leader You Want to Be: Five Essential Principles for Bringing Out Your Best Self - Every Day (Harvard Business Review Press 2019) which draws on her extensive experience serving industries such as biotechnology, private equity, financial services, software, consumer, and media. She is also co-author of the Washington Post bestseller Own the Room: Discover Your Signature Voice to Master Your Leadership Presence (Harvard Business Review Press 2013), and is a frequent contributor on HBR.org.
Amy holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in psychology from Stanford University, graduating from both with honors and distinctions.
Amy is the author of The Leader You Want to Be: Five Essential Principles for Bringing Out Your Best Self - Every Day (Harvard Business Review Press 2019) which draws on her extensive experience serving industries such as biotechnology, private equity, financial services, software, consumer, and media. She is also co-author of the Washington Post bestseller Own the Room: Discover Your Signature Voice to Master Your Leadership Presence (Harvard Business Review Press 2013), and is a frequent contributor on HBR.org.
Amy holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in psychology from Stanford University, graduating from both with honors and distinctions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
November 30, 2018
Decent book. It basically teaches you to be much more self aware of how you act, behave, and treat other people in a corporate setting. It teaches you to control your emotions and think through things carefully before acting. How your voice sounds to other people and how it effects them.
It's a very situation book which is a good/bad thing because there will be some if not many circumstances that the reader cannot relate to at all yet you still need to read through them. It's a good thing because it's almost like having a coach walk you through an issue right by your side so that next time it happens IRL you're better prepared on how to deal with it. But I think most of the time a coach is there IRL to see your blind spots and to correct them. If you are not that self aware you will not take away anything from this book because you can't manage to see yourself through other people's eyes.
It's a very situation book which is a good/bad thing because there will be some if not many circumstances that the reader cannot relate to at all yet you still need to read through them. It's a good thing because it's almost like having a coach walk you through an issue right by your side so that next time it happens IRL you're better prepared on how to deal with it. But I think most of the time a coach is there IRL to see your blind spots and to correct them. If you are not that self aware you will not take away anything from this book because you can't manage to see yourself through other people's eyes.
August 23, 2015
This is a good book for those who want to develop their leadership presence--that "something special" you see in great leaders, but may have a harder time discovering for yourself. I found the authors' frameworks to be simple enough: signature voice and ACE.
Your signature voice comes from your ability to articulate your value and distinctiveness combined with your ability to connect and align with key stakeholders. ACE is simply a way to better manage your signature voice by 1) checking your Assumptions, 2) Communicating effectively and 3) understanding your Energy.
The book is chock full of stories and anecdotes, but I found myself skimming those because there were just so many! Despite all the vignettes presented, the authors failed to provide practical examples in many areas, which left me wondering, "OK, what does that look like?"
For example, they advise you to update your bio with a clear value proposition and personal brand statement, but don't offer any examples of what that might look like. They simply say something like, "Client X updated his outdated and generic bio...and boosted his voice for self!" Awesome, but it would have been nice to see a before and after so we know how an effective bio reads.
Your signature voice comes from your ability to articulate your value and distinctiveness combined with your ability to connect and align with key stakeholders. ACE is simply a way to better manage your signature voice by 1) checking your Assumptions, 2) Communicating effectively and 3) understanding your Energy.
The book is chock full of stories and anecdotes, but I found myself skimming those because there were just so many! Despite all the vignettes presented, the authors failed to provide practical examples in many areas, which left me wondering, "OK, what does that look like?"
For example, they advise you to update your bio with a clear value proposition and personal brand statement, but don't offer any examples of what that might look like. They simply say something like, "Client X updated his outdated and generic bio...and boosted his voice for self!" Awesome, but it would have been nice to see a before and after so we know how an effective bio reads.
January 31, 2021
لقد استمعت له ولم أقرأه ويعتبر اول كتاب صوتي استمع إليه افادني نوعا ما انصح بقراءته وخصيصا للأشخاص المقبلين علي مقابلة عمل هام او التحدث عن موضوع معين علي الملأ.
January 24, 2020
I never know how to rate books such as these - where you already know the content, but it seems nice to be reminded of it?
March 22, 2020
this a wonderful book teaches you, how you can develop your skills in leadership.
January 11, 2019
The general concept of this book was good (ACE- Assumptions, Communication and Energy) but I found it quite long winded. There were too many examples and not enough theory for my liking. A book I think I will refer back to, however, so giving it a solid 3*s.
