Episode #66: Elites Who Can't Cut It

Many elite officials in Japan are world-class at exams and paperwork, but have never been trained in プレゼンテーション研修 (presentation training). Common problems:

• Reading from the script, eyes glued to the paper

• No energy, no passion, flat facial expression

• Little or no eye contact with the audience

• Voice with no power, no variation, no clear message

The result: they “tick the box” that the speech was delivered, but they convert no one and often do not even believe their own message.

Mini-summary: Elite officials often read, mumble, and hide behind their notes instead of leading with energy, eye contact, and a strong voice.

How do weak speeches damage policy and brand?

When a senior official or Ambassador speaks, they are the face and voice of:

• Their Ministry

• Their Embassy

• Their country’s or company’s brand

If the speech is monotone, filled with “um” and “ah,” and the last words of every sentence fade away, the message becomes a downer. Even good policies or strong national advantages sound weak.

The leader becomes:

• A message killer – the content does not land

• A brand assassin – the audience feels bored, not inspired

Mini-summary: Poor delivery turns good policies and strong brands into something forgettable or negative in the minds of the audience.

Why are many diplomats and Ambassadors also poor speakers?

Career diplomats are selected and promoted for:

• Writing clear cables and reports

• Strong analysis and logic

• Being the “smartest person in the small meeting”

But they are not usually trained in:

• Story-driven speeches that persuade

• Clear, strong spoken English or Japanese for large audiences

• Using voice, gestures, and structure to promote their country

They default to “inform” style speeches: data dumps, long lists, and safe, dry content. They rarely use “persuade” style speeches that move hearts and change minds.

Mini-summary: Diplomats are trained to write and analyze, not to inspire large audiences, so their speeches are often safe, data-heavy, and forgettable.

What do audiences actually respond to?

Even in formal settings in Tokyo, audiences respond best when leaders:

• Speak with energy and conviction – show they believe in the message

• Use clear structure – opening, key points, and a strong closing

• Tell simple stories – not just statistics and policy details

• Use eye contact and a confident voice – no reading, no mumbling

A rare example is the skilled Ambassador or official who can do this in both English and Japanese. They make the audience feel proud of Japan and open to partnership.

Mini-summary: Audiences remember energy, structure, stories, and conviction far more than data and titles.

How can leaders in Japan build real speaking power?

Leaders in 日本企業 (Japanese companies) and 外資系企業 (foreign multinationals) in 東京 (Tokyo) need to treat speaking as a core leadership skill, not a “nice to have.” That means:

• Joining structured プレゼンテーション研修 (presentation training) to practice real speeches

• Learning リーダーシップ研修 (leadership training) that includes communication and influence

• Receiving エグゼクティブ・コーチング (executive coaching) to get personal feedback on stage presence

• Using DEI研修 (DEI training) to learn how to connect with diverse, global audiences

Dale Carnegie has 100+ years of global experience and over 60 years in Tokyo helping executives become persuasive, not just impressive on paper.

Mini-summary: With the right training and coaching, even “grey” bureaucrats and quiet executives can become confident, persuasive speakers.