The Presentations Japan Series

Dale Carnegie Training
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  • Management
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Persuasion power is one of the kingpins of business success. We recognise immediately those who have the facility and those who don't. We certainly trust, gravitate toward and follow those with persuasion power. Those who don't have it lack presence and fundamentally disappear from view and become invisible. We have to face the reality, persuasion power is critical for building our careers and businesses. The good thing is we can all master this ability. We can learn how to become persuasive and all we need is the right information, insight and access to the rich experiences of others. If you want to lead or sell then you must have this capability. This is a fact from which there is no escape and there are no excuses.

  1. 4d ago

    Should I Copy The Style Of Japanese Presentations When Doing Business In Japan?

    Foreign executives often ask whether they should copy the Japanese presentation style when selling to Japanese companies. The short answer is no. Do not become a weak imitation of a Japanese presenter. Instead, deliver a professional, global-standard presentation and support it with a mountain of detailed data. Japanese buyers often want far more information than Western sellers expect. A clean pitch deck may look polished in New York, London, Sydney or Singapore, but in Tokyo it can feel underfed. The solution is not to clutter the main slides. The solution is to separate the performance deck from the due-diligence data pack. Should foreigners copy Japanese presentation style in Japan? Foreign presenters should not copy the weaker habits of Japanese business presentations; they should stay professional, clear and energetic while adapting to Japanese information needs. Copying monotone delivery, dense slides and screen-reading will not make the presentation more persuasive. The old "when in Rome, do as the Romans do" idea sounds logical, but it breaks down here. Japanese business audiences may be used to data-heavy decks, yet that does not mean they love poor delivery. A speaker who maintains eye contact, uses voice variety, gestures well and keeps slides visually clear will stand out. In Japan, being respectful does not require becoming boring. Do now: Keep your delivery global-standard, but adapt your preparation to Japanese buyers' appetite for detail. Why are many Japanese business slides so dense? Japanese business slides are often dense because buyers and internal stakeholders want extensive detail for review, comparison and risk reduction. The deck becomes both a presentation tool and a due-diligence document. Western pitch decks often prize simplicity: one idea per slide, strong visuals and minimal text. In Japan, however, slides may contain multiple fonts, colours, graphs, spreadsheets and large blocks of text. To Western eyes, this can look like Baroque chaos rather than Zen simplicity. The deeper issue is not design taste alone. Japanese companies often need detailed materials to circulate internally through layers of managers, technical specialists, finance teams and decision influencers. Do now: Do not mistake dense slides for best practice. Understand the information hunger behind them and satisfy it separately. Why do Japanese buyers want so much data? Japanese buyers want extensive data because business culture in Japan is highly risk-aware and decision-making depends on careful internal consensus. They are not just listening for interest; they are searching for problems. In Japan, the people attending the presentation may not be the final decision-makers. They may be responsible for gathering evidence, identifying risk and preparing internal recommendations. This is why a slim proposal can leave the buyer feeling hungry. They want specifications, implementation details, costs, risks, case studies, timelines, compliance points and proof. In B2B sales, IT solutions, professional services, manufacturing and training, this data-devouring behaviour is normal. Do now: Prepare for forensic due diligence. Give buyers enough evidence to defend the decision internally. What should the main presentation deck look like? The main deck should follow global best practice: clear, simple slides that can be understood in about two seconds.If the audience has to decode the slide, the speaker has already lost momentum. The presentation deck is for persuasion, not data storage. Use clean headlines, strong visuals, limited text and a logical flow. Then deliver with eye contact, vocal variety, gestures and confidence. This approach works in Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, London and New York because audiences everywhere appreciate clarity. The difference in Japan is that the simple deck alone will rarely be enough. It must be paired with deep supporting material. Do now: Build one concise presentation deck for the room and one detailed data pack for the decision process. What supporting materials should sellers bring to Japanese clients? Sellers should bring a comprehensive supporting compendium packed with the detailed information Japanese clients need after the meeting. Think of it as the evidence vault behind the pitch. This compendium can include case studies, technical specifications, pricing assumptions, project timelines, risk controls, client references, implementation steps, FAQs, comparison tables and relevant compliance information. After the presentation, someone on the Japanese side may be assigned to comb through every page looking for concerns. That is not hostility. That is risk management. The better prepared you are, the easier you make their internal approval process. Do now: Bring the thick supporting pack. No one in a Japanese buying team will complain that you gave them too much useful detail. How can foreign companies win trust in Japanese presentations? Foreign companies win trust by combining professional delivery with deep preparation, cultural sensitivity and abundant evidence. Be yourself, but be smart, organised and fully loaded with data. Japanese buyers do not need you to pretend to be Japanese. They need you to understand the conversation happening inside their organisation: "Is this safe? Can we justify it? What could go wrong? Do we have enough proof?" When you answer those questions before they are asked, you reduce anxiety and build trust. The best approach is global presentation quality plus Japan-specific due-diligence support. Do now: Present simply, speak professionally and come packing heavy with data, lots and lots of data. Final Summary Foreign presenters should not copy poor Japanese presentation habits when doing business in Japan. Do not read dense slides, speak in a monotone or bury the audience under spreadsheets during the live presentation. That reduces your impact and wastes the chance to persuade. Instead, use two tools. First, deliver a clean, professional, global-standard presentation that highlights the key message. Second, provide a detailed supporting compendium that satisfies the Japanese buyer's need for data, proof and risk reduction. In Japan, the winning formula is clarity in the room and depth after the room. Author Bio Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō (ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin (プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう), and Gendaiban "Hito o Ugokasu" Rīdā (現代版「人を動かす」リーダー). Greg also publishes daily business insights on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, and hosts six weekly podcasts. On YouTube, he produces The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery and Japan's Top Business Interviews, which are widely followed by executives seeking success strategies in Japan.

