how to start presentation effectively

This opening statement is powerful because rather than lead with his “credentials” or “accolades,” as the audience most likely expects, he defies that expectation.

He creates a sense of intrigue that instantly piques the audience's curiosity and compels them to pay closer attention.

Infuse humor.

In Tom Thum's TedTalk titled Beatbox Brilliance , he sets a lighthearted tone by stepping on stage wearing oversized sunglasses and declaring, “My name is Tom, and I've come here today to come clean about what I do for money.”

As you might expect, this humorous approach not only elicits laughter but also surprises the audience, who are intrigued and pleasantly surprised at the tone he sets for the presentation.

Ask a question.

Graham Shaw's presentation titled “ Why people believe they can’t draw - and how to prove they can ” begins with, “Hi, I've got a question for you - how many people here would say they can draw?”

Seeing as this is a relatively lighthearted question that’s simple to answer, the audience responds immediately.

Now, what makes this a powerful opening technique is that Graham then goes on to say:

“When people say they can’t draw, I think it's more to do with beliefs rather than talent and ability. When you say you can’t draw, that’s just an illusion, and today I’d like to prove that to you.”

By immediately challenging a widely held belief among the audience and promising to debunk it during the presentation, he employs a powerful technique that keeps the audience fully engaged.

This approach makes the audience feel “invested” in the outcome of the presentation and curious as to whether he can back up his claim.

2. Tell your audience why they should be listening to you.

Getting your audience’s attention is just one part of the equation. Once you have it, you must also explain why they should “keep” listening to you. Here are some ways to do this:

Highlight relevant personal experience.

In Phil Waknell’s opening section, he talks about how he’s spent the last ten years helping conference speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs prepare and deliver powerful presentations .

This immediately signals to the audience that he’s someone worth listening to and positions him as a credible source of insights based on the wealth of experience he has gathered.

Highlight your expertise.

During the opening section of Dr. Lara Boyd’s presentation titled “ After watching this, your brain will not be the same ,” she says, “I’m Dr. Lara Boyd, and I’m a brain researcher here at the University of British Columbia.”

Sharing her credentials as a brain researcher is crucial to gaining her audience's trust — especially considering the technicality of her topic.

But even while creating presentations outside fields like brain research, sharing qualifications and credentials in your opening section can be a powerful technique.

This helps you position yourself as a credible authority and reinforcing your audience's confidence in your ability to deliver valuable information.

Tell your audience what’s in it for them.

In Mel Robbins’ opening section for her presentation titled “ How to stop screwing yourself over ,” she ends her introduction by saying:

“I’m here for you. I’m going to tell you everything I know in less than 18 minutes about how to get what you want.”

Although she started the section by highlighting her experiences and expertise, she went further by explicitly stating the benefits her audience can expect from her presentation.

Doing this is a great way to create a compelling reason for your audience to invest their time and attention and emphasize the value of the presentation you’re about to deliver.

3. Introduce your topic.

If your topic is relatively simple to grasp or your audience is particularly knowledgeable, introducing your topic can be as easy as “Today, I’m going to be talking to you about how we’ve built a six-figure software company in 6 months.”

However, if your topic is more complex or unfamiliar to the audience, you must do a bit more heavy lifting in your opening section.

For example, Sam Bern’s “ My philosophy for a happy life ” presentation discusses how he lives a happy life despite having Progeria disease.

However, because this condition might be unfamiliar to some audience members, he takes some time in his opening section to talk about the illness before delving into the meat of his presentation.

Similarly, if you’re presenting on a complex topic or to an audience that isn’t knowledgeable, it’s essential to consider this when crafting your opening section.

4. Leverage storytelling.

Stories can create immersive experiences that captivate the audience and convey a core message.

For example, in the opening section of Sam Bern's presentation, he tells a story about his struggles while trying to achieve his goal of becoming a drummer in his school marching band, despite living with Progeria disease.

This sets the tone for his entire presentation by conveying an inspiring message of fighting against and succeeding despite the odds.

Another great example is the opening section of Josh Kaufman’s presentation, titled “ The First 20 Hours — how to learn anything ,” where he tells a story about his experience as a time-strapped first-time parent.

This story enhances the presentation as Josh eventually shares that this experience triggered his interest in studying how to become an efficient learner.

