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Leaders Be Persuasive

We’re judged by what we say and how we say it. In a video-first world, every leader is a presenter—and the brand rises or falls with our skill. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Q: Why must leaders master presenting now?

A: Everyone carries a camera, and rivals publish nonstop. Hiding means your brand fades while theirs compounds. Speaking is now table stakes for credibility.

Mini-summary: Visibility is constant; skill must match.

Q: Isn’t technical competence enough?

A: No. “Good enough” communication stalls influence. The market hears the difference between average and outstanding—and rewards polish.

Mini-summary: Competence ≠ persuasion; upgrade delivery.

Q: How do ego and blind spots hurt?

A: We don’t know what we don’t know. Confidence can mask gaps in structure, clarity and close. Coaching exposes and fixes them.

Mini-summary: Humility unlocks improvement.

Q: What’s the fastest path to better performance?

A: Take focused training to build structure, storytelling, visuals, delivery and Q&A control. Practise openings and closes until they sing.

Mini-summary: Train the core, then rehearse the edges.

Q: How do I sustain gains?

A: Record a weekly short video, review eye contact, energy and message clarity, and tighten. Ask a peer to coach pace and presence.

Mini-summary: Short loops, steady improvement.

Bottom line: Presentation is a core leadership skill—acquire it, polish it and protect it. Then the big pitch becomes your stage.

About the Author

Dr Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is a veteran Japan CEO and trainer, author of multiple best-sellers and host of the Japan Business Mastery series. He leads leadership and presentation programmes at Dale Carnegie Training Tokyo.