at the start of a presentation

7 Creative Ways to Start Any Presentation (With Examples!)

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Published Date : December 4, 2020

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Creating an effective presentation is challenging and needs a lot of effort to become engaging with your audience. Many questions are indeed rounding up your head.

Like how to start a PowerPoint presentation and a class set-up presentation, it helps people, such as entrepreneurs, organize and disseminate their ideas flawlessly.

It clarifies intentions, concepts, and other feasible topics specifically. They may differ from execution, events, and for whom the presentation. 

With that, the bottom line and the question is how to do it. How do you start a board meeting presentation, or how do you start a presentation introduction in class?

Many students are also struggling with how to start a case study presentation, and young entrepreneurs or start-ups are struggling with how to start a business presentation.

To ease the tension and upgrade your confidence , furthermore those people above, I will share some tips, steps, and how to start a presentation example.

Why Presentation is Important in Persuading

Presentations break communication barriers. Across this, it brings mutual understanding to the audience.

In winning your stances and goals, having and knowing how to start a presentation is a must. It helps you more to give an idea of what your topic could be through moving pictures and graphics in reality. 

The role of presentation in persuading can be categorized into many factors. First, it helps your audience to feel more comfortable with your spiels.

Second, you have the chance to tell your options,  choices, summary, and the result of your case study, etc., within your presentation. Especially can be stoop on how to start a business presentation.

Lastly, knowing how to deliver and how to start a presentation in persuading your listener includes support for your audience’s decision. Through it, the concept of persuasion becomes more reliable with tangible materials. 

It is evident in thesis defenses and academic proposals. To start a case study presentation, you must present facts, stats, related studies, and other materials.

And to achieve that in a well-presented way, you need to think and come up with a composition associated with your topic to make it reliable and credible. 

Different Ways to Start a Presentation

Difficulties on how to start a case study presentation and the things you need to behold within your PowerPoint presentation would be easy after sharing with you this advice. 

As for direction and advice, take a look at this list to start a presentation generally. 

1. Start With a Strong Claim

The beginning is always the hard part of a presentation. But like a bottle of water, after it gets opened, the water inside can flow smoothly to your gulp.

Meaning after spitting out your first words, everything should follow accordingly to your presentation. That’s why it is the most crucial when you are learning how to start a presentation. 

Try to use the iconic lines of a famous philosopher —striking advice of a hotshot entrepreneur for your business proposal presentation.

Through this, you can have a good impression on your listener. Shook them and contradict their ideas; indeed, you can have an intense or beneficial presentation. 

2. Know Your Prospect

Besides technicalities and visuals, knowing first the current state, perspective, wants, and needs of your prospect or audience is vital.

Before the presentation, you can send them a pre-assessment or survey consisting of what they want to see and learn and things to keep them interested, or you need to get their attention and interest.

3. Assist the Flow With Visuals

Showing your audience a good spiel in presenting your developing ideas and concepts through pictures that can’t be put quickly in language can break communication drawbacks.

Apart from describing your idea in a presentation, you are also giving quick ways to dice abstract ideas.

4. Moving Pictures

Pictures and videos are great instruments for nurturing your ideas and your audience counterparts.

The power of moving pictures is evident as the film business and the movie industry is booming and depicting fictional stories into reality. 

5. Break People’s Expectation

To break the set expectations of your audience for you,  always stick to your premise. Whether on business, academics, proposals, and other topical presentations.

Call an action to smash misconceptions about your particular presentation. 

6. Spill Surprising Stories

Bring stories and the characters in life. Create conflict and suspense to highlight your goal’s presentation.

It also helps you to organize your presentation’s information to be catchy and relatable. Touching stories can affect audience decision-making. 

7. Know When to Pause 

Don’t present vague ideas, premises, and concepts. Stop bombarding your audience.

After a round of applause or before speaking, take a three-second pause. Observe your audience’s facial expressions. 

With that, you can focus on your tone. It is also an indication that you want to give your audience a short rest.  

Orai helps you perfect your speech with feedback on your tone, tempo, confidence , and conciseness .

Things to Avoid on Presentation

Introducing your name along with your topic is not acceptable and is not a killer intro. To nail a presentation, be careful and prevent unnecessary elements. 

Here is the list of recommended things you should avoid on how to start a presentation.

1. Cliché Sentences

Do you believe that the flow and relevancy of your presentation depend on your introduction?

If you do believe, avoid cruddy beginnings, initials, and phrases. Instead of stating, “What will your presentation be about,” give them an idea of why they need it and why it is worth sharing.

2. Plain Visuals

Stop using standard PowerPoint templates, discarded pictures, and non-HD videos. For engaging your audience, mastering your spiels is not enough to convince your listeners.

The balanced presentation consists of a good speech , spiels, and an enticing display. Instead of using plain visuals, use simple but complex graphics.

3. Lame Transitions

It is not all about effects or glitching transition effects but about how you transmit your spiels. Always open your arguments with a bang and end them using striking remarks. 

4. Unstable Stats and Facts

Don’t use outdated data, studies, and facts. Don’t go to less up-to-date data websites. 

Treat the facts and stats as vitamins for your presentation, as it helps your exhibition look reliable and robust.

5. Colorless Templates

Pick templates that fit your topic and theme—download innovative templates and slides. Analyze your presentation structure. 

Make sure to go for a font that suits perfectly to the presentation. Go for roadmaps, unique mats, and decks. 

Check out this video for more tips on how to avoid presentation pitfalls:

Steps to Enhance Your Visual Presentation

To sort things specifically on how to start a presentation. Here are the steps and tips on how to start a PowerPoint presentation.

Step 1: Get a Color Palette

“Colors speak louder than texts.”

Aside from shapes, figures, and moving objects, picking the right color palette for your presentation can beautify the board’s ambiance if that’s the case.

Logos and company icons have their color combination to mark and emphasize their brand to all consumers. It may also apply to presentations. 

If you want to be considered or remembered, start by choosing the right color palette. 

Step 2: Create a Theme

The theme supports the flow of your topic; it is the backbone of your presentation. Not considering this element can’t make your topic vague and not intact. 

Step 3: Add Hyperlinks

Going back to how to start a presentation,  comparing specific ideas is a waste of time. Using hyperlinks, you can offer your audience a “video game” theme.

Step 4: Play Short Video or  Create GIFS

Before or after spiels about a particular slide, play a short video as an icebreaker. It helps you to feed your audience with a large amount of information in a shorter period.

Step 5: Practice the Presentation with Spiels in Every Portion

Practice helps you to attain presentation skills. You can interact with your audience, disseminate the messages clearly, and analyze your listeners’ mindset. 

You can also improve the flow of run-throughs. These will support you to polish and enhance persuasive skills.

Practice your perfect speech with Orai

Presentation Checklist 

Besides sharing the tips and steps on how to start a presentation, let me give you a sample presentation checklist to support and organize your presentation. 

This checklist may vary in every presentation. You can create and set your reminders. 

Vital Points of a Presentation 

To use your time wisely , try this outline on creating a presentation, such as how to start a board meeting presentation and more. 

This table only serves as a sample outline. It may also vary depending on your topic and forte. 

How to Start Business Presentation and Other Samples

For all entrepreneurs, this portion is for you. To gratify your needs and to enlighten you on how to start a business presentation. Here are the basics.

• Create a Plan

Always start with a concrete plan to strengthen the body of your presentation. With that, your listeners can’t easily stab your presentation.

• Pick The Right Deck

If you are discussing in a formal setting, pick a deck with gray colors, choose dominant colors, and then combine.

• Tell Stories and Laugh

To balance the whole presentation, put some icebreakers and funny idioms about your topic. Make sure it is sensible.

• Add Verbal Cues and Signpost

It helps your audience to get intact through the presentation. Try to use signal transitions, such as words or phrases that would give interconnections.

• Collect Images and Charts

Of course, images and charts are vital. Make sure to use HD photos and reliable maps from data websites.

• Initiate Audience Interaction

After the presentation, evaluate it by asking your listeners if they have any questions. 

Questions like these must be considered and answered in your presentation.

• How would you design your material?
• How factual is it?
• What is the target deadline? Show your timeline.      

Watch this live speech or business seminar to get different hooks and other strategies to impress your listeners with your business presentation:

3 Essential Parts on How to Start a Board Meeting Presentation

As your supervisor and other executives watch you presenting, stand tall and present like a boss through these points.

• Create the Structure of Your Presentation

It organizes the presentation and connects the main points to sub-points. With that, you can have minimal effort but impactful results.

• Build Big Introduction

Try to begin asking the “why’s,” furthermore, enlighten them of “hows.” How to conduct, how to execute, and how to surpass their limits.

Stop introducing your presentation with your name. Always start to implore your audience with no cliché intro.  

• Develop Your Data and Tell Crucial Parts

You can be ideological, symbolic, and rhetorical, and these things are not yet easy to comprehend without visuals. That’s why it is essential to develop and expand your data to make it understandable. 

Suppose you want to have a good impression when presenting a business proposal to your bosses and other hotshots. Watch this video on striking tips and techniques for a presentation:

Vital Aspects of How to Start a Case Study Presentation

Case study presentations are more technical, unlike the other displays. It should be specific, tangible, credible, and substantial.

Also, here are the vital points to follow. 

• Show the Possible Results. Collect the possible outcomes or predicted results. With that, you can jump to “how” you will carry the topic into different methods and production. 
• Prepare Back-Up Studies. Always have a backup; there are some unexpected circumstances, emergencies, and other possible matters that may ruin your original presentation. It is wise to prepare around three to six backup studies you can easily refer to. 
• Connect to Your Prospect’s Situation. Research on their state, status, and other related ideas. It will help your case study to get a thumbs up. 
• Focus on Deals. Keep in mind that you have a target deal. Always connect your study to the current agreement and profitable offers.

How to Start a Presentation Introduction in Class

Facing new students is challenging, right? If you want to get a good impression from your class in different situations, take a look at these tips.

• Present Yourself With Manners

Tell them briefly who you are and why you are there in front of them while showing the right conduct and manners. 

• Cite Your Objectives and Its Relevance

The material or your material must be the center of any presentation. Discuss its factuality and how tangible it is. Along with these, tell stories that may catch their interest and attention throughout the presentation.

• Leave Interesting Statement

End it with a bang! Make them think and stare at you. You can also give them riddles and some metaphorical set of words as an ending remark . 

Indeed, you will gain their participation, plus you are helping your listeners to think critically. 

Become a pro presenter. Download Orai and start practicing

How to Make an Unforgettable Start-Up Presentation 

To give more emphasis on how to start a business presentation and to help young entrepreneurs. I’ll share with you this detailed outline. I hope you tuck this with you. 

1. Set Goals For Your Business Presentation

Always set the stage with objectives. Since you are presenting to get clients and investment, it would help if you cleared how long it takes your business proposal.

2. Start With Provoking Questions or Stories

Never underestimate the power of storytelling. Initiate your presentation with real-life stories. 

Stating provoking questions can grab attention, positive or negative, is a good result. It helps you to get your listener’s ears and eyes. 

3. Show Alarming Statistics, Graphics as a Clue 

This recommendation is similar to a word game, the “4-pics, One Word,” demonstrating the idea or topic with photos will be more immersing. 

Visuals are one of the key points to expand a presentation. They are depicting patterns, diagrams, and trends. Lend quick analysis and predictions. 

By using graphics, you can easily sustain the interest of your listeners and attract more viewers. 

4. Know Your Material

Master your presentation and fill loops. And on your topic. Study the weak points and establish more of the strengths of the presentation. 

With that, you can derive the information smoothly. Take note of this. It is also vital on how to start a board meeting presentation. 

5. Add Business-Related Stories and Humor

Put the top 10 successful corporations, traders, companies, and other information that may help you present your goal. Flash the motto of some famous entrepreneurs. Analyze or contradict it to gain more attention. 

Try to spiel some business jokes as an icebreaker. Any possible facts about business that you can use — catch it!

6. Hold Your Audience With Visuals

Play videos like a Public Service Announcement (PSA), but make sure it is connected to your topic. 

Learn how to start a business presentation that has movement and action for society. With that, your listeners may think your presentation is worth investing in. 

7. Relax and Have an Early Set-Up

Stay calm and don’t even think about drawbacks or shortcomings, especially the night before the presentation.

Make sure to pamper your body. Create also a plan B for unexpected circumstances.

8. Calculate Your Time and Sort it Into Parts

In your run-through, always set a timer. It gives you a heads up if you may look rushing or too slow in explaining each slide.

Being not responsible for other people’s time is a turn-off, especially in business, where time is essential in the industry. 

To present other samples wisely. Let me share some videos to rock and how to start a presentation:

What are some examples of great presentation structures and delivery techniques?

Successful presentations like “How Google Works” and “Start with Why” prove the power of clarity and simplicity. Both Schmidt and Sinek captivate audiences with straightforward messages enhanced by visuals (slides or whiteboard) that support, not overpower, their narratives. The lesson: ditch complexity, focus on your core message, and deliver it with a conviction for maximum impact.

How can group presentations be structured effectively?

Effective group presentations require thorough rehearsal, clean transitions, and speaker handovers. Recap your section, introduce the next speaker, and gesture towards them to link sections and keep the audience engaged.

How can physical movement enhance the delivery of my presentation?

Ditch the podium! Move around the stage to grab attention, connect with listeners, and emphasize key points. Strategic shifts in location signal transitions, while your energy and passion come alive through purposeful movement. Make your presentation dynamic and memorable – get moving!

How can I structure a presentation using the remaining method approach?

To master the “remaining method,” Briefly introduce the controversy, dive deep with your side (logos & pathos!), acknowledge and dissect opposing solutions, and then unveil your “remaining solution” as the superior answer. Wrap up with a strong summary and a call to action. Guide your audience, earn trust, and win them over!

What are the key elements involved in storytelling for presentations?

Ditch the dry facts! Captivate your audience with stories. Use classic structures like the hero’s journey or jump into the action with “in media res.” Craft your narrative with a clear plot, relatable characters, and a consistent tone. Tie it all back to your key points for maximum impact. Storytelling makes presentations memorable, engaging, and impactful – go forth and win hearts (and minds)!

How can I structure my presentation using the problem-solution method?

Hook them, hit them, fix them! Problem-solution presentations start with a clear pain point, delve deep with causes and impacts (think logic and emotions!), and then unveil your solution as the hero and its amazing benefits. Finish with a call to action – tell them what to do next! Simple, powerful, persuasive.

What are some common presentation structures beyond the typical format described in the passage?

Forget the slides; show and tell! Demo presentations explain the “what” and “why” of your product, then dazzle with a live showcase. Highlight problem-solving and potential uses to keep them hooked. Leave them curious and wanting more with a glimpse of what your product can truly do. It’s all about interactive understanding and engagement!

What is the purpose of the Q&A session at the end of a presentation?

Q&A isn’t just an add-on! It’s a chance to clear confusion, recap key points, and answer burning questions. Wrapping up the discussion, offering deeper dives, and inviting audience participation – it’s the perfect way to seal the deal and connect with your listeners.

What should be included in the main body of a presentation?

Ditch the tangents and deliver on your promises! The main body is where you unpack your points. Organize it clearly, hit each topic with evidence and examples, summarize as you go, and link your ideas. Keep it focused, relevant, and audience-friendly – take notes, stay on track, and make your impact!

How should the introduction of a presentation be structured?

Hook, roadmap, and expectations – that’s your intro! Briefly introduce the topic, explain why it matters and what you’ll cover, and tell the audience how long they’re in for and if they can participate. Set the stage, guide them through, and make them feel comfortable – then dive in!

Why is structuring a presentation important?

Get organized, and get remembered! Structure keeps your audience engaged and learning while boosting your confidence and delivery. It’s a win-win for both the speaker and the listener!

Conclusion: 

To be an effective speaker or presenter, you must master how to start a presentation. Learn the basics and dynamics. 

Earn persuasive skills and grasp how to start a PowerPoint presentation with the steps and tips above to disseminate the information in a free-lingual way effectively. 

I hope you find this helpful; you are free to use these tips for any goals. 

You can try Orai , an AI-powered speech coach that perfectly suits your budget! They provide instant feedback on you to help with your public speaking needs. Start your free trial with Orai today! 

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How To Start a Presentation: 15 Ways to Set the Stage

By Krystle Wong , Jul 25, 2023

The opening moments of your presentation hold immense power – it’s your opportunity to make a lasting impression and captivate your audience. 

A strong presentation start acts as a beacon, cutting through the noise and instantly capturing the attention of your listeners. With so much content vying for their focus, a captivating opening ensures that your message stands out and resonates with your audience.

Whether you’re a startup business owner pitching a brilliant idea, a seasoned presenter delivering a persuasive talk or an expert sharing your experience, the start of your presentation can make all the difference. But don’t fret — I’ve got you covered with 15 electrifying ways to kickstart your presentation. 

The presentation introduction examples in this article cover everything from self-introduction to how to start a group presentation, building anticipation that leaves the audience eager to delve into the depths of your topic.

Click to jump ahead:

How to start a presentation introduction

15 ways to start a presentation and captivate your audience, common mistakes to avoid in the opening of a presentation, faqs on how to start a presentation, captivate the audience from the get-go.

Presentations can be scary, I know. But even if stage fright hits, you can always fall back on a simple strategy.

Just take a deep breath, introduce yourself and briefly explain the topic of your presentation.

To grab attention at the start, try this opening line: Hello everyone. I am so glad you could join me today. I’m very excited about today’s topic. I’m [Your Name] and I’ll be talking about [Presentation Topic]. Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by [Challenge related to your topic]. Many of us might have faced challenges with [Challenge related to your topic]. Today, we’ll explore some strategies that’ll help us [Solution that you’re presenting].

Regardless of your mode of presentation , crafting an engaging introduction sets the stage for a memorable presentation.

Let’s dive into some key tips for how to start a presentation speech to help you nail the art of starting with a bang:

Understand your audience

The key to an engaging introduction is to know your audience inside out and give your audience what they want. Tailor your opening to resonate with their specific interests, needs and expectations. Consider what will captivate them and how you can make your presentation relevant to their lives or work.

Use a compelling hook

Grab the audience’s attention from the get-go with a compelling hook. Whether it’s a thought-provoking question, a surprising fact or a gripping story, a powerful opening will immediately pique their curiosity and keep them invested in what you have to say.

State your purpose

Be crystal clear about your subject matter and the purpose of your presentation. In just a few sentences, communicate the main objectives and the value your audience will gain from listening to you. Let them know upfront what to expect and they’ll be more likely to stay engaged throughout.

Introduce yourself and your team

Give a self introduction about who you are such as your job title to establish credibility and rapport with the audience.

Some creative ways to introduce yourself in a presentation would be by sharing a brief and engaging personal story that connects to your topic or the theme of your presentation. This approach instantly makes you relatable and captures the audience’s attention.

Now, let’s talk about — how to introduce team members in a presentation. Before introducing each team member, briefly explain their role or contribution to the project or presentation. This gives the audience an understanding of their relevance and expertise.

Group presentations are also a breeze with the help of Venngage. Our in-editor collaboration tools allow you to edit presentations side by side in real-time. That way, you can seamlessly hare your design with the team for input and make sure everyone is on track. 

Maintain enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is contagious! Keep the energy levels up throughout your introduction, conveying a positive and upbeat tone. A vibrant and welcoming atmosphere sets the stage for an exciting presentation and keeps the audience eager to hear more.

Before you think about how to present a topic, think about how to design impactful slides that can leave a lasting impression on the audience. Here are 120+ presentation ideas , design tips, and examples to help you create an awesome slide deck for your next presentation.

Captivating your audience from the get-go is the key to a successful presentation. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or a novice taking the stage for the first time, the opening of your presentation sets the tone for the entire talk. 

So, let’s get ready to dive into the 15 most creative ways to start a presentation. I promise you these presentation introduction ideas will captivate your audience, leaving them hanging on your every word.

Grab-attention immediately

Ask a thought-provoking question.

Get the audience’s wheels turning by throwing them a thought-provoking question right out of the gate. Make them ponder, wonder and engage their critical thinking muscles from the very start.

Share a surprising statistic or fact

Brace yourself for some wide eyes and dropped jaws! Open your presentation with a jaw-dropping statistic or a mind-blowing fact that’s directly related to your topic. Nothing captures attention like a good ol’ dose of shock and awe.

State a bold statement or challenge

Ready to shake things up? Kick off with a bold and daring statement that sets the stage for your presentation’s epic journey. Boldness has a way of making ears perk up and eyes widen in anticipation!

Engage with a poll or interactive activity

Turn the audience from passive listeners to active participants by kicking off with a fun poll or interactive activity. Get them on their feet, or rather — their fingertips, right from the start!

Venngage’s user-friendly drag-and-drop editor allows you to easily transform your slides into an interactive presentation . Create clickable buttons or navigation elements within your presentation to guide your audience to different sections or external resources. 

Enhance engagement by incorporating videos or audio clips directly into your presentation. Venngage supports video and audio embedding, which can add depth to your content.

Begin with an opening phrase that captures attention

Use opening phrases that can help you create a strong connection with your audience and make them eager to hear more about what you have to say. Remember to be confident, enthusiastic and authentic in your delivery to maximize the impact of your presentation.

Here are some effective presentation starting words and phrases that can help you grab your audience’s attention and set the stage for a captivating presentation:

• “Imagine…”
• “Picture this…”
• “Did you know that…”
• “Have you ever wondered…”
• “In this presentation, we’ll explore…”
• “Let’s dive right in and discover…”
• “I’m excited to share with you…”
• “I have a confession to make…”
• “I want to start by telling you a story…”
• “Before we begin, let’s consider…”
• “Have you ever faced the challenge of…”
• “We all know that…”
• “This is a topic close to my heart because…”
• “Over the next [minutes/hours], we’ll cover…”
• “I invite you to journey with me through…”

Build connection and credibility

Begin with a personal connection .

Share a real-life experience or a special connection to the topic at hand. This simple act of opening up creates an instant bond with the audience, turning them into your biggest cheerleaders.

Having the team share their personal experiences is also a good group presentation introduction approach. Team members can share their own stories that are related to the topic to create an emotional connection with your audience. 

Tell a relevant story

Start your presentation with a riveting story that hooks your audience and relates to your main message. Stories have a magical way of captivating hearts and minds. Organize your slides in a clear and sequential manner and use visuals that complement your narrative and evoke emotions to engage the audience.

With Venngage, you have access to a vast library of high-quality and captivating stock photography, offering thousands of options to enrich your presentations. The best part? It’s entirely free! Elevate your visual storytelling with stunning images that complement your content, captivate your audience and add a professional touch to your presentation. 

Use a powerful quote

Sometimes, all you need is some wise words to work wonders. Begin with a powerful quote from a legendary figure that perfectly fits your presentation’s theme — a dose of inspiration sets the stage for an epic journey.

Build anticipation

Provide a brief outline.

Here’s a good introduction for presentation example if you’re giving a speech at a conference. For longer presentations or conferences with multiple speakers especially, providing an outline helps the audience stay focused on the key takeaways. That way, you can better manage your time and ensure that you cover all the key points without rushing or running out of time.

Pose a problem and offer a solution

A great idea on how to start a business presentation is to start by presenting a problem and offering a well-thought-out solution. By addressing their pain points and showcasing your solution, you’ll capture their interest and set the stage for a compelling and successful presentation.

Back up your solution with data, research, or case studies that demonstrate its effectiveness. This can also be a good reporting introduction example that adds credibility to your proposal.

