There are several components to taunt mechanic on a brute.
Taunt Aura: Every brute secondary has a PBAoE mag 4 taunt aura (10 target max). These are largely the same as tank taunt auras. On Energy Aura it's built into Entropic Aura.
Taunt (the power): Every brute primary has a taunt power. Ranged, mag 4, 15-foot radius AoE (5 target max), auto-hit in PVE. Again, largely the same as tank taunt powers. Brutes often skip this.
PokeVoke: When a brute attacks, the target is taunted. This is weaker than a tank's Gauntlet, in which each attack taunts in an AoE (5 target max) around the target.
You shouldn't need to dip into the Presence pool.
If you want to bring foes to you, the Taunt power is very useful as it has a 70-foot range. That said, running around and tagging foes with your aura will get their attention quickly.
Not more than 15-30 seconds.
They won't laugh at you, but there is content that may be challenging for a brute to handle. You'll be fine in regular missions and TFs, but for HM content folks are usually going to want a tank. Lord Recluse in MLTF may pose a problem and require some planning and strategy with Energy Aura, as the towers provide tohit buffs that will cut through your defense.