Finally, Amy Morins’s presentation “ The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong ” is another excellent example of leveraging storytelling.

Amy starts her presentation with a thought-provoking story about observing a Facebook friend's seemingly perfect life.

She then highlights how such comparisons can lead to negative thought patterns and emphasizes the importance of cultivating mental resilience.

This relatable story not only resonates with her audience but also sets the stage for her message on building inner strength.

All these presentations are great examples that highlight how incorporating story-telling in your openings can be a powerful tool for creating memorable and impactful presentations.

Your presentation slides play a crucial role in determining the impact and effectiveness of your presentation.

In this section, you’ll find examples of 8 powerful opening slides across various use cases that not just support but enhance the presentation openings:

1. “ Blackboard is Getting an Upgrade ”

Although these are very different methods of injecting humor at the start of a presentation, they show how infusing humor can be a powerful tool for adding a touch of personality and creating a more enjoyable presentation for the audience.

4. Keep it short and sweet.

While it's important not to rush through the start of your presentation, keeping your opening concise is equally important. But remember, concise does not mean sacrificing substance; it simply means delivering information efficiently.

Essentially, you want an opening section that allows you to create a solid initial impression without losing the audience's interest.

So, how long should this opening secretion be?

Most successful presentation openings are under three minutes, and many are shorter, often clocking in at under one minute.

5. Embrace authenticity.

Contrary to popular belief, there isn't a specific personality that makes someone a better presenter. In fact, the most impactful presentations have been delivered by individuals with diverse characters.

Take, for instance, the contrasting styles of Tom Thum’s irreverent humor and animated mannerisms and Sam Bern, who adopts a relaxed and conversational approach. Despite their differences, both speakers have garnered millions of views for their talks.

So, rather than emulating or mimicking their presentations, the key takeaway is to embrace authenticity.

Allow your personality to shine through, lean on your strengths, and be human in your delivery.

Mastering the Art of Captivating Presentations

Starting a presentation is a skill that is as much an art as it is a science. Thankfully, it is also a skill that can be learned and honed.

By implementing the strategies in this guide and refining them through experience, you’ll become a master at delivering impactful presentations that command attention and leave a lasting impression.

All from the moment you step onto the stage.

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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 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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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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How to start a presentation: 5 effective ways

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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 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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2 years ago

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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?

• Digital Marketing Trends 2022: How To Win An Audience and Keep It
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How to give a good presentation that captivates any audience

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What are the main difficulties when giving presentations?

How to create an effective presentation, after that, how do i give a memorable presentation, how to connect with the audience when presenting.

If you’ve ever heard someone give a powerful presentation, you probably remember how it made you feel. Much like a composer, a good speaker knows precisely when each note should strike to captivate their audience’s attention and leave them with a lasting impression.

No one becomes a great public speaker or presenter without practice. And almost everyone can recall a time one of their presentations went badly — that’s a painful part of the learning process.

Whether you’re working within a small creative team or a large organization, public speaking and presentation skills are vital to communicating your ideas. Knowing how to present your vision can help you pitch concepts to clients, present ideas to your team, and develop the confidence to participate in team meetings.

If you have an upcoming presentation on the horizon and feel nervous, that’s normal. Around 15-30% of the general population experience a fear of public speaking . And, unfortunately, social anxiety is on the rise, with a 12% increase in adults over the last 20 years . 

Learning how to give a good presentation can dismantle your fears and break down these barriers, ensuring you’re ready to confidently share your point of view. 

It’s the week before your presentation, and you’re already feeling nervous . Maybe there’ll be an important mentor in the room you need to impress, or you’re looking for an opportunity to show your boss your value. Regardless of your countless past presentations, you still feel nervous. 

Sharing your vision and ideas with any sized group is intimidating. You’re likely worrying about how you’ll perform as a presenter and whether the audience will be interested in what you offer. But nerves aren’t inherently negative — you can actually use this feeling to fuel your preparation.

It’s helpful to identify where your worries are coming from and address your fears. Here are some common concerns when preparing for an upcoming presentation:

Fear of public speaking: When you share your ideas in front of a group, you’re placing yourself in a vulnerable position to be critiqued on your knowledge and communication skills . Maybe you feel confident in your content, but when you think about standing in front of an audience, you feel anxious and your mind goes blank.