Preparing a pitch deck can be a daunting task but fret not. This guide on the 30+ best pitch deck tips and examples has everything you need to bring on new business partners and win new client contracts. Alternatively, you can also get started by customizing one of our professional pitch deck templates for free. 

Incite curiosity in the audience

Utilize visuals or props.

Capture your audience’s gaze by whipping out captivating visuals or props that add an exciting touch to your subject. A well-placed prop or a stunning visual can make your presentation pop like a fireworks show!

That said, you maybe wondering — how can I make my presentation more attractive.  A well-designed presentation background instantly captures the audience’s attention and creates a positive first impression. Here are 15 presentation background examples to keep the audience awake to help you get inspired. 

Use humor or wit

Sprinkle some humor and wit to spice things up. Cracking a clever joke or throwing in a witty remark can break the ice and create a positively charged atmosphere. If you’re cracking your head on how to start a group presentation, humor is a great way to start a presentation speech. 

Get your team members involved in the fun to create a collaborative and enjoyable experience for everyone. Laughter is the perfect way to break the ice and set a positive tone for your presentation!

Invoke emotion

Get those heartstrings tugging! Start with a heartfelt story or example that stirs up emotions and connects with your audience on a personal level. Emotion is the secret sauce to a memorable presentation.

Aside from getting creative with your introduction, a well-crafted and creative presentation can boost your confidence as a presenter. Browse our catalog of creative presentation templates and get started right away!

Use a dramatic pause

A great group presentation example is to start with a powerful moment of silence, like a magician about to reveal their greatest trick. After introducing your team, allow a brief moment of silence. Hold the pause for a few seconds, making it feel deliberate and purposeful. This builds anticipation and curiosity among the audience.

Pique their interest

Share a fun fact or anecdote.

Time for a little fun and games! Kick-off with a lighthearted or fascinating fact that’ll make the audience go, “Wow, really? Tell me more!” A sprinkle of amusement sets the stage for an entertaining ride.

While an introduction for a presentation sets the tone for your speech, a good slide complements your spoken words, helping the audience better understand and remember your message. Check out these 12 best presentation software for 2023 that can aid your next presentation. 

The opening moments of a presentation can make or break your entire talk. It’s your chance to grab your audience’s attention, set the tone, and lay the foundation for a successful presentation. However, there are some common pitfalls that speakers often fall into when starting their presentations. 

Starting with Apologies

It might be tempting to start with a preemptive apology, especially if you’re feeling nervous or unsure about your presentation. However, beginning with unnecessary apologies or self-deprecating remarks sets a negative tone right from the start. Instead of exuding confidence and credibility, you’re unintentionally undermining yourself and your message. 

Reading from Slides

One of the most common blunders in the opening of a PowerPoint presentation is reading directly from your slides or script. While it’s crucial to have a well-structured outline, reciting word-for-word can lead to disengagement and boredom among your audience. Maintain eye contact and connect with your listeners as you speak. Your slides should complement your words, not replace them.

Overwhelming with Information

In the excitement to impress, some presenters bombard their audience with too much information right at the beginning.

Instead of overloading the audience with a sea of data, statistics or technical details that can quickly lead to confusion and disinterest, visualize your data with the help of Venngage. Choose an infographic template that best suits the type of data you want to visualize. Venngage offers a variety of pre-designed templates for charts, graphs, infographics and more.

Ignoring the Audience

It’s easy to get caught up in the content and forget about the people in front of you. Don’t overlook the importance of acknowledging the audience and building a connection with them. Greet them warmly, make eye contact and maintain body language to show genuine interest in their presence. Engage the audience early on by asking a show of hands question or encourage audience participation. 

Lack of Clarity

Your audience should know exactly what to expect from your presentation. Starting with a vague or unclear opening leaves them guessing about the purpose and direction of your talk. Clearly communicate the topic and objectives of your presentation right from the beginning. This sets the stage for a focused and coherent message that resonates with your audience.

Simplicity makes it easier for the audience to understand and retain the information presented. Check out our gallery of simple presentation templates to keep your opening concise and relevant. 

Skipping the Hook

The opening of your presentation is the perfect opportunity to hook your audience’s attention and keep them engaged. However, some presenters overlook this crucial aspect and dive straight into the content without any intrigue. Craft an attention-grabbing hook that sparks curiosity, poses a thought-provoking question or shares an interesting fact. A compelling opening is like the key that unlocks your audience’s receptivity to the rest of your presentation.

Now that you’ve got the gist of how to introduce a presentation, further brush up your speech with these tips on how to make a persuasive presentation and how to improve your presentation skills to create an engaging presentation . 

How can I overcome nervousness at the beginning of a presentation?

To overcome nervousness at the beginning of a presentation, take deep breaths, practice beforehand, and focus on connecting with your audience rather than worrying about yourself.

How long should the opening of a presentation be?

The opening of a presentation should typically be brief, lasting around 1 to 3 minutes, to grab the audience’s attention and set the tone for the rest of the talk.

Should I memorize my presentation’s opening lines?

While it’s helpful to know your opening lines, it’s better to understand the key points and flow naturally to maintain authenticity and flexibility during the presentation.

Should I use slides during the opening of my presentation?

Using slides sparingly during the opening can enhance the message, but avoid overwhelming the audience with too much information early on.

How do I transition smoothly from the opening to the main content of my presentation?

Transition smoothly from the opening to the main content by providing a clear and concise outline of what’s to come, signaling the shift and maintaining a logical flow between topics.

Just as a captivating opening draws your audience in, creating a well-crafted presentation closing has the power to leave a lasting impression. Wrap up in style with these 10 ways to end a presentation .

Presenting virtually? Check out these tips on how to ace your next online presentation . 

Captivating your audience from the very beginning is crucial for a successful presentation. The first few moments of your talk can set the tone and determine whether your audience remains engaged throughout or loses interest. 

Start with a compelling opening that grabs their attention. You can use a thought-provoking question, a surprising statistic or a powerful quote to pique their curiosity. Alternatively, storytelling can be a potent tool to draw them into your narrative. It’s essential to establish a personal connection early on, whether by sharing a relatable experience or expressing empathy towards their needs and interests.

Lastly, be mindful of your body language and vocal delivery. A confident and engaging speaker can captivate an audience, so make eye contact, use appropriate gestures and vary your tone to convey passion and sincerity.

In conclusion, captivating your audience from the very beginning requires thoughtful preparation, engaging content and a confident delivery. With Venngage’s customizable templates, you can adapt your presentation to suit the preferences and interests of your specific audience, ensuring maximum engagement. Go on and get started today!

Home Blog Presentation Ideas How to Start a Presentation: 5 Strong Opening Slides and 12 Tricks To Test

How to Start a Presentation: 5 Strong Opening Slides and 12 Tricks To Test

Knowing how to start a presentation is crucial: if you fail to capture the audience’s attention right off the bat, your entire presentation will flop. Few listeners will stick with you to the end and retain what you have told.

That is mildly unpleasant when you are doing an in-house presentation in front of your colleagues. But it can become utterly embarrassing when you present in front of larger audiences (e.g., at a conference) or worse – delivering a sales presentation to prospective customers.

Here is how most of us begin a presentation: give an awkward greeting, thank everyone for coming, clear our throats, tap the mic, and humbly start to mumble about our subject. The problem with such an opening performance? It effectively kills and buries even the best messages.

Table of Contents

• The Classic Trick: Open a Presentation with an Introduction
• Open a Presentation with a Hook
• Begin with a Captivating Visual
• Ask a “What if…” Question
• Use the Word “Imagine”
• Leverage The Curiosity Gap
• The Power of Silence
• Facts as Weapons of Communication
• Fact vs. Myths
• The Power of Music
• Physical Activity
• Acknowledging a Person

How to Start a PowerPoint Presentation The Right Way

Let’s say you have all of your presentation slides polished up (in case you don’t, check our quick & effective PowerPoint presentation design tips first). Your presentation has a clear storyline and agenda. Main ideas are broken into bite-sized statements for your slides and complemented with visuals. All you have left is to figure out how you begin presenting.

The best way is to appeal to and invoke certain emotions in your audience – curiosity, surprise, fear, or good old amusements. Also, it is recommended to present your main idea in the first 30 seconds of the presentation. And here’s how it’s done.

1. The Classic Trick: Open a Presentation with an Introduction

When you don’t feel like reinventing the wheel, use a classic trick from the book – start with a quick personal introduction. Don’t want to sound as boring as everyone else with your humble “Hi, I’m John, the head of the Customer Support Department”? Great, because we are all about promoting effective presentation techniques (hint: using a dull welcome slide isn’t one of them).

Here’s how to introduce yourself in a presentation the right way.

a. Use a link-back memory formula

To ace a presentation, you need to connect with your audience. The best way to do so is by throwing in a simple story showing who you are, where you came from, and why your words matter.

The human brain loves a good story, and we are more inclined to listen and retain the information told this way. Besides, when we can relate to the narrator (or story hero), we create an emotional bond with them, and, again – become more receptive, and less skeptical of the information that is about to be delivered.

So here are your presentation introduction lines:

My name is Joanne, and I’m the Head of Marketing at company XYZ. Five years ago I was working as a waitress, earning $10/hour and collecting rejection letters from editors. About ten letters every week landed to my mailbox. You see, I love words, but decent publisher thought mine were good enough. Except for the restaurant owner. I was very good at up-selling and recommending dishes to the customers. My boss even bumped my salary to $15/hour as a token of appreciation for my skill. And this made me realize: I should ditch creative writing and focus on copywriting instead. After loads of trial and error back in the day, I learned how to write persuasive copy. I was no longer getting rejection letters. I was receiving thousands of emails saying that someone just bought another product from our company. My sales copy pages generated over $1,500,000 in revenue over last year. And I want to teach you how to do the same”

b. Test the Stereotype Formula

This one’s simple and effective as well. Introduce yourself by sharing an obvious stereotype about your profession. This cue will help you connect with your audience better, make them chuckle a bit, and set a lighter mood for the speech to follow.

Here’s how you can frame your intro:

“My name is ___, and I am a lead software engineer at our platform [Your Job Title]. And yes, I’m that nerdy type who never liked presenting in front of large groups of people. I would rather stay in my den and write code all day long. [Stereotype]. But hey, since I have mustered enough courage…let’s talk today about the new product features my team is about to release….”

After sharing a quick, self-deprecating line, you transition back to your topic, reinforcing the audience’s attention . Both of these formulas help you set the “mood” for your further presentation, so try using them interchangeably on different occasions.

2. Open a Presentation with a Hook

Wow your audience straight off the bat by sharing something they would not expect to hear. This may be one of the popular first-time presentation tips but don’t rush to discard it.

Because here’s the thing: psychologically , we are more inclined to pay attention whenever presented with an unexpected cue. When we know what will happen next – someone flips the switch, and lights turn on – we don’t really pay much attention to that action.

But when we don’t know what to expect next – e.g., someone flips the switch and a bell starts ringing – we are likely to pay more attention to what will happen next. The same goes for words: everyone loves stories with unpredictable twists. So begin your presentation with a PowerPoint introduction slide or a line that no one expects to hear.

Here are a few hook examples you can swipe:

a. Open with a provocative statement

It creates an instant jolt and makes the audience intrigued to hear what you are about to say next – pedal back, continue with the provocation, or do something else that they will not expect.

“You will live seven and a half minutes longer than you would have otherwise, just because you watched this talk.”

That’s how Jane McGonigal opens one of her TED talks . Shocking and intriguing, right?

b. Ask a rhetorical, thought-provoking question

Seasoned presenters know that one good practice is to ask a question at the beginning of a presentation to increase audience engagement. Rhetorical questions have a great persuasive effect – instead of answering aloud, your audience will silently start musing over it during your presentation. They aroused curiosity and motivated the audience to remain attentive, as they did want to learn your answer to this question.

To reinforce your message throughout the presentation, you can further use the Rhetorical Triangle Concept – a rhetorical approach to building a persuasive argument based on Aristotle’s teachings.

c. Use a bold number, factor stat

A clean slide with some mind-boggling stat makes an undeniably strong impact. Here are a few opening statement examples you can use along with your slide:

• Shock them: “We are effectively wasting over $1.2 billion per year on producing clothes no one will ever purchase”
• Create empathy: “Are you among the 20% of people with undiagnosed ADHD?”
• Call to arms: “58% of marketing budgets are wasted due to poor landing page design. Let’s change this!”
• Spark curiosity: “Did you know that companies who invested in speech recognition have seen a 13% increase in ROI within just 3 years?”

3. Begin with a Captivating Visual

Compelling visuals are the ABC of presentation design – use them strategically to make an interesting statement at the beginning and throughout your presentation. Your first presentation slide can be text-free. Communicate your idea with a visual instead – a photo, a chart, an infographic, or another graphics asset.

Visuals are a powerful medium for communication as our brain needs just 13 milliseconds to render what our eyes see, whereas text comprehension requires more cognitive effort.

Relevant images add additional aesthetic appeal to your deck, bolster the audience’s imagination, and make your key message instantly more memorable.

Here’s an intro slide example. You want to make a strong presentation introduction to global pollution.  Use the following slide to reinforce the statement you share:

“Seven of nine snow samples taken on land in Antarctica found chemicals known as PFAs, which are used in industrial products and can harm wildlife”

Source: Reuters

4. Ask a “What if…” Question

The “what if” combo carries massive power. It gives your audience a sense of what will happen if they choose to listen to you and follow your advice.  Here are a few presentations with starting sentences + slides to illustrate this option:

Alternatively, you can work your way to this point using different questions:

• Ask the audience about their “Why.” Why are they attending this event, or why do they find this topic relevant?
• Use “How” as your question hook if you plan to introduce a potential solution to a problem.
• If your presentation has a persuasion factor associated, use “When” as a question to trigger the interest of the audience on, for example, when they are planning to take action regarding the topic being presented (if we talk about an inspirational presentation).

5. Use the Word “Imagine”

“Imagine,” “Picture This,” and “Think of” are better word choices for when you plan to begin your presentation with a quick story.

Our brain loves interacting with stories. In fact, a captivating story makes us more collaborative. Scientists have discovered that stories with tension during narrative make us:

• Pay more attention,
• Share emotions with the characters and even mimic the feelings and behaviors of those characters afterward.

That’s why good action movies often feel empowering and make us want to change the world too. By incorporating a good, persuasive story with a relatable hero, you can also create that “bond” with your audience and make them more perceptive to your pitch – donate money to support the cause; explore the solution you are offering, and so on.

6. Leverage The Curiosity Gap

The curiosity gap is another psychological trick frequently used by marketers to solicit more clicks, reads, and other interactions from the audience. In essence, it’s the trick you see behind all those clickbait, Buzzfeed-style headlines:

Not everyone is a fan of such titles. But the truth is – they do the trick and instantly capture attention. The curiosity gap sparks our desire to dig deeper into the matter. We are explicitly told that we don’t know something important, and now we crave to change that. Curiosity is an incredibly strong driving force for action – think Eve, think Pandora’s Box.

So consider incorporating these attention grabbers for your presentation speech to shock the audience. You can open with one, or strategically weave them in the middle of your presentation when you feel like your audience is getting tired and may lose their focus.

Here’s how you can use the curiosity gap during your presentation:

• Start telling a story, pause in the middle, and delay the conclusion of it.
• Withhold the key information (e.g., the best solution to the problem you have described) for a bit – but not for too long, as this can reduce the initial curiosity.
• Introduce an idea or concept and link it with an unexpected outcome or subject – this is the best opening for a presentation tip.

7. The Power of Silence

What would you do if you attended a presentation in which the speaker remains silent for 30 seconds after the presentation starts? Just the presenter, standing in front of the audience, in absolute silence.

Most likely, your mind starts racing with thoughts, expecting something of vital importance to be disclosed. The surprise factor with this effect is for us to acknowledge things we tend to take for granted.

It is a powerful resource to introduce a product or to start an inspirational presentation if followed by a fact.

8. Facts as Weapons of Communication

In some niches, using statistics as the icebreaker is the best method to retain the audience’s interest.

Say your presentation is about climate change. Why not introduce a not-so-common fact, such as the amount of wool that can be produced out of oceanic plastic waste per month? And since you have to base your introduction on facts, research manufacturers that work with Oceanic fabrics from recycled plastic bottles .

Using facts helps to build a better narrative, and also gives leverage to your presentation as you are speaking not just from emotional elements but from actually recorded data backed up by research.

9. Fact vs. Myths

Related to our previous point, we make quite an interesting speech if we contrast a fact vs. a myth in a non-conventional way: using a myth to question a well-accepted fact, then introducing a new point of view or theory, backed on sufficient research, that proves the fact wrong. This technique, when used in niches related to academia, can significantly increase the audience’s interest, and it will highlight your presentation as innovative.

Another approach is to debunk a myth using a fact. This contrast immediately piques interest because it promises to overturn commonly held beliefs, and people naturally find it compelling when their existing knowledge is put to the test. An example of this is when a nutritionist wishes to speak about how to lose weight via diet, and debunks the myth that all carbohydrates are “bad”.

10. The Power of Music

Think about a presentation that discusses the benefits of using alternative therapies to treat anxiety, reducing the need to rely on benzodiazepines. Rather than going technical and introducing facts, the presenter can play a soothing tune and invite the audience to follow an exercise that teaches how to practice breathing meditation . Perhaps, in less than 2 minutes, the presenter can accomplish the goal of exposing the advantages of this practice with a live case study fueled by the proper ambiance (due to the music played in the beginning).

11. Physical Activity

Let’s picture ourselves in an in-company presentation about workspace wellness. For this company, the sedentary lifestyle their employees engage in is a worrying factor, so they brought a personal trainer to coach the employees on a basic flexibility routine they can practice in 5 minutes after a couple of hours of desk time.

“Before we dive in, let’s all stand up for a moment.” This simple instruction breaks the ice and creates a moment of shared experience among the attendees. You could then lead them through a brief stretching routine, saying something like, “Let’s reach up high, and stretch out those muscles that get so tight sitting at our desks all day.” With this action, you’re not just talking about workplace wellness, you’re giving them a direct, personal experience of it.

This approach has several advantages. Firstly, it infuses energy into the room and increases the oxygen flow to the brain, potentially boosting the audience’s concentration and retention. Secondly, it sets a precedent that your presentation is not going to be a standard lecture, but rather an interactive experience. This can raise the level of anticipation for what’s to come, and make the presentation a topic for future conversation between coworkers.

12. Acknowledging a Person

How many times have you heard the phrase: “Before we begin, I’d like to dedicate a few words to …” . The speaker could be referring to a mentor figure, a prominent person in the local community, or a group of people who performed charity work or obtained a prize for their hard work and dedication. Whichever is the reason behind this, acknowledgment is a powerful force to use as a method of starting a presentation. It builds a connection with the audience, it speaks about your values and who you admire, and it can transmit what the conversation is going to be about based on who the acknowledged person is.

Closing Thoughts

Now you know how to start your presentation – you have the opening lines, you have the slides to use, and you can browse even more attractive PowerPoint presentation slides and templates on our website. Also, we recommend you visit our article on how to make a PowerPoint Presentation to get familiarized with the best tactics for professional presentation design and delivery, or if you need to save time preparing your presentation, we highly recommend you check our AI Presentation Maker to pair these concepts with cutting-edge slide design powered by AI.

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Start any presentation with confidence: simon’s expert tips and tricks, let’s face it: getting started is half the battle. by following simon’s advice, you'll not only prepare less and stress less but also captivate your audience from the very beginning..

• October 23, 2023
• Employee Development , Leadership Training , Professional Growth
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Knowing how to start a presentation is a critical skill when delivering a speech to any audience or any setting, whether it’s a boardroom, an auditorium, a classroom, or even a rehearsal dinner. Not only does a successful start help settle your nerves, but it also builds confidence. 

Surprisingly, over 70% of Americans fear public speaking more than death itself, as revealed by a study conducted by the National Institutes of Mental Health . This fear can be traced back to our evolutionary past, says The Harvard Business Review , where being watched triggered a survival instinct to avoid predators. However, with the right techniques and strategies, you can overcome this fear and engage your audience right from the beginning. By implementing effective opening techniques, you can capture attention, establish credibility, and set the tone for a memorable and impactful presentation.

Level Up Your Skills Starting NOW

Unlock a treasure trove of career-boosting tips, from top-notch leadership advice to discovering workplace bliss, at The Optimism Library today.

With the guidance of Simon Sinek , a renowned public speaker with more than a billion views, we’ll share valuable tips on how to start a presentation the right way, instantly engaging your audience and winning them over. So, keep reading and get ready to shine!

And if you’re eager to learn everything about delivering an amazing presentation, including advanced storytelling techniques, practical exercises, and expert PowerPoint advice, don’t miss out on Simon’s bestselling course, The Art of Presenting. Click here to explore it further .

Tip One: Transform your nervousness into excitement

Simon emphasizes the significance of reframing our nervousness as excitement, and he is not alone in this belief. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology demonstrates that shifting our mindset from “feeling anxious” to “feeling excited” can have a positive impact on our outlook, making us feel more optimistic, confident, and in control.

As Simon explains, the physiological symptoms of both emotions are nearly identical. It is our mindset and how we choose to interpret these physiological responses within ourselves that can make all the difference. By embracing the idea that you are excited rather than nervous, you can harness that energy in a positive way and captivate your audience right from the beginning.

A simple technique to employ is to look into the mirror and say aloud, “I’m excited!” This small action can go a long way in helping you start your presentation and get into the flow.

Tip Two: Always Start with WHY

If we had to guess, you’ve probably endured countless presentations that begin with the same old boring stuff. “Today, we’ll be discussing the KPIs…” Or, “Hello, my name is Bob, and I will be presenting a comprehensive overview of the quarterly sales data.”

But let’s break free from the monotony! Instead of following the crowd, let’s explore a more captivating approach to starting a presentation. So, how do you start a presentation in a way that truly engages your audience?

According to Simon, the key is to artfully incorporate your WHY. In his bestselling book, Start with WHY , Simon introduces the concept of the Golden Circle , which consists of three layers: your WHATs, your HOW, and your WHY. While all three are important, Simon emphasizes the significance of the WHY. Your WHY is the driving force behind your HOWs and WHATs. It’s your purpose, cause, or belief that sets you apart. (If you’re interested in discovering your WHY,  check out our course here .)

By infusing your presentation with authenticity and purpose, you instantly grab the audience’s attention and create an emotional connection. In fact, one study published by Stanford University has shown that “the top 10% of authentic speakers were considered 1.3 times more trustworthy and 1.3 times more persuasive than the average communicator.”

So, let’s leave the mundane introductions behind and embrace the power of starting with your WHY. It’s time to captivate your audience from the very beginning and make your presentation truly memorable.

Tip Three: How to Choose a First Sentence 

According to Simon, there are several effective ways to start your presentation: with a question, a surprising fact, a bold statement, or by telling a story. These strategies instantly capture the audience’s curiosity and motivate them to pay attention, eagerly seeking answers throughout your presentation. So, how do you start a presentation in a way that truly captivates your audience?

Take, for example, author Susan Cain, who begins her TED Talk on the power of introverts with the line, “When I was nine years old, I went off to summer camp for the first time.” By launching into a personal story that illustrates a key point from her talk, she establishes a connection with the audience right from the start, as they can relate to the shared experience of summer camp.

When it comes to storytelling, specificity is key in capturing your audience’s investment in your message. In fact, a study conducted in 2009 revealed that emotionally engaging narratives inspire post-narrative actions. This means that if you can tell a story that resonates with your audience, they will not only remember your presentation better but also be more inclined to act upon your intended message.

