Today’s leaders aren’t just running teams. They’re expected to show up and speak up at high-stakes moments. Whether you’re in front of a camera, a boardroom, or a live streamed town hall, the spotlight is unavoidable. But are you actually ready for it?
Use this quick diagnostic to evaluate your executive communications strength across 5 key areas and see where your visibility gaps may be holding you (or your team) back.
1. Message Clarity
Ask yourself:
- Can you clearly articulate your company’s vision in one sentence?
- Do you have 3 key messages you can deliver across different settings, interviews, panels, internal all-hands?
- Are those messages differentiated and memorable?
If not: You risk sounding vague, reactive, or like everyone else.
2. Media Readiness
Ask yourself:
- When was the last time you had media training?
- Do you know how to pivot away from tough questions without sounding evasive?
- Do you have talking points and soundbites ready for your next media moment?
If not: A great story could fall flat, or worse, backfire.
3. Executive Presence
Ask yourself:
- Do you come across as calm, credible, and composed, even under pressure?
- Can you adapt your tone and message to different audiences (analysts, employees, journalists)?
- Have you received feedback on your presence beyond just “you did fine”?
If not: You might be sending mixed signals without knowing it.
4. Stakeholder Alignment
Ask yourself:
- Do your internal stakeholders (Comms, HR, Legal, DEI) know your talking points?
- Are you aligned with leadership on how you respond to tough questions or hot topics?
- Is there a clear process for preparing you for high-profile moments?
If not: You’re putting yourself and your brand at risk.
5. Speaking Opportunities Strategy
Ask yourself:
- Do you have a plan for earned visibility through panels, interviews, or thought leadership?
- Are you being put forward for opportunities , or passed over?
- Does your LinkedIn and speaker bio reflect your expertise today?
If not: You’re missing out on credibility-building moments that your competitors are claiming.
Your Scorecard
How many sections above did you feel 100% confident in?
- 5 out of 5: You’re in great shape — and likely already investing in strategic visibility.
- 3–4 out of 5: Strong foundation, but you may have hidden vulnerabilities.
- 0–2 out of 5: Time to shore up — your visibility might be costing you credibility.
Book Your Free Executive Visibility Strategy Session
If you’re unsure how you scored, or know there’s room to grow, let’s connect.
Victoria Kirk, our founder, is a former journalist and 20-year communications strategist who has worked with global brands like Amazon, Gap Inc., and Allergan, as well as fast-growing startups like Chefs Plate. She has helped executives and founders step into the spotlight when it counts, and avoid it when necessary.
In a complimentary 20-minute strategy session, Victoria will review your current executive communications approach and identify one or two priority actions to strengthen your visibility and impact.
Book your free session now.
Verified Communications is a Toronto-based public relations and corporate communications agency trusted by startups, founders, CEOs, and business leaders since 2016. We partner with clients that demand big-brand thinking without the big agency bloat. Lean by design and built to scale, we blend strategy with storytelling to make audiences feel something real.
Project and retained services for startups, established brands, and executives include public relations, executive communications, corporate communications, media relations, media training, message development, crisis communications, and thought leadership content development.
