Why is it important to influence with presence versus words?

We got a chance to meet and get to know new femcity global member jennifer watson. she often speaks about influence through her speaking and here’s what she shared:

JENNIFER WATSON

People trust what they feel long before they trust what you say. Whether we acknowledge it or not, intuition and energetic perception guide how we evaluate others every day, especially in a world where trust feels fragile.

Presence communicates safety, congruence, and credibility before a single word is spoken. People are observing behavior, emotional steadiness, and whether your energy aligns with what feels genuine and trustworthy to them. This nonverbal influence often determines whether your message will land at all.

When you lead with presence, you’re operating from who you are rather than what you’re trying to do. That distinction is powerful. It allows your authentic energy and behavior to speak first, attracting aligned people, opportunities, and conversations with far less force or performance.

At its core, influence is the combination of energy and behavior. When people sense authenticity- not a persona, not a performance- they become more receptive....and from that space more impact, success that is aligned with what you want to bring to the world. The words that follow carry more weight because trust has already been established.

What are 3–5 ways women can begin influencing with their presence versus words?

1) Reconnect with what makes you feel most like yourself.

Influence starts with authenticity, and many high-performing women have lost touch with what that actually feels like. Reintroduce play, curiosity, and activities that energize you—not because you’re good at them, but because they feel natural and alive. This is where your most magnetic presence originates.

2) Pay attention to who is naturally drawn to you.

In boardrooms, networking spaces, or on stage, notice who leans in. These individuals are responding to your energy. Engage with them, observe how they receive you, and allow that connection to deepen your confidence and influence. Equally, when someone pulls away, use it as information—are you aligned, or are you performing?

3) Match influence with awareness, not force.

True presence is not just what you project; it’s how you read and respond to others. Observe behavior, emotional tone, and engagement before speaking. Influence grows when people feel seen and energetically met, not managed.

4) Practice grounding your presence before high-stakes moments.

Before a difficult conversation, presentation, or leadership decision, take a moment to reconnect with your natural energy—steady, centered, and authentic. When you enter environments from that place instead of stress or performance, people feel the difference and trust follows more easily.

5) Let alignment guide where you invest your energy.

Not every room or relationship is meant to resonate. When you stay rooted in your authentic presence, you naturally attract those who align and release what doesn’t. This creates cleaner influence, stronger relationships, and far less wasted effort.

For leaders ready to deepen this work, influence can be intentionally trained and refined, turning it into one of the most powerful and sustainable  tools in business and life.