Ineffective Persuasion Techniques For Presenters

Why do so many executive video announcements fail?

Leaders at 日本企業 (Japanese companies) and 外資系企業 (multinational companies in Japan) often use video to explain tough financial changes.
But if the message is poorly delivered, people ignore it — or worse, lose trust.

In the story above, a senior leader asked for major changes in the organisation’s finances on video.
The message was important, but the delivery was weak, confusing, and unprofessional.

Mini-summary: When the stakes are high, poor communication turns an important message into a trust crisis.

The leader chose a casual background with people walking around behind him.
For a “big ask” about money, this looked careless, not credible.

Executives should:

• Use a background that feels solid, calm, and professional

• Avoid people moving or talking in the back of the shot

• Make the leader look Presidential, capable, and trustworthy

Mini-summary: The background speaks before you do; if it looks weak, your message feels weak.

The camera reduces your natural energy. A low-energy leader can look tired or even lifeless.
When asking for more budget or big financial changes, you must:

• Increase your energy level on camera

• Use clear gestures that can be seen in the frame

• Emphasise key words and use short pauses so people can absorb the message

If you rush, mumble, or speak in a flat tone, your audience gets lost and stops listening.

Mini-summary: Strong, controlled energy on camera tells people you are confident, prepared, and in charge.

On video, the camera lens is your audience.
If you keep looking down, sideways, or at your notes, viewers feel you are:

• Hiding something

• Unsure of your message

• Less professional and less trustworthy

Leaders should:

• Sit a little back from the camera, not too close

• Look directly into the lens the whole time

• Keep gestures visible in the frame

Mini-summary: Steady eye contact with the camera makes you look honest and confident.

For major announcements — especially about money and change — “talking off the cuff” is risky.
Top leaders around the world use teleprompters to:

• Deliver a refined, word-perfect script

• Keep constant eye contact with the camera

• Maintain a smooth, natural pace

To do this well, leaders must:

• Practice reading while focusing on the lens

• Adjust the teleprompter speed to match their natural rhythm

Mini-summary: A well-used teleprompter creates messages that sound natural and feel precise and serious.

In the video described, the leader gave a dry explanation and showed only the “least painful” numbers.
This felt like a sales trick, not honest leadership.

Instead, executives should:

• Share real numbers with clear context

• Use short, hopeful stories to show a better future

• Explain the logic behind the financial decision

If people feel you are hiding the real impact, they will resist your plan.

Mini-summary: Honest numbers plus real stories create credibility and buy-in.

Once a weak video is published, it lives online.
For employees and stakeholders, it becomes part of the leader’s personal and professional brand.

People think:

“If he cannot communicate this well, can he manage complex projects or finances well?”

It is like boarding a plane and finding a dirty coffee stain on the tray table.
You start to wonder: “If they missed this simple thing, can I trust them with engine maintenance?”

Mini-summary: Sloppy communication makes people doubt your overall competence.

In today’s business environment, there is no excuse for bungled communication.
Executives in 東京 (Tokyo) — from both 日本企業 (Japanese companies) and 外資系企業 (multinational firms) — need modern, practical training.

Dale Carnegie Tokyo provides:

• リーダーシップ研修 (Leadership Training) to build executive presence and trust

• プレゼンテーション研修 (Presentation Skills Training) to master on-camera and in-person talks

• 営業研修 (Sales Training) to make clear, persuasive business cases for change

• エグゼクティブ・コーチング (Executive Coaching) for personalised feedback on message, style, and impact

• DEI研修 (DEI Training) to ensure messages respect diverse teams and global standards

With 100+ years of global Dale Carnegie expertise and 60+ years in Tokyo, we help leaders deliver high-stakes messages with clarity, confidence, and cultural sensitivity.

Mini-summary: With the right training and coaching, your next big video message can build trust, not destroy it.

• Poor video communication can destroy trust in your leadership and your financial message.

• Background, energy, body language, and eye contact all shape how credible you appear.

• Teleprompters, clear numbers, and honest stories help you explain tough changes with confidence.

• Dale Carnegie Tokyo supports 日本企業 (Japanese companies) and 外資系企業 (multinational firms) in Tokyo with practical leadership, presentation, sales, coaching, and DEI training.