It’s also not uncommon to have physical symptoms when presenting . Some people experience nausea and dizziness as the brain releases adrenaline to cope with the potentially stressful situation . Remember to take deep breaths to recenter yourself and be patient, even if you make a mistake.

Losing the audience’s attention: As a presenter, your main focus is to keep your audience engaged. They should feel like they’re learning valuable information or following a story that will improve them in life or business.

Highlight the most exciting pieces of knowledge and ensure you emphasize those points in your presentation. If you feel passionate about your content, it’s more likely that your audience will experience this excitement for themselves and become invested in what you have to say.

Not knowing what content to place on presentation slides: Overloading presentation slides is a fast way to lose your audience’s attention. Your slides should contain only the main talking points and limited text to ensure your audience focuses on what you have to say rather than becoming distracted by the content on your slides.

Discomfort incorporating nonverbal communication: It’s natural to feel stiff and frozen when you’re nervous. But maintaining effective body language helps your audience stay focused on you as you speak and encourages you to relax.

If you struggle to incorporate body language into your presentations, try starting small by making hand gestures toward your slides. If you’re working with a large audience, use different parts of the stage to ensure everyone feels included. 

Each presenter has their own personal brand and style. Some may use humor to break the ice, while others might appeal to the audience’s emotional side through inspiring storytelling. 

Watching online presentations, such as TED talks, is an excellent way to expose yourself to various presentation styles and develop your own. While observing others, you can note how they carry themselves on stage and learn new ways to keep your audience engaged.

Once you’ve addressed what’s causing your fears, it’s time to prepare for a great presentation. Use your past experience as inspiration and aim to outshine your former self by learning from your mistakes and employing new techniques. Here are five presentation tips to help you create a strong presentation and wow your audience:

1. Keep it simple

Simple means something different to everyone.

Before creating your presentation, take note of your intended audience and their knowledge level of your subject. You’ll want your content to be easy for your intended audience to follow.

Say you’re giving a presentation on improving your company’s operational structure. Entry-level workers will likely need a more straightforward overview of the content than C-suite leaders, who have significantly more experience. 

Ask yourself what you want your audience to take away from your presentation and emphasize those important points. Doing this ensures they remember the most vital information rather than less important supporting ideas. Try organizing these concepts into bullet points so viewers can quickly identify critical takeaways.

2. Create a compelling structure

Put yourself in your audience member’s shoes and determine the most compelling way to organize your information. Your presentation should be articulate , cohesive, and logical, and you must be sure to include all necessary supporting evidence to strengthen your main points.

If you give away all of your answers too quickly, your audience could lose interest. And if there isn’t enough supporting information, they could hit a roadblock of confusion. Try developing a compelling story that leads your audience through your thought processes so they can experience the ups and downs alongside you. 

By structuring your presentation to lead up to a final conclusion, you’re more likely to keep listeners’ attention. Once you’ve reached that conclusion, you can offer a Q&A period to put any of their questions or concerns to rest. 

3. Use visual aids

Appealing to various learning styles is a great way to keep everyone on the same page and ensure they absorb your content. Visual aids are necessary for visual learners and make it easier for people to picture your ideas.

Aim to incorporate a mixture of photos, videos, and props to engage your audience and convey your key points. For instance, if you’re giving a presentation on anthropology subject matter, you could show your audience an artifact to help them understand how exciting a discovery must have been. 

If your presentation is long, including a video for your audience to watch is an excellent way to give yourself a break and create new jumping-off points for your speech.

4. Be aware of design techniques and trends

Thanks to cutting-edge technology and tools, you have numerous platforms at your disposal to create a good presentation. But keep in mind that although color, images, and graphics liven things up, they can cause distraction when misused.

  Here are a few standard pointers for incorporating visuals on your slides: 

• Don’t place blocks of small text on a single slide
• Use a minimalistic background instead of a busy one
• Ensure text stands out against the background color
• Only use high-resolution photos
• Maintain a consistent font style and size throughout the presentation
• Don’t overuse transitions and effects

5. Try the 10-20-30 rule

Guy Kawasaki, a prominent venture capitalist and one of the original marketing specialists for Apple, said that the best slideshow presentations are less than 10 slides , last at most 20 minutes, and use a font size of 30. Following this strategy can help you condense your information, eliminate unnecessary ideas, and maintain your audience’s focus more efficiently.

