Episode #98: Don't Get A Grip When Presenting

Why do even experienced executives, managers, and public figures lose their posture, confidence, and presence the moment they step on stage? In Japanese organizations (日本企業 Japanese companies) and multinational firms (外資系企業 global companies), poor posture and awkward microphone handling undermine credibility and weaken executive influence. This page explains how to fix the most common—and most avoidable—presentation posture mistakes.

Good posture never goes out of fashion. Standing tall communicates confidence, builds trust, and allows better breath control for clear vocal projection. Yet many presenters lose this advantage because the presenting environment is full of temptations: leaning, hunching, gripping podiums, or wrestling with microphones.

Actors and musicians—people whose careers depend on presenting—often fail to maintain good posture during award speeches. They bend awkwardly toward a fixed microphone, hunch their shoulders, and unintentionally show the top of their heads to the audience. If even professionals struggle, executives must take conscious control of their body position.

Mini-summary:
Posture shapes professional credibility. Stand straight, control your breathing, and avoid being pulled into bad habits by the stage setup.

A poorly positioned microphone often forces speakers into unnatural body shapes. Instead of bending toward the equipment, leaders should control the environment:

• Arrive early to test tech and request adjustments.

• For longer presentations, ask for a handheld or lavalier mic—standard practice in high-level プレゼンテーション研修 (presentation training).

• In award-style settings, if the microphone is too low, remove it from the stand and bring it to a natural speaking position.

• If the mic is stuck, lift the entire stand rather than contort your body.

Do not let technology dominate your presence. Executives in Tokyo (東京) should project authority by treating microphones as a tool—not a constraint.

Mini-summary:
Control the microphone so you can maintain posture, not the other way around.

Many presenters cling to the podium as if it might run away. This “death grip” prevents natural gestures, restricts movement, and pulls the body into a hunched, downward-facing posture.

Common problems include:

• Leaning forward with shoulders hunched

• Standing too far back, relying on the podium for balance

• Using a laptop screen as a “notes bench”

• Keeping both hands locked on the podium instead of using expressive gestures

Today’s technology—clickers, screens, stage mobility—means the podium is unnecessary in most leadership, presentation, or 営業研修 (sales training) environments. Standing slightly away from the podium frees the upper body, supports a stronger voice, and enhances executive presence.

Mini-summary:
Step back from the podium, unlock your gestures, and reclaim your stage presence.

Good posture signals a leader who is in command of their message, the environment, and the technology. For 日本企業 (Japanese companies) and 外資系企業 (multinational companies) alike, posture is one of the most visible markers of professionalism.

When posture is correct:

• The audience focuses on the message, not distractions

• Executive presence becomes natural, not forced

• Communication feels confident, calm, and controlled

Ultimately, posture supports connection—the true purpose of any presentation.

Mini-summary:
Strong posture reflects strong leadership. Executives who stand tall are more persuasive and memorable.

• Posture directly influences credibility, clarity, and confidence in executive presentations.

• Microphone control prevents poor body alignment and strengthens vocal projection.

• Avoid relying on podiums; instead, use gestures and open posture to engage the audience.

• Effective posture enhances leadership presence in 日本企業 (Japanese companies) and 外資系企業 (multinational companies) alike.

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 corporate clients ever since.