So, when considering how to start a presentation, remember the power of a well-crafted question, a surprising fact, a bold statement, or a compelling story. These techniques will help you grab your audience’s attention and set the stage for a memorable and impactful presentation.

Tip Four: How to Start a Presentation the Wrong Way

You’re Using Jargon

To avoid alienating your audience, refrain from using jargon or technical terms that may not be universally understood. The key to effective communication is making your audience feel included and part of the conversation. Therefore, use familiar terms and take the time to explain any unfamiliar ones, ensuring that everyone feels engaged and included in your presentation.

You’re Memorizing Your Material

Memorization can hinder your ability to connect with your audience authentically and make you sound robotic. Instead, focus on deeply understanding the key concepts and ideas you want to convey, allowing for flexibility and natural conversation during your presentation. Studies have shown that being intimately familiar with your material, rather than relying on memorization, better prepares you to speak confidently and effectively.

You’re Relying Too Much on Your Slides

While slides are a common tool in presentations, it’s important not to rely on them as a crutch. Your visuals should support your message, but it’s your responsibility to deliver it effectively. Depending too heavily on slides can lead to failure if technical issues arise or if you forget necessary equipment. Being well-versed in your topic reduces the need to rely on slides to speak on your behalf.

You’re Expecting Perfection

Perfection is unattainable, and it’s important to remember that mistakes can happen to anyone, including yourself. Whether it’s a technical glitch or a momentary lapse, embrace the fact that we are all human and errors are a natural part of the process. As Simon can attest, nobody is immune to making mistakes.

Tip Five: How to Present Your First PowerPoint Slide

Using slides and visual aids can enhance your presentation, as 65% of individuals learn best visually. To make a strong first impression, create a visually appealing slide that provides a clear overview of your topic. Avoid clutter and excessive text, opting for graphics and key points that engage your audience. Remember, knowing how to start a presentation can be daunting, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can succeed. 

DO This: 

Now It’s Time to Take Action!

If you’re eager to become a master presenter, there’s a whole world of skills and techniques waiting for you to explore. Dive deeper into the art of presenting by enrolling in The Art of Presenting with Simon course. This comprehensive program covers everything from preparation and storytelling to creating impactful slides. Embark on your journey towards delivering unforgettable presentations today!

Good luck on your presentation journey!

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7 Dynamic Ways to Start a Presentation [With Examples]

Of course, we’ve all been there as a speaker. First, we design a powerful presentation. Then, we nervously walk out onto a stage or into the front of the room. The audience stares with skepticism written all over their faces. This stoic crowd has no patience for speakers who waste their time. And their demeanor is showing that fact right now. In a timid voice, we start with a simple, “Good morning.” We get no response from the audience — no warm welcome at all. As a result, our nervousness increases dramatically.

The good news is that your speech doesn’t have to start this way. Your first words will create first impressions.

So, in this session, I’m going to give you the best way to start a successful presentation so you can win over the audience members. Below are a few of my favorite ways to start a speech that will help you capture the attention of your audience and get even the most stoic crowd to want more from you.

Here is the list of effective presentation openers.

7 Dynamic Ways to Start Your Next Presentation.

• Give Your Presentation Summary and Conclusion First.
• Start the Presentation with a Compelling Story.
• Use a Startling Statistic to Start a Presentation.
• A Funny or Motivational Quote or One-Liner.
• Start with an Opinion Asking Question.
• Make a Powerful or Shocking Statement to Start a Speech.
• Arouse Curiosity with a Hook.
• A Bonus Way to Start a Presentation Is to Add Showmanship.

How to Start a Presentation and Help Your Audience Remember Your Content.

(1) give a summary and conclusion at the beginning of a presentation..

As a speaker, you have a lot going against you. The biggest challenge is that most of the people who are in your audience would really rather be somewhere else. So starting with the conclusion gives them a reason to tune in and pay attention to the content.

TV shows and movies do this a lot. The first scene in Titanic is 90-year-old Rose wheeling onto the salvage ship. Immediately, she asked the Captain to see her painting. “Wasn’t I a dish?”

We all know the story of Titanic, but by starting 70 years into the future, we already know that somehow, Rose was going to survive the tragedy. We pay attention because we want to see how she did it.

You probably also recall Netflix series that show a quick introduction and then a flashback to an earlier time.

You can create the same effect in your presentation introduction by making your title a conclusion that you want the audience to draw. Then, lay out each main point that will help them come to that conclusion.

For instance, “My topic today is Five Ways to Get Your Executives to Increase Your Department Budget, and the items we will cover are…” Of course, this technique works best when your title is a result that your audience really wants.

This is an easy way to start a presentation. You can use a single PowerPoint presentation slide as a visual aid to capture the audience’s attention right away! (FYI, you can also use this technique at the end of a presentation.)

More details about this are in Start with a Great Title .

(2) Start the Presentation with a Compelling Story

I taught a private presentation class for Mitsubishi once. And I could tell walking into the room that this was going to be a tough crowd. The culture of the predominately Japanese company is fairly quiet and conservative. Most often, when I introduce myself to class members, people are warm and friendly. Since I’m a guest in their office, most try to make me feel at home.

By the way, the Mitsubishi organizer did this here as well. However, as the participants came into the room, each walked in without saying a word. Each sat down, opened their laptops, and quietly began typing on their keyboards.

I did my best to try to get them to open up. But very few of them were laughing at my jokes or smiling at me as I asked them questions. (Tough crowd.)

So, when I started the class, I knew I needed something that would help the group relate to me. I decided to go into a fairly detailed version of an experience where I totally bombed a speech. I added a lot of self-deprecating humor to the story. Afterward, the mood in the room lightened quite a bit. It was an easy way to get the audience to feel more at ease and become more relatable to them.

Stories are easy additions to any speech. For instance, if you are giving a project report, you can start with a memorable event that occurred on the project since the last meeting. Or, if you are giving a financial report where profit is up, just give a great example of something that caused profit to increase.

(3) Or You Could Use a Startling Statistic to Start a Presentation.

By doing a little research, you can often find a good (and or startling) statistic that can capture attention quickly. You can also create a good introduction by phrasing the statistic as a provocative statement.

For instance, let’s say you are giving a financial presentation where revenue for your company was up 2.5% last quarter. You might look up the statistics for your industry as a whole in the same quarter. Then, you can start your speech with that data. “The electronics industry as a whole was up 3.4% last quarter. However, our company underperformed the industry with only a 2.5% increase in revenue.”

The easiest way to find statistics about your topic is to just do a Google search [Your Topic} followed by the word “statistic”.

Here Are a Few Examples of Using Google to Get Shocking Statistics.

I’ll give some examples. I just did a Google search for “Popular Ted Talks” and came up with an article about the Top 25 Most Shared Ted Talk videos . I just pasted the names of the talks into Google with the word “statistic” added and this is what I came up with.

• Does School Kill Creativity? According to the Adobe® State of Create global benchmark study , 8 in 10 people feel that unlocking creativity is critical to economic growth and more than half of those surveyed feel that creativity is being stifled by their education systems.
• Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are – We receive 82% of information from what we see, 11% from what we hear, and only 7% by all the other senses combined. ( The Body Language Info-graphic .)
• How Great Leaders Inspire Action – 84% of organizations anticipate a shortfall in leaders within the next five years. ( 13 Shocking Leadership Development Statistics .)

So, it is really easy to create compelling statistics to get your audience to think differently about your topic just as you begin to speak.

Bonus Tip: Combine More than One of these Intros for Even More Impact.

You can combine the last two tips for even more impact. Place a statistic along with a story of how you found the statistic at the beginning of your presentation. This is a great way to start your presentation. “I remember watching Jerry Seinfeld do a stand-up bit. He mentioned that the fear of public speaking was the number one fear in America. Then he looked down the list and saw that the fear of death was number five. So, you are five times more likely to rather be in the casket than up giving the eulogy at a funeral.”

The key to each of these first tips is that they increase the retention of information for your audience.

For instance, using the Summary technique, you give your audience an introduction with your presentation topic and key points. Then as you go through each point, they hear each one again. Finally, you summarize the points one more time at the end of your presentation. The audience is now more likely to remember your important points. because of this subtle repetition.

A good story will also increase retention. Stories have a way of creating visual images in the mind of the audience that is more memorable than just facts alone. A startling statistic gets the audience to think, “Is that really true?” so they pay attention more.

Quick Presentation Starters to Capture Attention

(4) a funny or motivational quote or one-liner..

“There are two types of speakers: Those who get nervous and those who are liars.” — Mark Twain

A powerful quote is an effective way to make a positive first impression. It also adds a little humor. You can find quotes like this for your presentations as well. Just like with statistics, you can Google your topic with the word “quotes” to get ideas.

• Does School Kill Creativity? – “Creativity is the greatest expression of liberty.” — Bryant H. McGill
• Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are. – “Language is a more recent technology. Your body language, your eyes, your energy will come through to your audience before you even start speaking.” — Peter Guber
• How Great Leaders Inspire Action. – “A leader is the one, who knows the way, goes the way and show the way” — John Maxwell

Bonus Tip: Reference a quote, and then add your own take to the quote.

Walt Disney once said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” But have you ever thought to realize that every single invention ever created by man was once just an idea born from someone’s need?

(5) Start with an Opinion Asking Question.

“In a perfect world, if your team was able to present their ideas to your customers more effectively, what would they be doing that they are not doing now?”

This technique is more challenging for a presenter. You have to be able to take whatever your audience gives you and design a killer presentation on the fly. However, if you have done good research before the meeting, you shouldn’t be surprised by the answers you get.

Keep in mind that only the best presenters use this technique. So, when you add open-ended questions to your speech, you will increase your stature as a speaker as well.

By the way, the question should be open-ended, meaning that the audience is giving you their opinions. Rhetorical questions and show of hands questions can backfire. Your audience may think you are trying to manipulate them. So, the important thing to remember is to ask a question that asks for the opinion of the audience members. That way, as they answer, everyone can be correct..

(6) Make a Powerful or Shocking Statement to Start a Speech.

I will then follow this statement with a list of different tips that people try that don’t work really well. (Things like picturing your audience naked.)

The funny thing is that many of the people in the room will question the truthfulness of the statement the first time I say it. It is a bold claim. They don’t confront me, though. However, when I look around the room, I can see the distrust on their faces.

However, as I begin to list the crazy tips one by one, they begin to realize the truthfulness of the statement. Internally, the checklist sounds like this…

• To reduce nervousness, you should pretend your audience is naked. (Man, he’s right. I tried that. It doesn’t work.)
• You should memorize your speech word-for-word. Actually, if you lose your place when reciting the speech, you just get more nervous. (That one is true too.)
• You should practice in front of a mirror or record yourself speaking. Actually, you are your own worst critic. You will nitpick every little thing that you do wrong. (Yup, I’ve done that one too. Wow, maybe he’s right. Those things don’t work at all.)

Another shocking statement I use is to foreshadow a future behavior in the speech. When I lead team activities, I often have them play a game to divide into teams. So, I might start the presentation with, “In less than 15 minutes, some of you chivalrous men who opened a door for a young lady when she came into the room will actually be chicken-winging that woman to take something from her.” Of course, when something like that actually happens, everyone erupts in laughter.

(7) Arouse Curiosity with a Hook.

Talk radio, television news, and reality TV shows do this brilliantly.

I remember years ago watching season one of Survivor. The season winner was an eccentric guy named Richard Hatch, who was a good fisherman, so he fed the group. However, he also did things to keep the other contestants a little off their game. At the start of one of the episodes, Richard was walking along the beach buck-naked with his bottom blurred out by the producers.

I remember doing a double-take when the image came on the screen. (There are some things that you just can’t unsee.) I didn’t particularly ever want to see Hatch’s bare bum ever again. However, I had an eager want to find how the heck this happened.

Talk radio guys do this by saying, “At the bottom of the hour, we’re going to…” The technique is like a cliffhanger. Everyone wants to know how the story will end. Will Ross marry Emily, or will Rachel stop the wedding? Will Jon Snow die of his stab wounds? Ken Jennings has won 74 times in a row on Jeopardy. When will he get beaten? What is going to happen now that DEA agent Hank realizes his brother-in-law broke bad? And finally, who shot J.R.?

How to Easily Add a Hook into the Start of Your Presentation.

This is a fun technique to use when you start a presentation. And there are many different ways to do this, depending on the purpose of your presentation.

For instance, you could tell your compelling story, as I suggested earlier. However, don’t tell the ending. Stop right as you get to the climax. Then tell the ending in your conclusion. (More details about this in How to End a Speech .)

Or, the hook can be a cliffhanger or foreshadowing of something later in the presentation. “As we did this research, we uncovered a single habit that, once we change it, will generate an extra quarter of a million dollars for our company. And I will share that secret with you in my final point.”

I actually do this on my podcast as well. I might start the episode by saying something like, “In the last ten minutes of this episode, I’m going to share with you my best, overall, foolproof presentation opener.”

(Which, by the way, is right now…)

A Bonus Way to Start a Presentation Is to Add Showmanship. (Bonus… Not a Foolproof Way.)

For instance, one time, just after July 4th, my kids had some leftover fireworks. I also had some decorative mailing tubes left over from a failed marketing campaign.

The next morning, I was to speak at a business breakfast. I got to the hotel meeting room before anyone else and filled a trash can with water. Then, I left the can under the presentation table at the front of the room. I stuck one of the sparklers into the top of the mailing tube and waited until my time to speak. The emcee called my name, and I waited at the back of the room. She called my name one more time, and I waited just a bit longer. When she called my name the third time, I lit the sparkler and went rushing to the front of the room.

Of course, the visual aid looked like I was holding a stick of cartoon dynamite. I pulled the trash can from under the table and threw the prop into the can where it sizzled and smoked. The whole audience was looking around like, “What the heck?” I paused and then said, “Do you want to put some sizzle into your presentations?”

Okay, it was cheesy. It was over the top. But it got the whole audience laughing. Everyone in the room remembered who I was and what I did for a living.

A few less over-the-top ways of adding showmanship into your presentation might be…

• Use Boards Instead of Slides . Everyone expects a slideshow, but if you have a compelling board or poster that is in the front of the room when you start, you can create some curiosity about your topic.
• You Could Also Get the Audience to Participate in a Demonstration . I had a saleperson from the Riddell helmet company tell us about a football helmet face-mask that could detach with a simple pencil-like tool. He had a couple of men try to pull the face-mask off the helmet and when they failed, he used the tool to remove the mask with one hand. It was a vivid demonstration.
• Or Just Add a Funny Video . When I teach leadership classes, I often play segments from old Saturday Night Live skits that have the characters doing the exact opposite of what I’m teaching. For instance, I might start a session about avoiding criticism in the workplace with an episode of “Debbie Downer”.

Whatever method that you choose to start your presentation make sure to spend time on developing your content. You don’t want to spend a ton of time creating the perfect opener and then lose the audience with a lackluster presentation afterward.

If You Are Designing a Presentation and Need Help, Reach Out to Us!

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Starting Strong: 14 Ways to Start a Presentation Confidently

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How do you grab your audience’s attention the moment you step into the spotlight? The opening moments of a presentation can make or break its success.

Studies show that people will assess your credibility by observing your body language and vocal traits, forming opinions about your proficiency within half a minute. This emphasizes the importance of not only your message but also your delivery.

But how does one confidently open a presentation speech? Don’t worry we got you covered! There are many ways to build a great ‘first impression.’ 

In this blog, you’ll learn how to start a presentation that will impress your audience and keep them hooked till the end. 

Why Is Your Presentation Opening Important? 

Before we deep dive into effective steps and tips on how to open a presentation, let’s first understand why is it important. 

The opening of a presentation is like the gateway that sets the tone and captures the audience’s attention. It’s the first impression that can either spark curiosity or cause disinterest. Think of it as opening a novel – a compelling start keeps the reader engaged, while a dull one makes them put the book down. 

For instance, a presentation on climate change could kick off with a shocking statistic about the rapid melting of polar ice caps, instantly grabbing the audience’s attention and highlighting the urgency of the topic. A presentation on cybersecurity could begin with a personal experience of a cyber attack, creating an instant connection with the audience and demonstrating your firsthand knowledge of the topic.

Furthermore, the opening gives you a chance to establish credibility. If you start your presentation with well-researched facts or an interesting question, you instantly show your expertise on the topic. You can also include some personal experiences or a story related to the topic. This gives your audience a strong reason to listen to you.  

How To Start a Presentation Speech: 14 Ways to Follow

Launching your presentation with impact is the key to capturing your audience’s attention and setting the stage for success. In order to help you prepare for your winning moment, let us take you through 14 effective strategies to begin your presentation speech confidently. 

Whether you’re aiming to inspire, inform, or persuade, these proven methods will help you create a compelling opening that leaves a lasting impression on your audience!

1. Paint a Vivid Picture

Use descriptive language to create a mental image related to your topic. Paint a picture with your words. If you’re discussing environmental conservation, start with, “Imagine standing in a lush rainforest, surrounded by vibrant biodiversity. The emerald leaves of tall trees rustle in the gentle breeze while the symphony of birdsong fills the air. Sunlight filters through the dense canopy, casting ethereal rays on the lush forest floor, where colorful flowers bloom, and small creatures scuttle about, adding to the tapestry of life.”

2. Pose a Provocative Question

Allowing your audience to engage right from the start is always a good start to a presentation. You can start with a thought-provoking question like, “ What do you think will happen in the field of marketing in the coming 10 years?”. This will allow you to open up right from the beginning and be receptive to various viewpoints. Additionally, it will also make way for further discussion on the topic. 

3. Use a Metaphor or Simile

Compare your topic to something unexpected. For a presentation on creativity, you might say, “Creativity is like a spark that ignites innovation. Just like striking a match sets off a chain reaction of flickering flames, creativity fuels the fire of ideas, illuminating new possibilities and propelling progress.”

4. Share an Intriguing Factoid

Begin with a fascinating and lesser-known fact that captures attention. If you’re presenting about space exploration, start with, “The Voyager 1 spacecraft, launched in 1977, is now in interstellar space, billions of miles away from Earth. This incredible spacecraft, with its golden record carrying sounds and images representing humanity, serves as a testament to our curiosity and our relentless pursuit of understanding the vast mysteries of the universe.”

5. Tell a Personal Anecdote

Share an engaging and relatable personal story that establishes a connection with the topic. Like, if you are presenting on the topic of overcoming fear and obstacles, you could start with something like: “A few years ago, I faced a significant challenge that completely changed my perspective. They taught me valuable lessons about resilience and determination. Allow me to share this experience with you…”

6. Engage with a Prop

Introduce a physical object or prop that symbolizes your message. For instance, for a presentation on leadership, you could hold up a captain’s hat and say, “Today, we’re setting sail on a remarkable journey where leadership becomes the guiding star, inspiring and empowering others to chart their own course and navigate through uncharted territories of success and growth.” This might come off as funny, but this sure is a good way to capture your audience’s interest.

7. Quote an Unconventional Source

Use a quote from an unexpected or unconventional source. For a presentation on innovation or change, you might quote a famous musician like Bob Dylan: “The times they are a-changin’, and so should we.” Opening with a lighter tone will allow you to connect with your audience a little better.

8. Begin with Silence

To create anticipation and focus, it can be especially powerful to allow a brief moment of silence. This technique is particularly effective when addressing a serious or reflective topic. Taking this pause can help to build an atmosphere that encourages deep thought and engagement from the audience.

9. Use Surprising Data and Statistics

When giving a presentation, it’s important to create the right atmosphere. Discuss the subject and include facts and figures to engage your audience. For example, if you’re talking about email marketing, you can make an opening statement like, “Did you know there are 4.2 billion email users globally?”. 

10. Invoke Curiosity

Share a mysterious or intriguing statement that makes your audience want to know more. Suppose you’re presenting a new software or solution that has the potential to solve an important issue with a bigger ROI. In this case, you can start with something like – “In the next 15 minutes, I’ll share a secret that could change how you solve problems”.

11. Start with a Controversial Statement

Begin with a bold statement that sparks debate. For a presentation on social issues, you might say, “Today, I’m going to challenge our perceptions of equality.” This will not only pique your audience’s attention but also allow them to broaden their perspective and participate.

12. Utilize a Cultural Reference

Make a reference to a current pop culture phenomenon or trending topic. For a presentation on business marketing, start with, “In the age of Instagram and TikTok, marketing is evolving at the speed of a viral video.” Additionally, you can also use videos, GIFs, and visual elements to make your references a bit more colorful and engaging.

13. Share a Poignant Quote

Begin with an impactful quote that touches on the emotional aspect of your topic. If your presentation is about empathy, you could use examples from children’s moral storybooks. You can use examples from public figures. This will allow your audience to feel in a certain way and allow you to connect more with them.

14. Ask for Audience Participation 

During a presentation, it’s vital to get your audience involved and encourage active participation. You can do this by asking them to raise their hands, shout out answers, or respond to a relevant prompt related to the topic you’re discussing. This helps create an interactive and inclusive environment that promotes open communication and engagement from your listeners.

Now that you know how to start a presentation effectively, you might be thinking of ways to create mindblowing presentations! Paired with Google Workplace, SlidesAI is the perfect tool for this. 

SlidesAI is a one-of-a-kind, text-to-slide creator that pairs up with Googe Slides to simplify presentation creation for users on the go. No design skills or experience needed! Just install the SlidesAI extension on your Google Workspace, and you’re good to go!

Make your presentations speak for themselves! Start today.

What should I say when starting a presentation?

Greet your audience well when starting a presentation. Start with a warm welcome note. Then, introduce yourself, talk about the topic, and set the tone for the rest of the presentation.

How do I open and create a presentation?

Creating a presentation is quite easy and simple. You can use Google Slides for one. You can also use tools like SlidesAI to help you optimize it better. With unique features, SlidesAI integrates seamlessly with your Google Workspace. You don’t need any separate applications to run. Just download the SlidesAI extension and start creating slides on your desktop as well as on your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Creating a presentation is quite easy and simple. You can use Google Slides for one. You can also use tools like SlidesAI to help you optimize it better. With unique features, SlidesAI integrates seamlessly with your Google Workspace. You don't need any separate applications to run. Just download the SlidesAI extension and start creating slides on your desktop as well as on your phone.

Save Time and Effortlessly Create Presentations with SlidesAI

How to Start and End a Presentation: 10 Practical Tips to Grab Attention and Make an Impact

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By Al Boicheva

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No matter how well-crafted and planned the body of your presentation, its impact depends on its opening and ending.  On one hand, you have 30 seconds to grab your audience’s attention so people would be interested in hearing what you have to say. On the other, your ending is what your audience will be left with and will shape how they feel about your presentation and how they’ll remember it. This might be like a lot of pressure but the truth is, it’s easier than it sounds. This is why, in this article, we will help you achieve this and more with 10 practical tips on how to start and end a presentation effectively .

Article overview: The Opening: 5 Tips To Get Your Audience Invested  1. The Hook 2. Transition 3. Personal Story 4. Build Tension with Silence 5. Use Startling Statistics The Ending: 5 Tips To Make an Impact 1. The Rule of Three 2. Come Full Circle 3. Food for Thought Question Ending 4. Inspire with Personal Involvement 5. Make Your Audience Laugh

5 Practical Tips on How to Start a Presentation

Imagine you spent weeks preparing an amazing presentation with lots of valuable insight that you just can’t wait to share with your audience. Unfortunately, only a few minutes in, you notice that most of your viewers are on their phones scrolling and barely paying any attention to what you have to say. What happened?

