How to build gravitas - practical advice

How frequently have you heard the criticism that someone lacks gravitas? This is something that a successful change agent needs, but can you develop it?

I have been asked this a number a times, both as a manager of a team and as the head of a programme office looking at the development of change professionals. For a long while I had few answers. Now if they had asked about planning a project or manageing risks there was a huge armoury of texts, training courses and even practitioners to emulate.

Gravitas however seems much more elusive.

This was until I, after much searching, found a resource online, thechangeboard. I have provided the link below, but here are the 10 steps they suggest.

1. Think about your natural body space

Then imagine it is twice as great, then imagine it fills the whole room or street. Hold that thought and your body language will automatically increase your presence. 

2. Talk at a measured pace

Gushing suggests gullible; steady suggests wise. Don’t raise your voice: if you have presence you don’t need to.

3. When you’ve made your point, stop talking even if there is silence

People with presence don’t worry if it takes other people time to understand them.

4. Look slightly above the people you are talking with

 As if the point that you are making is more important than the reaction of the people that are listening.

5. If you’re having difficulty gaining gravitas

Change the role that you are playing, eg, if the other people know more than you provide incisive summaries or ask challenging questions rather than compete in an area where you are unlikely to shine.

6. Set the mood

Be the source of enthusiasm if the others are sombre, or the voice of calm consideration if the rest are ebullient.

7. Don’t talk over other people

Or, if you have to, wait until there is silence before you make any serious points.

8. Give your undivided attention when others are speaking

At least to start with (unless they cut across you in which case look irritated).

9. People with presence tend to say relatively little

But what they say counts – focus on quality rather than quantity.

10. Taking a few notes suggests that you are sifting the gems

Or having brilliant thoughts (high presence) but furiously scribbling will encourage others to see you simply as the note-taker.


I have shared this with a good number of people who have found this useful. They see it as offering real ideas they can do that will give positive and visible results. 


Do let me know if it resonates and/or you find it useful Similarly add your own suggestions by commenting on this post.


Here is the link, http://www.changeboard.com/content/1675/how-to-gain-gravitas/#