Once you’re confident in creating a memorable presentation, it’s time to learn how to give one. Here are some valuable tips for keeping your audience invested during your talk: 

Tip #1: Tell stories

Sharing an anecdote from your life can improve your credibility and increase your relatability. And when an audience relates to you, they’re more likely to feel connected to who you are as a person and encouraged to give you their full attention, as they would want others to do the same.

Gill Hicks utilized this strategy well when she shared her powerful story, “ I survived a terrorist attack. Here’s what I learned .” In her harrowing tale, Hicks highlights the importance of compassion, unconditional love, and helping those in need.

If you feel uncomfortable sharing personal stories, that’s okay. You can use examples from famous individuals or create a fictional account to demonstrate your ideas.

Tip #2: Make eye contact with the audience

Maintaining eye contact is less intimidating than it sounds. In fact, you don’t have to look your audience members directly in their eyes — you can focus on their foreheads or noses if that’s easier.

Try making eye contact with as many people as possible for 3–5 seconds each. This timing ensures you don’t look away too quickly, making the audience member feel unimportant, or linger too long, making them feel uncomfortable.

If you’re presenting to a large group, direct your focus to each part of the room to ensure no section of the audience feels ignored. 

Tip #3: Work on your stage presence

Although your tone and words are the most impactful part of your presentation, recall that body language keeps your audience engaged. Use these tips to master a professional stage presence:

• Speak with open arms and avoid crossing them
• Keep a reasonable pace and try not to stand still
• Use hand gestures to highlight important information

Tip #4: Start strong

Like watching a movie trailer, the first seconds of your talk are critical for capturing your audience’s attention. How you start your speech sets the tone for the rest of your presentation and tells your audience whether or not they should pay attention. Here are some ways to start your presentation to leave a lasting impression:

• Use a quote from a well-known and likable influential person 
• Ask a rhetorical question to create intrigue
• Start with an anecdote to add context to your talk 
• Spark your audience’s curiosity by involving them in an interactive problem-solving puzzle or riddle

Tip #5: Show your passion

Don’t be afraid of being too enthusiastic. Everyone appreciates a speaker who’s genuinely excited about their field of expertise. 

In “ Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance ,” Angela Lee Duckworth discusses the importance of passion in research and delivery. She delivers her presentation excitedly to show the audience how excitement piques interest. 

Tip #6: Plan your delivery

How you decide to deliver your speech will shape your presentation. Will you be preparing a PowerPoint presentation and using a teleprompter? Or are you working within the constraints of the digital world and presenting over Zoom?

The best presentations are conducted by speakers who know their stuff and memorize their content. However, if you find this challenging, try creating notes to use as a safety net in case you lose track.

If you’re presenting online, you can keep notes beside your computer for each slide, highlighting your key points. This ensures you include all the necessary information and follow a logical order.

Tip #7: Practice

Practice doesn’t make perfect — it makes progress. There’s no way of preparing for unforeseen circumstances, but thorough practice means you’ve done everything you can to succeed.

Rehearse your speech in front of a mirror or to a trusted friend or family member. Take any feedback and use it as an opportunity to fine-tune your speech. But remember: who you practice your presentation in front of may differ from your intended audience. Consider their opinions through the lens of them occupying this different position.

Tip #8: Read the room

Whether you’re a keynote speaker at an event or presenting to a small group of clients, knowing how to read the room is vital for keeping your audience happy. Stay flexible and be willing to move on from topics quickly if your listeners are uninterested or displeased with a particular part of your speech.

Tip #9: Breathe

Try taking deep breaths before your presentation to calm your nerves. If you feel rushed, you’re more likely to feel nervous and stumble on your words.

The most important thing to consider when presenting is your audience’s feelings. When you approach your next presentation calmly, you’ll put your audience at ease and encourage them to feel comfortable in your presence.

Tip #10: Provide a call-to-action

When you end your presentation, your audience should feel compelled to take a specific action, whether that’s changing their habits or contacting you for your services.

