Episode #105: Creating Your Personal Style When Presenting

Why Does a Distinct Speaking Style Matter for Today’s Executives?

In a business environment where 日本企業 (Japanese companies) and 外資系企業 (multinational corporations in Japan) compete for attention, leaders must differentiate not only through expertise but also through communication style. When your name appears on an event agenda, do people think, “I need to attend that talk”?

A personal speaking style builds trust, shapes perception, and influences how effectively you mobilize teams, clients, and partners.

Mini-summary: A clear speaking identity strengthens your leadership presence and increases your impact across Japanese and global business audiences.

Yes — and you don’t need to look far for examples.
Simon Sinek demonstrates the power of defining your WHY.
Tony Robbins uses massive energy and confidence.
Rowan Atkinson relies on dry, understated wit.
Brian Tracy uses logic and data.
Zig Ziglar mastered storytelling.

Locally in 東京 (Tokyo), economist Jesper Koll is known for his casual style, sharp questions, data-heavy slides, and even splashes of color. He blends economics with performance, making his sessions both educational and entertaining.

Mini-summary: Your style is a strategic asset. Study great communicators, but build an authentic version that fits you.

Most professionals in Japan only speak publicly a few times a year — far fewer than full-time keynote speakers. Even so, you can build a lasting brand.

Start by defining what you want to be known for:

• Sharp analysis

• Strong confidence

• Expert authority

• High-quality research

• Witty delivery

• Clear frameworks

Focus on a small set of content areas. Specialists gain recognition faster—just as Jesper does by sticking to economics. At Dale Carnegie Tokyo, Dr. Greg Story focuses on sales, leadership, and presentation skills because these align with our core training expertise.

Publishing blogs, shooting video, and generating thought leadership content helps audiences discover your voice long before they see you on stage.

Mini-summary: A focused message and consistent content output build your speaker identity over time.

Choose what naturally fits who you are.
If you’re witty, use it — but only authentically.
If you’re not witty, avoid forced jokes or culturally specific sarcasm that may not land well, especially with Japanese and international audiences.

日本企業 (Japanese companies) and global firms in Tokyo value clarity, respectfulness, and professionalism. Match your tone to what senior leaders expect.

If you have access to strong research or proprietary insights, make data your brand. As Jesper’s talks demonstrate, audiences return when they know they will learn something new.

Mini-summary: Authenticity wins. Lean into strengths that support your credibility and avoid styles that don’t match your personality.

Even the best data and ideas fall flat when delivered poorly.
Boring presenters do not influence, inspire, or develop followings.

To improve:

• Speak clearly and confidently

• Engage the audience early

• Use stories and examples

• Bring energy and presence

• Practice consistently

Anthony Robbins famously took every speaking opportunity early in his career to accelerate his improvement curve. Repetition builds mastery. The more you speak — even in small, internal meetings — the faster you refine your distinct style.

Mini-summary: Delivery is the multiplier of your message. Frequent practice builds the skills executives expect from credible leaders.

How Does Effective Speaking Influence Employee Engagement and Leadership Impact?

Engaged employees are self-motivated. Self-motivated employees become inspired. Inspired employees grow your business.

But inspiration starts with leadership communication.

Dale Carnegie Tokyo provides リーダーシップ研修 (leadership training), 営業研修 (sales training), プレゼンテーション研修 (presentation training), エグゼクティブ・コーチング (executive coaching), and DEI研修 (DEI training). We teach leaders how to communicate in a way that moves people to action.

Mini-summary: Strong speaking skills directly influence organizational culture, motivation, and performance.

• A signature speaking style builds credibility in both Japanese and global business environments.

• Focus your expertise on a few topics and create consistent content to be discovered.

• Authentic delivery — not forced humor or unnatural styles — is essential for executive presence.

• Great communication powers employee engagement, leadership impact, and business growth.

Founded in the U.S. in 1912, Dale Carnegie Training has supported individuals and companies worldwide for over a century in leadership, sales, presentation, executive coaching, and DEI. Our Tokyo office, established in 1963, has been empowering both Japanese and multinational corporate clients ever since.