“I’ve got a story for you,” the client said, chuckling nervously as they leaned into the camera. “Last time I kicked off a presentation, I decided to go for humor. You know, a lighthearted approach to break the ice. I said, ‘I hope you all had a better morning than I did – I tried to make coffee, but ended up setting off the fire alarm.’ Everyone stared at me blankly. Not a single laugh. Dead silence. I wanted to crawl under the table.”
Our Creative Director couldn’t help but smile. “Sounds like an awkward moment,” they said sympathetically. “But honestly, it happens to the best of us. A joke can land really flat if it’s not the right fit for the audience or the context. It’s important to test the waters before diving into humor.”
The client sighed, a little embarrassed but now more curious. “So, how do you start a presentation without embarrassing yourself? Is humor off the table?”
“Not at all,” replied our Creative Director. “Humor can be great—when it’s done right. But there are plenty of other ways to open a presentation that immediately engages your audience and sets the right tone. In fact, the opening is arguably the most important part of any presentation, because it’s what determines whether your audience will tune in or zone out.”
As a presentation design agency, every piece of advice we offer comes from real client conversations like this one. Over the years, we’ve learned that the opening of your presentation can either make or break the entire experience. In this blog, we’re going to walk you through the best ways to start your presentation—without the awkward moments, without the missteps, and with your audience fully engaged from the start.
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First Impressions Matter: Why You Can’t Skip the Intro
Let’s address a common misconception: many people think the introduction to their presentation doesn’t matter. They believe that if they just get straight to the point, their audience will appreciate it. But here’s the truth: if you skip the intro, you’re skipping the opportunity to make a lasting impact.
When you start a presentation cold, without any context or hook, you’re leaving your audience with no reason to care. They’re not yet invested, and if you don’t reel them in right away, they’ll start tuning out. You might think that jumping straight into data or facts is efficient, but it’s actually a huge missed opportunity.
Your opening needs to accomplish more than just getting attention. It needs to set the tone, connect with your audience, and give them a reason to stick around. The opening is like a handshake—it’s the first moment of connection. A firm handshake makes a good first impression, but a limp one might leave your audience doubting the rest of your presentation.
How to Start Your Presentation
Below, we have outlined a handful of ideas that will help you start your presentation like a pro. So, let’s dive into some proven strategies that will elevate your presentation game.
1. Provoke a thought from the Get-Go
When you make your listeners think critically, you empower them to take an active role in the conversation and connect with you on a deeper level. By sparking their curiosity and encouraging them to explore new ideas, you can create an unforgettable experience that keeps your audience engaged from start to finish. So, the next time you give a presentation, consider how you can use thought-provoking techniques to make your message truly memorable.
For example, let’s look at a TED Talk by author and speaker Simon Sinek. In his presentation titled “How great leaders inspire action,” Sinek starts by asking the audience a simple but thought-provoking question:
“Why are some people and organizations more innovative, more influential, and more profitable than others?” He then goes on to explain how great leaders think and communicate differently, providing examples from successful companies like Apple and Southwest Airlines. By starting with this question, Sinek immediately engages his audience and sets the tone for a presentation that challenges traditional ways of thinking about leadership and success.
You can check out the video here: Simon Sinek’s Ted Talk
2. Use the power of storytelling
Stories & anecdotes have the power to transport us to a different world, evoke emotions and connect us with people we have never met. This is why storytelling is a remarkable tool for starting a presentation. It has the ability to hook your audience and captivate them, making them eager to hear more.
For example, Steve Jobs used storytelling to start a presentation during the launch of the first iPhone in 2007. He began by saying, “Every once in a while, a revolutionary product comes along that changes everything.” He then proceeded to tell a story about how the iPhone was developed and what it could do.
By using storytelling, Steve Jobs was able to create an emotional connection with his audience and make them feel excited about the product he was about to unveil.
3. Show vulnerability
When you show your human side and share a personal story to start a presentation, you demonstrate that you are relatable and authentic. This builds a deeper connection with your audience and makes them more receptive to your message.
For example, Brené Brown is a renowned speaker who often starts her presentations with personal stories that illustrate her vulnerabilities. She speaks openly about her struggles with shame and perfectionism, and by doing so, she creates a space where her audience feels safe to do the same. This sets the tone for an honest and authentic conversation, which can lead to deeper learning and growth.
4. Be bold & challenge/contradict their beliefs
Starting a presentation by challenging your audience’s beliefs is a bold move, but it can be incredibly effective. By introducing a controversial idea or questioning commonly held beliefs, you immediately grab attention and engage the audience. When you challenge your audience’s beliefs, you encourage them to consider new perspectives, which can lead to a more engaging and memorable presentation.
For example, this approach was delivered by Malcolm Gladwell in his TED Talk titled “The Unheard Story of David and Goliath.” Gladwell challenges the traditional interpretation of the story of David and Goliath and argues that David was actually the favored contender in the battle. By presenting this controversial perspective, Gladwell not only captured his audience’s attention but also encouraged them to reconsider their assumptions about the story. This approach ultimately led to a more engaging and memorable presentation.
Here’s a link to that video if you’d like to watch it: The unheard story of David & Goliath
5. Visuals to the rescue
Opening your presentation using images, videos, or even memes adds an element of entertainment to your presentation and makes it more memorable.
For example, in one of his TED Talks, Sir Ken Robinson used a series of humorous cartoons to illustrate his points and engage the audience. The visuals helped to break up the talk and added a lighthearted tone, which kept the audience engaged and entertained. So, whether it’s a funny meme, a powerful image, or a video, incorporating visuals into your presentation is a great way to kick things off on the right foot.
Get help from our team
If the task of crafting your presentation narrative seems daunting, don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Our consultants are here to assist you in putting together a compelling story and designing your slides, ensuring that you make a lasting impact on your audience. So, why not seek professional help and make your presentation stand out from the crowd?
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