Presenters and speakers often start with a long introduction. They introduce themselves, share how excited they are, thank the audience for attending, explain what they’re going to speak about in a minute, why the topic is important, etc. This might take only one or two minutes, however, when it comes to presentation,  two minutes without telling anything interesting might result in losing your audience. In fact, you only have 30 seconds to grab your audience’s attention .

This is why, no matter the topic and goal of your presentation, you must always captivate your audience’s attention first. Leave the introductions and summaries for later .

In this section, we’ll talk about ways to hook your audience in the first 30 seconds and get them invested in what you have to say in your presentation.

1. The Hook

Anything unpredictable that catches you off-guard, will get your attention.

This tactic, masterfully named as a metaphor for attracting fish with a juicy worm on a hook, refers to a few-second short story, metaphor, shocking fact, statistics, analogy, controversial statement, or anything unconventional and unexpected that will capture your viewer’s imagination. We’ll have a look at three examples for hooks.

1.1 Bold Claim

“Here’s all you have to know about men and women: women are crazy, men are stupid.” This opening line by stand-up comedy legend George Carlin is a great example of a hook in the form of a bold claim. If you’re confident enough with your presentation and you have a bold claim up to your sleeve, don’t save it for the end. Instead, shoot that bullet confidently the second you start your presentation. It will immediately catch your audience off-guard and you will have it paying attention to your every word after that.

Here are some examples for bold claim starters in presentations and public speaking.

• “What you’re doing right now at this very moment is killing you.” ( Nilofer Merchant )
• “Sadly, in the next 18 minutes when I do our chat, four Americans that are alive will be dead through the food that they eat.” ( Jamie Oliver )
• “I’m going to try to increase the lifespan of every single person in this room by seven and a half minutes. Literally, you will live seven and a half minutes longer than you would have otherwise just because you watched this talk.” ( Jane McGonagall )
• “I don’t want to alarm anybody in this room. However, it’s just come to my attention that the person to your right is a liar.” ( Pamela Meyer )

1.2 Imagine

One of the greatest ways to get attention and start strong is through storytelling. People love stories and are always interested in hearing one. In fact, many presentations may revolve around a story or just use small anecdotes to enhance their message. With this being said, amongst the best methods to create a compelling story is to get your audience involved. To do so, make them imagine themselves in the shoes of the main character. This attention-grabber invites your viewers to create a mental image and get emotionally invested.

Here are examples of speeches starting with the Imagine play:

• “I want you, guys, to imagine that you’re a soldier, running through the battlefield. Now, you’re shot in the leg with a bullet that severs your femoral artery. This bleed is extremely traumatic and can kill you in less than 3 minutes. Unfortunately, by the time a medic actually gets to you, what the medic has on his or her belt can take 5 minutes or more with the application of pressure to stop that type of bleed.” ( Joe Landolina )
• “Imagine a big explosion as you climb through 3000 feet. Imagine a plane full of smoke, imagine an engine going clack-clack-clack-clack-clack. Well, I had a unique seat that day.”( Ric Elias )

1.3. Humourous Twists

Great stories have unexpected plot twists. The best stories, however, have a funny plot twist. Depending on your topic, you can start by telling your story, get your audience in the mood for a serious talk, and then contradict all expectations with a hilarious spin.

• “I need to make a confession at the outset here. A little over 20 years ago I did something that I regret. Something that I’m not particularly proud of. Something that in many ways I wish no one would ever know. But here I feel kind of obliged to reveal. In the late 1980s, in a moment of youthful indiscretion, I went to law school.” ( Daniel Pink )

2. Transition

Your next step would be to make an organic transition between your hook and the main point of your presentation. You can do this seamlessly or by linking directly with “I tell you this, because”, “This brings us to…”. Mohammed Qahtani, for example, does this transition so smoothly, that you’ll never even catch it.

First, as a hook, he chooses to use a prop. He literally goes on stage and lights a cigarette, capitalizing on unpredictability, originality, bold statement, humor, and immediately uses the second hook in the form of a provocative question, asking the audience “You think smoking kills?”. The third thing he does is strike with shocking data that he immediately admits to being fake. He already has the audience on the tip of his fingers. Having accomplished that, Mohammed Qahtani is ready to finally move to the body of the presentation and reveal his actual message.

3. Personal Story

Another storytelling technique besides making people from your audience imagine themselves in a particular situation, is to start with your own personal story. One that is relevant to the topic of your presentation. Your personal involvement and experience give you credibility in the eyes of the viewers, and, as we mentioned, everyone loves to hear an interesting story. This is because stories are relatable, easy to identify with communicating honesty, openness, and connection.

4. Build Tension with Silence

Interestingly enough, saying nothing is also a very powerful option. In fact, standing in front of an audience and confidently keeping silent is as powerful as making a bold statement. Silence will definitely build tension and pique your audience’s curiosity about what you have to say. Be careful, however, as this technique requires knowing your timing.

5. Use Startling Statistics

Sometimes you just can’t think of a story, a joke, or a specific statement that is bold enough. And that’s okay. As a last resort, but also a pretty effective one, you can always rely on curious shocking statistics, related to your topic, to instantly gain people’s attention. Take your time researching curious statistics that will emphasize the seriousness of your topic or as a tool to start over the top.

To sum it up, your presentation opening follows 5 steps:

• Hook: You immediately strike your audience instantly with something interesting and unconventional they wouldn’t expect.
• Transition: You link your hook to your main point.
• Introduction: Once you already have your audience’s attention, you can finally make a very brief introduction with something relevant to your topic.
• Preview: Give your audience a brief preview of what you’re going to talk about.
• Benefits: Tell your audience how will they benefit from listening to your presentation. (ex. “By the end, you will already know how to…”)

Keep in mind, that your opening, consisting of these 5 steps, should be brief and ideally not exceed 2 minutes . If you manage to make a great hook, transition, introduction, review and list the benefits in 2 minutes, you already have your audience’s full attention and they will be listening to your every word throughout the body of your presentation.

5 Practical Tips on How to End a Presentation

Let’s consider this situation. You start watching a movie that instantly opens with a jaw-dropping suspenseful scene that raises questions and makes you want to unravel the mystery. This scene will certainly make your stay through the movie. You are very invested, you love the story, the build-up keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end when the reveal is so underwhelming, you feel disappointed. The ending doesn’t fit the intensity of the story and feels incomplete and rushed. How does this relate to your presentation?

Having a great start for your presentation is what will keep your audience interested in what you have to say. However, the end is what your audience will be left with and will shape how they feel about your presentation and how they’ll remember it.  In short, if you fail your opening, you will still be able to catch up with your presentation and capitalize with a great closing line. But an underwhelming conclusion can kill the velocity of a good presentation and ruin the overall experience.

Let’s look at some practical tips and examples by great presenters to get inspired and never let that happen.

1. The Rule of Three

This powerful technique in speech writing refers to the collection of three words, phrases, sentences, or lines. In photography, there’s a similar rule, known as the Rule of Thirds, that serves to divide an image into three. In writing, the Rule of Three combines a collection of thoughts into three entities with combined brevity and rhythm to create a pattern.

Information presented in a group of three sticks in our heads better than in other groups. This is why this principle presents your ideas in more enjoyable and memorable ways for your audience.  It also serves to divide up a speech or emphasize a certain message. Let’s see a couple of examples where the rule is applied in different forms.

Examples of the Rule of three in Speeches

• “ I came, I saw, I conquered .” (Veni, Vidi, Vici. ) by Julius Caesar in a letter to the Roman Senate
• “…this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people , shall not perish from the earth.” from Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address
• “ It means to try to tell your kids everything you thought you’d have the next 10 years to tell them in just a few months. lt means to make sure everything is buttoned up so that it will be as easy as possible for your family. It means to say your goodbyes.” from Steve Job’s Stanford Commencement Speech

In Veni Vidi Vici, the rule serves to divide the concept of Caesar’s victory into three parts to prolong the conclusion in order to give it more power. The “came” and “ saw” parts are technically obvious and unnecessary in terms of context. However, they serve to build up the conclusion of conquering, creating a story, rhythm, and, ultimately, a memorable and powerful line. A single “I conquered” wouldn’t impress the Senate that much, let alone become such a legendary phrase preserved in history.

Lincoln’s famous speech ending shows an excellent practice of the Rule of Three in the form of repetition to emphasize the new role of the Government.  “That Government of the people shaw not perish from the earth.” would still be a good line, however, the repetition makes it way more powerful and memorable.

And last, Steve Job uses the Rule of Three in the form of repetition to accomplish building up the conclusion and emphasizing what “it means”.  This repetition gives rhythm and helps the audience to be more receptive, stay focused, and follow the speaker to the final conclusion.

You can also use the Rule of Three to close your presentation by giving your audience two negatives and ending with a positive . Typical structures would be “This is not… this is not… but it is”; “You wouldn’t… you wouldn’t… but you would..”, etc.

For example, you can conclude a speech about self-growth with something similar to “Your future isn’t a matter of chance, it isn’t a matter of circumstances, it’s a matter of choice.”

2. Come Full Circle

In short, this means capitalizing  on your message by ending your presentation the exact way you started it . If done right, this is a powerful tool to make an impact. Usually, you begin your presentation with a statement that piques your audience’s curiosity. You use it to set the topic and start building on it. You take your audience on a journey, you make them start at one point, follow them through the entire journey, and make them end at the same point. By repeating the opening line as an ending, now the message makes more sense, it’s way more personal and makes a satisfying logical conclusion .

A good example of this comes from Yubing Zang in her speech “Life Begins at the End of Your Comfort Zone.” The speaker opens her TED talk with that same line to take you on a journey. You experience her story, you learn how fear is the biggest thief of dreams while comfort is a drug that keeps you from following them. After that strong message, she finishes with that same phrase. In the end, this phrase isn’t just an abstract quote, now it makes more sense and feels more real and personal.

You can also use the full circle method to start and finish your presentation with the same question. As an opening line, your question will make your audience think. It will compel them to listen to your presentation and learn the answers. As an ending, however, this same question will become rhetorical .

And speaking of questions…

3. Food for Thought Question Ending

The easiest way to end a speech on a good note is to leave your audience with a question. The kind of open-ended question that will inspire your audience to reflect on . Such questions can be so inviting, they will give your audience something exciting to think about and even think of throughout the day.

Examples of open-ended questions, depending on your topic, could sound like this.

• What if it doesn’t work out that way?
• What does this look like for you?
• If you could do it over again, what would you do differently?

Unlike close-ended questions that the viewers can answer immediately on the spot and forget about your speech later, interesting open-ended questions that give them food for thought will inevitably surface on occasion.

For example, Lera Boroditski closes her topic on “How Language Shapes the Way We Think” with ” And that gives you the opportunity to ask: why do I think the way that I do? How could I think differently? And also, what thoughts do I wish to create?”

In order for your open-ended question to become food for thought, make sure your presentation raises it organically . It should sound like a relevant and logical conclusion to what you’ve built during your speech. Otherwise, the question would be forced and would seem like coming from nowhere. The best way to think of such an open-ended question is to reflect on what is the question you wished to answer during your presentation but couldn’t. Something that doesn’t have a solution yet.

• Why do people fear losing things that they do not even have yet?
• Why do we strive for perfection if it is not attainable?
• How much control do you have over your life?
• When will we reach a point where terraforming Mars will be our only chance at human survival? How can you influence this deadline?

This will give a great puzzle for your audience to solve and something to remember your presentation with, for a long time.

4. Inspire with Personal Involvement

If you have a story to share, don’t hesitate to inspire your audience with it during your own presentations.

This method is most powerful when we share a personal story or experience . Our vulnerability and personal touch are what will help you inspire your audience without sounding insincere or forcing them a piece of advice out of nowhere. The key here is to have credibility and personal involvement . It might come from your degree, accomplishments, or from your life’s story. Also, make sure the story is relatable and encourages empathy from your audience.

Steve Jobs gave a commencement speech at Stanford University sharing his personal experiences in order to inspire change in his audience’s mindset. He uses his authority and credibility to shape the spirit of leadership and entrepreneurship in young people. He aims to inspire people that they should learn to color outside the lines instead of following the patterns and structure of society. And he serves as a great example with his own life story and accomplishments .

Which makes the ending memorable and impactful: “ Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary. Stay hungry. Stay foolish. ”

In conclusion, the entire speech builds up to this conclusion making it powerful as the personal involvement and experience make it sincere and inspirational.

5. Make Your Audience Laugh

If your topic allows it, one of the best ways to make your presentation memorable and a great experience for your audience is to end with a joke. Just make sure to craft a joke that relates to the main point of your presentation.

As an example for this tip, we chose the TED talk of webcartoonist Randall Munroe where he answers simple what-if questions using math, physics, logic, and -you guessed it- humor.

He ends by sharing an allegedly personal experience about receiving an email from a reader with a single subject line “Urgent”. “And this was the entire email: If people had wheels and could fly, how would we differentiate them from airplanes? Urgent. And I think that there are some questions math just cannot answer. ”

Final Words

In conclusion, the start and end of your presentation are crucial to its success. No matter the topic and goal of your presentation, you must always captivate your audience’s attention first, leaving the introductions and summaries for later. Having a great start for your presentation is what will keep your audience interested in what you have to say. However, the end is what your audience will be left with and will shape how they feel about your presentation and how they’ll remember it.  We hope we managed to inspire your inner public speaker to rock your presentation like a pro.

In the meantime, you could also check some more insights on related topics, gather inspiration, or simply grab a freebie?

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How to Start a Presentation and Engage your Audience

June 27, 2018 - Dom Barnard

Why should you focus on the start of your speech? Because many studies show that if you can capture someone’s interest straight away, there’s a good chance they’ll listen to the rest of the presentation. If you don’t, the majority of listeners will focus on something else.

This article discusses different ways to start a presentation and keep your audience engaged, as well as example videos you can watch which illustrate these points.

Beginning your presentation

Depending on the event, a facilitator may introduce you to the audience or you may have to introduce yourself.

People came to the event knowing that there would be speaker or they may have even known that you specifically would be speaking. This should fill you with some confidence as the audience will want to listen to you.

Wait until the majority of the audience are paying attention before you introduce yourself and launch into your speech.

Watch examples of both a strong and weak introduction

When watching this video, compare how the speakers:

• Engage with the audience
• Use eye contact
• Use body language
• Use hesitation words
• Move on stage

Ensure that you welcome the audience and introduce yourself by stating your name, your job title and where you work. Follow this with a brief biography, including what experience you have – this will help draw attention to your ethos (credibility) because it’s the best way to demonstrate your credentials to that particular audience on that particular day.

Afterwards:

• Introduce your presentation title/the question you’re exploring.
• Your aims for the audience/what you hope they’ll get out of it.
• Make it clear to the audience when they should ask questions – some speakers set aside  specific sections for Q&A  and others prefer the audience to ask questions when they come to mind. By clarifying this during your introduction you will avoid potential disruptions.

Presentation opening ideas

It’s vital to engage the audience from the start. Here are techniques for beginning a presentation:

1. Shock the audience

There are many ways to shock your audience, for example, you can show a funny video, use a prop, start by talking to audience members, ridicule something etc.

But ensure that your shock will have the desired effect – you want the audience to remain engaged because they liked the surprise or they found it interesting and not because you’ve upset them so they’re looking for faults in your argument. Again, the shock must be suitable for your presentation’s purpose and your audience.

Jamie Oliver opens his TED Talk with a starting statistic: “Sadly, in the next 18 minutes when I do our chat, four Americans that are alive will be dead through the food that they eat.”

2. Ask the audience to “imagine” or think “what if”?

Asking your audience to imagine something or think ‘what if’ gets them to visualise and use their imagination. You can use this technique to evoke certain emotions which are usually the feelings you experience over the same thing.

Emotions are a great way of ensuring that people will continue listening as they are now involved in what you’re saying.

3. Start your presentation in the future or the past

Symbouleutikon/deliberative rhetoric is when the speaker tries to get the audience to take action by talking about a possible future. Politicians often use this technique and a well-known example is Martin Luther’s “I have a dream” speech.

You can also produce a similar reaction from the audience by talking about the past – using lessons from things that were done well, or things that didn’t work. For example, you might remind the audience of when the country was economically thriving or when mistakes were made which led to the country experiencing economic turmoil.

4. Quote someone or a proverb

If you’re struggling to create a strong opening sentence consider quoting someone. However, you must be careful as you can risk sounding cliché and the quote must be meaningful and  relevant to the audience  and the purpose of your presentation.

If you’re using slides show a photo instead of text when you’re quoting. This will help the audience:

• Understand the quote
• Remember the quote
• Engage their imagination for a greater impact

5. Tell a story or joke, or reference a historical event

You could start with a story to highlight why your topic is significant. For example, if the topic is on the benefits of pets on physical and psychological health, you could present a story or a study about an individual whose quality of life significantly improved after being given a dog. The audience is more likely to respond better to and remember this story than a list of facts.

Well-known historical events are good reference points, both to illustrate a point, and to get the audience using their imagination.

More experienced and confident public speakers may start a presentation with a joke. The audience will be incredibly engaged if you make them laugh but caution must be exercised when using humour because a joke can be misinterpreted and even offend the audience. Only use jokes if you’re confident with this technique and it has been successful in the past.

6. Share personal stories

As aforementioned, the  audience enjoy hearing stories  and they’re even more interested when the story is directly about you, the speaker, because they get to see the human side of you.

Consider telling a story about a mistake you made or when life wasn’t going that well – if relevant to your presentation’s aim. People will relate to this as we all have experienced mistakes and failures. The more the audience relates to you, the more likely they will remain engaged.

These stories can also be told in a humorous way if it makes you feel more comfortable and because you’re disclosing a personal story there is less chance of misinterpretation compared to telling a joke.

Watch this great presentation from Conor Neill on how to start a speech and engage your audience. Permission given to reuse this work – read more about Conor Neill and his services on his website:  conorneill.com

7. Point to their problem or opportunity

Putting your finger on your audience’s pain point is another way of gaining their attention because you’re triggering an emotional reaction again. For example, you might ask “Have you found it difficult to stick to a healthy diet?” The audience will now want to remain engaged because they want to know the solution and the opportunities that you’re offering.

8. Start with a video

A pre-prepared video can provide a strong presentation opening and get people to pay attention before you start speaking. Some speakers show a video as the audience are arriving and getting settled – they may begin by reflecting on the video.

• You can use the  Canva online editor  to create your video

9. Ask the audience questions

You can conduct polls using your audience or ask questions to make your audience think and feel invested in your presentation. There are three different types of questions:

Direct questions require an answer: “What would you do in this situation?” These are mentally stimulating for the audience. You can pass a microphone around and let the audience come to your desired solution.

Rhetorical questions  do not require answers, they are often used to emphasises an idea or point: “Is the Pope catholic?

Loaded questions contain an unjustified assumption made to prompt the audience into providing a particular answer which you can then correct to support your point: You may ask “Why does your wonderful company have such a low incidence of mental health problems?” The audience will generally answer that they’re happy. After receiving the answers you could then say “Actually it’s because people are still unwilling and too embarrassed to seek help for mental health issues at work etc.”

10. Statistics

You could begin by sharing a  surprising statistic  which you can personalise to the audience for a larger impact, for example, you could say “In this room, over 70% of us are going to…” or “Look to the person on your left…”

You can also combine a statistic with a leading question, for example “What percentage of the population do you think…?” The audience should be shocked when you provide them with the actual answer.

Make sure you don’t go overboard with statistics or use complicated data especially in the introduction as you may lose the audience.

These techniques don’t only apply for introductions – they can also be used throughout your presentation to engage and persuade your audience. Try different techniques to find out what works best for you and practice as much as possible. With a powerful opening prepared you’ll feel far less nervous during the rest of your presentation.

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How to Start a Presentation with Impact + 12 Examples!

December 1, 2023

In the world of snooze-worthy presentations, your opening is your moment of truth. Knowing how to start a presentation—be it a sales presentation, an investor pitch, a conference keynote, or an internal team update—sets the tone for everything that follows. The best way to open your presentation? Forget about overly complicated introductions, because you’ll want to use your initial seconds to pique genuine curiosity and capture attention. 

Whether it's through a thought-provoking quote, a stunning visual, a brief yet impactful video, an engaging question, or an interactive poll, the goal is to make your audience sit up and take notice, avoiding the common pitfall of starting with an 'about me' narrative. Remember, in these moments, your story is less about you and more about resonating with your audience. Wondering how you can craft an opening that not only grabs attention but also holds it? Here’s how to make sure your message sticks the landing.

How to Start Your Sales Presentation with Impact

The opening of a sales presentation is crucial in setting the stage for what you're offering. It’s your chance to grab the audience's attention and make them eager to hear more about your product or service. We might specialize in PowerPoint design services, but we’re also suckers for punchy openings and clever wordsmithing. Here are five dynamic ways to start your sales presentation to engage your audience effectively. After all, who’s going to buy from you if your presentation isn’t engaging?

Interesting Statistics

Begin your presentation with a statistic that highlights a problem or opportunity relevant to your audience. For instance, if you’re selling a cybersecurity solution, you might start with, "Did you know that cyber attacks are increasing at an alarming rate of 30% per year?" This kind of opening not only grabs attention but also establishes the importance of your product or service. The more attention-grabbing, the better!

Compelling Questions

Asking a thought-provoking question can immediately engage your audience. It encourages them to think and become active participants. For example, "Have you ever considered how much time we waste on inefficient processes?" This approach works well in highlighting the pain points that your product or service can address.

Presentation Storytelling

Stories are powerful tools for connection, no doubt. Start with a short, relatable story that illustrates the need for your product or service. A narrative about a common challenge and how your product provided a solution can be very effective. For instance, "Let me tell you about a client who was struggling with..."

Visual Impact

Using a striking visual can be a great way to start a sales presentation. A compelling image or a brief video that gets your message across can make a strong impression. This could be as simple as a before-and-after scenario, showcasing the effectiveness of your product.

Bold Statements

Kick off with a bold, intriguing statement that makes the audience sit up and take notice. It should be directly related to the benefits of your product or service. For example, "We're not just changing the game–we're redefining it." This kind of opening sets a confident tone for the rest of your presentation.

How to Start Your Investor Pitch Presentation

Presenting to investors is a unique challenge. You need to quickly establish credibility and capture their interest. Here are five effective strategies for opening your investor presentation to ensure you make a lasting impression.

Visionary Opening

Begin with a powerful vision statement that encapsulates the essence and ambition of your business. This could be a glimpse into the future that your company is striving to create. For example, "At the heart of our company lies a vision to revolutionize sustainable energy for generations to come." This approach instantly sets a high-level tone and shows investors the potential impact of your business.

Compelling Problem Statement

Start with a clear and compelling description of the problem your business aims to solve. This not only highlights the need for your solution but also demonstrates your understanding of the market. For instance, "In a world where over 30% of produced food is wasted, our solution offers an innovative way to reduce this drastically."

Success Story

Share a brief story of a significant milestone or success that your company has achieved. This could be about landing a major client, a breakthrough in your technology, or a notable growth milestone. This kind of opening underlines your company's potential and track record.

Surprising Fact or Stat

Kick off with a surprising fact related to your industry that sets the stage for your presentation. This should be something that highlights the market opportunity or the need for your solution. For instance, "In the $2.2 trillion food industry, a shocking 30% of produce goes to waste. Our solution tackles this inefficiency head-on."

