How to start a presentation

The beginning of your presentation is important because it serves as a hook for the rest of your presentation. The goal here is to capture the audience's attention and introduce the topic.

Most people start a speech like this: "Hello, I am so-and-so, and today I would like to..."

Avoid doing this!

This type of introduction doesn't grab the audience's attention, and people are more interested in what you have to say than in who you are.

There are three main ways to start a speech:

1) Asking a meaningful question.

Who isn’t intrigued by an unexpected question right at the start of a presentation? It’s a powerful way to begin.

Here’s an example:

In this video, Robert Waldinger starts with, “What keeps us healthy and happy as we go through life?” I bet everyone watching wants to know the answer.

And this question perfectly ties into the theme of his presentation: “What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness.”

Look for a question that connects with your theme and engages your audience.

2) Tell a story

Humans love a good story. Stories grab attention and connect with the audience. So why not start your presentation by telling a story?

Of course, the story needs to be related to the theme of your presentation. It could be a personal experience, a historical event, or a hypothetical scenario to illustrate your point.

Here is a perfect example:

Simon begins his speech with a powerful story about Captain William Swenson, who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery during an ambush in Afghanistan.

By narrating this real-life example of courage and selflessness, he immediately captures the audience's attention and sets the tone for the theme of the speech: leadership, sacrifice, and the deep sense of trust and cooperation that drives people to perform extraordinary acts.

The third way to start a presentation, and the easiest to use, is covered in our new course: 

Quick Presentation Mastery.

We’ve added new chapters to the course, based on your feedback, to make it quick and practical for everything you need to deliver an excellent presentation.

In the course, you'll learn how to structure your presentation, how to start and finish it, tips on breathing, posture, tone, pauses, and much more.

Check it out https://speechspinach.com/

We hope you enjoy it!