The first minutes of a presentation are make-or-break time. With the following techniques, you can score a resounding success that will set you up for the rest of your talk.
1. Under Starters’ Orders. In the moments before you start to speak, the audience are a disorganised and disparate collection of individuals, pairs and small groups. They are like the runners before a horse race facing in different directions. The moment you move to speak, they come under your control, falling expectantly silent, turning towards you, lining up together. They are under starter's orders. It is at this moment, when you have the full undivided attention of your audience, that you are able to set the tone, make a strong impression and lead them in the direction you want them to go.
2. Formal Openers. Depending on the type of presentation you are giving, you can either use a formal opener or an impact opener. Formal openers don’t aim to grab the audience in the way an impact opener does. They should be courteous, sincere, and short. In a formal opener, you should introduce yourself and the purpose of your presentation, thank your audience for inviting you and give an overview of what you intend to do and where you are taking the audience.
3. First Impressions. When you have been introduced or have completed your own formalities, the audience's eyes and minds turn expectantly to you. They want you to interest them. Your opening words and the way you express yourself must make an immediate impression. The audience needs to each say to themselves: "this looks worth staying for." You must look and sound in charge. One simple way to achieve this is to use an impact opening technique: one that intrigues, grabs the attention, and surprises your audience without embarrassing or unnerving them.
4. Impact Openers. Here are 12 ways to start a presentation that will grab your audience’s attention:
news: "I'd like to give you some news that's just come in..."
a quote: "It was Richard Branson who said that there's only one way to make money..."
a question: "Let me ask you a simple question: What would you all rather be doing now?"
a story: "When I was in Cambodia during the reign of Pol Pot..."
a fact: "Research shows that 7 out of 10 people will suffer some form of mental illness one day..."
drama: "The next 10 minutes could change your life..."
a gesture: "Some people seem to think that money is like water: (pour water from a jug into a bucket)
a benefit for them: "If you want to save £1000 a year, stay tuned..."
history: "When we began making software in 1985, people said it wouldn't work..."
proof of your credentials: "We now sell to China, Australia and Nepal..."
gimmicks: "(After 10 seconds of silence)...You have just experienced what 1 out of 3 callers to this organisation experience."
curiosity: "You may wonder what my talk has to do with tyrannosaurus rex...."
5. Example of an Impact Opener. This is an example of a power opener in a presentation on crime prevention:
"Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to ask you to look under your seats. If you find a red card, could you stand up. (Everyone looks and eight people around the room stand up). Thank you. Please be seated.
According to government figures, that is your statistical chance of being burgled in your present home in this region: 1 in 5.
My talk today won't reduce the risk of you being under threat but it will reduce the risk of what you could lose. Our success with hundreds of people is proof that, with proper precautionary measures, you need not fear the consequences of crime."
Winning over an audience starts from the word Go. If you can grab their attention straightaway with the above techniques, your audience will immediately warm to you and make up their minds to like you.
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» left by Linnea from Salem, Oregon (228 days 2 hours ago.)
This was exactly what I needed to see and hear to get me started on my presentation! It gave great details and examples! Respond to this comment
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Article added to SearchWarp.com on Wednesday, December 14, 2005 View other articles written by Eric Garner(456)
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