March 15, 2015
What this seems to be about is the dichotomy between being a "company man" and being an individual, and about how leaders are able to wear both personas at the same time. It seemed sort of like being able to come across as strategic and tactical. The book dives deep into this "one, the other, or both" method of speaking. I got that it is really more a frame of mind the author is talking about. I didn't find this novel, but it works as a reminder that as you move up the ladder in your career, what got you were you are, how you speak and your frame of mind, won't necessarily get you to where you need to go. I listened to this on audiobook, and found there were a number of tables that were read, and that really doesn't work very well.
April 28, 2020
This book helped me think through how to step up my leadership presence at work. I found the "voice for self" and "voice for others" frameworks to be insightful in helping diagnose my own strengths and weaknesses. I've already recommended it to multiple colleagues so Amy Jen Su is definitely onto something. I do wish there were a summary section at the end of each chapter though—that would be more tactical than having to skim this book again.
One note: I like Audible for nonfiction, but the narrator is laughably annoying and hyper-poised. Be warned! The book might be better.
One note: I like Audible for nonfiction, but the narrator is laughably annoying and hyper-poised. Be warned! The book might be better.
February 28, 2015
Well written book. The authors have introduced different characters through the book and explain concepts from their point of view. This makes readers relate to the content easily and you may find yourself in one of the characters.
Its a good book for people moving from middle to senior level positions. I found some chapters very insightful while I skimmed through the rest.
Its a good book for people moving from middle to senior level positions. I found some chapters very insightful while I skimmed through the rest.
October 3, 2020
...استمعت للكتاب لم أقراءه ,وكانت الراوية ممتعة وهي من حمستني لانهائه الا أني لم أعجب بالكتاب نفسه
.يحوي معلومات أفادتني لكن لم يكن عند حسن توقعي ,ولم يترجم ما شدني بعنوانه ,لا بأس لربما أبحث أكثر في هذا الموضوع لأعزز معلوماتي حوله
.يحوي معلومات أفادتني لكن لم يكن عند حسن توقعي ,ولم يترجم ما شدني بعنوانه ,لا بأس لربما أبحث أكثر في هذا الموضوع لأعزز معلوماتي حوله
December 27, 2021
Simple, intuitive, and comprehensive overview of the what, how, and why of Executive Presence. Many of the tools and frameworks in this book inform how I coach clients on developing an effective Executive Presence that combines advocacy and connectivity.
August 8, 2013
Very eye-opening, a very different perspective to communication and presence. Packed with lots of how-to worksheets and reminders that will help you move to signature voice faster and stay there.
February 5, 2021
استمعت له ككتاب صوتي 📚
Read
November 19, 2023Topic: Public Speaking, Personal Branding, Introspection, Communication
Amazon Rating: 4.5/5
goodreads Rating: 3.8/5
Nick’s Rating: 3.5/5
Who should (or when to) read this: If you think you could be coming across better or people might not be perceiving the authentic you.
Nick’s Major takeaway(s): People often move away from being their authentic self and shift into a "supportive voice" (talking for others) or "driving voice" (overly assertive/ confrontational). ACE: check your Assumptions, Communicate effectively and understand your Energy.
Notable Quotes: “All leaders need three core communication techniques in their toolkit to support Signature Voice: framing, advocacy, and listening and engagement” – Amy Jen Su
“To mentally condition your Signature Voice, you need to continually update your assumption of what you bring to the table. Being clear on your value proposition...is a key component of mental confidence”
“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
“Style is not a cure-all, but it is important and must be married with substance and authenticity.”
“Structured advocacy is one of the key skills high-potential mangers must master, and it goes a long way in building a more confident presence.”
If you are interested in more suggestions about personal development, growth and leadership; follow me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/growthshe... to see content on “level up literature” #lul
Amazon Rating: 4.5/5
goodreads Rating: 3.8/5
Nick’s Rating: 3.5/5
Who should (or when to) read this: If you think you could be coming across better or people might not be perceiving the authentic you.
Nick’s Major takeaway(s): People often move away from being their authentic self and shift into a "supportive voice" (talking for others) or "driving voice" (overly assertive/ confrontational). ACE: check your Assumptions, Communicate effectively and understand your Energy.
