How to Communicate with Confidence & Authenticity with Ann Keil Dux

Executive presence isn't about performing confidence. It's about staying connected to yourself so you can communicate with confidence, authenticity, and impact. In this episode, Erin Coupe sits down with Ann Keil Dux, Emmy Award-winning Executive Presence Coach and Strategic Communication Advisor, to explore what really makes someone a powerful communicator. Drawing from her career as a television news and investigative reporter, Ann shares how leaders can strengthen executive presence, communicate with authenticity, and stay grounded when the pressure is high. They talk about why so many smart professionals don't actually have a communication problem — they have an access problem. Ann explains how active listening, body language, emotional intelligence, and intentional storytelling can help leaders connect with an audience instead of getting stuck performing the version of themselves they think people want to see. What you'll take away: -Why executive presence starts with access to yourself, not a perfect presentation technique -How quiet leaders can create more presence by slowing down and using fewer words -Why the emotion you want your audience to feel may matter more than the emotion you're feeling before a presentation -How to identify the personal "through line" that connects your career experiences and helps you communicate your value during a career pivot -Ann's Starter Bag framework for preparing for high-stakes conversations, presentations, pitches, and difficult conversations About Ann Keil Dux: Ann Keil Dux is an Emmy Award-winning Executive Presence Coach and Strategic Communication Advisor who helps leaders communicate with greater authenticity, confidence, and impact. If you're enjoying I Can Fit That In, subscribe to the show so you don't miss the next conversation about intentional leadership, personal growth, and creating a more meaningful way to work and live. Connect with Ann: https://duxcommunications.com/ #executivepresence #leadership #publicspeaking #leadershippodcast #executivecoaching YouTube Chapters 00:00 Ann Keil Dux and the Power of Running Toward the Unknown 02:18 Finding Truth Through Better Questions 04:09 Why Authenticity Builds Trust 07:14 Turning Authentic Communication Into Business 09:01 From Shy Child to TV Reporter 11:12 You Don’t Have a Communication Problem 15:44 Why Leaders Need to Communicate Everywhere 17:28 When Your Body and Words Disagree 19:34 The Power of the Quiet Leader 21:19 Pick the Emotion You Want Your Audience to Feel 23:21 Bringing Intention Into Difficult Conversations 24:29 What Is Felt Authority? 26:25 Why Perfect Speakers Aren’t Actually Perfect 27:52 Why Human Connection Matters More With AI 28:56 The Career Pivot That Changed Everything 30:05 You’re a Storyteller, Not Just Your Job Title 31:06 Finding Your Career Through Line 33:16 Staying Grounded Under Pressure 34:18 What Adversity Can Teach You 35:22 How Well Do You Walk Through the Fire? 36:39 Ann’s “Starter Bag” for High-Stakes Communication 37:56 The 3 Steps to Prepare for Any Big Conversation 39:54 Where to Connect With Ann 📱 Follow Erin: Instagram:   / authenticallyec   LinkedIn:   / erin-coupe   🔗 Connect with Erin Coupe → https://www.erincoupe.com Erin Coupe is a keynote speaker, executive guide, founder and CEO of Authentically EC (a coaching and professional training company) and the author of I Can Fit That In—a methodology, movement, and podcast helping high-performers lead with intention, energy, and clarity. 📍Workshops, Speaking & Events: Erin works with organizations and teams to help them break free from disconnection and overwhelm and lead with awareness, clarity, and authenticity. ➡️ To book Erin for a keynote or workshop, visit: https://www.erincoupe.com/contact-us 🎧 Listen to the Podcast: I Can Fit That In is available on Apple, Spotify, YouTube & more → https://www.erincoupe.com/podcast 📩 Join the Email List: Get exclusive tools, mindset shifts, and early access to events: → https://www.erincoupe.com/subscribe