Episode #397: Should We Present In Japan When We Are Not In Good Health?

Why This Matters to Business Leaders

When President Joe Biden went ahead with his debate despite illness, his performance damaged public confidence. In business, we face similar decisions — show up sick for an important talk or protect our professional reputation?

A: Yes — when your performance risks harming your personal brand.
Even if event organizers expect you to appear, your long-term credibility outweighs short-term obligations. Like Biden, one bad showing can linger far longer than a temporary cancellation.

Mini-Summary: Protect your professional image first — audiences remember weak performances, not postponed ones.

Q: Do audiences forgive “I have a cold”?

A: Rarely.
Excuses are seen as weakness, especially in Japan (日本企業・外資系企業 alike). Whether you say it in English or Japanese, it doesn’t earn empathy — it lowers expectations and attention. (“体調が悪いですが頑張ります” simply means “I’m not ready.”)

Mini-Summary: Never start a presentation with apologies — deliver or defer.

Q: What’s the best long-term approach?

A: Reschedule and come back stronger.
In Japan (東京 business culture), event hosts care more about the program running smoothly than your individual success. But your reputation is your greatest asset — once tarnished, it’s hard to rebuild.

Mini-Summary: Cancel now, return later — your audience will remember excellence, not absence.

• Your brand is worth more than one event.

• Excuses never inspire confidence.

• Rescheduling protects long-term trust.

• Every talk is a reflection of your leadership.

Founded in the U.S. in 1912, Dale Carnegie Training has empowered professionals worldwide for over a century in leadership, sales, presentation, executive coaching, and DEI. Our Tokyo office, established in 1963, continues to strengthen both Japanese (日本企業) and multinational (外資系企業) clients with results-driven リーダーシップ研修 and プレゼンテーション研修.