If you’re presenting to clients, create a handout with key points and contact information so they can get in touch. You should provide your LinkedIn information, email address, and phone number so they have a variety of ways to reach you. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all template for an effective presentation, as your unique audience and subject matter play a role in shaping your speech. As a general rule, though, you should aim to connect with your audience through passion and excitement. Use strong eye contact and body language. Capture their interest through storytelling and their trust through relatability.

Learning how to give a good presentation can feel overwhelming — but remember, practice makes progress. Rehearse your presentation for someone you trust, collect their feedback , and revise. Practicing your presentation skills is helpful for any job, and every challenge is a chance to grow.

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

6 presentation skills and how to improve them

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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: 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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What It Takes to Give a Great Presentation

• Carmine Gallo

Five tips to set yourself apart.

Never underestimate the power of great communication. It can help you land the job of your dreams, attract investors to back your idea, or elevate your stature within your organization. But while there are plenty of good speakers in the world, you can set yourself apart out by being the person who can deliver something great over and over. Here are a few tips for business professionals who want to move from being good speakers to great ones: be concise (the fewer words, the better); never use bullet points (photos and images paired together are more memorable); don’t underestimate the power of your voice (raise and lower it for emphasis); give your audience something extra (unexpected moments will grab their attention); rehearse (the best speakers are the best because they practice — a lot).

I was sitting across the table from a Silicon Valley CEO who had pioneered a technology that touches many of our lives — the flash memory that stores data on smartphones, digital cameras, and computers. He was a frequent guest on CNBC and had been delivering business presentations for at least 20 years before we met. And yet, the CEO wanted to sharpen his public speaking skills.

• Carmine Gallo is a Harvard University instructor, keynote speaker, and author of 10 books translated into 40 languages. Gallo is the author of The Bezos Blueprint: Communication Secrets of the World’s Greatest Salesman  (St. Martin’s Press).

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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.

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How to start a presentation: 8 Ways for a captivating presentation start

Discover techniques on how to start a presentation effectively, ensuring an engaged audience and a memorable presentation delivery.

Supriya Sarkar

Delivering presentations

The opening statement of a presentation holds immense ground in making your presentation a success. It's like the beginning of a story that sets the tone for everything. Experts stress the need to make a good start because it helps you connect with the audience and captures their attention forming the foundation for a successful presentation. A great commencement also serves as a powerful tool in creating a first impression, establishing your credibility, and setting up the right tone.

A strong start to a presentation has the potential to secure investments, drive product sales, and position the presenter as an authoritative figure. In this article, we will learn some powerful techniques designed to elevate the start of your presentation. These strategies not only facilitate a strong connection with your audience but also empower you to capture and retain their attention, building an environment conducive to winning them with your message.

How to set the tone for an engaging start?

Know your audience :.

Even a compelling PowerPoint presentation will stand ineffective if it is not tailored to the audience it is meant for. Understanding your audience is vital for a compelling start. Dive deep into their preferences and interests to craft an opening line that resonates with them, ensuring sustained engagement.

Captivating opening slide :

Visuals leave a lasting impact. Ensure your first slide is captivating by incorporating vivid images that connect with your topic, sparking your audience's imagination right from the start.

Establishing the purpose :

Clearly define the purpose of your presentation. This not only grabs your audience's attention but also sets expectations, making them eager to explore what you have to offer.

Craft an impactful opening line :

Your opening line is your first impression. Craft it carefully to intrigue your audience, making them eager to delve deeper into your presentation. Whether it's a thought-provoking question or a compelling statement, aim for impact.

Introduce yourself naturally and confidently:

As you introduce yourself, do it in a way that feels natural and relevant to the context. Share key aspects that connect with your presentation's theme, helping to build a genuine connection with your audience. Finally, present with confidence. When you speak confidently, you are clearer and appear authoritative. Best presenters ensure that they exhibit confidence using positive body language and eye contact throughout the presentation.

By combining these elements seamlessly, you can establish a strong and engaging start to your presentation, capturing your audience's interest and setting the stage for a memorable delivery.

Effective techniques for an engaging presentation opening

Initiating your presentation in the right manner is crucial for a successful and impactful delivery. Learn how to start any presentation with confidence using these eight powerful techniques. This guide on how to start a presentation effectively will set the tone for the rest of your presentation, ensuring a strong and engaging opening.