  2. Jul 6

    Your Successful Business Story Structure

    Business storytelling is one of the great untapped advantages in professional presenting. Most executives compete in crowded markets, red oceans and data-heavy meetings, yet very few use stories well. That creates a blue ocean opportunity for leaders, salespeople and professionals who want to be remembered. Data, statistics and charts matter, but they rarely stay in the audience's mind by themselves. When information is wrapped inside a clear story, it becomes easier to understand, easier to remember and far more persuasive. In Japan, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the US, business audiences still respond to a good story because persuasion has never gone out of fashion. Why does storytelling matter in business presentations? Storytelling matters because it turns dry information into memorable, persuasive communication. Data can inform an audience, but stories help people remember, feel and act. Many business leaders still treat presentation delivery as fluff, smoke and mirrors. They believe the audience only wants facts, numbers and the latest update. Wrong. A presentation full of statistics can become crusty and dry, like week-old bread left outside. In boardrooms, sales meetings, investor updates and leadership town halls, the speaker must help the audience connect the dots. Stories create that connection by giving the facts a human shape. Do now: Do not just deliver data. Wrap the key information in a story so the audience can remember the message. What is the first step in building a business story? The first step is choosing the main characters because audiences need people to picture in their minds. A story without recognisable characters quickly becomes an abstract explanation. The characters might be the founder, CEO, CFO, senior leadership team, researchers, scientists, clients, suppliers or customers. If the audience already knows the person, even better. Mentioning Elon Musk, Akio Toyoda or a well-known internal executive immediately gives listeners a face to imagine. In a Japanese company, the founder's story or a client's struggle can carry strong emotional weight because relationships and reputation matter. Do now: Choose one or two main characters the audience can clearly visualise before building the rest of the story. How do presenters create context in a business story? Presenters create context by describing when, where and why the story is happening. The goal is to transport listeners into the scene so they can see what the speaker saw. Context needs guideposts. Was it last month or two years ago? Was it a snowy February morning in Sapporo, a brutal August day in Tokyo, a boardroom at headquarters, a hotel restaurant in Osaka, a convention in Singapore or a research lab in Yokohama? These details are not decoration. They paint word pictures. Without context, the audience hears information. With context, they enter the story. Do now: Add time, place, season and situation so the audience can mentally step into the business moment. Why do business stories need conflict or opportunity? Business stories need conflict or opportunity because tension is what keeps people listening. Every strong drama has stakes, obstacles and pressure, and business is full of all three. The antagonist may be the market, currency movement, competition, regulator, bank, supplier, customer, government policy or a technology shift. Supply chain disruption, Covid, the war in Ukraine, inflation, AI adoption and digital transformation all create business tension. Nokia facing the iPhone is a classic example of technological disruption changing the rules. In Japan, a shrinking labour force or slow digital transformation can also become the conflict driving the story. Do now: Identify the pressure point. Show what is at stake and why the audience should care now. How should a business story end? A business story needs an outcome because audiences feel unsatisfied when the story is left hanging. The ending may be positive, negative or unresolved, but it must give the listener closure. The outcome could be a win, a loss, a warning, a turning point or a current situation with an expected next step. In sales presentations, the ending may show how a client improved results. In leadership talks, it may show what the organisation learned. In investor briefings, it may explain what management expects next. The speaker must tie a ribbon around the story so the audience knows what the point was. Do now: Give every story a clear finish. Do not leave the audience wondering, "So what happened?" What insight should follow a business story? The insight is the business lesson the audience should take away and apply. A story without insight is entertainment; a story with insight becomes leadership communication. Audiences love learning from business disasters because failure reveals what to avoid. "How I lost $100 million" often sounds more compelling than "How I made $100 million" because people want the juicy train wreck and the warning signs. This does not mean leaders should be negative. It means they should extract practical lessons from both success and failure. The best business stories move from characters to context, conflict, outcome and insight. Do now: End by stating the lesson clearly. Tell executives, leaders or salespeople what they should do differently now. Final Summary Successful business storytelling is not mysterious. It has structure. Choose memorable characters, create vivid context, introduce conflict or opportunity, explain the outcome and finish with a practical insight. This structure helps presenters make data easier to remember and messages easier to act on. Every executive, salesperson and professional already has business stories inside them. Client wins, missed opportunities, market shocks, supply chain problems, leadership decisions and competitor moves all provide material. The key is not waiting for a perfect story. The key is learning how to structure the stories already sitting in front of you. Author Bio Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō (ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin (プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう), and Gendaiban "Hito o Ugokasu" Rīdā (現代版「人を動かす」リーダー). Greg also publishes daily business insights on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, and hosts six weekly podcasts. On YouTube, he produces The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery and Japan's Top Business Interviews, which are widely followed by executives seeking success strategies in Japan.