Notable Quotes: “All leaders need three core communication techniques in their toolkit to support Signature Voice: framing, advocacy, and listening and engagement” – Amy Jen Su
“To mentally condition your Signature Voice, you need to continually update your assumption of what you bring to the table. Being clear on your value proposition...is a key component of mental confidence”
“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”
“Style is not a cure-all, but it is important and must be married with substance and authenticity.”
“Structured advocacy is one of the key skills high-potential mangers must master, and it goes a long way in building a more confident presence.”
If you are interested in more suggestions about personal development, growth and leadership; follow me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/growthshe... to see content on “level up literature” #lul
Read
July 31, 2019# معوقات الحضور القيادي
يرجع إخفاق بعض المؤسسات والمنظمات بشكل كبير إلى عجزها عن تهيئة
مناخ إبداعي، وخلق قادة مؤثرين، وعدم اكتسابها لميزات تنافسية عالية.
وذلك لإيجاد معوقات تقف في طريقها نحو التميز.
هذه بعضها :
العائق الأول : لا أمل في التغيير
أصحاب هذا المبدأ يتبنون منهجا مثبطا ومحبطا للآمال.. يقول أن الحضور
سمة فطرية، وليس سلوكا مكتسبا. إلا أن الحضور في حقيقة الأمر هو مجموعة
من الخصال التي نكتسبها وننميها.
"بيل جيتس " كمثال يملك ذكاءا علميا ومنطقيا وتقنيا مميزا، ولكنه ليس
شديد اللباقة، ولا يملك ذكاءا عاطفيا موازيا، لكن حضوره القيادي الطاغي
ينبع من رؤيته الواضحة وسعيه القوي لتحقيقها.
العائق الثاني : المحاكاة والتقليد
أصحاب هذا المنهج بدلا من أن يظلوا مكتوفي الأيدي، وراغبين في التغيير،
فإنهم يتبنون طريقة محاكاة من حولهم، ويهرعون إلى تقليد أحاديثهم
وأساليبهم.. فتندثر مع الوقت أفكارهم الإبداعية وتخبو نقاط قوتهم
وقدراتهم الفريدة والإستثنائية.
العائق الثالث : لا داعي للتغيير مادام المركب يسير
أصحاب هذا المعتقد الخاطئ يظنون أن الحضور مهارة ثابتة لا تحتاج إلى
صقل وتطوير.. غير مدركين أن من أحد تعريفات القيادة أن تكون مرنا
وقادرا على التكيف وتطوير أساليبك القيادة وتوجهاتك الفكرية.
بتصرف من ملخص كتاب " افرض حضورك" من سلسلة كتاب في دقائق.
يرجع إخفاق بعض المؤسسات والمنظمات بشكل كبير إلى عجزها عن تهيئة
مناخ إبداعي، وخلق قادة مؤثرين، وعدم اكتسابها لميزات تنافسية عالية.
وذلك لإيجاد معوقات تقف في طريقها نحو التميز.
هذه بعضها :
العائق الأول : لا أمل في التغيير
أصحاب هذا المبدأ يتبنون منهجا مثبطا ومحبطا للآمال.. يقول أن الحضور
سمة فطرية، وليس سلوكا مكتسبا. إلا أن الحضور في حقيقة الأمر هو مجموعة
من الخصال التي نكتسبها وننميها.
"بيل جيتس " كمثال يملك ذكاءا علميا ومنطقيا وتقنيا مميزا، ولكنه ليس
شديد اللباقة، ولا يملك ذكاءا عاطفيا موازيا، لكن حضوره القيادي الطاغي
ينبع من رؤيته الواضحة وسعيه القوي لتحقيقها.
العائق الثاني : المحاكاة والتقليد
أصحاب هذا المنهج بدلا من أن يظلوا مكتوفي الأيدي، وراغبين في التغيير،
فإنهم يتبنون طريقة محاكاة من حولهم، ويهرعون إلى تقليد أحاديثهم
وأساليبهم.. فتندثر مع الوقت أفكارهم الإبداعية وتخبو نقاط قوتهم
وقدراتهم الفريدة والإستثنائية.
العائق الثالث : لا داعي للتغيير مادام المركب يسير
أصحاب هذا المعتقد الخاطئ يظنون أن الحضور مهارة ثابتة لا تحتاج إلى
صقل وتطوير.. غير مدركين أن من أحد تعريفات القيادة أن تكون مرنا
وقادرا على التكيف وتطوير أساليبك القيادة وتوجهاتك الفكرية.
