EP8 - How to Walk Into Any Room & Own It – Build Influence

Your presence speaks before you do. In this episode, discover how to develop magnetic presence and use it to build instant influence in any space. We break down the subtle habits, body language cues, and mindset shifts that help you show up with power, connect deeply, and leave a lasting impression—without needing to be the loudest in the room.

#MagneticPresence #CommandTheRoom #BuildInfluence #ConfidenceTips #LeadershipSkills #PersonalPower #OwnTheRoom #BodyLanguageSecrets #PresenceMatters #HighImpactCommunication

Transcript

🎙️ Episode Title: How to Command a Room with Confidence and Presence
📘 Podcast: Living Fiercely with Tiana DeRay

🎧 Welcome Back
Hi and welcome back to Living Fiercely, the podcast where we break down the mindset, habits, and strategies to help you step into your power, own your presence, and create unstoppable success.
I'm your host, Tiana. And if you’re ready to level up your confidence and become someone who naturally commands attention — you’re in the right place. Now let's get into today's episode.

💥 Today’s Topic
Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt the energy shift?
You know that feeling when someone steps in and heads just turn — and it’s not because they’re the loudest or flashiest, but because they carry a presence that demands attention.
That is magnetic presence — and it’s not something you’re just born with. It’s something you can learn and develop.

So today, we’re going to break down the physiology, the science, and the practical strategies behind cultivating that kind of presence.
Whether you’re stepping into a boardroom, a networking event, or even a social setting — this episode will show you exactly how to command a room with confidence, ease, and authenticity.

⚡ What Is Magnetic Presence?
Magnetic presence isn’t about being the loudest person in the room. It’s about how you make people feel.
It’s the energy, the conviction, the quiet confidence that says, “I belong here.”
People with presence don’t have to demand attention — it naturally flows toward them.

So first, let’s talk about what magnetic presence is not.
It’s not arrogance.
It’s not trying too hard.
It’s definitely not about looks — because presence transcends appearance.
And it’s not about talking the most.

Presence is about:

• Self-led energy — how you carry yourself
• Emotional intelligence — how you connect with others
• Authenticity — owning who you are, unapologetically

And the best part? These are all skills you can learn.

🧘‍♀️ Energy as a Project
You should look at your energy as your project.
One of the most overlooked aspects of presence is energy.
People are drawn to those who radiate calm, grounded confidence — a sense that they are in control of themselves and the moment.
That doesn’t mean dominating the room.
It means knowing when to speak — and when to listen.

I remember walking into a high-level networking event where I didn’t know a single person.
At first, I felt like a complete outsider.
Instead of retreating or trying to fake it, I started focusing inward: I slowed my breath, adjusted my posture, pulled my shoulders back, lifted my chin — and walked with intention.
Then I approached every conversation with real curiosity.
I stopped worrying about how I looked or sounded — and within minutes, I felt completely at ease.
The energy in the room shifted — because I shifted.
That’s the power of presence.

🧠 The Science of Presence and Perception
Studies show that within seven seconds of meeting someone, people already form an impression of you — and most of that has nothing to do with what you say.
It’s all about how you show up.

There are two psychological principles that shape presence:

1. Nonverbal communication — over 70% of communication is nonverbal. Your posture, facial expression, eye contact, and even how you take up space all create instant perception.
2. The neuroscience of confidence — when you stand tall, breathe deeply, and speak with certainty, your body releases testosterone (the power hormone) and reduces cortisol (the stress hormone). That makes you feel and appear more confident and grounded.

💡 Real Examples
Think about people like Tony Robbins or David Goggins — they command attention not because they’re yelling, but because they show up with grounded certainty.
They speak with conviction. They don’t rush. They hold eye contact.
Their energy is deliberate — and that’s what makes them magnetic.

🎯 Practical Steps to Instantly Command a Room

Step 1: Master First Impressions
Walk into every room slowly and with intention.
Don’t rush or fidget.
Hold eye contact for at least three seconds when greeting someone.
Keep your body language open — shoulders back, chest up.

Step 2: The 3-Second Rule for Confidence
Before speaking, pause for three seconds.
This keeps you from rushing and makes people pay attention.
Silence can be powerful when it’s used with intention.

Step 3: Speak with Authority and Presence
Slow your speech.
Confident people don’t rush their words.
Use tonal variation — monotone is forgettable, but energy is memorable.
End statements with certainty, not an upward question tone.

Step 4: Own Your Space
Never shrink yourself.
Claim the space you’re in.
Move with deliberate gestures — avoid fidgeting.
Position yourself where you can be seen and heard. Don’t hide in a corner.

Step 5: Be Present in Conversation
Listen actively — don’t just wait for your turn to speak.
Subtly mirror the other person’s body language to build connection.
Speak with measured confidence — every word should carry value.

🔁 Deepen Your Magnetic Presence

1. Master the Art of Storytelling
Engaging people aren’t just confident — they’re storytellers.
They connect through stories that evoke emotion, not just facts.

2. Create High-Value Conversations
People with real presence don’t engage in surface talk.
They bring insight, depth, and curiosity to everything they say.

3. Regulate Your Energy
Learn how to adjust your energy based on the room.
You don’t need to be high energy all the time.
Sometimes calm, grounded energy is even more powerful.

4. Use Strategic Silence
Don’t rush to fill space.
Pauses create presence.
Silence draws people in and gives weight to your words.

🏁 Final Thoughts
Magnetic presence isn’t just for certain people — it’s a skill set.
It’s how you walk, how you speak, how you carry yourself, and most importantly — how you make others feel.
So the next time you walk into a room, don’t focus on how you’re being seen.
Focus on being genuinely curious about the people around you — and show up with quiet power.

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s ready to own their presence.
That’s it for today — and I’ll see you in the next episode.