The viral video below is floating around of Former President Barack Obama visiting a South Side High School in Chicago.

If you search Obama videos, there are hundreds of them, and they all seem to end the same way:

Excitement
Tears of Joy
Laughter
Phones whipping out to capture the moment

I too witnessed Obama’s power in October 2017, when I was invited to participate in the Obama Foundation’s first event in Chicago through the non-profit organization I cofounded - Donda’s House (now called Art of Culture Inc). The first video shows the Organizational Leader’s reaction. The second video shows the youth’s reaction. None of us knew that he would be there!

The thing that Obama, and his beautiful & iconic wife Michelle Obama have mastered is presence. Just look at the look on my face when I had the opportunity to meet Former President Obama:

While we all have distinct and unique personalities that show up in all of our personal and professional interactions. Presence can also be something that we intentionally cultivate.

Here are some questions to respond to help you to be more intentional about your presence.

(1) What do you want people to feel when you walk into the room?

(2) What do you want people to feel after a one-on-one interaction with you

(3) How do you want people to describe you?

(4) What do you want to be known for?

As you are considering your presence, these are the questions you want to return to.

Finally, how do we create presence?

(1) Body Language - do you always have your hands folded? Are you super expressive? DWayne “The Rock” Johnson is known for his signature eyebrow raise. Colin Kaepernick is known for his iconic kneel.

(2) Clothing - Jahmal Cole, founder of My Block, My Hood, My City, always wears the organization’s logo. Steve Jobs was known for his black turtleneck. From color, to type (casual or dressy), you can use clothing to create presence.

(3) Repeated Phrases - Do you always open or close your speeches with certain words or phrases. Is there a quote that you can repeat that really aligns with your personal mission. Whatever you repeat is what you will be known for.

(4) Signature Accessories - I love to wear bold/statement necklaces in professional settings. I also know people who wear signature glasses. Presidential Candidates & Sitting Presidents are expected to rock the American Flag.

(5) Use of color - I have recently decided that “purple” is my personal color across my brands. I use different shades but ultimately anything that is affiliated with me professionally will have purple connected to it.

(6) Hair - Anna Wintour’s bob is iconic and will forever be her signature.

Start to play around with your presence as you are cultivating your professional image, brand and style. Feel free to leave comments or suggestions below if you have recommendations on how to cultivate your presence.