Episode #135 Why Do You Need to Bother With Presenting?

Why do many executives in 日本企業 (Japanese companies) and 外資系企業 (global companies in Japan) avoid public speaking — and what does it cost them?

Many executives in Tokyo shy away from public speaking because they feel it adds little value. Yet this hesitation quietly erodes brand visibility, leadership influence, and competitive differentiation. In high-stakes industries where companies appear similar, silence often blends leaders into the background.

In this story, a rare female CEO in Tokyo admitted she almost never accepts speaking invitations — despite holding a position of major influence. Her reason was simple: she believed that a company’s value must be experienced, not told. But this mindset overlooks how audiences actually learn, remember, and recommend brands.

Mini-Summary:
Avoiding public speaking weakens brand presence and prevents executives from shaping industry narratives — especially in the competitive Tokyo market.

Executives often assume audiences want product promotion. In reality, business professionals attend events to learn from a leader’s experience — their wins, failures, and insights that can be applied to personal and organizational growth. This is where public speaking becomes a powerful strategic lever.

When leaders share stories, lessons, and industry perspectives, the brand becomes memorable and trusted. Even if attendees never become direct customers, they become fans and advocates who elevate the company’s reputation.

For executives — particularly trailblazers, such as the first female CEO in a Tokyo industry — public speaking accelerates both personal brand growth and corporate influence.

Mini-Summary:
Public speaking creates credibility, trust, and differentiation in ways traditional branding cannot.

The CEO believed nobody cared about her company unless they experienced the service firsthand. But the audience — a room full of motivated business professionals — wanted something completely different. They wanted meaningful insights to elevate their own companies.

This mismatch between speaker intention and audience expectation is common in Japan. Many executives fail to analyze who will be in the room, what companies they represent, and what value they seek. A simple review of attendee information (or asking PR teams to do so) can transform an average speech into a high-impact one.

In this case, after receiving a quick “mini master class,” the CEO shifted her delivery on the spot, tailoring her message to the audience’s needs — a dramatic improvement over her initial direction.

Mini-Summary:
Knowing your audience is the difference between a forgettable talk and a value-driven, brand-elevating presentation.

Executives who speak publicly shape how industries think. They gain influence, attract talent, and strengthen trust. Leaders who remain silent miss out on opportunities to control their narrative and showcase expertise.

Public speaking is not about self-promotion — it is about providing value. When leaders consistently deliver insights that help others grow, both their personal brand and their company’s brand rise naturally.

For Japanese and multinational companies (日本企業 / Japanese companies, 外資系企業 / Global companies), especially those operating in Tokyo’s competitive landscape, this is a defining advantage.

Mini-Summary:
Public speaking is a strategic asset that amplifies leadership presence and corporate reputation.

Like a fish unaware of the water it swims in, many leaders don’t realize how powerful public speaking can be until they see what they’re missing. Silence is no longer a neutral choice — it is a competitive disadvantage.

Executives must embrace public speaking as an indispensable skill, a “must-have arrow” in their leadership quiver. Mastering it strengthens personal influence, elevates company visibility, and opens doors to new opportunities.

Mini-Summary:
Public speaking is an irreplaceable tool for leadership growth and long-term brand success.

• Public speaking differentiates leaders in saturated markets like Tokyo.

• Audiences want insights, not corporate promotion — value drives influence.

• Understanding attendees is critical for designing impactful presentations.

• Speaking regularly enhances both executive presence and corporate brand strength.

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.