بتصرف من ملخص كتاب " افرض حضورك" من سلسلة كتاب في دقائق.
May 21, 2023
"Own the Room: Discover Your Signature Voice" by Amy Jen Su and Muriel Maignan Wilkins is a guide that equips readers with the essential tools and mindset to unlock their potential as speakers and leaders. Drawing from the author's own experiences and expertise, this book delves deep into the art of effective communication, empowering individuals to find their authentic voice and make a lasting impact in any professional or personal setting.
One of the key take away from this book for me was the three levels of listening which I plan to incorporate in my own arsenal in future.
1) Surface / Reflective Listening - take the words in face value, eye contact, nodding head
2) Issues Based Listening - ability to cut though clutter, focus on what matters, lookout for underlying message
3) Emotions Based Listening - Emotions and motivations behind the issue, non-verbal cues like body language and tone of voice and overall mood, uncover the true agenda at play
One of the key take away from this book for me was the three levels of listening which I plan to incorporate in my own arsenal in future.
1) Surface / Reflective Listening - take the words in face value, eye contact, nodding head
2) Issues Based Listening - ability to cut though clutter, focus on what matters, lookout for underlying message
3) Emotions Based Listening - Emotions and motivations behind the issue, non-verbal cues like body language and tone of voice and overall mood, uncover the true agenda at play
February 13, 2023
"القيادة فِكر ودهاء وحكمة وقوة شخصية وتطلُّع دائم لمعالي الأمور"
يساعد الكتاب على استكشاف شخصية القائد في المجال الإداري ، ويقدم وصفة لتنمية حضوره القيادي عبر تجاوز عدة تحديات مكبلة لتحرر الشخصية القيادية الكامنة بداخله
ربما لو طبق ما في الكتاب كل قائد ومدير لتغيرت كل المؤسسات و طرق الانتاج ودافعية الموظفين ولكن - مع الأسف - في معظم أنحاء عالمنا العربي ما زال المدراء يتشبثون بأنماط إدراية عفى عليها الزمن يغلب عليها طابع الواسطة و تهميش المبدع وغيرها من المشاكل المتجذرة التي أعتقد جازمة أنهم لو قرؤوا مئات من مثل هذه الكتب لن تغيرهم ولن تؤثر بهم
يساعد الكتاب على استكشاف شخصية القائد في المجال الإداري ، ويقدم وصفة لتنمية حضوره القيادي عبر تجاوز عدة تحديات مكبلة لتحرر الشخصية القيادية الكامنة بداخله
ربما لو طبق ما في الكتاب كل قائد ومدير لتغيرت كل المؤسسات و طرق الانتاج ودافعية الموظفين ولكن - مع الأسف - في معظم أنحاء عالمنا العربي ما زال المدراء يتشبثون بأنماط إدراية عفى عليها الزمن يغلب عليها طابع الواسطة و تهميش المبدع وغيرها من المشاكل المتجذرة التي أعتقد جازمة أنهم لو قرؤوا مئات من مثل هذه الكتب لن تغيرهم ولن تؤثر بهم
June 20, 2024
Actlly found this super helpful. I've always had this nagging feeling of "what are people not telling meee?!?! what is this intangible leadership quality that works and fits across diverse demanding contexts?" Especially loved that it's written by two women of color who've worked in very classic corporate type settings, an environment in which I'm still figuring out how to function authentically/fluently. Wish they'd centered more on how they navigated their identities/expectations/perceptions as poc women professionals, or that they even wrote this book specific FOR women professionals of color working in certain types of professional settings. Broadly helpful nonetheless for wider audience.
March 6, 2022
My students often look for a book on "communications". When probing further, they're looking for something that will help them construct their message in a better way. This book goes further, asking the reader to think about assumptions, communication and energy. Two stories are woven throughout - both are relatable. One character is driven (and often running over others) and the other shrinks away from speaking up and is distracted by needing to care for everyone. Although this is technically about a transition to the C Suite, the principles are really for anyone that works within a team and/or organization. I especially like the toolkit at the end. Great, practical exercises.
