Episode #232: When To Fake It When Presenting

Why Does Authenticity Matter When Presenting?

Many executives in 日本企業 and 外資系企業 struggle with the pressure to appear perfect during presentations. But authenticity—not perfection—is what audiences trust. Pretending to be someone else drains cognitive energy and increases anxiety. As the saying goes: if you lie, you need a great memory; pretending on stage works the same way.

Mini-summary: Staying authentic reduces stress, increases credibility, and makes your message easier to deliver.

Even seasoned leaders question themselves:

• “Who am I to speak on this topic?”

• “Is my experience valuable enough?”

• “Am I qualified to give advice to larger organizations?”

These doubts appear whether you're writing thought-leadership content, hosting webinars, or presenting live. Even academics—despite years of research—feel exposed when publishing to their expert peers.

Mini-summary: Imposter syndrome affects professionals at every level, including top performers.

Confidence generates confidence. When leaders appear assured, audiences naturally follow. But under pressure—especially with hundreds of eyes watching—self-doubt can surface. Nervous gestures, hesitations, and self-deprecating statements unintentionally signal insecurity.

Common self-sabotaging remarks include:

• “I’m not a good presenter.”

• “I didn’t have time to prepare.”

• “I’m nervous today.”

These comments damage credibility and prime the audience to look for flaws.

Mini-summary: Nervous disclosures amplify imposter syndrome and reduce executive presence.

If anxiety appears, the key is to fake calm until you feel calm. This isn’t deception—it’s a performance skill.

Practical techniques:

• If your knees shake, stand behind a podium temporarily.

• If your hands shake while holding a microphone, use both hands and anchor it against your chest.

• If your throat is dry, choose room-temperature water instead of ice water (which constricts the throat).

• If your voice cracks, pause, clear your throat, and continue.

• If you mispronounce or lose your place, simply restate or move forward without drawing attention.

Acting confidently leads to becoming confident. As Churchill said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” Or as the Japanese proverb says: nana korobi ya oki (七転び八起き) — fall down seven times, get up eight.

Mini-summary: Controlled behaviors help you project stability until confidence naturally returns.

• Authenticity is easier and more sustainable than maintaining a false persona.

• Imposter syndrome is universal—even high-level academics and executives experience it.

• Avoid announcing your nervousness; it harms credibility.

• Use physical and vocal techniques to stabilize your presence and rebuild real confidence on stage.

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 organizations through リーダーシップ研修, 営業研修, プレゼンテーション研修, and エグゼクティブ・コーチング for more than 60 years.