Personal Journey

Starting with a brief narrative about why you founded the company can be a powerful way to connect with investors on a more personal level. It adds a human element to your presentation, allowing investors to understand your passion and commitment. For example, "My journey to founding this company began five years ago when I encountered..."

How to Start a Keynote Presentation

Keynote talks are an opportunity to inspire, influence, and leave a lasting impression on your audience. The opening of your talk is critical in setting the stage for your message. These are our favorite ways to hook your audience from the get-go.

Inspirational Quote

Open with a quote that resonates with the theme of your talk. Choose a saying from a well known person that gets the basic idea of your message across. For instance, "As Nelson Mandela once said, 'It always seems impossible until it’s done.' Today, we explore the 'impossible'." This approach connects your audience to something that feels familiar and sets a reflective tone for the rest of the presentation.

Intriguing Question

Pose an intriguing question to your audience that provokes thought and relates directly to your topic. This could be a rhetorical question or one that challenges common perceptions. For example, "Have you ever wondered what truly drives innovation in our fast-paced world?" This strategy engages your audience’s curiosity right from the start.

Personal Anecdote

Sharing a personal story that relates to your keynote theme can create an immediate emotional connection with your audience. It adds a personal touch and makes your message more relatable. Begin with, "Let me share a personal experience that profoundly changed my perspective on..." Remember to avoid going on about yourself, and instead focus on how the experience relates to the rest of your presentation.

These are all effective ways to make presentation storytelling lots more engaging. You can also use the previous suggestions of beginning the presentation with a visual hook or surprising fact to hook your audience from the start.

How to Start Your Internal Team Meeting Presentation

Nobody wants their internal updates to prompt “couldn’t this be an email?” comments from their colleagues. For internal updates, the approach should be distinctively different, focusing on team engagement, shared goals, and collective progress. Here’s what we suggest for your presentation to ensure your team is attentive and motivated.

Celebratory Kick-Off

Begin with a celebration of a recent achievement or milestone. This could be team-centric, like reaching a project goal, or company-wide, such as a notable business success. For example, "I am thrilled to start today by celebrating our team's achievement in surpassing our quarterly targets."

Progress Highlight

Start by highlighting progress on key projects or initiatives. This could be a brief overview of where things stand or a specific success story. It’s a great way to show the team that their efforts are leading to tangible results. For instance, "Let's kick off by looking at the incredible progress we've made on the X project in the last month."

Team Member Spotlight

Open by spotlighting a team member's contribution or achievement. This not only recognizes individual efforts but also fosters a culture of appreciation and motivation. For example, "I want to begin today's meeting by highlighting James' outstanding contribution to our client project last week."

Industry News or Trends

Start with a brief discussion on relevant industry news or trends that might impact your team or company. This keeps the team informed and can start discussions on how these developments might affect your work. For example, "Let's start with some interesting developments in our industry that could present new opportunities for us."

Each of these approaches is designed to create an engaging and inclusive atmosphere for internal updates. The focus is on building team morale, encouraging participation, and keeping everyone aligned with the company’s goals and achievements.

Recap: 12 Examples for Starting Your Presentation with Impact

To wrap up, let's compile three actionable examples for each type of presentation we've discussed. These examples are designed to be directly applicable, giving you a practical blueprint for engaging your audience right from the beginning of your presentation.

Sales Presentations

Statistic-based .

"Every year, businesses lose approximately $1.7 trillion due to inefficiencies in communication. Today, we introduce a solution that turns this challenge into an opportunity."

Question-Based

 "How many of you have experienced frustration due to delayed flights? Our app is here to change your travel experience forever."

"Last year, a small business owner faced a daunting challenge with their supply chain. Our software transformed their process, resulting in a 40% increase in efficiency."

Investor Presentations

Vision statement.

"We envision a future where renewable energy is not a luxury, but a norm for every household. Our technology is the key to this future."

Problem Statement

"In a world where online privacy is constantly under threat, our platform provides an unbreachable shield, safeguarding digital identities."

"Just six months ago, our prototype caught the attention of industry giants, leading to a groundbreaking partnership that sets us on a path to revolutionize our field."

Keynote Talks

"Margaret Mead famously said, 'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.' This idea is at the core of our discussion today."

"What if I told you that the biggest barrier to innovation is not a lack of ideas, but a lack of action? Let’s explore this further."

Visual Display

"This image [showing a powerful photograph] represents the drastic change our industry has undergone in the last decade. Let's dive into what this means for us."

Internal Updates

"I'm excited to announce that thanks to our team's efforts, customer satisfaction has hit an all-time high this quarter!"

Interactive Element

"To get us started, I'd like everyone to share one word that describes their current project experience."

Industry News

"Recent developments in AI technology have opened new avenues for our projects. Let's discuss how we can integrate these into our workflow."

These examples offer a versatile range of strategies to effectively start your presentations, tailored to the specific context and audience of your talk. Whether it’s a sales presentation, an investor pitch, a conference keynote, or an internal team update, using these examples as a guide can help you grab your audience's attention and keep them engaged throughout. Presenting is not easy, but a good opening will give you the confidence boost that can help you throughout your talk. Here’s to less-boring presentations!

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How to start a presentation: 5 effective ways

Get your team on prezi – watch this on demand video.

Anete Ezera July 01, 2022

You’re about to click on the Zoom link, walk into a meeting room, or step onto a stage where you’ll be addressing hundreds of people. Wherever you’re presenting, once you’re in that spotlight, you should already know how to start off a presentation. If you’re hoping to wing it, think twice. The first few minutes (and even seconds) of your presentation are more crucial than you think.

A study by Microsoft regarding transient attention spans found that the average attention span for people is only around 8 seconds (in the study, it refers to the average time spent on a web page). It doesn’t mean that each of us can only focus for 8 seconds, but it means that we need to develop curiosity in these 8 seconds to continue listening, watching, or reading. If that doesn’t up the stakes for your intro, we don’t know what does. 

If you’ve successfully engaged your audience in the first 8 seconds, you still need to keep them as interested as possible. We all know how easy it is to lose attention in today’s information-saturated environment. 

So, before stepping on stage, whether virtually or in person, carefully plan out the first few minutes to capture your audience’s attention. Learn how to start a presentation with these five tips so you can grab and hold your audience’s attention throughout your presentation.

#1 Start with an eye-catching visual

Did you know that our brains process visual information 60,000 times faster than text ? This makes visuals an excellent strategy for how to start a presentation, engaging your audience right from the beginning.

For example, instead of opening with a sentence, saying how much plastic is dumped in our oceans every year, showcase an image of The Great Garbage Patch in the Pacific Ocean. You can accompany your image with a sentence or two, pointing out some shocking numbers and facts to really drive your point home. With a visual, you’ll be able to make a greater impact and evoke strong emotions that will captivate your audience. 

You can also showcase a short clip of the garbage patch or display a data visualization with a shocking statistic. Consider what kind of visual showcases the subject matter best and what makes the most impact. 

If you’re presenting online, avoid sharing your screen to showcase your visuals. The extra time it takes to share your screen can also create an awkward pause and make your presentation less exciting. Plus, you’ll be hidden behind your content, so people won’t be able to read your emotions or body language while you speak. Instead, show your visuals next to you using Prezi Video , our video presentation software. You’ll be able to easily go from topic to topic while maintaining eye contact with your audience, making your presentation much more engaging. If you want to give Prezi Video a try, create your first video here or watch this video to see it in action:

#2 Tell a story

Storytelling is a powerful technique to engage your audience and stir emotions, making it an excellent strategy for how to start off a presentation. Starting your presentation with a story can take your audience to a different time and place, and fully immerse them in the topic you’re about to cover. A study on neural coupling found that people’s brain waves can start to synchronize with those of the storyteller as they’re listening to the story unfold. So, not only can you mentally transport your audience to a time and place of your choosing, but you can also literally be on the same wavelength. 

To make this fascinating impact, you can’t just start telling a story without thinking about the plot line and the way you’re going to go about it. You’ll have to practice your storytelling skills beforehand and go over the plotline several times to get it right. 

It’s important to choose a story that reflects what your presentation is going to be about. For example, talk about your personal experience or mention a historical event, but always tie it in with what you’re going to present. It’s best to keep it short so your audience doesn’t get bored or distracted. 

To enhance your storytelling, use visuals, like images or videos. You can also add some entertaining aspects to your story by including stickers or GIFs.

Elena Valentine shows how to start a presentation with a story in her video. See how she grabs attention here, and watch till the end for more storytelling tips.

Incorporating Prezi into storytelling elevates this experience, transforming narratives into visually captivating journeys. Prezi’s dynamic platform allows speakers to integrate visuals seamlessly into their stories, from compelling images and engaging videos to interactive stickers and GIFs. This visual integration serves not just as decoration but as a narrative enhancement, providing visual cues that enrich the storytelling, making abstract concepts tangible, and emotionally charging the narrative.

Prezi’s non-linear presentation format is particularly suited for storytelling. Unlike traditional slide-based tools, Prezi offers the freedom to navigate through the story in a way that mimics the human thought process — fluid and interconnected. To make your storytelling with Prezi more effective and engaging, consider these easy-to-follow tips:

Use pictures and videos smartly

Pick pictures, videos, and animations that fit well with what you’re talking about. Prezi lets you zoom in and move around these visuals at the right times, making your main points more interesting and easier to remember for your audience.

Make your story flexible

Set up your Prezi so you can move around your story, not just go straight from the start to the end. This way, you can change parts of your talk based on what your audience seems to like or pay attention to, making your presentation more lively and fun.

Show how things link together

With Prezi, you can place parts of your story in certain spots to show how they’re related. This helps make tricky ideas simpler and your overall presentation more powerful because it’s clearer how everything fits together.

#3 Involve your audience

Involving your audience is how to start a presentation in the most interactive way possible. Active participation is great for establishing a closer connection with your listeners and obtaining their attention right away. 

Connect with a personal anecdote

An effective method to start a presentation is by weaving in a personal anecdote that is both relevant and relatable. This technique fosters an immediate connection with your audience, as personal stories resonate more deeply, making your message more memorable. By sharing a bit of your own experience, you break down the barriers between speaker and audience, inviting them into your world from the first words you speak.

Captivate with a bold opening statement

As you brainstorm how to start off a presentation, think about setting the stage with a bold statement or provocative claim related to your topic. This method instantly grabs your audience’s attention and sparks curiosity about where your argument or narrative will lead. Following this opening with a brief overview of what led you to this conclusion or claim helps to build anticipation and prepares your audience for the journey ahead, making them more invested in the presentation from the very beginning.

Engage with a question

One of the simplest ways to involve your audience is to ask a question. For example, you can ask: “Who has ever felt anxious about public speaking? Raise your hand!” In a virtual presentation , you can ask the same question and ask people to respond in the chat. If you’re using Prezi Video, your team will be able to react with a “waving hand” emoji that appears next to them in their video feed. See how it works .

Make sure to ask a relevant question that ties in with your topic and will get a reaction from the audience. For example, don’t say: “Raise your hand if you’re always on the edge of your seat.” It’s doubtful that you’ll get a huge reaction from your audience as this statement refers to a very small group of people. Also, avoid open-ended questions, like “How are you feeling today?” or “What do you think about this topic?” right at the beginning of your presentation – you’ll probably just get an awkward silence. People need to warm up to answering or asking questions, that’s why it’s best to ask questions in the middle of your presentation or towards the end.

Resonating with your audience demands thoughtful preparation and insight into their preferences and knowledge. Opt for questions and interactions that spark curiosity, stir emotions, or challenge viewpoints, always linking back to your main message. This ensures that your audience is deeply engaged and actively contributing to the discussion, rather than passively observing.

But the potential of Prezi to foster audience involvement extends far beyond simple Q&A. Live feedback loops and collaborative brainstorming sessions can all be done within the Prezi platform, turning each presentation into a dynamic, participatory event. This level of interaction not only keeps the audience engaged but also allows the presenter to tailor the content in real-time, responding to the audience’s interests and questions.

#4 How to start a presentation by showing a shocking statistic

Did you know that 71% of mobile users in the U.S. usually sleep next to their phones? Or that Millennial smartphone users in the U.S. unlock their devices about 63 times a day? It looks like the strongest relationship many of us will have is with our phones. 

The impact of a shocking statistic

Starting your presentation with a shocking statistic is a great way to capture your audience’s attention from the get-go and introduce the topic right away. To make an even greater impact with the statistic, include a data visualization that illustrates the numbers in an engaging way. Again, visual components will work in your favor to help your audience comprehend the information and make it more memorable. Also, make sure to use visual metaphors like icons or stickers to make your data visualizations more appealing to the eye. 

The innovative tools of Prezi

The platform’s innovative tools offer a way to present data that is not just informative but also inspiring. This not only captures your audience’s attention from the start but also keeps them engaged throughout your presentation. Through Prezi, your presentation becomes more than a collection of facts and figures; it becomes a compelling story that educates, entertains, and resonates with your audience, leaving a lasting impression long after the presentation concludes.

Try this template

Begin with a problem statement

Those who know how to start off a presentation with a hook are good at evoking curiosity. You can do it, too. Introduce a problem that you’ll solve during your presentation. Point to a topical issue that your audience can relate to, state it in the first moments of your presentation, and accompany it with visuals. 

Starting with a problem statement will put your audience into action mode to try to solve it. They’ll be curious to know possible solutions and your take on it. Introducing a problem that you know a lot of people are struggling with is especially effective in holding everyone’s attention. You want the audience to care about the issue and want to solve it. For example, if you’re talking about climate change, make it more personal by pointing out how it can and will affect everyone individually. Bringing the problem closer to our daily lives and experiences will intensify the need to solve it and people will be interested to know more about possible solutions. 

Kicking off your presentation with a problem statement is a masterful way to immediately engage your audience and set a compelling tone for your discourse. Here’s how to begin a presentation by focusing on a problem statement:

Craft a compelling problem statement

Begin by introducing a topical issue that resonates with your audience. This approach is pivotal in learning how to start a presentation with impact. State the problem within the first few moments, and accompany it with striking visuals to dramatize the issue further. This strategy not only grabs attention but also sets the stage for a solution-oriented discussion, making your presentation immediately relevant and engaging.

Make it personal

Connect the problem to everyday experiences to intensify the audience’s need to find a solution. By making the issue relatable, you ensure that your audience cares deeply about the subject, thereby heightening their engagement and interest in the potential solutions you will discuss.

Use narratives

Incorporate stories or case studies that highlight the problem’s effects on individuals or communities. Personal anecdotes or narratives can transform abstract issues into tangible realities for your audience, fostering a deeper emotional connection to the topic at hand.

Transition to solutions with hope

After setting up the problem, shift towards presenting viable solutions in an empowering manner. Showcase how individuals or communities have successfully addressed the issue, offering your audience a clear path to action and involvement.

End with a strong call to action

Conclude the opening segment of your presentation with a clear and motivating call to action. Be specific about what your audience can do to contribute to solving the problem, leaving them feeling inspired and equipped to make a difference.

By integrating these strategies into the way you begin your presentation, you emphasize not just the importance of the initial moments but also your commitment to engaging your audience deeply and meaningfully. Understanding how to start a presentation with a clear problem statement, personal connection, and a pathway towards solutions can set the tone for a memorable and impactful session.

Maximizing engagement: beyond the opening of your presentation

Starting your presentation right is crucial. It defines how much attention your audience will dedicate to your speech and slides. It also establishes how confident you’ll feel and appear in front of everyone. For example, if at the beginning of your presentation you get lost in your story or appear underprepared, you’ll get anxious and the audience will notice it (and it may just go downhill from there). You want to avoid that scenario at all costs. So, preparing how to start off a presentation ahead of time will ensure that you make the best of the first 8-plus seconds that you have to wow everyone in the audience. Regarding confidence, we have a great video on public speaking tips to build your confidence by the founder and CEO of Soulcast Media, Jessica Chen.

To further enrich your presentation and ensure it remains engaging from start to finish, consider these additional strategies for maintaining audience interest throughout your presentation.

Integrate interactive technologies

In today’s digital era, leveraging technology can significantly boost audience engagement. Tools like live polls, interactive quizzes, and social media prompts can transform your presentation into a dynamic conversation. For example, you could use a live poll to gauge the audience’s initial thoughts or feelings about the issue. This not only makes the presentation more interactive but also provides valuable insights into your audience’s perspectives, allowing you to tailor your content in real-time.

Foster an environment of collaboration

Encouraging collaboration among your audience can amplify the impact of your presentation. After setting the stage with a compelling problem statement and engaging visuals, invite your audience to share their own experiences or solutions related to the problem. This can be facilitated through breakout sessions, discussion forums, or collaborative workshops. By creating a collaborative environment, you empower your audience to become part of the solution, enhancing the relevancy and impact of your presentation.

Utilize story arcs to maintain engagement

Building on the initial storytelling, structure your presentation around a clear story arc, including a beginning that introduces the problem, a middle that explores the problem’s implications and potential solutions, and an end that encourages action and resolution. This narrative structure can help keep your audience engaged by providing a clear, cohesive journey through your presentation. Each segment of your presentation should build on the previous, leading your audience to a satisfying conclusion that reinforces your key messages and call to action.

Visual consistency and branding

Maintaining visual consistency throughout your presentation helps reinforce your message and enhances brand recognition. Use a consistent color scheme, font, and style in your visuals and slides. This visual branding can be subtle, but it plays a crucial role in creating a professional and cohesive presentation. Prezi offers the flexibility to customize your presentation’s design to align with your brand or theme, ensuring that every aspect of your presentation reflects your message and identity.

Reinforce key points with repetition and callbacks

To ensure that your audience retains the key points of your presentation, use repetition and callbacks throughout your talk. Revisit the main topics and the solutions you’ve proposed at various points, especially before transitioning to new sections. This technique helps reinforce the importance of the problem and the value of the solutions you’re presenting, making it more likely that your audience will remember them after the presentation concludes.

Close with a memorable conclusion

Your presentation’s conclusion should be as strong as its beginning. End with a powerful call to action that inspires your audience to take the next steps. Whether it’s adopting a new perspective, changing behavior, or contributing to a cause, make sure your audience leaves with a clear understanding of how they can make a difference.

By weaving these strategies into your presentation, from a compelling start to a powerful conclusion, you ensure that your presentation is not just heard but felt and remembered. Engaging your audience from the first moment and maintaining that engagement is key to delivering a presentation that not only informs but inspires and motivates change. This holistic approach to presentation design and delivery underscores the importance of every moment and interaction, setting the stage for a truly impactful session. 

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• How To Start a Presentation: Follow These 4 Easy Steps

By Paola Pascual on Nov 29, 2021 12:25:31 PM

Giving professional presentations is a fundamental skill to succeed in any global business environment, regardless of your role. And the beginning of your presentation, together with the end of your presentation , might be the most important part of your speech. It can also be the most awkward part, too. In this post, you will learn an easy-to-apply yet effective framework to start your next presentation.

Why is the beginning of a presentation important?

The reason why the beginning and the end are so important is called the Primacy and Recency Effects, which means that people remember the beginning and end best.

Also read: 21 Helpful Tips For Remarkable and Outstanding Presentation Skills

How to start a presentation

Soft start. Depending on the nature of your presentation, you may be able to do a soft start before actually kicking off your presentation. You can have some small talk with the audience before politely transitioning into your hard start. These few initial minutes will help you engage those who arrived early and allow a brief time for latecomers.

Hard start. Your hard start is your 'official' introduction, where you welcome everyone, introduce the people involved and the topic at hand, and transition to the body of your presentation.

Welcome everyone and thank them for attending your presentation. If you feel comfortable, use a hook or a catchy opening to capture the audience's attention right off the bat . You can use a surprising stat, a famous quote, or a rhetorical question.

• Hi everyone. Thank you so much for joining us today, and welcome to this session.
• In the next 60 minutes it will take me to give this presentation, 7,000 businesses in the US will close down.
• Somebody once said: "a brand is a promise." But what happens when that promise is broken?

#2 Introduce the people involved

When you introduce yourself, establish credibility by describing your relevant experience, responsibilities, and accomplishments. Why should we listen to you?

• My name is Susan, and I’m part of the design team here at Globex Corporation.
• I was fortunate enough to be part of the team at Globex that developed the original Datatronic 2000.
• In my 15 years in Silicon Valley, I learned quite a bit about managing risk, and I learned it the hard way.

#3 Introduce the topic

Make a clear and general statement to explain what benefit the audience will gain from your presentation (this refers back to your WHAT and your WHY, which we covered in our previous lesson).

• Today, I’d like to talk about…
• The main goal of this presentation is…
• What I hope you'll get from this afternoon's session is a clearer idea of how CRM works.
• By the end of this morning's talk, you'll know how to say "No" and feel good about it.

#4 Transition to the main point

Use signposting language to tell the audience where you are going and what they can expect next. Use a segue or transition phrase to move smoothly to whatever follows without pause.

• Alright, let’s dive right in!
• Shall we get the ball rolling?
• Great, let's get down to it!

Think about your next presentation and use this framework to draft the first few minutes of your presentation and paste it in the comments. Make sure you include all the sections and employ a variety of phrases!

This article works as supporting material for our podcast episode on how to start a presentation effectively. You can read the transcript below. Make sure y ou check out all our other Talaera Talks episodes and subscri be to get new episode alerts.

Looking for more ways to improve your business English?

Continue improving your communication skills for professional situations with our  free resources . If you are serious about improving your business English skills,   get in touch with Talaera . We will help you take your professional English communication skills to the next level.

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More resources on presentation skills:

• 101 Must-Know Transition Phrases for Engaging Presentations Online
• 21 Helpful Tips For Remarkable and Outstanding Presentation Skills
• How To Bring Across Your Main Idea In A Presentation Effectively
• 5 Effective Strategies To End A Presentation
• 6 Public Speaking Tricks To Captivate Your Audience
• How To Do Effective Business Storytelling According To Former Prosecutor
• 8 Little Changes That'll Make A Big Difference With Your Presentations
• 3 Quick Public Speaking Tips For Your Next Presentation
• Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are [TED Talk Lesson]

Talaera Talks - Transcript Episode 30

If you are learning English, including new English words and expressions will help you with effective communication. Remember to check out our other episodes on how to make small talk, how to deliver engaging presentations, how to speak English fluently, and many more: visit the podcast website . Listen to it on your favorite platform.

Intro Welcome to Talaera Talks , the business English communication podcast for non-native professionals. My name is Paola and I am co-hosting this show with Simon. In this podcast, we're going to be covering communication advice and tips to help express yourself with confidence in English in professional settings. So we hope you enjoy the show!

