As soon as you step foot in front of your audience you have less than a minute to convince them that what you are about to say is worth listening to. That is why the first 30 seconds of your presentation are crucial. You want to surprise your audience with a hook that immediately grabs their attention. It should be brief but interesting and pertinent to your topic. Your opening lines set the tone so you want to be sure you are well-rehearsed in order to make a great first impression and capture your audience right from the start.
1. Tell them a story.
Stories are a great opener because we all love to hear about something real. It gives your audience a piece of your own experience and allows them to relate to you on a personal level. Just be sure your story is relevant and not too lengthy. Everyone loves a good story and this is a great way to enchant your audience right off the bat.
2. Ask them a question.
A question is a simple yet very effective tool for engaging your audience. It forces your audience to think about what you are saying in a way that gives them a sense of power. It is a great way to wake them up and help them connect with what you are saying.
3. Thank them.
Welcoming your audience with a thank you only takes a few seconds, but it shows sincerity and appreciation. It will help them to connect with you and they will appreciate the genuine gesture. They will have a more positive attitude about being there and are more likely to listen to what you have prepared.
4. Begin with important keywords.
Start your presentation with words such as “Imagine, Think of, Close your eyes.†This is a powerful technique that is used to captivate audience attention by asking them to actively participate. By utilizing this technique you are bringing your audience into your presentation and giving them a chance to imagine how they would respond to a specific situation.
5. Share a significant statistic.
Even in sales and marketing presentations, sharing a relevant statistic is a good way to bring focus to an issue or problem facing the crowd. Statistics help you connect real data with problems that need resolution. You can then follow a statistic with a summary statement of how you can help resolve problems your audience faces. Everyone can appreciate the strength of a relevant statistic as it quantifies an issue that needs attention.
Learning how to properly begin a presentation is just as important as having a strong ending. You can make or break your entire presentation in those first few moments so it is crucial to get it right. Focusing on a strong opening is an important part of delivering a great presentation.
