What I Learned from Nancy PelosiNOTE: This post is not about politics. This post is about professional self-presentation.
I was stunned the other day when I saw in the news that Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi had turned 70 years old. Seventy! And arguably one of the most powerful women in the world, now claiming a fresh professional triumph.
I've always been impressed by the Speaker's utter poise and professionalism. Regardless of politics, here is what I've learned from Pelosi about self-presentation:
Never raise your voice. An evenly modulated voice is a powerful sign of control and authority. It suggests that you are thoughtful and even-handed rather than reactive and erratic.
Don't shoot back. Refusing to enter the fray is another sign of credibility and self-possession. It tells the world that you decide and control your own agenda.
Focus, focus, focus. Mediocrity thrives on distraction. There's something compelling about the singleminded woman who concentrates on her goals.
Keep it simple. Pelosi's tailored suits, classic accessories, and sleek hairstyle never upstage her talent and accomplishments. Style is the frame, not the picture.
Keep it fresh. She may be a 70-year-old granny, but her look is completely contemporary. Don't let people think you're last year's model.
Excellent points, Anne. I need to remember the first one, because I tend to get 'louder' when I'm passionate or think I'm 'right' about something.
And Ms. Pelosi, even at 70, continues to be stunning. Wow.
I suffer the same "excitable" factor, Christine. That's why I make a much better keynote speaker than Speaker of the House!
Nancy's terrific at 70, yes. But then, so am I! I'm actually 71 now, decided at 66 that working with authors as a book manuscript copyeditor was what I wanted to do. Result: I've edited more than 60 book manuscripts in the past two years -- business, novels, memoirs, spirituality, sci-fi -- for authors all over the U.S. and in other countries. I'm a writer, too. No limits -- the new mantra of some of us over-70 women!
OK, so "what I learned from Linda Jay": no limits! (I can grab that for us over-50 women, yes?)