0:24 Welcome to a new Talaera Bit. This is Paola and, in this episode, you will learn an effective way to start your presentation. 0:32 Now, why the start? Well, it turns out the beginning, the start of your presentation, together with the conclusion, are the most important parts of your presentation. And this is due to what's called the Primacy and Recency effects. Don't worry, you don't need to remember the names. But it means that people remember the beginning and the end, best. So today, this is what we will cover –the different parts of the introduction or how to start your presentation so that everyone's listening to you and actually wanting to hear. 1:11 Depending on the nature of your presentation, you may be able to start or to do like a soft start before actually kicking off your presentation. Here's where you have a little bit of small talk with the audience before politely transitioning into your heart start. So these few initial minutes where you get to talk a little bit with the audience will help you engage with those who arrived early, but also allow a brief time for late commerce. So that's a bit the first few minutes a soft start with small talk. 1:51 And then you do have the hard start, which is your official introduction. And I usually this is the part where we will focus on today. And I usually divide this hard start into four small sections, where you welcome everyone you introduce the people involved, and also the topic at hand, and then you transition to the body of your presentation. So let's have a look at each of those four sections and make sure you pay attention to all the phrases I'm going to provide. 2:25 Alright, so we said the first section is the welcome. Here's where you welcome everyone and thank them for attending your presentation or talk. And if you feel comfortable, you can also use a hook, which is like a catchy opening to capture the audience's attention right off the bat. You can use like a surprising stat or a famous quote or a rhetorical question. And here are some phrases you can use for this welcome or first section: "Hi, everyone, thank you so much for joining us today and welcome to the session", or "In the 30 minutes that it will take me to give this presentation, 7000 businesses in the US will close down". That's a bit like a surprising stat, right? Or like a famous quote, as I said, "Somebody once said, 'A brand is a promise', but what happens when that promise is broken?" So now you have the first section, the welcome. 3:25 Now you move on to the people involved. This is when you introduce yourself, or perhaps even your co hosts if there are any. And here is where you establish credibility by describing your relevant experience, your responsibilities, your accomplishments, why should we listen to you, here's where you have to provide the evidence or reasons. And you can use phrases like just the simple ones such as, "My name is Susan and I'm part of the design team here at Globex corporation", or something like "I was fortunate enough to be part of the team at Globex that developed the original Datatronic 2000". Or here's another phrase, "In my 15 years in Silicon Valley, I learned quite a bit about managing risk, and I learned the hard way". 4:19 So you have number one, the welcome, number two, you introduce the people involved (and if there's someone else giving the talk or co hosting with you, make sure you introduce them as well), and number three, you can introduce the topic. And here you need to make a clear and general statement to explain what benefit –and I cannot highlight this enough– the benefit that the audience will gain from your presentation. What is your presentation about and why should they listen to it? And here are some phrases: "Today I'd like to talk about..." or "The main goal of this presentation is..." or "What is I hope you'll get from this afternoon session is a clear idea of how CRM works". Or "By the end of this morning's talk, you will know how to say no and feel good about it". Whatever benefit they will get, make sure you tell them in this heart start. 5:19 And the very last bit is the transition to the main point. Here you can use signposting language, which is what you use to tell the audience where you're going, and what they can expect next. Something like "Alright, let's dive right in!" Or "Shall we get the ball rolling?", or "Great, let's get down to it". 5:40 So those are the different parts of the beginning of your presentation. Remember, starting with a soft start is a nice way to engage people at the beginning and allow a little bit of time for those who are late. And then with your hard start, you have the welcome ("Hi, everyone. Thank you so much for joining us today"). Number two, you introduce the people involved, then you introduce the topic, giving them a clear benefit of your presentation. And number four, you transition to the main point. And that's it, I hope you're able to use all these phrases and tips and I look forward to our next episode.

And that's all we have for you today. We hope you enjoyed it, and remember to subscribe to Talaera Talks . We'll be back soon with more! And visit our website at  https://talaera.com  for more valuable content on business English. You can also  request a free consultation  on the best ways for you and your team to improve your communication skills. So have a great day and keep learning!

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How to Start a Presentation: 5 Templates and 90 Example Phrases

By Status.net Editorial Team on February 27, 2024 — 11 minutes to read

Starting a presentation effectively means capturing your audience’s attention from the very beginning. It’s important because it sets the tone for the entire presentation and establishes your credibility as a speaker.

Effective Openers: 5 Templates

Your presentation’s beginning sets the stage for everything that follows. So, it’s important to capture your audience’s attention right from the start. Here are some tried-and-true techniques to do just that.

1. Storytelling Approach

When you start with a story, you tap into the natural human love for narratives. It can be a personal experience, a historical event, or a fictional tale that ties back to your main point.

Example Introduction Template 1:

“Let me tell you a story about…”

Example : “Let me tell you a story about how a small idea in a garage blossomed into the global brand we know today.”

2. Quotation Strategy

Using a relevant quote can lend authority and thematic flavor to your presentation. Choose a quote that is provocative, enlightening, or humorous to resonate with your audience.

Example Introduction Template 2:

“As [Famous Person] once said…”

Example : “As Steve Jobs once said, ‘Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.'”

3. Questioning Technique

Engage your audience directly by opening with a thoughtful question. This encourages them to think and become active participants.

Example Introduction Template 3:

“Have you ever wondered…”

Example : “Have you ever wondered what it would take to reduce your carbon footprint to zero?”

4. Statistical Hook

Kick off with a startling statistic that presents a fresh perspective or underscores the importance of your topic.

Example Introduction Template 4:

“Did you know that…”

Example : “Did you know that 90% of the world’s data was generated in the last two years alone?”

5. Anecdotal Method

Share a brief, relatable incident that highlights the human aspect of your topic. It paves the way for empathy and connection.

Example Introduction Template 5:

“I want to share a quick anecdote…”

Example : “I want to share a quick anecdote about a time I experienced the customer service that went above and beyond what anyone would expect.”

How to Start a Powerpoint Presentation: 45 Example Phrases

Starting a PowerPoint presentation effectively can captivate your audience and set the tone for your message. The opening phrases you choose are important in establishing rapport and commanding attention. Whether you’re presenting to colleagues, at a conference, or in an academic setting, these phrases will help you begin with confidence and poise:

• 1. “Good morning/afternoon/evening, everyone. Thank you for joining me today.”
• 2. “Welcome, and thank you for being here. Let’s dive into our topic.”
• 3. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to present to you all about…”
• 4. “Thank you all for coming. Today, we’re going to explore…”
• 5. “Let’s begin by looking at the most important question: Why are we here today?”
• 6. “I appreciate your time today, and I promise it will be well spent as we discuss…”
• 7. “Before we get started, I want to express my gratitude for your presence here today.”
• 8. “It’s a pleasure to see so many familiar faces as we gather to talk about…”
• 9. “I’m thrilled to kick off today’s presentation on a topic that I am passionate about—…”
• 10. “Welcome to our session. I’m confident you’ll find the next few minutes informative as we cover…”
• 11. “Let’s embark on a journey through our discussion on…”
• 12. “I’m delighted to have the chance to share my insights on…”
• 13. “Thank you for the opportunity to present to such an esteemed audience on…”
• 14. “Let’s set the stage for an engaging discussion about…”
• 15. “As we begin, I’d like you to consider this:…”
• 16. “Today marks an important discussion on a subject that affects us all:…”
• 17. “Good day, and welcome to what promises to be an enlightening presentation on…”
• 18. “Hello and welcome! We’re here to delve into something truly exciting today…”
• 19. “I’m honored to present to you this comprehensive look into…”
• 20. “Without further ado, let’s get started on a journey through…”
• 21. “Thank you for carving time out of your day to join me for this presentation on…”
• 22. “It’s wonderful to see such an engaged audience ready to tackle the topic of…”
• 23. “I invite you to join me as we unpack the complexities of…”
• 24. “Today’s presentation will take us through some groundbreaking ideas about…”
• 25. “Welcome aboard! Prepare to set sail into the vast sea of knowledge on…”
• 26. “I’d like to extend a warm welcome to everyone as we focus our attention on…”
• 27. “Let’s ignite our curiosity as we begin to explore…”
• 28. “Thank you for your interest and attention as we dive into the heart of…”
• 29. “As we look ahead to the next hour, we’ll uncover the secrets of…”
• 30. “I’m eager to share with you some fascinating insights on…”
• 31. “Welcome to what I believe will be a transformative discussion on…”
• 32. “This morning/afternoon, we’ll be venturing into the world of…”
• 33. “Thank you for joining me on this exploration of…”
• 34. “I’m delighted by the turnout today as we embark on this exploration of…”
• 35. “Together, let’s navigate the intricacies of…”
• 36. “I’m looking forward to engaging with you all on the subject of…”
• 37. “Let’s kick things off with a critical look at…”
• 38. “Thank you for your presence today as we shine a light on…”
• 39. “Welcome to a comprehensive overview of…”
• 40. “It’s a privilege to discuss with you the impact of…”
• 41. “I’m glad you could join us for what promises to be a thought-provoking presentation on…”
• 42. “Today, we’re going to break down the concept of…”
• 43. “As we get started, let’s consider the significance of our topic:…”
• 44. “I’m thrilled to lead you through today’s discussion, which centers around…”
• 45. “Let’s launch into our session with an eye-opening look at…”

Starting a Presentation: 45 Examples

Connecting with the audience.

When starting a presentation, making a genuine connection with your audience sets the stage for a successful exchange of ideas. Examples:

• “I promise, by the end of this presentation, you’ll be as enthusiastic about this as I am because…”
• “The moment I learned about this, I knew it would be a game-changer and I’m thrilled to present it to you…”
• “There’s something special about this topic that I find incredibly invigorating, and I hope you will too…”
• “I get a rush every time I work on this, and I hope to transmit that energy to you today…”
• “I’m thrilled to discuss this breakthrough that could revolutionize…”
• “This project has been a labor of love, and I’m eager to walk you through…”
• “When I first encountered this challenge, I was captivated by the possibilities it presented…”
• “I can’t wait to dive into the details of this innovative approach with you today…”
• “It’s genuinely exhilarating to be at the edge of what’s possible in…”
• “My fascination with [topic] drove me to explore it further, and I’m excited to share…”
• “Nothing excites me more than talking about the future of…”
• “Seeing your faces, I know we’re going to have a lively discussion about…”
• “The potential here is incredible, and I’m looking forward to discussing it with you…”
• “Let’s embark on this journey together and explore why this is such a pivotal moment for…”
• “Your engagement in this discussion is going to make this even more exciting because…”

Building Credibility

You present with credibility when you establish your expertise and experience on the subject matter. Here’s what you can say to accomplish that:

• “With a decade of experience in this field, I’ve come to understand the intricacies of…”
• “Having led multiple successful projects, I’m excited to share my insights on…”
• “Over the years, working closely with industry experts, I’ve gleaned…”
• “I hold a degree in [your field], which has equipped me with a foundation for…”
• “I’m a certified professional in [your certification], which means I bring a certain level of expertise…”
• “Having published research on this topic, my perspective is grounded in…”
• “I’ve been a keynote speaker at several conferences, discussing…”
• “Throughout my career, I’ve contributed to groundbreaking work in…”
• “My experience as a [your previous role] has given me a unique outlook on…”
• “Endorsed by [an authority in your field], I’m here to share what we’ve achieved…”
• “The program I developed was recognized by [award], highlighting its impact in…”
• “I’ve trained professionals nationwide on this subject and witnessed…”
• “Collaborating with renowned teams, we’ve tackled challenges like…”
• “I’ve been at the forefront of this industry, navigating through…”
• “As a panelist, I’ve debated this topic with some of the brightest minds in…”

Projecting Confidence

• “I stand before you today with a deep understanding of…”
• “You can rely on the information I’m about to share, backed by thorough research and analysis…”
• “Rest assured, the strategies we’ll discuss have been tested and proven effective in…”
• “I’m certain you’ll find the data I’ll present both compelling and relevant because…”
• “I’m fully confident in the recommendations I’m providing today due to…”
• “The results speak for themselves, and I’m here to outline them clearly for you…”
• “I invite you to consider the evidence I’ll present; it’s both robust and persuasive…”
• “You’re in good hands today; I’ve navigated these waters many times and have the insights to prove it…”
• “I assure you, the journey we’ll take during this presentation will be enlightening because…”
• “Your success is important to me, which is why I’ve prepared diligently for our time together…”
• “Let’s look at the facts; they’ll show you why this approach is solid and dependable…”
• “Today, I present to you a clear path forward, grounded in solid experience and knowledge…”
• “I’m confident that what we’ll uncover today will not only inform but also inspire you because…”
• “You’ll leave here equipped with practical, proven solutions that you can trust because…”
• “The solution I’m proposing has been embraced industry-wide, and for good reason…”

Organizational Preview

Starting your presentation with a clear organizational preview can effectively guide your audience through the content. This section helps you prepare to communicate the roadmap of your presentation.

Outlining the Main Points

You should begin by briefly listing the main points you’ll cover. This lets your audience know what to expect and helps them follow along. For example, if you’re presenting on healthy eating, you might say, “Today, I’ll cover the benefits of healthy eating, essential nutrients in your diet, and simple strategies for making healthier choices.”

Setting the Tone

Your introduction sets the tone for the entire presentation. A way to do this is through a relevant story or anecdote that engages the audience. Suppose you’re talking about innovation; you might start with, “When I was a child, I was fascinated by how simple Legos could build complex structures, which is much like the innovation process.”

Explaining the Structure

Explain the structure of your presentation so that your audience can anticipate how you’ll transition from one section to the next. For instance, if your presentation includes an interactive portion, you might say, “I’ll begin with a 15-minute overview, followed by a hands-on demonstration, and we’ll wrap up with a Q&A session, where you can ask any questions.”

Practice and Preparation

Before you step onto the stage, it’s important that your preparation includes not just content research, but also rigorous practice and strategy for dealing with nerves. This approach ensures you present with confidence and clarity.

Rehearsing the Opening

Practicing your introduction aloud gives you the opportunity to refine your opening remarks. You might start by greeting the audience and sharing an interesting quote or a surprising statistic related to your topic. For example, if your presentation is about the importance of renewable energy, you could begin with a recent statistic about the growth in solar energy adoption. Record yourself and listen to the playback, focusing on your tone, pace, and clarity.

Memorizing Key Points

While you don’t need to memorize your entire presentation word for word, you should know the key points by heart. This includes main arguments, data, and any conclusions you’ll be drawing. You can use techniques such as mnemonics or the method of loci, which means associating each key point with a specific location in your mind, to help remember these details. Having them at your fingertips will make you feel more prepared and confident.

Managing Presentation Jitters

Feeling nervous before a presentation is natural, but you can manage these jitters with a few techniques. Practice deep breathing exercises or mindful meditation to calm your mind before going on stage. You can also perform a mock presentation to a group of friends or colleagues to simulate the experience and receive feedback. This will not only help you get used to speaking in front of others but also in adjusting your material based on their reactions.

Engagement Strategies

Starting a presentation on the right foot often depends on how engaged your audience is. Using certain strategies, you can grab their attention early and maintain their interest throughout your talk:

1. Encouraging Audience Participation

Opening your presentation with a question to your audience is a great way to encourage participation. This invites them to think actively about the subject matter. For instance, you might ask, “By a show of hands, how many of you have experienced…?” Additionally, integrating interactive elements like quick polls or requesting volunteers for a demonstration can make the experience more dynamic and memorable.

Using direct questions throughout your presentation ensures the audience stays alert, as they might be called upon to share their views. For example, after covering a key point, you might engage your audience with, “Does anyone have an experience to share related to this?”

2. Utilizing Pacing and Pauses

Mastering the pace of your speech helps keep your presentation lively. Quickening the pace when discussing exciting developments or slowing down when explaining complex ideas can help maintain interest. For example, when introducing a new concept, slow your pace to allow the audience to absorb the information.

Pauses are equally powerful. A well-timed pause after a key point gives the audience a moment to ponder the significance of what you’ve just said. It might feel like this: “The results of this study were groundbreaking. (pause) They completely shifted our understanding of…”. Pauses also give you a moment to collect your thoughts, adding to your overall composure and control of the room.

How should one introduce their group during a presentation?

You might say something like, “Let me introduce my amazing team: Alex, our researcher, Jamie, our designer, and Sam, the developer. Together, we’ve spent the last few months creating something truly special for you.”

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Starting a presentation in english: methods and examples.

• By Jake Pool

If you’re going to make it in the professional world, most likely you’ll have to give a presentation in English at some point. No reason to get nervous!

Most of the work involved lies in the introduction. You may or may not need an English presentation PPT file, your topic, audience, or time limit may vary, but a strong opening is a must no matter what! Everything that follows can build from the opening outline you present to your audience.

Let’s look at some guidelines for starting a presentation in English. If you can master this part, you’ll never have to worry about the rest!

Opening in a Presentation in English

While it’s important to have your entire presentation organized and outlined, planning and organization are especially important in the introduction. This is what will guide you through a clear and concise beginning. Let’s look at how to start a presentation with well-organized thoughts .

Introduction Outline

• Introduce yourself and welcome everyone.
• State the purpose of your presentation
• Give a short overview of the presentation

As we say, it’s as easy as 1-2-3. (No need for a more detailed English presentation script!) Let’s examine the first step.

1. Introduce Yourself & Welcome Everyone

The self-introduction is your opportunity to make a good first impression. Be sure to open with a warm welcome and use language that is familiar and natural. Based on your audience, there are a few different expressions you can use to start your presentation.

If you’re presenting to coworkers who may already know you:

• Hello, [name] here. I would like to thank you all for your time. As you may know, I [describe what you do/your job title] I look forward to discussing [topic] today.
• Good morning/afternoon/evening everyone. Thank you for being here. For those who don’t know me, my name is [name], and for those who know me, hello again.

If you’re presenting to people you’ve never met:

• Hello everyone, it’s nice to meet you all. My name is [name] and I am the [job/title].
• Hello. Welcome to [event]. My name is [name] and I am the [job/title]. I’m glad you’re all here.

There are certainly more ways to make an introduction. However, it’s generally best to follow this format:

• Start with a polite welcome and state your name.
• Follow with your job title and/or the reason you’re qualified to speak on the topic being discussed.

2. State the Purpose of Your Presentation

Now that your audience knows who you are and your qualifications, you can state the purpose of your presentation. This is where you clarify to your audience what you’ll be talking about.

So, ask yourself, “ What do I want my audience to get from this presentation? ”

• Do you want your audience to be informed?
• Do you need something from your audience?
• Do you want them to purchase a product?
• Do you want them to do something for the community or your company?

With your goal in mind, you can create the next couple of lines of your presentation. Below are some examples of how to start.

• Let me share with you…
• I’d like to introduce you to [product or service]
• Today I want to discuss…
• I want to breakdown for you [topic]
• Let’s discuss…
• Today I will present the results of my research on [topic]
• By the end of this presentation, you’ll understand [topic]
• My goal is to explain…
• As you know, we’ll be talking about…

When talking about the purpose of your presentation, stick to your goals. You purpose statement should be only one to three sentences. That way, you can give your audience a clear sense of purpose that sets them up for the rest of the presentation.

3. A Short Overview of the Presentation

The final step in starting your presentation is to give a short outline of what you’ll be presenting. People like a map of what to expect from a presentation.

It helps them organize their thoughts and gives a sense of order. Also, it lets the audience know why they’re listening to you. This is what you’ll use to grab their attention, and help them stay focused throughout the presentation.

Here are some examples of how you can outline your presentation:

• Today, I’m going to cover… Then we’ll talk about… Lastly, I’ll close on…
• We’re going to be covering some key information you need to know, including…
• My aim with this presentation is to get you to… To do that we’ll be talking about…
• I’ve divided my presentation into [number] sections… [List the sections]
• Over the next [length of your presentation] I’m going to discuss…

That’s it! It’s as simple as 1-2-3. If you have a fear of public speaking or are not confident about presenting to a group of people, follow these three steps. It’s a simple structure that can get you off to a good start. With that in mind, there are other ways to bring your introduction to the next level too! Read on for bonus tips on how to really engage your audience, beyond the basics.

For a Strong Presentation in English, Engage your Audience

Presentations aren’t everyone’s strongest ability, and that’s OK. If you’re newer to presenting in English, the steps above are the basics to getting started. Once you’re more comfortable with presenting, though, you can go a step further with some extra tricks that can really wow your audience.

Mastering the skill of engaging an audience will take experience. Fortunately, there are many famous speakers out there you can model for capturing attention. Also, there are some common techniques that English-speakers use to gain an audience’s attention.

*How and when you use these techniques in your introduction is at your discretion, as long as you cover the 3 steps of the introduction outline that we discussed earlier.*

Do or say something shocking.

The purpose of shocking your audience is to immediately engage them. You can make a loud noise and somehow relate the noise to your presentation. Or, you can say, “ Did you know that… ” and follow with a shocking story or statistic. Either way, the objective is to create surprise to draw their attention.

Tell a story

Telling a story related to your presentation is a great way to get the audience listening to you.

You can start by saying, “ On my way to [location] the other day… ” or “ On my way here, I was reminded of… ” and then follow with a story. A good story can make your presentation memorable.

Ask your audience to take part

Sometimes a good introduction that captures attention will involve asking for help from the audience. You can ask the audience to play a quick game or solve a puzzle that’s related to your presentation. Also, you could engage the audience with a group exercise. This is a great way to get people involved in your presentation.

There are many more ways to engage the audience, so get creative and see what you can think up! Here are some resources that will help you get started.

Also, if you want to get better at public speaking (and help your English speaking too!), a great organization to know about is the Toastmasters . The organization is dedicated to helping you be a better speaker, and there are many local groups in America. They offer free lessons and events to help you master your English speaking, and also offer additional help to paying members.

The Takeaway

A presentation in English? No problem, as long as your introduction sets you up for success . Admittedly, this can be easier said than done. Native speakers and non-native speakers alike sometimes struggle with getting a good start on their English presentation. But the advice above can help you get the confidence you need to lay a good foundation for your next speech !

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How To Start A Presentation: Why Making The Right Start Is Critical

Table of contents.

We’ve all experienced a bad presentation. We’ve listened to bad speakers, heard boring information, and read slides that don’t keep us engaged.

A bad presentation is often bad for both the speaker and the audience members.

Grabbing the audience’s attention for the very beginning is key to keeping your audience engaged and running an effective presentation speech.

In this article we will look at what a presentation introduction is and how to start a presentation effectively.

What Is A Presentation Introduction?

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” That is the opening line of the book Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and it is known as one of the most famous opening lines in a book ever written.

A good opening line can do a lot for books and the same goes for presentation introductions.

Loyola University Chicago breaks down a presentation introduction into 4 key elements: “ 1) capture your audience’s interest, 2) give them a context for your work, 3) pose your central question, problem, or issue, and 4) offer the most concise answer or argument you can give.”

When it comes to any public speaking engagement, grabbing your audience’s attention is the most important thing.

For a presentation, this could make or break your presentation.

Let's Explore How You Should Start A Presentation, The Right Way...

Before you begin presenting, you should have a strong idea for how you will start your presentation. Here are a few strong ways you can begin your presentation and create interest within your audience.

Start With Introducing Yourself

One of the most basic, yet effective ways you can draw attention is through introducing yourself to your audience. This is effective for both smaller and larger audiences and can be a way to create a connection between you and your audience.

Some of the best presenters introduce themselves through a personal story, a relevant quote, a job title, or a relevant yet funny video.

Ideally, your introduction should motivate your audience to listen and buy into what you are saying.

Your introduction should use effective body language and eye contact, and should relate to the general messaging of the presentation.

State The Purpose Of Your Presentation

Sometimes you can sit through an entire deck of presentation slides and leave without really understanding the purpose of the presentation.

A great intro will pre-emptively answer audience questions about the purpose of your presentation. Doing so creates interest in the information you will be sharing and engages your audience right from the start.

The purpose can be introduced through rhetorical questions, a thought provoking question, a bold and provocative statement, or through more personal stories.

You might even consider opening with an “imagine” statement (Example: “Imagine you’re lying on a beach sipping a drink…”).

Hit Your Audience With Captivating Visuals

Another thing that many speaker use to engage their audience is with a captivating visual representation of the purpose of the presentation. This is often done through an attention-grabbing video or image and well-designed presentation slide decks.

