How do I develop a strong presence and personality?

1. Don’t talk too much. Talk only when it’s needed.
2. Talk in a slow, understandable manner. And smile while talking.
3. Don’t laugh too much. This is important. Laugh only enough to maintain your self-respect. Too much laughing results in loss of respect and good image.
4. Be confident. Don’t worry, this is not a cliché advice. I’ll tell you how. First of all, if a topic is under discussion, don’t just dive in just for the sake of seeming like a confident guy. People are intelligent enough to detect a fake confidence. To be able to talk about the topic, read the news, blogs, be acquainted with the latest trends in politics, technology, and/or whatever interests you, beforehand. This way, you’d have a strong grip on the topic and you’d be able to discuss these in greater details. And while discussing the topic, always acknowledge other people’s opinions and don’t criticize directly but also have a firm ground of your own opinions at the same time. While conveying a message, opinion or speech, do a little homework beforehand. (Keep the points 1, 2, & 3 in your mind while doing so).
5. Don’t lean forward while standing. Stand firm and straight with your chest wide open but wide enough to not be arrogant.
6. Maintain eye contact while talking. This may take practice. A word of caution though: this may vary depending on the culture you are in.
7. When it comes to making decisions, be very good at it. Do your homework beforehand and once you take a decision, stand by it. For that reason, do your homework well and take your time.
8. Have a passion for something extracurricular and be very good at it. For example, sports, music, etc.
9. Remember, focus is the key. Be a very focused person. Have a laser-like focus. Again, this is not easy and requires practice and consistency.
10. Try to have a good sense of humor but don’t make jokes a lot. Remain serious but not to a greater extent. A good sense of humor is also important so don’t get this wrong.
11. Remember, remaining serious is a skill of its own. Read point 9 again. Focus will help you remain serious. Looking serious may also increase your image among the community.
12. While shaking hands, have a firm grip. This is a very important personality trait.
13. Remember, good grammar is sexy.
14. Be enthusiastic and positive at the same time. Enthusiasm for negative things will lead you astray.
15. This one is the most important. Maintain a cool attitude in every situation and be very EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT.
16. Remember, manners maketh man. Ethics are everything.
17. Baggy pants are not for gentlemen. ;)
18. This one is important, develop an ability to listen to others. According to Dale Carnegie, the greatest conversationalist is the one who doesn’t converse more but listen to the other person more. Read the book “How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie”.
19. Speaking of which, read books, a lot of books. The one common pattern among all the successful persons is that they all read books.
20. Remember, failure is inevitable. Not giving up is the key. Never give up. Although, this may seem like an off-topic point but ‘not giving up’ attitude inspires those around you.