The 5 best ways to start a presentation and command a room without looking awkward

0 0 Monday, December 9, 2019 Edit this post

presentation speech

Some studies say you've only got 15 seconds to grab an audience's attention, while others say it's closer to a minute.
Either way, the clock is ticking.
Here's how to make the best first impression possible on your audience.
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When you're giving a presentation, you might think you take center stage. Your focus should actually be less on yourself and more on your audience — because you have less than a minute to capture their attention.

Some studies put the number at eight seconds. That (less than) minute window of time where you make a first impression either invites people into your presentation or shuts them out.

The potential payout from preparing great presentations is massive: A hot Silicon Valley startup raised $66 million in five days with an effective presentation. Internally, as an employee, you could use effective presentation techniques to get your message across at a weekly meeting or propose something new to company execs. No matter where you are, you benefit from being a great presenter.

If you use engaging tactics from the get-go, your audience is more likely to want to follow you for the rest of your talk. And don't worry: Even "awkward" people can give stellar presentations.

To help you keep your audience alert and interested, the experts at Big Fish Presentations in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, have prepared a presentation on the five best ways to start your next talk.

We've published the slides here with Big Fish's permission.