Public Speaking Lessons from the Lord Mayor of the City of London — How to Build Persuasive Presence

Executives are judged not only by results but by how persuasively they communicate. Professor Michael Mainelli, the Lord Mayor of the City of London, recently gave a speech at the British Chamber of Commerce, demonstrating calm authority, humor, pacing, and presence. His delivery showed how decades of career achievements and speaking opportunities can create persuasive impact without force.
Summary: Speaking well is not innate — it is a leadership skill developed through practice, career experience, and self-awareness.

• Unhurried manner: Confidence expressed through calm pacing.

• Voice strength and modulation: Clear, engaging, never monotone.

• Subtle humor and presence: Connecting with the audience naturally.

• Cumulative experience: Polished delivery built over years of public engagements.
  Summary: Persuasion emerges from credibility, calm confidence, and accumulated practice.

Many presenters (myself included) rely on strong energy and intensity. Yet, Professor Mainelli’s quiet persuasion shows another path: influence through composure and self-awareness. Executives can learn to balance energy with measured delivery.
Summary: Effective presenters master both power and restraint.

• Practice relentlessly: Avoiding opportunities only delays growth.

• Learn by doing: Speaking is like swimming — theory doesn’t work without diving in.

• Increase volume: As Tony Robbins proved, more repetitions = faster mastery.

• Get proper training: Coaching shortens the learning curve dramatically.
  Summary: Progress requires speaking often, and training helps overcome fear and wasted years.

• Public speaking is a learned skill, not a natural gift.

• Calm confidence, as shown by the Lord Mayor, persuades as much as high-energy delivery.

• Frequent practice and structured training accelerate mastery.

• Dale Carnegie’s High Impact Presentations program offers the fastest route to polish, confidence, and influence.

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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.