Not only can visuals get your audience paying attention, it can also present key information or ideas that you will call back to throughout your presentation.

Encourage Audience Participation Early On

Audience participation is also vital to the effectiveness and overall performance of your presentation.

While audience engagement can be strengthened through professional practice or learning how to be a better presenter , there are a few things you can do to inspire participation right from the get-go.

One of the best ways to encourage participation is through direct questions that need responses from the audience.

When you begin with a direct question to introduce your presentation, message, or speech, you force the people in the room to pay attention and provide answers.

Some examples of relevant direct questions you can ask might start with:

Who has ever experienced….

How many of you agree with…

When was the first time you.. .

These opening questions don’t have to necessarily be deep or require a lot of thinking. Instead, think about questions that can be answered through the raising of hands, yes or no, or a by audience members yelling out an answer.

Don't Just Read Your Slides, Tell A Story

Finally, a good rule of thumb when doing any kind of presentation is to tell a story .

A good story that relates to the everyday lives or problems of your audience can have a dramatic impact on the effectiveness of your presentation and the overall audience participation and impression.

For example, if you are going to be talking about a business strategy you are proposing to a client, you might start with a compelling story of this strategy in action.

Think of how many TedTalks start. In many of these presentations, many speakers will introduce their key idea or speech through a story that directly relates to its message and purpose.

Stories can evoke certain emotions in your audience that will motivate them to engage and participate throughout the presentation.

Why Is Starting Off On Right Foot So Important?

Some of the best opening lines in presentations enable the audience to fully participate and engage with your material.

Here are a few reasons why starting strong is so important to your speech, message, or presentation.

It Sets The Tone For The Entire Presentation

For one, a strong introduction can create and set the tone for the rest of your speech or presentation . Setting a tone is important for audiences to follow the message and relevant points outlined in your presentation slide.

For example, if you are presenting a sales pitch, you want to start with something that can motivate your audience to understand the appeal of what you are selling.

It Prevents You From Losing Your Audience's Attention

Additionally, a strong opener can help you avoid losing the audience’s attention. As a rule of thumb, you should periodically use some of your opening strategies to engage your audience throughout the entirety of the presentation.

If you just keep talking and talking for too long, it’s very easy for your audience to lose interest. Instead, grab them from the start and continue to grab them from beginning to the end.

Your Presentation Will Leave A Lasting Impression

A strong opening can leave a lasting impression even hours and days after you finish.

However you begin your presentation, consider how you might stick in your audience’s mind after you wrap up. This could be through a funny and memorable story, a shocking fact, or a generally appealing tone throughout your presentation.

Here Are A Few Common Mistakes You Should Avoid At The Beginning Of Your Presentation

As you prepare your next presentation using the strategies noted above, here are a few common mistakes you should avoid.

Starting With An Apology

Confidence is key when you are presenting a speech or talk. Starting with an apology of any kind can create an untrustworthy vibe that is hard to shake.

In general, you should inspire trust and excitement in your audience, not distrust through an apologetic statement.

Simply Reading From Your Slides

One of the most common mistakes people make when presenting is reading off their slides. Not only is this incredibly boring for your audience, it also shows your audience you aren’t well-prepared or particularly excited about what you are saying.

Not Engaging Your Audience

Reading off your slides is so important to avoid because it does nothing to engage your audience. You want to have your audience view you as an engaging person to listen to, not a boring voice reading words that aren’t inspiring.

You can utilize the opener strategies listed above throughout your whole presentation to motivate and engage everyone in the room.

Not Providing Clarity On The Purpose Of The Presentation

Imagine spending an hour in a meeting and leaving without a clear understanding of the purpose. That would be extremely frustrating and would feel like a waste of your precious time.

This is why it’s so important for every person in the room to have clarity on the purpose of your talk from the start. You want them to leave with a full understanding of what they learned and heard. Not doing so will result in confusion, disengaged audience members, and a lack of excitement overall.

What Are Our Final Thoughts On How To Start A Presentation?

To get to the point, starting strong is extremely important for every presentation. Grabbing your audience from the very start can lead to more sales, more interest, and better public speaking skills overall.

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Author:  Content Team

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How to Start a Presentation - 11 Proven Tips For A Killer Start

Guru - April 18, 2023 - Leave your thoughts. 11 min read

How you start a presentation is crucial, as it can make or break the entire experience for the audience.    

It's crucial to grab the audience's attention from the get-go. Otherwise, they'll lose interest and tune out. 

  This is especially important when presenting to larger crowds, like at a conference or when trying to win bids over prospective customers.

Most of us would have watched videos of how influential people have addressed their audience. 

Steve Jobs’s presentation for the launch of the iPhone in 2007 was one of the most successful product launches to date. 

Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” is another prime example of a powerful speech. 

Not to forget former President-Elect Obama’s term-winning speech in Chicago!

We have observed and learned a lot from these powerful presentations, how these legends addressed a large audience and kept their speech engaging throughout. 

In this blog, we have listed the 11 proven strategies on how to start a presentation and hook your audience until the end like a Pro.

So, if you are nervous about starting a presentation or often find yourself stumbling over your words and forgetting what you want to say, you have come to the right place!

Don't let the fear of starting a presentation hold you back. With our expert strategies, you'll be able to start like a pro, impress your audience, and leave a lasting impression. 

So, let's get started! 

11 Ways To Start Your Presentation

• Use an inspiring quote
• Use the power of image
• Open with a leading question
• Start with a little test
• Start with a short story
• Start with a touch of humor
• Start with “Picture this..”
• Spark interest with Animated Characters
• Introduce yourself to your audience
• Surprise your audience
• Start with Silence

1. Use an inspiring Quote

One of the easiest ways to grab your audience’s attention is by using a powerful quote.

A well-crafted quote can be a powerful tool in a presentation. It helps to set the tone for a long presentation and as well as rekindle the audience’s attention when there’s a dip in their concentration.

Have a look at this video below,

The speaker starts off her presentation with a quote - “Letting go can make you unstoppable!”. Through this the speaker gives a strong narrative to her topic and ropes in the audience. 

Selecting a quote relevant to your topic and that resonates with your audience is essential. You have to keep in mind that your audience should be able to understand and remember it. 

Therefore, avoid complex quotes that might confuse them. Instead, choose a quote that is simple, clear, and has an emotional appeal.

Hence, with a thoughtful quote and the right visual aid, you can effectively capture your audience's attention and set the stage for a memorable presentation.

2. Use the power of Image

Facts and figures can be compelling, but visuals can be more appealing and stimulate your audience's emotional response.

An appealing image-based content receives more percentage of views than text-based content. 

Images, in particular, can help you connect with your audience's emotions and convey complex data clearly and concisely.

Have a look at this presentation, the speaker displays an alluring image to help the audience understand her topic - “Does photographing a moment steal the experience from you?”

This helps the audience to immediately understand and related to their own life experiences. Eventually forming an emotional connection to the problem that the speaker is presenting. 

A strong focus on the topic of the presentation can be established almost instantly through an image , making it a powerful tool for conveying important information. 

3. Open with a leading question

When giving a presentation, engaging your audience and making them feel invested in your message is essential. One effective way to do this is by conducting polls or asking questions.

Take a  look at this video below, 

The speaker starts off his presentation with an open-ended question and then proceeds to introduce himself and his topic. This intrigues the audience to listen and participate in the presentation. 

Similarly, in your presentations, you can ask any relevant direct questions requiring a response, such as "What would you do in this situation?"

These questions are mentally stimulating and can encourage audience participation. You can even pass a microphone around and let the audience come up with the desired solution.

Rhetorical questions, on the other hand, do not require answers. Instead, they're often used to emphasize a point.

With this approach, you can create an interactive and memorable presentation that leaves a lasting impact on your audience.

4. Start with a little test

One definite exciting way to kick off your presentation is by sparking curiosity with a little test amongst the audience right at the beginning.

Have a look at this video,

The presenter builds up curiosity right off the bat by saying, ‘I have a test for you.’ This creates excitement and curiosity about what that test might be. 

You can also incorporate a thought-provoking statement, fact, or poll in your presentation right at the start to hook the audience’s attention very closely. 

Do this with an air of authority and knowledge. With a confident delivery and a fascinating fact, you can draw your audience in and set the stage for a captivating presentation. 

5. Start with a short story

While slide presentations can be informative, they can also be dull and uninspiring. That's why you must consider starting your presentation with a short, relevant story.

The presenter starts off his presentation with a short story about his immigration journey. This helps him to attract the audience and make them eagerly anticipate the series of events and the end result. 

Using a good story in your presentation can build rapport with your audience and create an emotional connection. Whether it's humorous, romantic, or thought-provoking, make sure it's 30 seconds to a minute and is relevant to the presentation. 

So, before diving into your slide presentation, take a moment to tell a story that will grab your audience's attention and create a connection with them. 

Let your audience in on your personal experience, and watch as their interest in your presentation grows.

6. Start with a touch of humor

Using humor in your presentation can have numerous benefits beyond just making people laugh.

One of the most significant advantages of incorporating humor into your presentation is that it can help to ease tension and anxiety, especially for you as the presenter. 

Have a look at this video below

The presenter engages with the audience by cracking relevant jokes as he shares stories from his life. He uses the element of humor to keep the audience emotionally engaged and also to convey a heartfelt message at the end. 

Likewise, starting your presentation with a light-hearted joke or an anecdote can help you relax and feel more confident. 

If you can make your audience laugh, they're more likely to remember your key takeaways. So don't be afraid to inject a bit of humor into your presentation - it might help to make it a hit!

7. Start with “Imagine…”

As a presenter, sometimes you need to tap into your audience's imagination to make your point. This is where the commands "imagine," "think of," or "picture this" can come in handy.

In this video, the presenter starts off his presentation by using the hook word “Imagine..” Through this, the presenter gets hold of their attention and takes them on an imaginary journey with him.

Similarly, in your presentation, by prompting your audience to imagine or consider different scenarios, you can stimulate their creativity and engage them in a deeper level of thinking. 

This can also evoke emotions that are relevant to your topic, making it more impactful and memorable for your audience.

Remember, emotions are a powerful tool in keeping your audience engaged and attentive throughout your presentation. 

By leveraging your audience's imagination, you can create a more interactive and dynamic experience that will leave a lasting impression.

8. Spark interest with Animated Characters

If you’d have to do a presentation online and none of the above suggestions work for your set of audience, then you can use an Animated version of yourself and spark interest.

Yes! You read it right. You can now create and add custom Animated Characters to your slide decks with the online presentation software Animaker Deck . 

Forgo the very old presentation styles and give life to your slide decks with the help of Animated Characters. 

Animaker Deck offers various choices and an option to create custom characters, from children to adults and even animal characters.

You can create a look-alike of yourself as an Animated character, choose facial expressions and add actions to the character. There are plenty of customization options available for you to choose from.

Check out this video to learn how to make animated presentations

Starting your presentation with Animated characters will surely be refreshing for your audience, and they will be intrigued to see what comes next in your presentation! So do give it a try from here!

9. Start by stating your expertise

If you are presenting to a group of students or upcoming entrepreneurs or simply a young crowd, the OG way of starting a presentation is stating your expertise on the topic and introducing yourself largely. 

Watch this example presentation below,

The speaker establishes credibility and sets the stage for the rest of the presentation by claiming his authority and expertise as a doctor who worked closely on addiction problems. 

Similarly, during your presentation, when introducing yourself, include your name, your position or area of expertise, and any relevant qualifications or experience you have. 

This will help your audience understand why you are qualified to speak on this topic.

Next, introduce your topic and briefly overview what you will discuss. This will help your audience understand the purpose of your presentation.

This is one great way to begin your presentation and set the tone for the rest of the decks in-store.

10. Surprise your audience 

One way to capture your audience's attention and keep them engaged throughout your presentation is by incorporating a shock factor to surprise and intrigue your audience.

For instance, in the recent Marvel Comics Con 2022, the MCU presenter took the audience by storm by unveiling the plans for phase 6 of the Marvel Movies. It entirely shook the audience and caught them off-guard. 

Have a look at the audience’s reaction in this video.

That’s a splendid way to keep your audience entertained throughout the presentation, right?

Similarly, you can also instill a surprise element at the start of your presentation and hook your audience throughout the end.

However, it's essential to ensure that your shocking tactic is effective and well-suited for your audience and the purpose of your presentation.

The last thing you want is to shock your audience in a way that offends or upsets them, which can lead to a disengaged and uninterested audience.

Instead, your shock factor should be designed to elicit a positive response from your audience, such as a sense of excitement, interest, or humor. If done correctly, this would help you effectively kick off your presentation.

11. Start with Silence

Silence can be a powerful tool for commanding a room during a presentation. While it may be daunting to use silence as a technique, it can be incredibly effective when executed properly. 

In this video, the presenter starts with Silence. This gets the audience thinking different things and anticipate what’s going to happen. 

Silence is another effective technique to draw attention to a prop or visual aid.

By holding the audience's attention with silence, you create a dramatic moment that keeps them engaged and eager to hear what you have to say next.

Incorporating silence into your presentation may feel uncomfortable, but with practice and confidence, it can become an incredibly valuable tool in commanding the room and keeping your audience engaged.

In conclusion, starting a presentation on the right note is crucial for capturing your audience's attention and keeping them engaged throughout your talk. 

By following the 11 proven ways we've discussed in this blog, you can create a powerful opening that sets the tone for the rest of your presentation and leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different opening techniques and find what works best for you and your audience. 

So go out there and take the first step towards becoming a confident and engaging presenter!

Now that you have learned the pro strategies of how to start a presentation, take a look at this guide on “How to end a presentation”  as well and nail your presentation from start to end!

Do you have more pointers to start a presentation like a pro? Feel free to add them in the comments section below!

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How To Start a Presentation : Make A Strong First Impression

Presenting well requires preparation, and the first step is mastering the art of the opening statement. You may pique your audience’s curiosity by crafting a captivating introduction to your presentation. Your presentation’s introduction should help the audience grasp the central idea. Speaking in front of a new group is also a chance to identify yourself as a speaker.

Presenting information to others, whether a small group or a huge audience, is an everyday occurrence in the modern workplace. Sales pitches, presentations of new marketing data, and analyses of research findings are just a few examples of the kinds of presentations that various professionals may expect. Knowing the topic of your presentation, you should craft an exciting start to pique your audience’s interest right away. In this article, we’ll discuss how to Start a Presentation.

Steps To Start A Presentation

Introduction.

Presenters should know how to give an intro in a presentation since it sets the stage for the rest of their talk and gives the audience background information. If you want to make an excellent first impression, consider the following:

Start the presentation with a hook. Starting a presentation with a statement, question, or fact will pique your audience’s interest and make them want to hear more. Think about what you want to accomplish. Explain to the audience why you are giving this talk, what you intend to accomplish, and what they will learn.

Establish your authority by highlighting relevant skills, experience, or education that lend credence to your presentation. Provide a high-level summary of the main topics you intend to address. In doing so, you’ll ensure that your presentation’s structure and content make sense to the target audience.

Take the listeners in, get them involved, and get their thoughts across by asking them questions or getting their input. Your introduction needs to be short and sweet. Stay under 5 minutes if you don’t want people to tune out.

Remember that the introduction is your audience’s first interaction with you, so make it count.

Grab The Audience’s Attention

It is essential to hook the audience in the first few minutes of a presentation so that they will be interested in what you have to say. Some suggestions on how to make yourself more interesting:

• Share Attention-Grabbing Information: Beginning your presentation with attention-grabbing information is one approach to grabbing your audience’s attention.
• Build A Rapport With The Audience: Building rapport with the audience before diving into the slides you had prepared can be accomplished by sharing a short, meaningful tale. You have between thirty seconds and one minute to share your experience, which might be funny, idealistic, or thought-provoking. Adding a touch of sincerity to your story can also help. One way to add authenticity to your presentation is to share a personal story related to the topic. Participate in sharing that with your audience.
• Ask Questions to Generate Curiosity: Invite the listeners by posing questions or requesting comments. The response to these questions can serve as a barometer for the audience’s level of interest and participation.

Keep in mind that you want to establish rapport with your listeners and pique their interest in what you say by writing an engaging beginning. Make an effort to stand out by introducing oneself uniquely and interestingly.

Let The Audience In On Your Presentation

Make it clear to your listeners why the information you deliver is crucial. You should use numbers or statistics to drive home the significance of what you’re saying. In addition, you may choose to explain how they may benefit personally or professionally from attending this presentation.

If you don’t have a compelling anecdote to give, a thought-provoking fact regarding the importance of your presentation could do the trick. If you go through this strategy, ensure your body language and voice reflect that confidence when you make your announcement.

Don’t slouch, and don’t put your hands in your pockets. Consider how you would break the news to your coworkers or peers if you presented this message to them. You want them to believe what you’re saying and find it fascinating.

The Main Body Of The Presentation

The main body of a presentation is the most critical part, where you deliver the core message and supporting evidence to your audience. Here are some tips on how to present it effectively using visual aids, useful pieces of evidence, and key points:

• Use Clear and concise visual aids: Visual aids like slides, charts, graphs, and powerpoint graphics can help you present your ideas more effectively. Ensure that your visual aids are clear, easy to understand, and relevant to your message.
• Provide supporting evidence: Use credible sources, data, and statistics to support your key points. With this approach, you can build trust and credibility with your audience.
• Highlight key points: Identify the essential points in your presentation and emphasize them using visual aids and other techniques. Use headings, bullet points, and bold text to make key points stand out.
• Use storytelling techniques: People are naturally drawn to stories, and storytelling techniques can help make your presentation more engaging and memorable.
• Practice and rehearse: Make sure you have practiced your presentation thoroughly and are comfortable with the flow and pacing of the content. This will help you to present confidently and smoothly.
• Interact with your audience: Ask questions and encourage feedback. This will help keep them engaged and allow you to clarify any misunderstandings or confusion.

Remember, the goal of the presentation’s main body is to communicate your message and support it with evidence effectively. Using visual aids, helpful evidence, and critical points, you can ensure that your presentation is engaging, effective, and memorable.

Compelling Conclusion

A firm conclusion can leave a lasting impression on your audience and summarize the critical points of your presentation. Here are some tips on how to conclude a presentation effectively:

• Summarize key points: Briefly review the main points of your presentation to reinforce the key messages you delivered.
• End with a call to action: Encourage your audience to take action, such as asking questions, providing feedback, or making a decision.
• Provide a memorable closing statement: Conclude your presentation with a memorable statement that ties together your key points and leaves a lasting impression on your audience.
• End on a high note: Close your presentation positively, leaving your audience feeling energized and motivated.

Remember, the conclusion is a critical part of your presentation and can help to summarize your key points and leave a lasting impression on your audience. By following these tips, you can ensure that your conclusion is compelling and memorable.

Have A Q & A Session

A Q&A (Questions and Answers) section in your presentation can be a great way to encourage audience engagement and address any questions or concerns they may have. To conduct a thriving Q&A section in your presentation, follow these tips:

• Make preparations in advance: Set aside some time for the Q&A and think about the questions people might ask.
• Use Properly : The Q&A section should be timed appropriately. If there are too many questions, prioritize the most important and relevant ones.
• Listen actively: Make sure to listen carefully to each question and provide a clear and concise answer. If you don’t know the answer to a question, admit it and offer to follow up after the presentation.
• Encourage interaction: Ask follow-up questions and allow for discussion. This helps build a sense of community and keep the audience engaged.

If you stick to these rules, the Q&A section of your article will be well-structured, fascinating, and helpful to your readers. You can check out the vast library of questions slides to use in your presentations.

Closing the Presentation

Closing your presentation can be a simple and effective way to wrap up the content you have delivered and make a lasting impression on your audience. Here’s how you can do it:

• Final Thoughts or Reflections: Summarize the main points of your presentation, and give your audience a clear takeaway of what you want them to remember. If appropriate, add a personal touch and share your experiences, thoughts, or reflections on the topic.
• Thank the Audience: Acknowledge the audience for their time and attention. Express gratitude for their participation and interest in your presentation. Thank you for taking the time to listen to my presentation. Your attention and engagement have been greatly appreciated.
• Provide Contact Information: Give your contact information, such as your email address, phone number, or LinkedIn profile, in case the audience has any further questions or wants to get in touch with you. It’s possible to say: “Feel free to contact me at any time if you have any other inquiries or would like to continue discussing this matter. Please contact me at [put your info here].”

By following these steps, you can leave a lasting impression on your audience and build a connection with them that goes beyond the content of your presentation. You can find a collection of creative thank you slides for your presentations.

Knowing how to start with a presentation is important to grab the audience’s attention and set the tone for the rest of the presentation. By following the steps mentioned above, you can grasp how to start with your presentation confidently and engagingly, grabbing your audience’s attention and setting the stage for a successful presentation.

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How to Start a Presentation Effectively When Public Speaking

Feb 15, 2023 | Deliver a Presentation

First impressions matter – you’ve likely heard it said that interviewers decide on a candidate within the first 30 seconds; some take even less time. When public speaking, you’ve got about 60 seconds to capture your audience’s attention, establish the topic, and give them a reason to listen.

Waste those precious opening seconds with “ ums ” and “ uhs “, and you’ll lose your audience’s attention faster than you can say “Thanks for coming.”

Like the headline of an article, considering how to start a presentation is critical. There’s no time for housekeeping and apologies. Nor a need for an endless string of thank-yous.

You need to get to the point – and fast.

How to Start a Presentation

In this article, you’ll learn how to start a presentation effectively, including insider tips for attention-grabbing openers and exactly what’s needed to make your opening memorable.

Why is a presentation’s opening important?

Think of anything you’ve seen lately. What scenes or parts stick out most in your mind? The beginning and the end, right? Indeed, authors spend days agonizing over the opening and final lines. In films, a captivating opening scene sets up the tone and plot of a movie from the get-go. You’re in the moment. You’re gripped.

This phenomenon is due to a psychological trick our brains play. The primacy and recency effects describe how a presentation’s start and end are best remembered. They stick in our minds.

To create a successful presentation, therefore, you need to start with a bang. Nothing less will work as well

How do you do it?

Below, we will go through the opening step-by-step, discussing how to craft the ultimate presentation beginning.

How to start a presentation

Step 1. what’s your hook.

Grab their attention from your opening word. In certain formal situations, you’ll need to thank people for attending. Try to reduce that to the fewest words possible. Even better if you can add your hook to the welcome.

“ Ladies and Gentlemen, honored guests and colleagues, we are delighted you have joined us here today at…. “

Begin with an opening like that, and your audience is already drifting off. We’ve heard it a thousand times before. We know what to expect – rinse and repeat.

Instead, use a hypothetical situation, a surprising stat, or rhetorical question to get them hooked right off the bat. For example, “ Ladies and Gentlemen, do you want live longer, healthier lives? ” or “ Every day 60,000 children die of preventable leukemia. Here’s how you can help .”

This line should encapsulate the point of your speech in a few words. Then, you can start adding meat to the bones once they are interested.

Step 2. Tell a story

Statistics are interesting, informative, incontrovertible… they’re not emotional, however. It’s just too hard to fathom the scale involved. People get lost behind the numbers.

That’s where the story comes in.

After your opening remarks, continuing with a story can provide a framework for building your presentation around. You’re setting the scene.

Perhaps you tell the story of a young boy who battled and survived leukemia. Perhaps you’re explaining how a corporate meltdown led to an innovative management approach. Just make sure the story is captivating and related to your topic. It should be a microcosm for the themes and concepts you want to bring up.

