When To Fake It When Presenting

Why does authentic presenting matter for leaders in Japan?

Authentic presenting is easier to sustain than pretending. When you are yourself, you don’t waste mental energy trying to remember a “role” or a story that isn’t true. For leaders in 日本企業 and 外資系企業 in Tokyo, authenticity also builds trust with teams, clients, and stakeholders.

Mini-summary: Being authentic on stage saves energy, builds trust, and is more effective than pretending to be someone else.

Imposter syndrome is the feeling that “I am not good enough” or “I don’t deserve to be here,” even when you are capable and experienced. You may think:

• “Who am I to talk about this topic?”

• “Am I just repeating what smarter people already said?”

• “Is my experience really valuable for others?”

Even top academics, executives, and global experts feel this when their work is exposed to peers. The higher you go, the more you compare yourself to others.

Mini-summary: Imposter syndrome is normal, even for very successful people, and it does not mean you lack real value.

The audience usually wants you to succeed; they are not trying to catch your mistakes. However, many presenters tell the audience they are nervous by saying things like:

• “I’m not good at presenting.”

• “I didn’t have enough time to prepare.”

These comments lower your credibility and increase your nerves. Instead, keep your doubts to yourself and focus on helping the audience.

Mini-summary: Don’t advertise your fear. The audience wants value, not a list of your weaknesses.

“Fake it” does not mean lying; it means acting more confident than you feel so you can perform at a normal, professional level. Simple techniques help:

• If your knees shake, stand behind a podium until you feel stable.

• If your hands shake holding a microphone, hold it with both hands against your chest.

• Drink warm or room-temperature water instead of iced water so your throat stays relaxed.

• If your voice squeaks or you mispronounce a word, pause, reset, and continue as if it is normal.

• If you forget a point or change the order, keep going without apologizing.

Mini-summary: Use small “performance tricks” to appear calm and confident, even when you feel nervous inside.

Behavior changes feelings.

• If you act enthusiastic, you start to feel enthusiastic.

• If you act confident, you gradually become confident.

As Winston Churchill said, “If you are going through hell, keep going.” The Japanese saying nana korobi ya oki (七転び八起き — “fall down seven times, get up eight times”) reminds us: you will fail sometimes, but you can always stand up again. For leaders joining リーダーシップ研修, プレゼンテーション研修, 営業研修, エグゼクティブ・コーチング, or DEI研修 in Tokyo, this growth mindset is essential.

Mini-summary: Keep practicing, keep standing up, and your confidence will grow with every presentation.

• Authenticity is easier and more effective than pretending to be a “perfect” presenter.

• Imposter syndrome is common, even among top performers in 日本企業 and 外資系企業.

• Never announce your nervousness; focus on serving the audience instead.

• Use simple physical techniques to “fake” calmness and let real confidence grow through action.

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.