  3. Jun 29

    Don't Let Fear Destroy Professional Presentations

    Fear can destroy a professional presentation faster than weak slides, poor grammar or a short speaking slot. A senior executive reading a one-minute company introduction from an A4 sheet does not look careful; they look unprepared, unsure and unprofessional. Today's business audiences compare speakers with the polished delivery they see on Netflix, Disney, Hulu, HBO, YouTube, TED Talks and high-production corporate media. That comparison is brutal. In Japan, Asia-Pacific, Europe and the US, executives, salespeople and leaders cannot assume the audience will politely listen. Smartphones, laptops, email and social media are always waiting to steal attention. Why does reading a short presentation damage professional credibility? Reading a short presentation damages credibility because it signals fear, poor preparation and weak executive presence. If a senior person cannot deliver one minute naturally, the audience starts questioning both the individual and the company brand. This is especially dangerous for name-brand firms, multinationals, SMEs and professional services companies, where trust is part of the product. A one-minute company introduction should feel confident, clear and human. When the speaker clings to paper, the audience sees a gap between corporate reputation and personal delivery. In Japan, where public formality and first impressions carry serious weight, that gap becomes even more visible. Do now: Memorise the flow, not every word. Know the opening, three key points and closing well enough to speak without reading. Why are audiences less tolerant of weak presentations now? Audiences are less tolerant because they are surrounded by professional media and can escape instantly into their phones. The speaker now competes with streaming entertainment, email, messaging apps and social platforms. In the past, "okay" delivery may have been enough. Not anymore. Business audiences have become used to cinematic production values, polished presenters and crisp storytelling. If a presenter is flat, hesitant or visibly fearful, people can quietly multitask. They check email on an iPhone, scroll LinkedIn, open Teams or Slack, then half-listen. That is the speaker's nightmare: physically present audience, mentally absent audience. Do now: Assume attention must be earned every minute. Use energy, eye contact and audience relevance to keep people with you. Is perfect English necessary for a professional presentation? Perfect English is not necessary; clear communication, audience engagement and confidence matter far more. Most listeners will forgive grammar mistakes if the message is understandable and the speaker is committed. This is a huge point for global business. English is widely used by non-native speakers across Japan, Singapore, India, Europe and multinational headquarters. Audiences routinely hear accents, mixed grammar and different speaking rhythms. They connect the dots. The speaker's fear of linguistic imperfection is often much bigger than the audience's concern. A leader with imperfect English but strong presence beats a paper-reading perfectionist every time. Do now: Stop chasing perfect English. Prepare clear points, speak with conviction and focus on being understood. How does fear change the way people present? Fear pulls presenters inward, making them focus on themselves instead of the audience. Once presenters become obsessed with mistakes, pronunciation or grammar, they stop communicating. This is where presentation coaching makes a visible difference. In the early stages, many participants worry about how they look, whether they will forget words or whether their English or Japanese will be judged. After practice and feedback, the focus shifts outward. They begin reading the room, noticing audience reactions and trying to create connection. That shift from self-protection to audience engagement changes everything. Do now: Before speaking, ask, "What does this audience need from me?" That question moves attention away from fear and toward service. Why should presenters analyse the audience before speaking? Presenters should analyse the audience first because the audience determines the language, examples, pace and level of detail. Preparation begins with who will be listening, not with what the speaker wants to say. A non-native English speaker presenting to mostly Japanese listeners may actually have an advantage if the vocabulary is simple and clear. The audience may understand that better than fast, idiomatic native-speaker English. In B2B sales, investor briefings, internal town halls and conference introductions, the same rule applies: know the audience's language level, interests, worries and expectations. Without that, the speaker prepares for themselves rather than for the room. Do now: Identify the audience's language level, business role, likely concerns and desired takeaway before building the talk. How can companies protect their brand through presentation training? Companies protect their brand by training anyone who represents them in public to present with confidence, clarity and energy. Public speaking is not a soft skill luxury; it is brand risk management. Every executive, manager, salesperson and technical expert becomes a brand ambassador when they speak. If they look frightened, bored or unprepared, the company pays the price. If they speak with enthusiasm, audience focus and professional polish, they strengthen the brand. In competitive markets like Japan, where reputation, reliability and trust matter, letting untrained people represent the organisation is simply too risky. Do now: Train presenters before they face clients, conferences, media, partners or internal leadership audiences. Final Summary Professional presentations are not destroyed by imperfect grammar. They are destroyed by fear, self-focus, lack of preparation and weak delivery. Reading from paper, especially for a short talk, tells the audience the speaker does not trust themselves. The audience then starts to question the company as well. The better path is clear: prepare thoroughly, understand the audience, forget linguistic perfection, bring energy and focus on engagement. A trained presenter becomes a brand ambassador. An untrained presenter can shred the brand in sixty seconds. Author Bio Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō (ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin (プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう), and Gendaiban "Hito o Ugokasu" Rīdā (現代版「人を動かす」リーダー). Greg also publishes daily business insights on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, and hosts six weekly podcasts. On YouTube, he produces The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery and Japan's Top Business Interviews, which are widely followed by executives seeking success strategies in Japan.

  4. Jun 22

    Your Eyes, Hands, Face, Toes and Energy When Presenting

    Small presentation changes can create big gains in persuasion, authority and audience engagement. Most presenters do not fail because they lack intelligence, experience or good content. They fail because their delivery habits are invisible to them. When presenting in Japan, Asia-Pacific, the US or Europe, the audience judges far more than the slide deck. They read eye contact, gestures, facial expression, voice variety, body direction and energy. In corporate boardrooms, sales meetings, leadership town halls and training rooms, these signals either strengthen the message or quietly sabotage it. How should presenters use eye contact to engage an audience? Presenters should use sustained one-on-one eye contact for about six seconds to make each audience member feel personally addressed. Scanning the room is not the same as connecting with people. Many speakers, including politicians in Japan, sweep their eyes across the audience to look engaged, but two seconds per person feels fake. Around six seconds creates the impression, "This speaker is talking to me." Staring longer becomes intrusive and uncomfortable. In a Tokyo sales presentation, a Singapore leadership briefing or a New York investor pitch, eye contact gives the spoken message human weight. Do now: Stop scanning. Speak one complete thought to one person, then move naturally to another person. What should presenters do with their hands? Presenters should use their hands only to strengthen the verbal point they are making. Hands behind the back, crossed in front or buried in pockets reduce openness and persuasive impact. Hands are not decoration; they are emphasis tools. Holding them behind the back may feel safe, but it locks the upper body. Crossing them near the soft organs creates a defensive barrier. Pockets remove a powerful communication channel altogether. Dale Carnegie-style presentation coaching often starts with simple body mechanics because gestures help audiences understand importance, contrast and direction. Do now: Let your arms drop naturally from shoulder height. Keep your hands there until they are needed to reinforce a key point. Why does facial expression matter in presentations? Facial expression matters because the face is the most powerful visual aid a presenter owns. If the face does not match the message, the audience receives mixed signals. Dr. Albert Mehrabian's UCLA research is often cited in communication training because it highlights the importance of congruence between words, voice and facial expression. Presenters spend hours polishing PowerPoint, Keynote or Canva slides, then forget the audience is looking at their face. Good news needs a smile. Bad news needs seriousness. Exciting news needs visible energy. This is true in Japanese executive briefings, global town halls and B2B sales demonstrations. Do now: Match your face to the emotional meaning of the message, not just the words on the slide. How can presenters improve vocal variety? Presenters improve vocal variety by changing tone, speed and strength so the audience does not fall into the boredom zone. A monotone voice kills attention, even when the content is useful. Not everyone has a deep radio announcer or DJ voice, and that is perfectly fine. Speakers work with the voice they have. The goal is range. Japanese can sound flatter than English because of its natural rhythm, but Japanese presenters can still create impact through speed changes, pauses and stronger emphasis. In multinational companies, voice variety helps bridge language, culture and attention span. Do now: Mark the important parts of your talk and deliberately change pace, volume or tone at those moments. Why do toes matter when presenting? Toes matter because the direction of the feet controls how easily the body can address the whole audience. If the toes point away from centre, the speaker unconsciously neglects part of the room. This sounds odd until you see it. A presenter whose feet are angled left will find it harder to turn right. The result is half the audience receives less attention, less eye contact and less energy. In conference rooms, seminar spaces and client briefings, stance affects inclusion. A ninety-degree forward stance keeps the body balanced and ready to rotate naturally. Do now: Before speaking, check your toes. Point them forward so your whole body can speak to the whole room. How much energy should a presenter use? Presenters should match their energy to the content and release it in bursts rather than running at maximum power throughout. Too little energy loses the audience; too much energy exhausts them. Passion, commitment, belief and enthusiasm all travel through energy. The key is control. A leadership message, sales pitch or conference keynote needs emphasis at the right moments. Many speakers make the mistake of fading out at the end, just when the final impression matters most. Audiences remember the finish, so the close must carry conviction, not exhaustion. Do now: Choose the key points where energy must rise, and finish with a bang rather than drifting away. Final Summary Better presenting often comes down to six simple delivery levers: eyes, hands, face, voice, toes and energy. None of these require fancy technology, expensive slide design or theatrical tricks. They require self-awareness, coaching, practice and deliberate correction. Presenters who want greater persuasion power should stop presenting into the void. Engage one person at a time, use hands purposefully, let the face match the message, vary the voice, point the toes forward and control energy for maximum impact. Author Bio Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō (ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin (プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう), and Gendaiban "Hito o Ugokasu" Rīdā (現代版「人を動かす」リーダー). Greg also publishes daily business insights on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, and hosts six weekly podcasts. On YouTube, he produces The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery and Japan's Top Business Interviews, which are widely followed by executives seeking success strategies in Japan.

  5. Jun 15

    Highly Pointless Presentations

    Highly pointless presentations are everywhere, and they damage trust faster than most speakers realise. Whether the presenter is a government official, company president, senior executive or subject matter expert, audiences can immediately tell when the meeting is designed to inform them, persuade them or simply run down the clock. In Japan, formal presentations often include navigators, administrative announcements, slide reading, corporate videos and carefully managed Q&A sessions. Some of these elements can be useful. The problem begins when the format becomes a shield against real communication. If the audience feels ignored, delayed or manipulated, the speaker's credibility drops. Every presentation is a test of personal and professional brand. Why do some presentations feel pointless? Presentations feel pointless when the speaker appears more interested in controlling the room than helping the audience understand. If the session is designed to obscure, delay or avoid questions, people quickly lose trust. This happens in public-sector explanation sessions, corporate briefings, investor meetings and internal town halls. The audience may attend because they want answers, but the structure eats up time with administration, unnecessary slide reading or videos that add little value. In Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, London or New York, the reaction is the same: frustration. Audiences do not mind structure. They mind being treated as if their questions are a nuisance. Do now: Design presentations to clarify, not conceal. Protect enough time for genuine audience questions. Why is reading slides to the audience a bad idea? Reading slides aloud is usually a waste of audience time because people can read faster than the presenter can speak. It also makes the speaker look underprepared and disconnected. In many Japanese business presentations, the president or senior executive reads slides prepared by underlings. Sometimes the speaker turns away from the audience, faces the screen and reads every line. That is deadly. PowerPoint, Keynote and Google Slides should support the message, not replace the speaker. A slide should be grasped quickly, while the presenter adds interpretation, context and conviction. Otherwise, the audience starts wondering why they came. Do now: Put only the key message on the slide. Explain the meaning, implications and action instead of reading the text. How should presenters handle hostile questions? Presenters should remove the venom from hostile questions, create thinking time and then answer the real issue calmly. The goal is not to win a fight; it is to maintain credibility. A navigator or moderator can paraphrase a hot question, stripping away the spiky bits before handing it to the speaker. This is a legitimate technique, but it does not remove the need to answer. In business, leaders often panic when challenged and rush straight into answer mode. That is when nonsense escapes from the mouth before the brain has caught up. A short cushion gives the speaker time to think and respond intelligently. Do now: Paraphrase the question, acknowledge its importance and take a breath before answering. What is the best way to create thinking time before answering? The best way to create thinking time is to use a cushion between the question and the answer. Even five seconds can dramatically improve the quality of the response. A cushion can be a request to repeat the question, a paraphrase or a neutral comment such as, "That is an important consideration." The point is not to dodge. The point is to stop the mouth from outrunning the brain. Everyone has experienced the killer answer arriving two hours too late. Professional presenters create mental space in the moment so they can answer with logic rather than panic. This works in Japan-based briefings, client meetings and global conferences. Do now: Practise three cushions before your next presentation so they sound natural under pressure. What should presenters do when they do not know the answer? Presenters should admit when they do not know the answer, promise to find it and follow up properly. Trying to snow the audience destroys trust. If the question is highly specific and outside what the presenter would reasonably be expected to know, honesty works. Say, "I don't have the answer to that at the moment, but let's exchange business cards and I will find it for you." Then move to the next question. If the question is central to the topic, not knowing is a black mark, but honesty is still better than bluffing. Audiences will forgive imperfection more readily than deception. Do now: Be transparent, take ownership and follow through. Never fake expertise in front of an audience. How can presenters protect their personal and professional brand? Presenters protect their brand by preparing thoroughly, rehearsing seriously and treating every talk as a public test of credibility. A weak presentation does not just damage the message; it damages the speaker. Every time leaders speak, they put their personal brand and company brand on display. Jet-setting VIPs, executives and experts sometimes assume their job is just to read a deck someone else prepared. That is dangerous. If they cannot answer obvious questions, explain the logic of decisions or engage the audience, the PR exercise can go wrong very quickly. Rehearsal exposes weak points before the audience does. Do now: Prepare, rehearse and practise Q&A. Make the audience feel their time was worthwhile. Final Summary Pointless presentations are not harmless. They waste time, weaken trust and damage brands. Audiences know when a session is designed to inform them and when it is designed to run down the clock, avoid scrutiny or hide behind slides. Professional presenters do the opposite. They respect the audience, simplify the slides, explain rather than read, handle questions calmly and admit what they do not know. Most importantly, they rehearse. Every presentation is a brand moment. Prepare thoroughly and people will look forward to hearing from you again. Author Bio Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō (ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin (プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう), and Gendaiban "Hito o Ugokasu" Rīdā (現代版「人を動かす」リーダー). Greg also publishes daily business insights on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, and hosts six weekly podcasts. On YouTube, he produces The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews, which are widely followed by executives seeking success strategies in Japan.

  6. Jun 8

    The Presenter's Dilemma

    The Presenter's Dilemma The presenter's dilemma is simple: should we build the talk around slides, or build the slides around the message? Too many business presentations begin with recycled decks, clever visuals, and a desperate slide shuffle. The better path starts with one clear message, a specific audience, and stories that make the idea memorable. Should presenters start by building slides? No, presenters should not start by building slides; they should start by deciding what they want the audience to know, believe, and remember. A collage of slides is not a message. The warm embrace of an existing deck is tempting. We plunder old PowerPoint files, pull in favourite charts, add new content, and then wonder why the presentation feels like a beast with too many limbs. In Japan, Australia, the US, Europe, and Asia-Pacific corporate settings, executives often equate slides with preparation. That is the trap. Slides are support tools, not the thinking itself. Before any visual appears, the speaker must boil the subject down to one pungent, crystal-clear message. Do now: Write the central message in one sentence before opening PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides, or Canva. How do you choose the right message for a presentation? Choose the right message by understanding who will be in the audience and what will hit the bullseye for them.The best message is not always the speaker's favourite message. The topic gives a clue, but the audience decides the angle. Ask the organiser who usually attends, which companies are registered, what roles are represented, and what outcomes they expect. A talk for CFOs at Toyota, Rakuten, Salesforce, or a Japanese SME should not sound identical to a talk for HR leaders, sales managers, investors, or startup founders. In B2B presentations, audience intelligence changes everything: examples, story selection, data points, objections, and the final call to action. Do now: Get audience intelligence early. Then choose the message most likely to matter to those specific listeners. Why are stories more powerful than raw data in presentations? Stories are more powerful than raw data because they give information context, colour, and human meaning. Data informs, but stories make people care. Numbers can be inert. A spreadsheet, table, or statistic may be accurate and still leave the audience cold. When data is wrapped inside a story, people can visualise the point. That is why presenters translate measurements into familiar comparisons, such as football fields, daily costs, customer time saved, or missed revenue per month. In sales presentations, investor pitches, leadership briefings, and training sessions, the story turns abstract information into something the audience can feel and remember. Do now: For every major data point, ask: "What story, person, image, or comparison will make this real?" How many slides should a business presentation use? A business presentation should use only the slides that strengthen the message; sometimes that means very few slides or even none. The goal is impact, not slide volume. Video meetings make this especially important. In Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and Webex presentations, screen sharing often shrinks the speaker into a tiny box while the slides dominate the screen. If the speaker's personal brand, leadership presence, or executive credibility matters, that can be a poor trade. A senior leader presenting to top management may create more impact by using fewer visuals and speaking directly into the camera. This keeps attention on the human being, not the slide machinery. Do now: Cut every slide that competes with your presence rather than amplifying your point. How can speakers tell stories without relying on visuals? Speakers can tell stories without visuals by painting a scene with time, place, people, and sensory detail. A well-told story creates its own screen inside the audience's mind. Instead of showing a snowy New York image, say it was three years ago, heavy snow was falling, and the streets around Rockefeller Center were white. Add a recognisable person, such as Warren Buffett leaving the building in a thick coat and long scarf, and the audience starts building the scene themselves. This works in Japan, Australia, the US, Europe, and Asia-Pacific because humans are wired for narrative. The speaker becomes the focus, not the slide deck. Do now: Build stories with four anchors: when it happened, where it happened, who was there, and what changed. When should presenters use slides? Presenters should use slides when the visual can be processed quickly and supports the story rather than replacing it. A good slide earns its place in about one second. Photographs with no words can work beautifully because they trigger curiosity and allow the speaker to explain the symbolism. Dense text, detailed spreadsheets, complex graphs, and tables of numbers often do the opposite. They drag attention away from the presenter and force the audience to read instead of listen. In executive communication, keynote speaking, sales enablement, and leadership presentations, slides should be visual allies. They should never become the main act while the speaker becomes the narrator of a document. Do now: Prefer simple visuals, strong photographs, and story-led explanations over text-heavy slide dumps. Conclusion: How should presenters solve the presenter's dilemma? The presenter's dilemma is solved by changing the order of preparation. First, know the audience. Second, define the one message. Third, choose stories and examples. Fourth, decide whether slides are needed at all. Finally, build only the visuals that help the audience understand and remember. When your personal and professional brand is on display, these choices matter. A recycled slide deck may feel efficient, but it can bury the message. A story-led presentation keeps the spotlight where it belongs: on the speaker, the audience, and the idea that needs to land. Meta description: Learn how to solve the presenter's dilemma by choosing message-first storytelling over slide-heavy business presentations. Keywords: presentation slides, business presentations, storytelling, executive communication, presentation structure FAQs Should I reuse old slides for a new presentation? You can reuse old slides only after you have defined the new audience, message, and story. Starting with old slides often creates a patchwork presentation. What is the biggest mistake presenters make with slides? The biggest mistake is treating slides as the presentation instead of support for the message. The speaker, not the deck, should carry the impact. Are stories better than data in presentations? Stories and data work best together, but stories give data context and meaning. Raw numbers often need a human example or familiar comparison to become memorable. Should I use slides in a video presentation? Use fewer slides in video presentations when your presence and eye contact matter. Screen sharing can reduce the speaker to a small box and weaken impact. What kind of slides work best? Simple visual slides, especially strong photographs with little or no text, often work best. They are easy to process and leave room for the speaker's story. Author bio Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" in 2018 and 2021 and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award in 2012. As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō（ザ営業）, Purezen no Tatsujin（プレゼンの達人）, Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō（トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう）, and Gendaiban "Hito o Ugokasu" Rīdā（現代版「人を動かす」リーダー）. Greg also publishes daily business insights on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, and hosts six weekly podcasts. On YouTube, he produces The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews, which are widely followed by executives seeking success strategies in Japan.

  7. Jun 1

    Imposter Syndrome When Presenting

    Imposter syndrome does not disappear just because someone becomes a business owner, Ph.D., author, trainer, executive, or recognised expert. The voice in the head still asks, "Who do you think you are?" The answer is not perfection. The answer is humility, preparation, integrity, and the courage to share what we do know. Why do presenters feel imposter syndrome? Presenters feel imposter syndrome because public speaking exposes them to judgement, comparison, and the fear of being found short. The more visible the platform, the louder the inner critic can become. Some people grow up with confidence-building advantages: elite schools, international travel, family connections, debate practice, and early exposure to public speaking. Good for them. For many others in Japan, Australia, the US, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, the path is more ordinary or rocky. They build careers through effort, discipline, and persistence. Then one day the company asks them to present to the team, speak at an industry event, join a webinar, or represent the firm publicly. Suddenly the mind asks, "Am I really qualified?" Do now: Recognise imposter syndrome as a normal reaction to visibility, not proof that you should stay silent. Can successful leaders still suffer from imposter syndrome? Yes, successful leaders can suffer from imposter syndrome even after gaining degrees, titles, ownership, awards, and expertise. Achievement does not automatically erase old self-doubt. A person can own a company, hold a doctorate, publish books, lead teams, and speak frequently, yet still feel like the kid from the old neighbourhood. Identity has long roots. In executive communication, leadership training, sales presentations, and keynote speaking, external credentials help, but internal confidence may lag behind. This is especially common when leaders move across cultures, industries, or languages. A foreign executive in Japan, a founder pitching investors, or a manager addressing a multinational team may all wonder whether they truly belong at the front of the room. Do now: Stop assuming confidence comes automatically with credentials. Build it through repeated, honest practice. How does perfectionism make presenting harder? Perfectionism makes presenting harder because it convinces speakers they need complete knowledge before they have the right to speak. That standard is impossible and paralysing. No presenter has absolute knowledge. Not the CEO, not the professor, not the consultant, not the trainer, not the bestselling author. The healthier mindset is relativity: you may know more than many people in the room about a particular topic, while still being a student of the craft. That is enough. In business presentations, the goal is not to claim omniscience. The goal is to offer useful experience, examples, frameworks, and judgement. The old line about the one-eyed person being king in the kingdom of the blind captures the point, even if it stings a little. Do now: Replace "I must know everything" with "I can share what I know while continuing to learn." What should presenters do when an expert is in the audience? Presenters should welcome experts in the audience and invite their contribution where appropriate. Their presence does not diminish the speaker; it can enrich the session. When a bona fide expert appears in the room, the imposter voice may panic. Don't. Acknowledge their expertise, ask for their view on a specific point, and let the audience benefit. This is not surrender. It is confidence. Audiences in boardrooms, conferences, universities, and professional associations appreciate a speaker who can create dialogue rather than pretend to dominate every subject. The expert is unlikely to leap up and denounce you as a fraud. More often, they add colour, nuance, or a useful example. Do now: Treat expertise in the room as an asset. Share the stage intellectually without giving away your authority. How should speakers handle criticism or hostile questions? Speakers should never argue with the audience; they should acknowledge different views, stay calm, and let the wider audience judge. Fighting from the stage usually weakens the speaker. In karate, taisabaki means moving to the side so the attacker strikes empty air. Presenters can use the same idea. Do not stand rigidly in front of criticism, trying to prove perfect knowledge. Move aside by saying, "That is a useful perspective," or "There are different views on this." If someone cherry-picks your words, removes context, or misrepresents your point, stay composed. Public opposition can create mental fog, especially in live forums e, webinars, panels, or Q&A sessions. The perfect answer may arrive an hour too late. That is still learning. Do now: Prepare calm response phrases before the event. Do not let one hostile question drag you into a public wrestling match. How can presenters build trust despite self-doubt? Presenters build trust by admitting limits, showing integrity, and offering genuine value without pretending to be perfect. Humility makes the speaker harder to attack. When speakers openly accept that they are still learning, there is no hard target. The audience already knows nobody has perfect knowledge. What they want is sincerity, preparation, and something useful. This matters in Japan's consensus-driven business culture, in US-style debate environments, and in European or Asia-Pacific professional settings. The speaker who allows diverse views, avoids defensiveness, and keeps the brand intact looks more trustworthy, not less. Nervous? Keep it to yourself. Most audiences want the presenter to succeed and will not notice the nerves nearly as much as the speaker imagines. Do now: Be honest about limitations, generous with other viewpoints, and disciplined about not broadcasting your nerves. Conclusion: How can leaders overcome imposter syndrome when presenting? Imposter syndrome loses power when we stop pretending we need to be flawless. The real standard is not perfection. The real standard is integrity. Do we know something useful? Have we prepared? Can we help the audience think, act, or improve? Can we stay humble when challenged? If the answer is yes, then we have the right to speak. We can stand up, share what we know, invite other views, and keep learning. The doubts may still mutter in the background, but they do not get to run the meeting, the presentation, the webinar, or the keynote. FAQs Is imposter syndrome common in public speaking? Yes, imposter syndrome is common because presenting makes people visible and open to judgement. Even experienced leaders can feel exposed when they speak publicly. Do I need to be a complete expert before presenting? No, you do not need perfect knowledge before presenting. You need useful experience, preparation, integrity, and the humility to keep learning. What should I do if an audience member knows more than me? Acknowledge their expertise and invite their input where useful. This shows confidence and gives the audience more value. How should I respond to hostile questions? Stay calm, avoid arguing, and acknowledge that different views may exist. Let the audience judge the exchange rather than turning it into a fight. Should I tell the audience I am nervous? Usually, no. Keep your nerves to yourself because most audiences want you to succeed and may not notice. Focus on helping them rather than announcing your anxiety. Author bio Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" in 2018 and 2021 and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award in 2012. As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō（ザ営業）, Purezen no Tatsujin（プレゼンの達人）, Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō（トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう）, and Gendaiban "Hito o Ugokasu" Rīdā（現代版「人を動かす」リーダー）. Greg also publishes daily business insights on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, and hosts six weekly podcasts. On YouTube, he produces The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews, which are widely followed by executives seeking success strategies in Japan.

