Presenting On Video

Why does video speaking feel so hard for business leaders?

Video looks simple, but it is not. In Zoom meetings, hybrid town halls, and YouTube-style updates, many executives feel their energy drops and their message becomes flat.

The camera “steals” about 20% of your energy. What feels normal in a meeting room looks weak and boring on screen.

Mini-summary: Video is a different game. To look natural on camera, you must add more energy than feels normal.

Most leaders use their normal speaking volume on video. This makes them look tired, even if they feel fine.

On camera, you often need about 50% more energy in your voice and body. For many people, this feels like shouting, but it looks normal on screen.

A coach can help here. When you try to increase your energy alone, you may only add about 10%, which is not enough for video impact.

Mini-summary: For strong video presence, boost your energy far more than feels comfortable—especially your voice and posture.

Many executives freeze their hands on camera. This is a missed chance to add power to your message.

Simple rules:

• Use gestures to support key points, not random movements.

• Keep gestures within the “visible box”: from your ribs up to your head.

• Hold each gesture for about 15 seconds at most; longer than that looks stiff or annoying.

• Avoid low, waist-level gestures — they are often cut off in the frame.

Mini-summary: Use clear, visible gestures in the upper body area to add energy and clarity to your words.

A flat, single facial expression looks wooden on video. Your face should match your message:

• Good results → look pleased or confident

• Bad results → look serious or concerned

• Asking a question → look curious or slightly puzzled

Keep your chin up, not dropped. A low chin makes you look like you are talking down to people and reduces your presence.

Mini-summary: Let your face tell the story and keep your chin up so you look open, confident, and respectful.

Should I speak freely or use a teleprompter?

Both options work, but each has risks:

Speaking freely (no script):

• Good if you are very strong and fluent.

• Mistakes lead to heavy editing, making the final video look choppy and distracting.

Using a teleprompter:

• Helps you keep a clear structure and tight timing.

• Adjust font size and scroll speed so you sound natural.

• Secret tip: look only at the left side of the teleprompter line. Your peripheral vision will still read the full line, but your eyes will not obviously move left to right like reading.

Mini-summary: Use a teleprompter for clear, polished messages, but train your eyes and voice so it still feels natural and conversational.

How does Dale Carnegie Tokyo help leaders master video presentations?

At Dale Carnegie Tokyo, we combine:

• Over 100 years of global Dale Carnegie experience in communication and leadership.

• Over 60 years in Tokyo, working with both 日本企業 (Japanese companies) and 外資系企業 (multinational companies in Japan).

We help executives and managers who must now lead through video, not only in the meeting room. Our programs connect on-camera skills with:

• リーダーシップ研修 (leadership training)

• 営業研修 (sales training)

• プレゼンテーション研修 (presentation training)

• エグゼクティブ・コーチング (executive coaching)

• DEI研修 (DEI training)

We focus on practical rehearsal, feedback, and repeatable habits, so you can:

• Look confident and natural on camera

• Deliver clear, energetic messages

• Engage staff and stakeholders in Japan and worldwide

Mini-summary: Dale Carnegie Tokyo gives leaders a simple system to speak on camera with confidence, energy, and clarity — tailored to the needs of Japanese and global businesses in Tokyo.

• Video needs more energy than live speaking; what feels big to you looks normal on screen.

• Gestures, facial expressions, and chin position strongly shape how trustworthy and engaging you appear.

• Teleprompters are powerful if you know how to use your eyes and voice so you don’t look like you are reading.

• Dale Carnegie Tokyo helps 日本企業 (Japanese companies) and 外資系企業 (multinational companies) turn video into a strategic communication tool for leadership, sales, and internal engagement.

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.