The Importance of a Strong Opening
In a business pitch workshop I recently conducted, I observed a common challenge faced by many presenters: capturing the audience’s attention right from the start. David, one of the participants, struggled with this while presenting his product—a clever device that prevents electrical cords from tangling. Despite its simplicity and potential value, David’s delivery fell flat. His lengthy introduction and lack of focus lost the audience’s interest almost immediately.
I decided to step in. “David,” I said, “there’s a way to make your point simply, quickly, and compellingly. Let me demonstrate.” I grabbed a tangled heap of orange extension cords, walked to the center of the stage, and dropped it with a thud. “Have you ever had to untangle a mess of cords like this?” I asked the audience. They nodded in agreement. “It’s such a time suck and so frustrating, isn’t it?” More nods. “Well,” I continued, “what if you never had to untangle an electrical cord again?”
In that moment, the audience was hooked. The lesson was clear: Start your presentation with a bang!
Why Your Opening Matters
The opening of your presentation is arguably the most critical part. It’s your first and best chance to grab your audience’s attention, pique their interest, and set the tone for what’s to come. Don’t waste this opportunity with a lackluster start. You want your audience to lean forward in their seats, eyebrows raised, eager to hear more.
Three Powerful Ways to Start Your Presentation
- Tell a Personal Story: Share a brief, relevant story from your own life that ties into your presentation’s theme or purpose. Personal stories create an emotional connection and help humanize you in the eyes of your audience.
- Ask a Provocative Question: Pose a question that challenges conventional thinking or directly addresses a common pain point your audience might have. This prompts them to engage mentally from the get-go.
- Make a Startling Statement: Open with a surprising fact or bold statement related to your topic. This can immediately capture attention and make your audience curious about what’s next.
Regardless of which method you choose, bring energy and conviction to your opening. Hook your audience from the start, and they’ll be more willing to stay engaged throughout your presentation.
Reflect on Your Own Presentations
Think back to a presentation you’ve given in the past. How did you start it? Was there something you could have done to make your opening more compelling? Now, think about your next presentation. What will you do differently to engage your audience right from the beginning?
There are endless possibilities for how you can start your presentation, as long as your choice aligns with your main intention or purpose. Be bold and creative. The more engaged you are with your material—whether it’s a striking quote or a captivating image—the more your audience will be engaged too.
Need Help Elevating Your Presentation Skills?
If you’re looking to create a lasting impact and boost audience engagement in your presentations, let’s connect. I can help you craft powerful openings and deliver presentations that keep your audience hooked from start to finish.
Need help enhancing your communication and presentation skills? Let’s schedule a time to chat!
Eleni Kelakos, CSP The Speaker Whisperer®