Then, later, when you cite stats or propose solutions, everyone can understand through the prism of the earlier story. It’s like a mannequin upon which you can hang your ideas.

It’s also a jumping-off point into the broader issue. Ask questions like what challenges were faced? How did you solve any problems? What lessons did you learn? Is this experience rare or common? What would you do differently next time?

Step 3. Add a visual aid

Remember the old saying: a picture tells a thousand words. Well, why not show one? Save the graphs and charts for further into the presentation.

If you’re telling a story for an NGO, show a picture of your volunteers helping or the people struggling. Perhaps you could show an image of a problem your product fixes. Or even just a good old visual metaphor to hammer the message home.

There’s also the potential to write and draw as you present on a whiteboard – virtual or analogue. A certain amount of anticipation builds as you watch someone write or draw. What is it? What does it mean? Don’t write everything down. But a single word or a quick diagram can cement your opening points before you move on.

Step 4. Use a video

Of course, you could open with a video. They’re often a quick way to establish a topic and bring everyone up to speed. They’re also more emotional. They capture people, drama, sights and sounds. They can distill many people’s thoughts and feelings into a short, concise 30-second to 2-minute clip.

And it creates a break between the opening and the main bulk of your talk. You can even refer to the video throughout your presentation to create a conceptual thread running through the whole pitch.

To joke or not to joke?

Perhaps one of the most common openers to a presentation. It breaks the ice and loosens everyone up, right?

Sort of. It can work extremely well if a joke lands (and is topical). But, if the joke misses, it can overshadow the later presentation or cause you to stumble before you’ve even begun.

Jokes do serve another purpose, though. They let a nervous speaker ease themselves into the presentation. If you use a joke, try it on multiple people first to ensure it’s funny (and appropriate). But don’t overuse a joke in every presentation. Like a Marvel movie, it can end up ruining a dramatic or impactful opening by breaking the tension.

Start a Presentation with Speech and Voice Enterprises!

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How to Make a “Good” Presentation “Great”

• Guy Kawasaki

Remember: Less is more.

A strong presentation is so much more than information pasted onto a series of slides with fancy backgrounds. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others. Here are some unique elements that make a presentation stand out.

• Fonts: Sans Serif fonts such as Helvetica or Arial are preferred for their clean lines, which make them easy to digest at various sizes and distances. Limit the number of font styles to two: one for headings and another for body text, to avoid visual confusion or distractions.
• Colors: Colors can evoke emotions and highlight critical points, but their overuse can lead to a cluttered and confusing presentation. A limited palette of two to three main colors, complemented by a simple background, can help you draw attention to key elements without overwhelming the audience.
• Pictures: Pictures can communicate complex ideas quickly and memorably but choosing the right images is key. Images or pictures should be big (perhaps 20-25% of the page), bold, and have a clear purpose that complements the slide’s text.
• Layout: Don’t overcrowd your slides with too much information. When in doubt, adhere to the principle of simplicity, and aim for a clean and uncluttered layout with plenty of white space around text and images. Think phrases and bullets, not sentences.

As an intern or early career professional, chances are that you’ll be tasked with making or giving a presentation in the near future. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others.

• Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist at Canva and was the former chief evangelist at Apple. Guy is the author of 16 books including Think Remarkable : 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference.

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How to Start a Presentation? Top 16 Useful Tips

In this blog, discover essential strategies on How to Begin a Presentation. Learn effective techniques to captivate your audience from the start. Master the art of engaging introductions and set the stage for a successful Presentation that leaves a lasting impression. Start your Presentation journey with confidence.

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When it comes to delivering a Presentation, the beginning is arguably the most crucial part. A strong start can capture your audience's attention, set the tone, and establish your credibility. However, it can be daunting to figure- out How to Start a Presentation effectively. In this blog, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of How to Start a Presentation, and help you craft a compelling introduction for your Presentation. So, read ahead to learn more!

Table of Contents 

1) What is an introduction in Presentation?

2) Steps on How to Start a Presentation? 

    a) Understand your audience 

    b) Define your objective 

    c) Introduce yourself confidently 

    d) Craft a powerful opening statement 

    e) Incorporate storytelling techniques 

    f) Utilise visual aids 

    g) Engage the audience with questions 

    h) Use humour wisely 

    i) Showcase data and statistics

   j) Create smooth transitions

3) Common mistakes to avoid in the opening of a Presentation

4) Tips on how to finish your Presentation 

5) Conclusion 

What is an introduction in Presentation?

A Presentation introduction serves as the initial phase of your Presentation, aimed at acquainting your audience with your identity and the topic you will be discussing. It's an opportunity to establish credibility and pique interest.  

Steps on How to Start a Presentation?

Understand your audience  

Before you step up to deliver your Presentation, take the time to understand your audience. Conduct research or surveys to grasp their interests, needs, and prior knowledge related to your topic. By understanding your audience's demographics and preferences, you can tailor your content and approach to resonate with them effectively. 

Identify the main demographics of your audience, such as age, gender, educational background, and professional expertise, as a crucial step to prepare a presentation that resonates effectively. Consider what they might already know about your topic and what information would be new or valuable to them. Understanding their expectations and interests will allow you to create a Presentation that meets their needs and keeps them engaged from the outset. 

Define your objective  

Every successful Presentation must have a clear objective. Ask yourself: What do you want your audience to take away from your talk? Are you aiming to inform, persuade, inspire, or entertain? Defining your objective will serve as a guiding light and help you structure your content coherently. 

Consider the primary message that you want to convey and the specific actions or reactions you hope to elicit from your audience. Once you have a clear goal in mind, you can build your Presentation around it. This way you can also ensure that every point and example aligns with your intended outcome. 

Introduce yourself confidently  

As you step onto the stage or stand before your audience, confidently introduce yourself. Share your name, position, and any relevant qualifications or experience that establish your authority on the topic. A strong introduction not only builds credibility but also creates a sense of trust between you and your audience. 

Keep your introduction brief, but don't shy away from mentioning relevant accomplishments or experiences that directly relate to your Presentation. A confident introduction sets a positive tone and signals to your audience that they are in capable hands. 

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Craft a powerful opening statement  

The opening moments are critical for capturing your audience's attention. Craft a powerful and attention-grabbing opening statement that sparks curiosity and curiosity. You can begin with a compelling question, a surprising statistic, or a thought-provoking quote. 

A robust opening will draw your audience in, letting them hear what comes next. Aim to create an emotional connection or resonate with their interests right from the start, setting the stage for an engaging and impactful Presentation. One must also be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of presentations .

Incorporate storytelling techniques  

Humans are naturally drawn to stories. Weave storytelling techniques into your Presentation to create emotional connections with your audience. Share relevant anecdotes, personal experiences, or case studies that illustrate the points you want to make. 

A well-crafted story can evoke emotions, making your Presentation memorable and relatable. It helps your audience resonate with your content on a deeper level, increasing their receptiveness to your message. 

Utilise visual aids  

Visual aids are powerful tools for enhancing your Presentation's impact and clarity. Use slides, images, charts, or videos to visually illustrate complex concepts, data, or processes. Well-designed visuals complement your spoken words and reinforce key points, making them easier to understand and remember. 

Remember to keep visual aids simple, uncluttered, and relevant to avoid overwhelming or distracting your audience. Visuals should support your narrative and amplify your message, not compete with it. 

Engage the audience with questions  

Engaging your audience is crucial for maintaining their attention and involvement. Incorporate rhetorical or interactive questions to encourage participation and critical thinking. 

Ask thought-provoking questions that prompt your audience to reflect on the topic or relate it to their own experiences. This fosters a sense of involvement, making your Presentation more interactive and memorable. 

Use humour wisely  

Appropriate humour can be used as a powerful tool for connecting with your audience and breaking the ice. Use light-hearted anecdotes or witty remarks that align with your content and maintain a professional tone. 

Humour can help ease tension, make your Presentation more enjoyable, and create a positive atmosphere. However, avoid jokes that could be offensive or distract from your main message. 

Showcase data and statistics  

Supporting your points with data and statistics can strengthen your credibility. Use reliable sources to present relevant facts, figures, or research findings that back up your arguments. 

Data-driven evidence reinforces your expertise on the subject and adds substance to your talk. It also gives your audience a tangible basis for understanding the importance or relevance of your topic. 

Take your Presentations to the next level with our Effective Presentation Skills & Techniques Course – sign up today!  

Practise and rehearse  

Confidence comes from thorough preparation. Rehearse multiple times to familiarise yourself with the flow and content. Practise in front of a mirror or record yourself to identify areas that need improvement. 

Rehearsing helps you refine your delivery, ensure smooth transitions, and become more comfortable with the material. The more you practise, the more confident and natural you will appear during the actual Presentation. 

Address pain points  

Identify the pain points or challenges your audience may be facing related to your topic. Addressing these concerns early on shows empathy and understanding, making your Presentation more relevant and valuable to your listeners. 

Acknowledging their needs and offering solutions or insights builds rapport and trust with your audience. Show them that you understand their struggles and have valuable information to share. 

Create smooth transitions  

Creating smooth transitions is the art of seamlessly linking ideas and concepts, ensuring a logical and coherent flow. Transitions act as bridges between different sections or points, guiding your audience through the journey of your talk with ease. 

To achieve smooth transitions, use transitional words and phrases that indicate shifts in thought or direction. Examples include "now let's move on to," "in addition," "on the other hand," and "finally." Additionally, consider using visual aids or anecdotes to connect ideas smoothly. Slides, images, or short stories can act as visual cues that guide your audience from one topic to another. By carefully crafting transitions, you create a cohesive and engaging Presentation that keeps your listeners attentive and receptive throughout. 

Manage nervousness  

Feeling nervous before a Presentation is natural and can even be beneficial. Embrace the adrenaline as energy to fuel your enthusiasm and passion for your topic. 

Practise relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, to help calm your nerves. Remind yourself that your audience is supportive, and a little nervousness shows that you care about delivering a great Presentation. 

Highlight the benefits  

Emphasise the benefits your audience will gain from listening to you. Address the "What's in it for me?" question by showcasing how your content is relevant and valuable to their lives or work. 

Highlight the practical applications or positive outcomes they can expect from implementing your ideas or recommendations. Demonstrating the value of your Presentation keeps your audience engaged and motivated to act on what they've learned. 

Use a powerful quote

Introducing a powerful quote can add credibility and impact to your Presentation. Select a quote from a respected authority or renowned figure in your field that aligns with your audience and encapsulates the essence of your message. A well-chosen quote can inspire, motivate, or challenge your listeners, prompting them to reflect on the significance of your topic and its relevance to their lives or work.

State a bold statement or challenge

Opening with a bold statement or challenge can pique curiosity and provoke thought among your audience. Make a provocative assertion or pose a compelling question that challenges conventional wisdom or prompts re-evaluation of existing beliefs. By presenting a bold statement or challenge at the outset, you can grab attention and set the stage for a thought-provoking discussion that stimulates critical thinking and exploration of new ideas.

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Pose a problem and offer a solution

Frame your Presentation by highlighting a relevant problem or challenge and then proposing a solution or course of action. Clearly define the problem statement, emphasising its significance and implications.

Then, transition to your proposed solution, outlining its benefits and addressing potential objections. By presenting a clear problem-solving framework, you can demonstrate your expertise and provide actionable insights that resonate with your audience.

Provide a brief outline

Offering a brief outline of your Presentation structure can help orient your audience and set expectations for what's to come. Clearly articulate the main sections or topics you'll cover, along with any key points or themes you'll address within each section. Providing a roadmap upfront allows your audience to follow along more effectively, helping them stay engaged and focused throughout the Presentation.

Begin with a personal connection

Establishing a personal connection with your audience from the outset can foster rapport and trust. Share a brief personal anecdote, relate a relevant experience, or express genuine enthusiasm for your topic. By demonstrating authenticity and relatability, you can create a sense of camaraderie and mutual comprehension that strengthens the bond between you and your audience, enhancing receptiveness to your message.

Common mistakes to avoid in the opening of a Presentation

Now, that you know How to Start a Presentation, let’s check the common mistakes to avoid. In the initial moments of a Presentation, it's crucial to captivate your audience and set the tone for a successful delivery. Avoiding common pitfalls can ensure a strong start and engage your audience from the starting. Let's see what should not be done:

Starting with apologies

Beginning a Presentation with apologies can undermine your credibility and detract from your message. Instead, focus on projecting confidence and enthusiasm, acknowledging any minor hiccups gracefully, if necessary, but swiftly transitioning to the core content.

Reading from slides

Relying too heavily on reading directly from slides can result in a lacklustre Presentation and disengage your audience. Instead, use slides as visual aids to complement your spoken points, providing additional context or highlighting key takeaways to reinforce your message.

Overwhelming with information

Bombarding your audience with excessive information right from the start can overwhelm them and hinder comprehension. Opt for a concise and structured approach, gradually introducing key concepts and building upon them throughout the Presentation to maintain audience engagement and understanding.

Ignoring the audience

Failing to acknowledge or connect with your audience can create a disconnect and diminish their interest in the Presentation. Start by establishing rapport through a warm greeting or a brief introduction, and strive to maintain audience engagement through eye contact, interactive elements, and addressing their interests and concerns.

Lack of clarity

Unclear or ambiguous communication at the beginning of a Presentation can confuse your audience and undermine the effectiveness of your message. Prioritise clarity in your opening remarks, clearly articulating the purpose, objectives, and structure of your Presentation to provide a roadmap for your audience to follow.

Skipping the hook

Refrain from grabbing your audience's attention with a compelling hook or opening statement to avoid a lacklustre start to your Presentation. Begin with a thought-provoking question, a startling statistic, a relevant anecdote, or a captivating visual to pique curiosity and draw your audience into the topic, setting the stage for a memorable and impactful Presentation.

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Tips on how to finish your Presentation  

1) Summarise your key points: Begin your conclusion by summarising the main points you covered. This helps reinforce the key takeaways and ensures that your audience remembers the most important aspects of your talk. 

2) Reiterate your main message: Restate your central message or call to action clearly and concisely. Emphasise why your topic is relevant and why your audience should care about it. 

3) Use a powerful closing statement: End with a memorable closing statement that encapsulates the essence of your talk. This could be a thought-provoking quote, a powerful statistic, or a compelling question that lingers in your audience's mind. 

4) Circle back to the opening: If you started your Presentation with an attention-grabbing anecdote or question, consider revisiting it in your conclusion. Connecting the end to the beginning creates a sense of closure and completeness. 

5) Encourage action: Motivate your audience to take action based on the information you've shared. Whether it's implementing your recommendations, seeking more information, or joining a cause, inspire them to act on what they've learned. 

6) Leave room for questions: Before you conclude, let your audience know that you welcome questions or further discussions. This encourages engagement and shows that you are open to addressing any lingering doubts or curiosities. 

7) Use a strong closing slide: End with a visually appealing and impactful closing slide. Include your main message, contact information, or any relevant call-to-action buttons. 

8) Thank your audience: Express gratitude to your audience for their time and attention. Acknowledge their presence and let them know that you appreciate their interest in your topic. 

9) Stay confident: Maintain a confident and positive demeanour throughout your conclusion. Your body language and tone of voice should reflect your enthusiasm for the topic and your belief in the importance of your message. 

10) Practise your conclusion: Just like the rest of your Presentation, rehearse your conclusion to ensure a smooth and impactful delivery. A well-practised conclusion will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Conclusion  

Crafting an impactful Presentation requires a combination of thoughtful preparation and effective delivery. By understanding your audience, defining your objectives, and incorporating engaging techniques such as storytelling and visual aids, you can Improve Your Presentation Skills and captivate your listeners from the start. Practising and addressing pain points further enhance your credibility and connection with the audience. Hope we provided you with all the information you needed to know about How to Start Presentation! 

Want to master the art of impactful Presentations? Explore our Presentation Skills Courses and elevate your communication prowess!  

Frequently Asked Questions

While memorising can ensure a polished start, focus on understanding and connecting with your audience. Familiarise yourself with key points, allowing flexibility for natural delivery and engagement. Remember, authenticity breeds connection, fostering a genuine rapport with your audience from the outset.

Seamless transitions are pivotal. Use attention-grabbing statements, anecdotes, or questions to bridge the opening to the main content. Maintain coherence, guiding your audience smoothly into the heart of your Presentation. A well-crafted transition sets the stage for an engaging discourse, retaining the audience's attention effectively. 

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Bank of America Reports First-Quarter 2024 Financial Results

April 16, 2024 at 6:45 AM Eastern

CHARLOTTE, NC – Bank of America reported its first-quarter 2024 financial results today. The news release, supplemental filing and investor presentation can be accessed at Bank of America’s Investor Relations website at https://investor.bankofamerica.com/quarterly-earnings .

Investor Conference Call information:

Chief Executive Officer Brian Moynihan and Chief Financial Officer Alastair Borthwick will discuss the financial results in a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET today. For a listen-only connection to the conference call, dial 1.877.200.4456 (U.S.) or 1.785.424.1732 (international), and the conference ID is 79795.  Please dial in 10 minutes prior to the start of the call.

Investors can also listen to live audio of the conference call and view the presentation slides by visiting the Events and Presentations section of the company’s Investor Relations website.

Replay information for Investor Conference Call:

Investors can access replays of the conference call by visiting the Investor Relations website or by calling 1.800.934.4850 (U.S.) or 1.402.220.1178 (international) from noon on April 16 through 11:59 p.m. ET on April 26. 

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,800 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 57 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC).

Investors May Contact:

Lee McEntire, Bank of America Phone:  1.980.388.6780 [email protected]

Jonathan G. Blum, Bank of America (Fixed Income) Phone: 1.212.449.3112 [email protected]

Reporters May Contact:

Bill Halldin, Bank of America Phone: 1.916.724.0093 [email protected]

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Investing in securities involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities.

This material does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situations or needs and is not intended as a recommendation, offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security, financial instrument, or strategy. Before acting on any information in this material, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, if necessary, seek professional advice. Any opinions expressed herein are given in good faith, are subject to change without notice, and are only correct as of the stated date of their issue.

Content contained herein may have been produced by an outside party that is not affiliated with Bank of America or any of its affiliates (Bank of America). Opinions or ideas expressed are not necessarily those of Bank of America nor do they reflect their views or endorsement. These materials are for informational purposes only. Bank of America does not assume liability for any loss or damage resulting from anyone's reliance on the information provided. Certain links may direct you away from Bank of America to an unaffiliated site. Bank of America has not been involved in the preparation of the content supplied at the unaffiliated sites and does not guarantee or assume any responsibility for its content. When you visit these sites, you are agreeing to all of their terms of use, including their privacy and security policies.

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “ MLPF&S ” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“ BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member  SIPC  and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

Trust and fiduciary services are provided by Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC , and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (“ BofA Corp.”). Insurance and annuity products are offered through Merrill Lynch Life Agency Inc. (“ MLLA ”), a licensed insurance agency and wholly-owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

Investment products offered through MLPF&S and insurance and annuity products offered through MLLA :

Bank of America Private Bank is a division of Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation ( BofA Corp.).

"Bank of America" is the marketing name for the global banking and global markets business of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Securities, strategic advisory, and other investment banking activities are performed globally by investment banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation ("Investment Banking Affiliates"), including, in the United States, BofA Securities, Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, both of which are registered broker-dealers and Members of  SIPC , and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. BofA Securities, Inc. is registered as a futures commission merchant with the CFTC and is a member of the NFA.

Company goals are aspirational and not guarantees or promises that all goals will be met. Statistics and metrics included in our ESG documents are estimates and may be based on assumptions or developing standards.

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Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.  Equal Housing Lender © 2024 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

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India’s Lok Sabha election 2024: What you need to know

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Reporting by Krishna N. Das in New Delhi; Graphics by Kripa Jayaram and Anand Katakam; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan

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India Election Live: Modi eyes third term in world's biggest democracy

India began voting in the world's largest election as Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a historic third term in office on the back of growth, welfare, his personal popularity and Hindu nationalism.

Israel launched an attack on Iranian soil on Friday, sources said, in the latest tit-for-tat exchange between the two arch foes, whose decades of shadow war has broken out into the open and threatened to drag the region deeper into conflict.

Airlines quickly changed flight paths over Iran, diverted to alternate airports or returned planes to their departure points on Friday in response to airspace and airport closures after an Israeli attack on Iran, flight tracking data showed.

Michael Keaton Back From the Dead in Zany ‘Beetlejuice 2’ First Look at CinemaCon: ‘It’s Really F—ing Good’

By Brent Lang

Executive Editor

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Michael Keaton was blunt about what audiences can expect when “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” hits screens, more than 36 years after the first film opened.

“It’s really fucking good,” the actor told theater owners at CinemaCon . And based on the zany look at “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” that Keaton and Tim Burton shared, the collaborators have come up with something that could be out of this Netherworld. Burton, Keaton, and Catherine O’Hara, who co-starred in the original, took the stage at Caesars Palace on Tuesday for Warner Bros.’ presentation to theater owners to hype the sequel’s undead delights.

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“The living. The dead. Can they co-exist?” Ryder says in the trailer that Burton and crew shared. “That’s what we’re here to find out.”

The trailer shows Keaton terrorizing a frightened looking townsperson who keeps insisting the ghost in front of him is an illusion. “Do I look like a figment of your imagination?” Keaton goads the man as he flashes him in a demonic manner.

Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci and Willem Dafoe are joining the haunted house huddle for this go round. They were in Vegas, though Ryder and Ortega were not able to hit Sin City because of their production schedules.

“This cast is so good,” Keaton said. “Everyone is so friggin’ funny.”

“Over the years we would kind of kick the notion of it around,” Keaton said. When they joined forces the filmmakers tried to have everything “done as close to the way we made it the first time.” That meant dazzling, meticulously detailed, slightly macabre sets and makeup and props. “It’s like a weird big home movie for me,” Burton said in a BTS video that Warner Bros. showed before the director appeared.

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” opens on Sept. 6. Filming on the sequel was briefly suspended during the 2023 actors strike, with production resuming in November after SAG-AFTRA reached a deal for a new contract.

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Goldman Sachs Reports 2024 First Quarter Earnings Per Common Share of $11.58 and Annualized Return on Common Equity of 14.8%

NEW YORK, April 15, 2024 – The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS) today reported net revenues of $14.21 billion and net earnings of $4.13 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. Diluted earnings per common share (EPS) was $11.58 and annualized return on average common shareholders’ equity (ROE) was 14.8% for the first quarter of 2024.  

Please view printable versions of the First Quarter 2024 Earnings Results [PDF] and the First Quarter 2024 Earnings Results Presentation [PDF]. 

David Solomon, Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, said, “Our first quarter results reflect the strength of our world-class and interconnected franchises and the earnings power of Goldman Sachs. We continue to execute on our strategy, focusing on our core strengths to serve our clients and deliver for our shareholders.” 

A conference call to discuss the firm’s financial results, outlook and related matters will be held at 9:30 am (ET) on the date noted above. The call will be open to the public. 

Members of the public who would like to listen to the conference call should dial +1-800-289-0459 (in the U.S.) and +1-323-794-2095 (outside the U.S.) passcode number 7042022. The number should be dialed at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the conference call. The conference call will also be accessible as an audio webcast through the Investor Relations section of the website, www.goldmansachs.com/investor-relations . There is no charge to access the call. For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available on our website beginning approximately three hours after the event.

Please direct any questions regarding obtaining access to the conference call to Goldman Sachs Investor Relations, via e-mail, at  [email protected] .

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