Women's Network blog series: Sinéad Lunny, Vocalis Public Speaking

Speak with Presence, Authority & Gravitas 

In a world of constant noise and distraction, it's not always the loudest voice that gets heard—but the one that speaks with presence, authority, and gravitas. Whether you’re delivering a boardroom pitch, leading a team meeting, or stepping onto a stage, your voice and presence should inspire confidence, not just in what you say—but in who you are.

Here are my top Vocalis tips to help you elevate your speaking presence and project true authority:

Own the Silence

Gravitas isn’t found in rushing to fill space. It lives in the quiet moments between your words. A well-placed pause can speak louder than a flurry of filler. It signals control, thoughtfulness, and composure. Use silence to breathe, to let your message land, and to draw your audience in.

Try this: Before your next key point, pause for two seconds. Let it hang. Watch how it shifts the energy in the room.

Root Your Voice

Your voice reflects your state. A tight throat or high pitch can betray nerves. Authority lives in a grounded, resonant tone—one that comes from the belly, not the chest. Think of your voice as an instrument: warm, rich, and supported by breath.

Vocalis Tip: Breathe low into your diaphragm before you speak. Feel your feet on the ground. When you speak, imagine your voice travelling out and down, not up and away.

Stand Like You Mean It

Your posture speaks long before your mouth does. Gravitas is physical. Plant your feet hip-width apart. Soften your knees. Lengthen your spine. Open your chest. This stance not only affects how others see you—it transforms how you feel.

Embodiment Hack: Before you speak, take a moment to align your body. A calm, upright posture says, "I belong here."

Drop the Apology

We often undermine ourselves with language that hedges, softens, or seeks permission. "I just think...", "Sorry, but...", or "Does that make sense?" dilutes your credibility. Gravitas means trusting your own voice—and expecting others to trust it too.

Edit in Real Time: Swap “I just want to say” with “I believe...” or “What’s important here is...”

Speak with Intention, Not Perfection

Presence doesn’t come from being flawless—it comes from being fully engaged. Speak with clarity, not over-polish. Be willing to pause, rephrase, or even admit when you're thinking on your feet. Authenticity builds trust; rehearsed bravado doesn’t.

Presence Practice: Next time you're tempted to “perform,” choose to connect instead. Look one person in the eye. Speak to them as if it's a conversation.
 

Slow Down to Be Heard

A fast pace is fine as long as you can keep up with yourself! Rushing through your message signals anxiety and robs your words of weight. Authority walks—not sprints. A slower, deliberate pace lets your voice land and signals confidence. Don’t be afraid to take up space.

Mindset Shift: You don’t owe your audience speed. You owe them clarity.

Know Your Message—and Believe It

True gravitas comes from alignment: when your words, body, and intention are all pulling in the same direction. If you believe what you're saying, and it's rooted in your values, it will land with power. People don't just listen to what you say—they feel how much you mean it.

At Vocalis, we believe everyone has a powerful voice inside them—often hidden behind habits, nerves, or outdated beliefs about what “good speaking” looks like. You don’t need to become someone else to have gravitas. You need to become *more you*—clearer, bolder, and more fully present .Ready to use your voice? Let’s work together.