Seven Tips From The First Line Of Presenting

Why do so many smart professionals struggle with presentations?

Even talented leaders in 日本企業 (Japanese companies) and 外資系企業 (multinational companies) often feel nervous, flat, or unconvincing when they present. In today’s age of distraction, your audience is busy, tired, and overloaded. To cut through the noise, you need clear structure, visible confidence, and strong delivery — not just good slides.

Dale Carnegie Tokyo has delivered high-impact プレゼンテーション研修 (presentation training) for over 60 years in Tokyo, based on more than 100 years of global experience. Here are 7 simple, practical tips you can start using in your next meeting or speech.

• Stand up straight, with your weight evenly on both feet.

• Avoid leaning on one hip or swaying from side to side.

• Keep your posture tall but relaxed, as if a string gently pulls the top of your head upward.

Mini-summary:
A straight, stable posture sends a clear signal of confidence and credibility to any business audience.

2. How do I use body direction without looking awkward?

• Keep your feet and shoulders facing forward toward the audience.

• When you speak to people on the sides, only turn your head and neck, not your whole body.

• Avoid “shuffling” your feet or bending your body toward one person.

Mini-summary:
Stand in one strong position and use only your head to look around. You appear calm, in control, and professional.

3. How can I start my presentation so people actually listen?

• Begin with energy and clear volume, not a soft or unsure voice.

• Use a strong opening line: a question, a surprising fact, or a clear benefit for the audience.

• Remember: it’s easier to start strong and then adjust down than to start weak and try to build up.

Mini-summary:
A strong opening breaks through distraction and tells your audience, “This is worth your time.”

4. How do I use gestures so I don’t look stiff or strange?

• Match your hands to your message.

  • Say “this is a big global project” with wide, open arms, not hands close together.

• Use your hands like a measuring tool: big/small, high/low, increase/decrease.

• What feels “too big” to you usually looks natural on video and on stage.

Mini-summary:
Clear, intentional gestures make your message easier to understand and more memorable.

5. How can I use eye contact to really connect with the audience?

• Don’t “spray” your eyes quickly across the room. That feels fake.

• Choose one person, look at them for about 6 seconds, then move to another person.

• Continue this pattern randomly around the room.

Mini-summary:
Focused eye contact creates real connection and trust — essential for persuasive presentations in any 日本企業 (Japanese company) or 外資系企業 (multinational company).

6. How do I use my voice so I don’t sound flat?

• Highlight key words by saying them louder or softer than the rest.

• Change your speed: slow down for important parts, speed up for energy.

• Vary your pitch: go a little higher and lower to keep attention.

Mini-summary:
A dynamic voice keeps your audience awake, engaged, and ready to act on your message.

7. How much energy do I need compared to normal conversation?

• On stage or online, you need about 20% more energy than in normal talk.

• Think of “turning on a switch” when you begin your presentation.

• You can still move power up and down, but your baseline energy should be higher.

Mini-summary:
Higher energy shows confidence and conviction, making your message more persuasive in any プレゼンテーション研修 (presentation setting).

Yes. Do not practice on your audience.

• Reserve time to rehearse the full talk, not only prepare slides.

• If possible, record yourself on video and review posture, gestures, voice, and eye contact.

• Rehearsal helps you control timing, reduce nervousness, and appear more professional.

Mini-summary:
Practice builds real confidence. The more you rehearse, the more natural and credible you will look.

• Posture, eye contact, and gestures are simple habits that quickly raise your executive presence.

• A strong start and higher energy help you win attention in distracted, busy audiences.

• Vocal variety (volume, speed, pitch) makes your message clear and persuasive.

• Rehearsal and video review turn every presentation into a chance to improve, not just survive.

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.