How do you start a compelling presentation? The beginning of your talk can shape how the audience perceives the whole thing. In the first minute or two, listeners decide whether you’re worth their attention. Here are 11 ways to start a presentation well.
1. Intriguing data
Starting with an intriguing statistic, a surprisingly large or small number related to your topic, can instantly capture attention. If you’re a barista, for example, you could open with how many cups of coffee are drunk in your country every day. To make the number more vivid, compare it to something tangible, such as the population of a well-known city. Just make sure your data is accurate and comes from a reliable source.
2. Interesting facts
You can also start with a comparison or a surprising fact. This often requires solid research in various sources and sometimes some calculations. For example, you could compare how phone use has changed across age groups over the years, or what impact cryptocurrencies have on the environment. Another option is to debunk a common myth, which can really surprise your audience.
3. A quote
The internet is full of websites with quotes. Make sure the quote comes not from your neighbour (even your favourite one 😉), but from someone who is an authority in the field. That way, you’ll also use what social psychology calls the authority effect.
4. A meme
A meme combines two powerful strategies: humour and an image. This creates dual coding, which makes the content easier to remember. A well-chosen meme will make your audience laugh and help you build a positive connection right from the start.
5. A performance
You can also open your presentation with a performance. It can be a very expressive act designed to shake the audience out of their comfort zone, or something more subtle, such as standing in silence for a few seconds before saying your first word, or tearing up a sheet of paper that symbolises an old way of thinking.
6. An anecdote
Like a meme, an anecdote helps put the audience in a good mood. Humour also helps you release tension: when you hear your listeners laugh, you get positive feedback and your stress goes down.
7. A gripping story
Depending on the type of presentation, you can tell the story of how you got to where you are today, or use the biography of a famous person or someone close to you. The goal is to spark curiosity and emotions, which will capture attention and help your audience identify with the character
8. A metaphor or comparison
Metaphors and comparisons work well both in presentations and when motivating teams. If you say, for example, that “life is like a boat trip”, everyone will relate it to their own situation in a way that makes sense to them.
9. A rhetorical question
A question makes the audience think from the very first second. For example:
Have you ever wondered how the world will end?
What is the most important thing in your life?
10. A brilliant definition
A clever definition can be a great way to explain a difficult or complex concept simply. For example, instead of a textbook definition of stress, you could say: “Stress is your body getting ready for something it thinks is important.”
11. A call to action
You can activate your audience by asking them to do something, for example to raise their hand or stand up if they woke up before 7 a.m. today, or if they’ve ever worked overtime. It’s a simple way to break the ice and get everyone involved.
What to avoid at the start of a presentation
Don’t start by apologising (“Sorry, I’m a bit nervous”) or by downplaying your talk (“I won’t take up much of your time”). Avoid opening with technical issues, like checking whether the microphone works, and don’t read the agenda word for word. Your first sentence is your chance to make an impression, so use it well.
Summary
A strong opening makes your audience want to listen to the rest of your presentation. Choose a technique that suits your topic, your audience and your personality, and rehearse your first minute especially well, because that’s when stress is usually at its highest. Many of these techniques also help you interact with your audience, even if you can’t leave the stage.
Author:
Hi, I’m Magda Kern. I’m a psychologist, the top 11 public speaking coach worldwide, a lecturer, working for companies from the Fortune 500 list, a business trainer with 12 years of experience, a TEDx coach, and an ex-vocalist based in Switzerland. I help people prepare and deliver unforgettable presentations and deal with stress.