1. Compelling story: One of the best way to start a presentation

You can initiate a presentation by sharing a compelling story. Stories not only engage your audience from the start but also set the stage for a successful presentation. A relatable story will connect the audience to the topic of the presentation as well as keep them attentive in anticipation of the climax.

2. Engaging your audience with humor

Incorporating humor at the beginning of a presentation is a powerful tactic to establish a positive and engaging environment. Leveraging humor effectively not only sets a light-hearted tone but also ensures a memorable and impactful start to your presentation. Here are three examples of how to add humor when starting a presentation:

• Relevant comic anecdote : Share a short, amusing story that's relevant to your presentation topic. For instance, if you're presenting on technological advancements, you could joke about your first encounter with a computer or a humorous tech mishap you experienced.
• Witty observations : Open with a witty observation or remark about the venue, event, or common experiences shared by your audience. This can be a playful comment about the early morning start time of the presentation or a light-hearted remark about the coffee served at the conference.
• Humorous visuals : Begin with a humorous image or cartoon that ties into your presentation theme. For example, if your topic is about workplace efficiency, you might show a cartoon of an overly complicated coffee machine in an office setting, humorously highlighting complexity in everyday tasks.

These approaches ensure that your presentation starts on a high note, engaging your audience from the outset and making your presentation more memorable

3. Utilize visual aids for a creative presentation:

To start a presentation speech creatively, make your opening visually engaging. A well-designed presentation is like beautiful handwriting which is bound to get the attention and force a person to concentrate on what is in front of them. You can use smart presentation software features like Slide-builder to enhance your presentation slides with templates that align with your brand guidelines. Utilize visual aids to capture attention and ensure an effective and appealing presentation throughout.

4. Demonstrate with live examples for an impactful start:

You can open a presentation with an impactful start by demonstrating with live examples. This technique, as seen in successful sales presentations, ensures that your audience is captivated from the start to the end. Steve Jobs's product launches are great examples of how to demonstrate with live examples. He was a master at captivating the audience's attention and kept them on their toes throughout his presentations.

5. Involve the audience from the start:

Guide on how to start a presentation effectively often emphasizes audience involvement. Ask the audience questions, take a poll, or make the audience involved in activities to ensure a strong and effective presentation opening. Active audience participation will help you get their attention, create a positive environment, and also help you connect with them at a deeper level.

6. Share impactful data and facts:

You can start your presentation by sharing impactful data and facts. This not only captures attention but also contributes to the impact of your presentation. Open your presentation with relevant statistics or a mesmerizing fact that creates an impact for you.

7. Incorporate a relevant quotation for a great start:

Another good introduction idea is to incorporate a relevant and inspiring quotation. This sets the tone for the entire presentation and ensures an effective and impactful start.

8. Begin with a captivating phrase:

A dramatic start can also equivalently help you grab the attention of your audience. Opening a presentation with a captivating phrase, such as "Imagine..." or "I have a confession to make...," is a strong and effective way to start and end any presentation. Such opening lines will change the air or the room and fill it with expectations and excitement.

Mastering these techniques will contribute to a strong presentation opening, setting the stage for an effective and impactful presentation. Having said that you should maintain your authenticity throughout your presentation. You can use any one or a mix of the given presentation tips to come up with a style that makes your presentation unique and makes you comfortable. A memorable presentation isn't just about having nice slides or speaking well at the beginning or end of a presentation. It's about finding the right balance of everything—good visuals, meaningful content, and engaging delivery. When these elements come together, it creates an experience that stays with the audience, making your presentation truly memorable.

You can further refine your presenting skills and create a lasting impression every time you face an audience by learning more about public speaking. Check out the detailed guide on best practices for public speaking .

Useful FAQs that can help you start a presentation effectively

1. What is the significance of the presentation introduction?

The presentation introduction plays a crucial role in capturing the audience's attention and setting the tone for the entire talk. It's like the beginning of a story that forms the foundation for a successful presentation.

2. What is an example of a great way to start a presentation?

A great way to start a presentation is by sharing a compelling story or asking the audience a thought-provoking question. This helps engage people right from the beginning.

