Course: 90 days Leadership Cues (Speech, Body Language and Words)

Coach Merel
20 items 7 topics Updated Aug 15, 2026

Description

INTRODUCTION This 90-day journal is tailored for leaders, coaches, and communicators who want to develop high-impact presence using the cue strategies researched:

  • Vanessa Van Edwards. Drawing from her book Cues, this version focuses on applying nonverbal intelligence to public speaking, team leadership, and high-stakes interpersonal dynamics
  • Jefferson Fisher.
  • Emma

Each cue comes with:

  • A brief definition
  • Its impact in leadership
  • A practice prompt
  • A daily reflection format

DAILY FORMAT TEMPLATE

> Cue of the Day: Cue Description: Leadership Application: Where I Will Practice Today: Reflection:

  • What worked?
  • What felt off?

What surprised me? Tomorrow's Micro-Shift

Weekly Structure (Days 1–30)

Days 1–7: Foundational presence cues (eye contact, open posture, pleasant resting face)

Days 8–14: Vocal & tone calibration (lower pitch, pace, clarity)

Days 15–21: Congruence & authenticity cues

Days 22–28: Role‑model energy, assertiveness, confidence cues

Days 29–30: Reflection & integration of core insights

 Week 1: First Impressions & Foundation

  1. Eye contact
  2. Open posture
  3. Resting face
  4. Head tilt
  5. Personal space awareness
  6. Handshake & approachability
  7. Self-check (warmth vs. competence)

 

 Week 2: Charisma Cues

  1. The Charisma Formula
  2. Microexpressions
  3. Warm vs. cold body language
  4. Confidence signals
  5. Disarming cues
  6. “Lean in” cue
  7. The social smile

 

 Week 3: Vocal Cues (Tone, Pitch, Melody)

  1. Power voice vs. anxiety voice
  2. Vocal fry
  3. Monotone vs. vocal range
  4. Melody for warmth
  5. Lower pitch = trust
  6. “Up talk” avoidance
  7. Slower pacing = power

 

 Week 4: Power Gestures

  1. Steeple hands
  2. Palm-up vs. palm-down
  3. Finger-pointing (when to avoid)
  4. Intentional gesturing
  5. Stillness = strength
  6. Congruent body movement
  7. Hands out of pockets

 

 Week 5: Facial Cues & Subtle Expressions

  1. Eyebrow flash
  2. Microexpressions of fear, anger, surprise
  3. Smirk vs. genuine smile
  4. Raised chin = confidence
  5. Eye squint when listening
  6. Lip press (when someone hides emotions)
  7. Nodding to show engagement

 

 Week 6: Image Cues (Style & Presentation)

  1. Visual charisma
  2. Outfit congruence
  3. Color psychology
  4. Eye-catching simplicity
  5. Visual hierarchy in slides
  6. Physical presence in a room
  7. Sitting vs. standing posture cues

 

 Week 7: Listening Cues

  1. Active listening face
  2. Encouraging vocal cues (“mm-hmm”, “go on”)
  3. Face mirroring
  4. Head nod timing
  5. Holding silence
  6. Mirroring posture
  7. Pausing before responding

 

 Week 8: Assertiveness & Boundaries

  1. Direct gaze
  2. Squared shoulders
  3. “No” tone delivery
  4. Confident pausing
  5. Closing a conversation with grace
  6. Asking without apology
  7. Verbal confidence phrases

 

 Week 9: Conversation Starters & Warm Openers

  1. Open-ended cues
  2. Compliment formula
  3. Curiosity cues
  4. “Tell me more” face
  5. Using names
  6. Humor as warmth
  7. Energy mirroring

 

 Week 10: Presence in Leadership

  1. Stillness in tension
  2. Anchoring eye contact
  3. Power breathing
  4. Owning space
  5. Starting a meeting strong
  6. Ending with authority
  7. Framing vision with hands

 

 Week 11: Online & Digital Cues

  1. Framing on camera
  2. Lighting your eyes
  3. Speaking to the lens
  4. Digital posture
  5. Background visual cues
  6. Smiling through screen
  7. Screen engagement tips

 

 Week 12: Conflict & Tension

  1. Emotion labeling cues
  2. De-escalating body language
  3. The “hands visible” trick
  4. Power down gestures
  5. Paraverbal reflection
  6. Agreement nod cue
  7. Tension diffuser phrases

 

 Week 13: Cue Integration + Charisma Anchor

  1. Cue stacking
  2. Signature gesture
  3. Role model cue mapping
  4. Final charisma self-audit
  5. Reframe weakness cues
  6. Create your “Cue Code”
  7. Final reflection & action plan

 

 FINAL REFLECTION PROMPTS (Day 90)

  • Which cues had the most surprising impact?
  • What did I learn about my body’s natural presence?
  • How has my confidence shifted?
  • Which environments challenged me most?
  • What are my 5 favorite “power cues” I’ll use daily?

 

 BONUS TOOLS TO INCLUDE:

 Charisma Tracker Sheet (track warmth vs. competence each day)

 Cue Mirror Practice Guide (check posture, eye contact, micro-expressions)

 Weekly Planning Page (prep your cue strategy)

 Real-Life Practice Log (social situations, interviews, pitches)