May 10, 2023
According to Su, to develop a signature voice to master leadership, you need to learn how to articulate your own value, and then also how to advocate for, or show empathy to, others. The framework has the huge advantage of being simple, but I can’t help thinking there is more to developing a strong voice than that. Somehow, when I apply the framework to charismatic leaders, like Oprah, with amazing voices, it feels like they are doing those things — and a lot more. But perhaps the authors don’t want to give too much away; they are running a consultancy and I get it. Overall, this book would make me want to hire them and dive in to the rest of the work. This feels like a good start.
December 15, 2022
Good Book, especially for Senior Managers and above, how to identify your voice and move to Signature voice. Good examples, analogies and case studies shared. I liked the ACE Model (Assumption, Communication Strategies and Energy). According to Amy Jen Su and Muriel Maignan Wilkins, leadership presence is the ability to consistently and clearly articulate your value proposition while influencing and connecting with others. They offer a simple and compelling framework, as well as practical advice about how you can develop your own personal presence.
May 23, 2019
A must read for every new leader
The authors did an amazing job with explaining the why and how behind developing your very own signature voice. The appendix has solid tools which consolidates the information for the reader. I wish I had found this book earlier in my management career. From day one I was able to apply the concepts from this book. I have truly grown as a leader because of their strategies. I finished the book really fast and will read it again and again.
The authors did an amazing job with explaining the why and how behind developing your very own signature voice. The appendix has solid tools which consolidates the information for the reader. I wish I had found this book earlier in my management career. From day one I was able to apply the concepts from this book. I have truly grown as a leader because of their strategies. I finished the book really fast and will read it again and again.
May 22, 2022
This was the best business/ leadership book I’ve read in a long time. While I was slightly annoyed at the handful of typos I discovered in this book, its content was relatable and helpful for where I am in my career. It took ambiguous descriptions and made them real and actionable. I’m looking forward to practicing these steps and even sharing with my team and emerging leaders whom I coach or mentor.
April 18, 2024
I went in with low expectations and came out pleasantly surprised. It starts off slow, but picks up during the Communications and Energy sections which had some great takeaways that I can incorporate into to my daily rhythm. I like how they have characters with relatable scenarios. I enjoyed listening to the audio book although I wish I had a physical book to reference the many charts and tables mentioned.
December 17, 2017
Without effort, we return to driving, passive or supportive role. This book explains how to develop your personal signature voice, a combination of your own voice and other voices to become a better leader. Effective for small meetings or large presentations. A must read for any manager, supervisor or leader.
April 24, 2018
Great book to develop executive presence
Relevant examples, specific frameworks to develop signature voice and executive presence. Enjoyed reading the book! I like the fact that it covers how to develop these skills as a leader as well as how to coach and build teams that operate with signature voice.
Relevant examples, specific frameworks to develop signature voice and executive presence. Enjoyed reading the book! I like the fact that it covers how to develop these skills as a leader as well as how to coach and build teams that operate with signature voice.
January 13, 2019
I listened to the audio book and I was not impressed. I did not like the narrator and believe the authors or publisher or producer made a poor choice here.
The book centers around A.C.E. which means Assumptions, Communication, and Energy and the book used only two case studies which I believe to be weak.
I cannot recommend this book and it did not hold my attention.
The book centers around A.C.E. which means Assumptions, Communication, and Energy and the book used only two case studies which I believe to be weak.
I cannot recommend this book and it did not hold my attention.
April 7, 2019
Solid book for digging into finding your own voice and learning what/how you communicate with others at work. I didn’t give it more stars because I felt like it proved the point half way in. That said, it’s a great book for looking at oneself; our actions and how we often need to re-adjust our communication to get to the next level without losing the personal style that got us there.
February 11, 2020
For the first 40-50 pages, I didn't think much of this book. It seemed like a a bunch of empty platitudes.
Fortunately I kept reading.
The best thing about this book is how practical it is. The exercises, the tookit at the end - this was tremendously helpful, and one of the few professional development books I'll return to again and again.
Fortunately I kept reading.
The best thing about this book is how practical it is. The exercises, the tookit at the end - this was tremendously helpful, and one of the few professional development books I'll return to again and again.
May 30, 2024
A great book on leadership, as a tech leader on my company, I have found really useful the tips and framework described here, in a short time window I have increase my influence on peers and key stakeholders, and also it have gave me the skills for coaching my team to have their own voice and to gain visibility. It has made my life easiest at work by resigning my assumptions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews