Leaders Be Persuasive
We’re judged by what we say and how we say it. In a video-first world, every leader is a
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.
