Episode #412: Expert Tips To Standout As A Panellist In Japan-Engage, Project, Impress

Why do most panel speakers fail to impress?

Many professionals speak on expert panels but fail to connect with the audience. Even though they are experts, few understand how to perform well as a panellist, not just as a solo speaker.

Summary: Being an expert isn’t enough — you need stage presence and strategy.

When standing, you can use your full body, voice, and presence. But when sitting, your body is cut off, and your energy drops. Sitting feels casual — like chatting over coffee — so your voice becomes soft and less powerful.

Summary: Sitting lowers your physical and psychological energy.

Use your ki (気) — your natural inner energy — to reach the back of the room. Sit tall, lean slightly forward, and direct your energy outward. Even while sitting, imagine your energy touching everyone in the room.

Summary: Sit tall, lean forward, and project your energy with intention.

Hold the mic just in front of your mouth, not over it. Speak across the top of the mesh. Don’t cover it with your hand — it ruins the sound. Use a strong but natural voice; don’t shout.

Summary: Use the mic smartly — clear voice, good distance, no covering.

Make eye contact for six seconds with one person at a time. Divide the room into six zones — left, center, right × front and back. Look at people across all zones so everyone feels included.

Summary: Six seconds of focused eye contact per person makes real connection.

Sitting makes you smaller, so use bigger gestures to appear confident. Move your free hand clearly and purposefully — gestures look smaller from the back of the room, so don’t be afraid to go big.

Summary: Big gestures help you appear more dynamic and engaging.

Combine three arrows:

1. Focused eye contact

2. Strong voice and energy (ki 気)

3. Confident, large gestures

These create congruence and power. You’ll stand out as a professional, while others remain forgettable.

Summary: Eye contact, energy, and gestures make you unforgettable.

• Sit tall, project your energy (ki 気) to the audience.

• Use your mic correctly — strong, clear voice.

• Make six-second eye contact across audience zones.

• Use large gestures to stay visible and confident.

Founded in the U.S. in 1912, Dale Carnegie Training has supported professionals worldwide in leadership, sales, presentation, executive coaching, and DEI. Our Tokyo office, established in 1963, continues to empower both Japanese (日本企業) and multinational companies (外資系企業) to communicate with confidence and impact.