Episode #166: 2020 Here We Go - Let's Build Our Personal Brand As A Presenter

Why do “fresh starts” still matter for business presenters?

Every January, leaders and professionals talk about New Year’s resolutions—then most of them quietly disappear by February. It is not because the idea of a fresh start is wrong; it is because most of us are busy, distracted, and inconsistent.

Yet the “new year, new start” mindset is valuable for one reason: it gives us permission to reset our identity. For presenters and executives, that reset can be:

“This year I will be seen, heard, and remembered as a trusted leader through my speaking.”

In 日本企業 (Japanese companies) and 外資系企業 (multinational companies in Japan), a new year is a natural trigger to upgrade how leaders show up in front of clients, teams, and stakeholders—on stage, in the boardroom, and online.

Mini-summary: Use the energy of a new year or new quarter to redefine yourself as a stronger, more visible presenter and leader.

Today we face an overwhelming volume of content:

• Hundreds of thousands of podcasts

• Millions of blogs and videos

• Constant livestreams and social media posts

• Advertising across every screen

Your customers and employees are scrolling on small screens and are constantly hit by the “next” notification. Their attention is fragmented and highly selective.

In this environment, generic content gets forgotten in seconds. But a live talk—a conference keynote in 東京 (Tokyo), a client presentation, an internal town hall—creates a completely different type of memory. You are no longer just content; you are an experience.

When you combine プレゼンテーション研修 (presentation skills training) with a clear personal message and strong delivery, you create something algorithms cannot replace: a human moment that people remember and talk about afterward.

Mini-summary: Digital content is everywhere, but a strong live presentation can cut through the noise and position you as the standout expert.

In business, people do not just buy a product or service—they choose a partner they can trust. Social media, blogs, and videos are helpful, but they are still at a distance.

Decision-makers, especially in 日本企業 (Japanese companies), often want to:

• Look you in the eye

• Observe your body language

• Hear the confidence and clarity in your voice

• Judge your thinking through your spoken word

Anyone can outsource a blog post. But when you are on stage, it is just you. Your character, competence, and credibility are fully visible. This is particularly important in leadership roles and client-facing positions where reputational risk is high.

Dale Carnegie’s global experience in リーダーシップ研修 (leadership training), 営業研修 (sales training), and エグゼクティブ・コーチング (executive coaching) shows that leaders who present well are perceived as more reliable, more strategic, and more promotable.

Mini-summary: Human presence—your voice, your posture, your energy—is still the most powerful way to build trust in Japan’s relationship-driven business environment.

Most professionals attend networking events as passive participants. High-impact leaders behave differently: they seek the microphone, not just the business card exchange.

To stand out in Tokyo’s competitive market for both 日本企業 (Japanese companies) and 外資系企業 (multinational companies in Japan), consider these strategic actions:

1. Become a regular speaker

   • Volunteer to speak at industry associations, chambers of commerce, and internal company events.

   • Turn every panel, briefing, or internal meeting into a chance to demonstrate your expertise.

2. Align your talks with your business goals

   • Choose topics that showcase your leadership, innovation, or client impact.

   • Use your presentations to reinforce your role as a trusted advisor, not just a functional specialist.

3. Promote your talks appropriately

   • Share speaking engagements on LinkedIn and internal channels.

   • Connect your live presentations with your online presence for consistent personal branding.

4. Invest in structured プレゼンテーション研修 (presentation skills training)

   • Work with a partner experienced in Japan, like Dale Carnegie Tokyo, to adapt global best practices to local expectations and culture.

Mini-summary: Treat every speaking opportunity in Tokyo as a deliberate brand-building moment, supported by professional presentation training.

How should leaders deal with criticism and “haters” when becoming more visible?

The moment you step onto a stage, you invite opinions—positive and negative. Some people will admire your courage; others may criticize from the sidelines.

A useful filter for criticism is to ask:

• Is this person a client or a potential client?

• Are they respected in the industry?

• Do they have a track record of leadership or expertise?

If the answer is “no,” then their opinion should not control your career or your confidence. Visibility always attracts some negativity, especially in cultures where self-promotion is often misunderstood.

The key is to focus on:

• The clients and colleagues who benefit from your insights

• The long-term reputation you are building

• The professional growth you gain from every presentation

Mini-summary: Criticism is a tax on visibility; pay it, learn from valid feedback, and keep moving forward as a visible, confident leader.

If you are going to choose one powerful professional resolution, make it this:

“I will deliberately grow my visibility and influence through public speaking.”

For executives, managers, and high-potential talent in 日本企業 (Japanese companies) and 外資系企業 (multinational companies in Japan), this means:

• Scheduling more speaking opportunities internally and externally

• Joining リーダーシップ研修 (leadership training) and プレゼンテーション研修 (presentation skills training) that match global standards and Japanese business culture

• Working with a coach or trainer for エグゼクティブ・コーチング (executive coaching)

• Reinforcing your speaking presence with aligned 営業研修 (sales training) and DEI研修 (DEI training) so your message is both persuasive and inclusive

By doing this consistently, you stop leaving your reputation to chance. You actively shape how clients, peers, and senior management see you.

Mini-summary: Make public speaking a deliberate, measurable resolution this year, supported by structured training and coaching tailored for the Japanese market.

• Live presentations cut through digital noise and help leaders in Tokyo be seen as trusted experts, not just content producers.

• Human presence builds trust in 日本企業 (Japanese companies) and 外資系企業 (multinational companies in Japan) in ways that social media alone cannot match.

• Strategic speaking opportunities—backed by プレゼンテーション研修 (presentation skills training), リーダーシップ研修 (leadership training), and エグゼクティブ・コーチング (executive coaching)—directly strengthen your personal and corporate brand.

• Making public speaking your annual resolution positions you to control your reputation, expand your influence, and drive better business results in Japan and beyond.

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.