Video Presentation Skills for Executives
Why do business leaders struggle to look confident and energetic on video?
Video seems simple: stand in front of the camera and speak. Yet in practice, most executives lose 20% of their natural energy once the recording starts. A normal speaking style that works in a boardroom looks flat and uninspiring on video. For Japanese and multinational companies in Tokyo, this has become even more urgent in the Zoom era, where leaders need to engage both internal and external audiences on screen.
Summary: The camera reduces impact. Executives need new skills to project energy and credibility on video.
How can leaders raise their energy without sounding unnatural?
Many presenters try to “speak louder,” but it feels uncomfortable. In reality, you must add 50% more energy to compensate for the camera’s energy drain — though most executives only manage a 10% boost without coaching. An experienced instructor helps leaders safely expand their vocal and physical range, so they come across as persuasive rather than forced.
Summary: A coach accelerates the ability to project energy naturally and effectively on camera.
What should executives do with their hands on camera?
Doing nothing with your hands is a missed opportunity. Gestures, when kept between rib height and head height, add physical power to reinforce your verbal message. Hold gestures for no more than 15 seconds to avoid distraction. Misaligned gestures confuse viewers and risk losing their attention — often to their smartphones.
Summary: Purposeful, well-timed gestures add clarity and impact.
How can facial expressions strengthen credibility on video?
A single, fixed expression looks wooden. Leaders should mirror their message with expressions: show concern when results are weak, show enthusiasm when results are strong. Keep the chin up — lowering it makes you appear constrained or condescending.
Summary: Dynamic expressions keep the audience engaged and signal authenticity.
Should executives use a teleprompter or freestyle delivery?
Freestyle speaking risks mistakes that create heavy editing and choppy final videos. A teleprompter offers smoother delivery if used correctly. The secret: focus on the left side of the screen as text scrolls, so your eyes stay natural instead of visibly reading line by line.
Summary: Teleprompters reduce errors and keep delivery smooth when used skillfully.
Key Takeaways
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Video drains 20% of a leader’s natural energy — conscious adjustment is essential.
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Gestures and expressions, if aligned with the message, enhance authority.
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Coaching helps executives safely increase energy without sounding forced.
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Teleprompters can streamline delivery but require correct technique.
Transform your executive presence on video.
Request a free consultation with Dale Carnegie Tokyo and make every broadcast count.
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.