Professor Jeffrey Pfeffer, an authority on organizational behavior at Stanford, shares his insights on commanding presence in communication. He highlights the power of simple, vivid language to enhance authority. Pfeffer also emphasizes the importance of body language and vocal delivery in establishing influence, especially in virtual settings. He draws an interesting parallel between athletes' warm-up routines and effective communication preparation, underscoring how mental readiness can drastically improve performance. Transform your speaking with these powerful techniques!
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Nonverbal Power Cues
Project power nonverbally by standing tall and using expansive gestures.
Maintain eye contact and avoid tilting your head or looking down, which can diminish presence.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Verbal Power Cues
Use simple, forceful, and vivid language to convey power in your speech.
Keep your language direct and avoid filler words like "um" or "ah."
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Emotions and Power
Displaying strong emotions, especially anger, can be more effective than pleading.
Anger demonstrates strength and can yield better results in certain situations.
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In this book, Jeffrey Pfeffer provides insightful and often counterintuitive advice on how power is successfully built and maintained in organizations. Drawing from his extensive experience in consulting and teaching, Pfeffer argues that power is not just for a select few but can be harnessed by anyone. The book dispels the myth that power is only for those in charge and instead reveals the true paths to career success, emphasizing the importance of personal networks, reputation, and effective social interactions. Pfeffer uses numerous examples from various countries and industries to illustrate his points, making the book an essential organizational survival manual and a new standard in the field of leadership and management.
Dying for a paycheck
Jeffrey Pfeffer
Jeffrey Pfeffer's "Dying for a Paycheck" explores the detrimental effects of workplace stress on employee health and well-being. The book argues that excessive work hours, lack of control, and economic insecurity contribute significantly to health problems and premature death. Pfeffer presents compelling evidence linking workplace stressors to various health issues, including cardiovascular disease and mental health problems. He advocates for systemic changes in workplace culture and policies to prioritize employee well-being. The book challenges the traditional view of work-life balance and calls for a more humane and sustainable approach to work.
“Simple language, forceful language, vivid language, and keeping it simple and direct,” says Professor Jeffrey Pfeffer, are all powerful tools to strengthen your communication.
Host and Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturer Matt Abrahams interviews Pfeffer, the author many books, including Power: Why Some People Have It and Others Don't, about the verbal and nonverbal ways we can harness, or give away, our authority when we’re speaking to others. Pfeffer is also the host of the podcast Pfeffer on Power and teaches the Stanford GSB online course Discover thePaths to Power.
Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques 
