High-Tech vs. High-Impact Presentations — Why Simplicity Beats Flashy Tools in Business Communication

Executives in Japanese companies and multinational organisations are increasingly relying on digital tools, interactive platforms, and advanced online features to “impress” audiences. But do high-tech presentations actually help communicate your message? Or are they distracting your listeners and weakening your executive presence?

A recent online presentation I attended showcased an advanced internal platform from a major global social media company. It had:

• Real-time comprehension tests

• Speed and accuracy rankings

• Interactive visual effects

It all looked impressive—until the presenter’s colleague spoke in a monotone and instantly killed the energy. That’s when I realized:
Even the most sophisticated tech cannot compensate for weak delivery.

In fact, I noticed I had been so distracted by the platform that I barely remembered the main points of the talk.

Mini-summary:
Cool tools create excitement—but excitement is not comprehension.

Online audiences often multitask. They don’t turn on their cameras. They check email, chat, or browse.
Meanwhile, the presenter appears in a tiny “postage stamp” window, overshadowed by giant slides.

This environment destroys connection—especially when combined with:

• Monotone speaking

• Lack of facial expression

• Minimal body language

Online, your voice modulation becomes your lifeline. If your voice is flat, your message disappears.

Mini-summary:
When visual presence is reduced online, vocal energy becomes your primary persuasion tool.

To maintain presence online:

• Turn off “share screen” more often.

• Put your face large on the screen, not the slides.

• Bring slides back only when absolutely necessary.

It requires small moments of fiddling, but the trade-off is worth it—people connect with people, not rectangles of text.

Mini-summary:
Reduce screen-sharing; increase human presence.

Short answer: almost never.

Corporate videos often:

• Add no meaningful value

• Serve as “filler” to hide weak speaking skills

• Compete with the presenter’s personal impact

• Bore the audience, forcing you to work harder to regain attention

If the video is slick, you look weaker by comparison.
If the video is mediocre, the audience disengages.

Mini-summary:
Video rarely enhances your message—and often weakens your personal authority.

Slide overload is a common self-inflicted wound:

• Too much text

• Too many fonts

• Too many colours

• Too much animation

• Overcomplicated charts

These confuse your audience and overshadow your presence.
Remember: you are the star, not your deck.

Mini-summary:
Complex slides compete with you; simple slides support you.

The best advice:
“Go light on the gimmicks—be the bells and whistles yourself.”

If your goal is genuine communication (not just showing off digital tools), then:

• Keep slides minimal

• Keep delivery energetic and human

• Use tech only when it helps, not when it distracts

• Focus on message clarity

• Let your expertise—not the platform—carry the weight

Our goal as presenters is not to “wow” with technology.
Our goal is to ensure the audience remembers, understands, and acts on our message.

Mini-summary:
Technology should never outshine the presenter; clarity and presence must lead the way.

• High-tech features often distract rather than enhance audience comprehension.

• Online presentations require strong vocal modulation and reduced screen sharing.

• Videos and complex slides weaken presenter authority.

• Human presence, clarity, and simplicity outperform flashy digital tools.

• Presenters, not technology, must be the source of impact.

Request a free consultation for Presentation Skills Training or Executive Coaching to Dale Carnegie Tokyo.

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.