  8. May 25

    The Power Of Enthusiasm, Structure And Vocal Variety When Presenting

    Great presentations do not depend on words alone. Even when the language is unfamiliar, audiences can still detect structure, energy, enthusiasm, pacing, vocal variety, and body language. That is the real lesson for leaders, trainers, salespeople, and executives who want their message to land. Why does presentation structure matter so much? Presentation structure matters because it helps the audience follow the logic, even when the subject is complex or unfamiliar. Without clear structure, listeners get lost and the speaker's expertise becomes harder to trust. A well-designed business presentation has a clear opening, main points, sub-points, transitions, examples, and a strong close. This matters in Japan, Mongolia, Australia, Singapore, the US, and Europe because audiences everywhere need signposts. In leadership training, sales presentations, investor pitches, and corporate town halls, the speaker usually knows the topic far better than the audience. That creates a danger. The presenter can jump between ideas and assume the connection is obvious. It often isn't. Do now: Build your presentation like a guided journey. Make every point and sub-point visibly support the main thesis. How can speakers make transitions between presentation sections clear? Speakers make transitions clear by using deliberate bridges between sections, rather than suddenly leaping from one topic to another. A bridge tells the audience why the next idea belongs in the story. The audience is hearing the material in real time. They cannot rewind the room. That is why transitions, linking phrases, recap lines, and preview statements matter. Ancient storytelling understood this well. Classic literature such as The History of the Three Kingdoms used chapter-end hooks to make readers continue. Business presenters can do something more elegant: "Now that we have seen the client problem, let's examine the cost of leaving it unsolved." That small bridge protects the narrative arc. Do now: Write your bridges before you present. Do not rely on improvisation to connect major sections. Why is enthusiasm important in public speaking? Enthusiasm signals to the audience that the message matters, even before they process every word. If the speaker sounds indifferent, the audience quickly borrows that indifference. Energy is contagious in training rooms, boardrooms, webinars, and conference halls. A coffee-chat level of energy is not enough when presenting to clients, employees, or senior executives. Speakers need to move up several gears. In Asia-Pacific training environments, including Japanese and Mongolian contexts, enthusiasm helps cut through hierarchy, fatigue, translation gaps, and topic complexity. This does not mean fake cheerleading or theatrical overkill. It means controlled intensity, visible commitment, and the physical presence to carry the message. Do now: Raise your energy above normal conversation. Let the audience feel that you care before asking them to care. How does vocal variety keep an audience engaged? Vocal variety keeps attention because changes in volume, speed, pause, tone, and emphasis prevent the audience from mentally checking out. A flat voice is an invitation to daydream. If the speaker is soft and low-key from beginning to end, modern audiences reach for their phones fast. If the speaker is all fire and brimstone from start to finish, the audience gets exhausted. The best delivery uses contrast. Slow down for important ideas. Pause before a key point. Increase pace when building momentum. Lower the voice to create intimacy. Lift the volume when the message needs force. Executives at companies like Toyota, Rakuten, Google, and Salesforce all face the same human attention problem: monotony loses people. Do now: Mark your script for pace, pause, power, and softness. Do not let your vocal delivery get stuck in one groove. Can body language communicate across language barriers? Yes, body language communicates confidence, clarity, and conviction even when the words are not understood. Gesture, posture, facial expression, and movement all carry meaning. When a speaker presents in a language the listener does not know, the non-verbal signals become more obvious. You can still sense whether the presenter is organised, energetic, nervous, passionate, or disconnected. That is why trainers, public speakers, sales leaders, and executives need physical self-awareness. In Japan, where restrained delivery is common in some corporate settings, body language still matters. In the US or Australia, the expected range may be broader, but the principle is the same: the body either supports the message or weakens it. Do now: Practise with the sound off. Check whether your posture, gestures, and movement still communicate confidence. What can presenters learn from speaking across cultures? Presenting across cultures teaches us that communication is bigger than vocabulary. Structure, enthusiasm, vocal variety, and body language travel across borders. Working with presenters from Ulan Bator, Tokyo, Sydney, Singapore, London, or New York reveals a universal truth: audiences respond to organised thinking and human energy. Language matters, of course. Native-language fluency gives a speaker huge advantages. Yet even when the words are blocked by a language barrier, listeners still feel rhythm, confidence, variety, and intent. That should be encouraging. If those signals work in an unfamiliar language, imagine their impact when combined with clear words in your own language. Do now: Treat presentation delivery as a full-body, full-voice skill. Words are only one part of the message. Conclusion: How can leaders become more engaging presenters? Leaders become more engaging presenters by paying attention to the basics they already know but often forget. Structure the talk. Bridge the sections. Lift the energy. Vary the voice. Use the body. Keep improving the craft. None of this is new, complicated, or reserved for professional keynote speakers. The problem is not that executives, trainers, or salespeople have never heard these ideas. The problem is that habits take over. We get comfortable. We lose self-awareness. Then our presentations become flat, fragmented, and forgettable. Let's not do that. FAQs Why is structure important in presentations? Structure helps the audience follow the speaker's logic and remember the message. It turns separate ideas into a coherent journey with a clear beginning, middle, and end. What is vocal variety in public speaking? Vocal variety means changing pace, pause, tone, volume, and emphasis to keep the audience engaged. It prevents the delivery from becoming monotonous or exhausting. How much energy should a presenter use? A presenter should use more energy than normal conversation, while still staying authentic. The goal is controlled enthusiasm, not fake performance. Can audiences understand delivery even if they do not understand the language? Yes, audiences can still read structure, energy, confidence, and body language across language barriers. Words matter, but delivery carries meaning too. How can I improve my presentation delivery quickly? Record yourself and review structure, transitions, energy, vocal variety, and body language. Small adjustments in these areas can make a presentation immediately more engaging. Author bio Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie "One Carnegie Award" in 2018 and 2021 and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award in 2012. As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō（ザ営業）, Purezen no Tatsujin（プレゼンの達人）, Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō（トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう）, and Gendaiban "Hito o Ugokasu" Rīdā（現代版「人を動かす」リーダー）. Greg also publishes daily business insights on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, and hosts six weekly podcasts. On YouTube, he produces The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews, which are widely followed by executives seeking success strategies in Japan.

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Persuasion power is one of the kingpins of business success. We recognise immediately those who have the facility and those who don't. We certainly trust, gravitate toward and follow those with persuasion power. Those who don't have it lack presence and fundamentally disappear from view and become invisible. We have to face the reality, persuasion power is critical for building our careers and businesses. The good thing is we can all master this ability. We can learn how to become persuasive and all we need is the right information, insight and access to the rich experiences of others. If you want to lead or sell then you must have this capability. This is a fact from which there is no escape and there are no excuses.

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