3. How can I capture the audience's attention and set the tone at the start of my presentation?

To capture the audience's attention and set the tone at the beginning of your presentation, you can use techniques like sharing impactful data, incorporating a relevant quotation, or using a captivating phrase.

4. Is humor an effective way to begin a presentation?

Yes, humor can be a powerful tool to begin a presentation. You can use witty observations, relevant comic anecdotes, or humorous visuals to engage your audience right from the start.

5. Why is it important to involve the audience at the start of a presentation?

Involving the audience at the start of a presentation is important because it creates a positive environment, helps you connect with them at a deeper level, and signals to the audience that their participation matters in your talk. It's a great way to break the ice and make the presentation more interactive.

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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.

Are You In Need Of Some Captivating Visuals That Tell A Story? Let's Talk.

Are you ready to create captivating visuals and slide decks that will leave a strong impression on your audience members? Are you looking for a team of experienced designers who can build engaging presentations for you and your business? PresentationGeeks is here to help!

Why Choose Presentation Geeks?

Our team of designers have decades of experience building slide decks that cater to your target audience and that engage viewers from the very beginning.

Want to learn more about our Powerpoint Design Services ? Contact us today to see how we can help you!

Author:  Content Team

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How to Start a Presentation: 13 Strategies to Hook Your Audience

Public Speaking  .  8 Min. Read . By: Devon Brown

W hen it comes to giving a speech, whether you’re a public speaker or trying to pitch an idea to a boardroom, the hardest part tends to be the start of it.

So much hangs on your ability to start your speech and grab the listener’s attention immediately. If you take a few minutes to really get to the good stuff, the audience is already drifting off and thinking about other things. It really does impact your entire speech for better or worse.

If you’re struggling to come up with an effective and powerful introduction for your speech, I have 13 tips on how to start a presentation that is going to get you over that initial hurdle and grab your audience’s attention immediately.

1: Introduce Yourself In A Way That Lets Them Know “W.I.I.F.M.”

W.I.I.F.M. stands for “What’s In It For Me?” This is, more often than not, the primary thought on your audiences mind. 

They don’t care where you’re from…

They don’t care how many years you were in school…

They don’t care how many awards you’ve won.

OK, maybe I’m being a little dramatic. After all, social proof is important. But the point I’m making is that the primary thing anyone in an audience cares about how you being in front of them is going to benefit THEM . 

I’m not saying that the audience is mean or shallow, I’m simply acknowledging human nature. And if we understand that what they really want to know is how you being on stage will improve their life, then that’s an opportunity to introduce yourself in a way that lets them know what’s in it for them.

So, when you’re opening your speech, as opposed to saying….

“My name is so and so and I achieved (insert big result here) in only 3 years”…

Instead say…

“My name is so and so and I achieved (insert big result here) in only 3 years, and I’m going to show you the shortcut to making it happen for yourself in less time than I did!”

See how that works?

We took your intro and we made it about what THEY’RE going to get out of it!

2: Use Ice Breakers Early On

You know that you’re nervous before giving a speech. I don’t blame you! You’re about to talk to a large crowd. However, your audience might be a little anxious, as well. They don’t know you, and they don’t know what to expect.

A great way to get comfortable with each other more quickly is to start with an Ice Breaker.

Some example Icebreakers could include:

• Having a funny picture as your first slide
• Telling them a crazy story that just happened
• Telling them an industry related (appropriate) joke. You can literally just google this 
• Telling them a self-deprecating joke
• Having them high-five each other
• Admitting that you're nervous
• Talk about the weather (especially if it's abnormal)
• Giving them a small present just for showing up 
• Having them turn to their neighbor and say "I'm excited to hear (your name here)"
• Asking a few "raise your hand if" questions
• Breaking some news. For example, maybe you just got married or had a child.

I think you get the idea.

The point is that ice breakers are a great way to overcome nerves and start a speech.

3: Make a Relevant Quote

This opening to a speech is so frequently used that it’s almost cliché. However, there’s a reason for that. It works!

Take some time to think about the end goal of your speech.

What are you trying to convince people of? 

Are you trying to sell the latest advancement in technology? If so, maybe start with a quote about the future and how bright it can be.

