Own the Room

Discover Your Signature Voice to Master Your Leadership Presence

By: Amy Jen Su, Muriel Maignan Wilkins

Narrated by: Karen Saltus

People are drawn to, and influenced by, leaders who communicate authentically, connect with people, and have immediate impact. So how do you become one? How can you learn to “own the room?” This book will help you develop your leadership presence. The authors offer a simple and compelling framework as well as practices for developing your "signature voice." Wherever you sit in an organization, you can develop presence if you are able to do two things well: demonstrate your authentic value and distinction; and connect to others in a positive way. Leaders who are able to be authentic while connecting with and impacting others have what the authors call a signature voice - a means of self-expression that is uniquely and distinctly your own. Once you embrace and express this invaluable skill, you won’t believe the tremendous impact you can have on those around you. Filled with real-life stories and examples, Own the Room will demystify the notion of presence and provide practical advice on how you can develop it.

©2013 Amy Jen Su and Murien Maignan Wilkins (P)2013 Gildan Media LLC

Critic reviews

" Own the Room is a must-read for all emerging and experienced leaders who aspire to authentically connect with others, forge relationships, and increase their influence. The authors have provided a practical roadmap and toolkit for building leadership presence from the inside out.” (Jane Brock-Wilson, Managing Director, Berkshire Partners)

Smokin Hot way to the Front of the Stage

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Realistically, what you would expect of a coaching book is mostly change your mind set or learn to sell something. These authors have brought the art of enhancing your personal and professional presence into the new world. I am taking the tips and redoing my entire presentation on the national stage, now feeling comfortable in my style enhanced by their sound advice.

Who was your favorite character and why?

No characters, book was metaphorical in its teaching approach

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Excitement and turns you into a powerful energetic force

Any additional comments?

Wish they wrote it ten years ago

Good stuff

Much different than I expected, but these leaders share a great model that can be helpful for all in a leadership role. It is based on their many years of coaching experience, and while not a theory with evidence per se, it seems to have helped many people, and it has influenced my thinking somewhat. Definitely worth a listen,

great direction for up and coming leaders

loves it. provides a great way to stay on track in the leadership Journey, communicating effectively. a must read for all.

Great subjects, less than great Audible

Really liked the methods and ideas in this book. I will take a lot of this into my own new management role for sure. Highly recommend for the workplace! You'll miss all the charts via Audible, though they didn't sound too important anyway. The authors voice though... not a good match for a business subject. I felt awkward when I was alone and embarrassed when someone heard, because the reader is too self-helpy whimsical.

Not well adapted for Audio format

Great book in terms of information but the audiobook references tables and figures that you can't see. The original text was not at all modified for this format. I ended up having to purchase a hard copy of the book.

audio version lacks charts

What made the experience of listening to Own the Room the most enjoyable?

Book is good... I could have given it a 4-5 for its contents: it has good tips and examples. I bought the audio format to listen to this during my long drives over the weekend. Amazon or publisher should provide access to the charts used in the book (maybe electronically or online) for those that purchase this book in audio format... specially when the audio format is not the cheapest option...

tough for audio book as more of a workbook

hard to follow as the reader discusses charts and quizzes to follow along but you don't have materials.

Great book-Not conducive for audio

I wish I had purchased a hard copy of this book. All its charts and diagrams just don’t work for listening only.

not terribly insightful for research-based book

one noteworthy though not original idea - effective leadership/communication is responsive to people + context.

Too many tables to be an effective audio book

Usually when an audio book frequently references charts or tables, they are available for download. I couldn't find anyway to get the tables for this book without also purchasing a hard copy. I would not recommend this as an audio book.