Episode #258: Presentation Guidelines

Why Do So Many Professionals Struggle With Public Speaking in Business?

Most professionals in Japan and abroad — whether in 日本企業 (Japanese companies — translation already provided) or 外資系企業 (global companies — translation already provided) — enter their careers without a structured plan for developing presentation skills. Yet clear communication, persuasive speaking, and executive presence quickly become essential for career advancement. Without proper training, many leaders rely on guesswork, missing opportunities to influence, inspire, and lead.

Mini-summary: Public speaking is a learned leadership skill — and most people never receive proper guidance until it’s too late.

1. Should I write my speech word-for-word?

No. Create brief notes in the order you want to deliver them. These act as your navigation system. Notes can sit on the podium or even be placed discreetly behind the audience. Glancing at them is completely acceptable — executives won’t judge you for staying organized.

Mini-summary: Use notes as structure, not a script.

2. Is it acceptable to read the entire speech?

Avoid reading unless legally required. Written scripts are useful for practice, but reading aloud kills engagement. If you plan to read, you might as well email the document — the audience doesn’t need a presenter for that.

Mini-summary: Speak to your audience, don’t read to them.

3. Should I memorize everything?

Memorizing a 30-minute speech creates pressure and reduces authenticity. Instead, memorize ideas, not sentences. Focus on your key points and speak naturally.

Mini-summary: Free yourself from memorization and communicate with confidence.

4. How do I make sure my statements are trusted?

Use evidence, statistics, expert testimony, or case examples to support key points. This protects you from skepticism — especially during Q&A.

Mini-summary: Evidence turns opinions into credibility.

5. How much should I know beyond the presentation?

Know far more than you plan to deliver. Q&A requires breadth, and failing to answer relevant questions can damage your professional reputation.

Mini-summary: Deep preparation strengthens your professional brand.

6. Should I rehearse in front of colleagues?

Yes — but ask smart questions. Instead of “What do you think?”, ask:

• “What was good?”

• “How can I make it better?”

This keeps the feedback constructive and protects your confidence.

Mini-summary: Practice with peers, but guide the feedback.

How Can Visuals Strengthen Executive-Level Presentations?

7. Do I always need slides?

Not necessarily. Use visuals only when they add value. Images — especially photos with people — often communicate faster than words. Slides also help you maintain logical flow without memorizing details.

Mini-summary: Use visuals purposefully, not automatically.

How Do Executives Manage Nervousness Before Speaking?

8. How do I control adrenaline and anxiety?

Use deep, slow diaphragm breathing to lower your pulse. A quick walk backstage can also release excess energy. Others may need the opposite — a pep talk to raise energy levels before speaking.

Mini-summary: Regulate your energy before you speak.

9. Should I imitate famous speakers?

No. Authenticity builds trust. Life is too short to be a copy of someone else. Focus on designing strong content, rehearsing effectively, and delivering naturally. Your style will emerge with practice.

Mini-summary: Authenticity outperforms imitation.

Many avoid training for years — even decades — because they never learned proper techniques. The cost is lost opportunities, weaker influence, and reduced leadership visibility.

Mini-summary: Don’t wait decades to build a critical leadership skill.

• Public speaking is essential for leaders in both 日本企業 (Japanese companies) and 外資系企業 (multinational companies).

• Effective presenters rely on structure, not memorization.

• Credibility increases when you support points with evidence.

• Executive presence grows through practice, feedback, and authenticity.

Founded in 1912 in the U.S., Dale Carnegie Training has supported individuals and companies worldwide for over 100 years in leadership, sales, presentation, executive coaching, and DEI. Our Tokyo office, established in 1963, continues to empower Japanese and multinational organizations with globally proven training solutions.