3 Terrible Ways To Open A Speech Or Presentation

You’ve got 5 seconds…maybe 6. You need to grab their attention immediately and then hold it for some time after that. Public speaking or giving presentations at work can be some of the most terrifying moments you may ever experience. It’s weird because you’re not in any physical danger, yet your heart pounds like it’s actively attempting to escape from your chest.

This doesn’t happen at this level for everyone. Some will look very comfortable and at ease. According to Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain,

“There are two types of speakers: those that are nervous and those that are liars.”

If you are like me and have experienced speaking or presenting more than once, the feeling usually doesn’t stay the entire time. It’s those moments before and the first few seconds in. This is the critical time of judgment. This is when your audience decides if they are interested or not. If you lose them in the beginning, can you get them back? Sure you can, but it’s like pumping water with the old cisterns…hard work.

You want an opening which creates an image, thought or excitement. You want your audience to immediately think,

“I am so glad I’m here.”