Creating Your Personal Style When Presenting
When people hear you’re speaking, do they say, “I need to attend that talk”? Style can be built on purpose—by choosing what you’ll be known for and practising it in public.
Q: Can you really create a personal presenting style?
A: Yes. Decide your signature—energy, data, stories, razor-clear analysis—then build toward it. Borrow from role models and subtract anything that isn’t you.
Mini-summary: Style is deliberate: choose a signature and subtract the rest.
Q: How do you build a following without constant stage time?
A: Publish. Write blogs, record short videos, guest on podcasts. Consistency makes you findable and proves your expertise to organisers.
Mini-summary: Be discoverable: publish proof, consistently.
Q: Should I use humour?
A: Only if it’s natural. Forced jokes and culture-centric sarcasm backfire. If wit is part of you, use it sparingly; if not, prioritise clarity and value.
Mini-summary: Be congruent; forced humour erodes trust.
Q: Where do data and research fit?
A: If you have strong data, make it a draw. New information builds authority and repeat audiences—provided delivery keeps it engaging.
Mini-summary: Insight attracts; delivery retains.
Q: How do I avoid being boring?
A: Short sentences, purposeful pauses, clean visuals, one clear message and one action. Practise weekly and review recordings to trim filler.
Mini-summary: Tighten delivery and rehearse in public.
Bottom line: Choose your lane, publish consistently and refine delivery. Repetition creates rhythm; rhythm becomes style—and style builds your brand.
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.