Or maybe your speech is about helping people get back on their feet. If this is the case, a quote about overcoming adversity is a good start.

Find a quote that resonates with that theme and goal and open your speech with a bang.

 4: Leverage Statistics

For most speeches, opening with a statistic can be very impactful.

Let’s say you’re trying to pitch an idea for a revolutionary new communication device. You might open with a statistic covering the number of emergency calls that don’t reach law enforcement fast enough. Something that naturally latches onto the audience’s emotions and shows that the topic is something they need to listen to.

5: Question the Audience

A good conversation is much more than just rambling in the audience's general direction. It's a back-and-forth effort.

You can help pull the audience in by

simply asking them a question.

You can help pull the audience in by simply asking them a question. Using my previous example for statistics, maybe you’d opt to ask the audience how many times they had to call the police in the last year, and then you could go into how many people did the same thing without the call going through.

This engages the audience and makes your presentation more than just a speech. It’s a conversation; even though it’s impractical to engage everyone one-on-one.

6: Open with a Story

Story is one of the most powerful tools a speaker can use. And if you’re giving a particularly emotional presentations, it can work wonders.

The best event emcees open the conversation with a personal anecdote or a story about a first-hand experience. The best wedding toasts tell stories of the bride or groom. The beast motivational speakers consistently use story to drive home a point.

Well… story does a few things. 

First, it humanizes you or your topic. When you use story, you're more than just some person presenting an idea.

Next, and more importantly, story takes your listener on a journey. This “hooks” your audience and compels them to listen and be attentive.

Bottom line, story rocks!

7: Appeal to Their Pain Points

This is a strategy often used in marketing. Every product or idea is typically designed with a particular problem in mind. Few things are just pulled out of thin air for the sole purpose of existing. The problem is called a “pain point”. This is what is causing problems in your target audience’s life. If you open by explaining the problem you’re trying to solve, you connect the audience to the conversation and show them that you know what they’re going through. This is the perfect way to present whatever it is you’re pushing as the solution.

8: Ask the Audience to Paint a Mental Picture

This is another popular tip on how to start a presentation that borders on cliché but is extremely effective . You open your presentation by asking the audience to think about something. For example, imagine you’re trying to revolutionize how cities are laid out to accommodate better public transportation and walking paths. You might ask the audience to imagine being able to casually hop on an electric scooter at any point in their journey, not have to deal with cars and get to their destination twice as fast. When you ask your audience to paint a mental picture, they’re engaging more parts of their brain. This, in turn, makes them more open, receptive, and attentive.

9: Open with Silence

This is one that is frequently leveraged by teachers. When students are rowdy, not paying attention, or otherwise not prepared to participate, the teacher will stand silently and make eye contact . The students expect the teacher to talk, get curious, and pay attention. You can use the same exact to ensure all eyes are on you at the start of the presentation. You draw all the attention to yourself, and you don’t have to worry about anyone not paying attention. However, it can backfire . You’re not trying to get the attention of rowdy kids. You’re trying to make an impact on people who willingly came to listen to you. So don’t go overboard with this one.

10: Use Visuals

With proper planning and material acquisition, you can open your presentation with a bang just by presenting a stunning visual that highlights the topic . This grabs the audience’s attention, gives you an easy way to start talking by explaining it, and it conveys a lot of information non-verbally.

11: Demonstrate

Of course, few things engage an audience more than actually showing them how something works. You can open your presentation with a demonstration if the presentation is related to a product or something similar that has a real-world counterpart you can show off.

This is harder to do with some topics, though.

12: Tell the Story that Led You Here

When you get up on that stage, you have a whole lifetime of experiences and choices that got you to that point. In some situations, telling that story to explain why you’re so passionate about the topic at hand is powerful.

For example, there are public speakers who are former convicts. Many of their speeches open with the story of their life, the hard times that came from certain decisions, how they turned it all around, and what made them want to start giving speeches.

It’s not appropriate all the time, but it can be powerful when it is a good option!

13: Use a Video Introduction

Finally, in a world with increasingly short attention spans, opening with a video can be a great option. As long as the information depicted in the video is relevant, high-intensity, and enthusiastic, this can be a great way to instantly grab the audience’s attention, convey a lot of information, and give you an easy bridge to start speaking. 

If you found these tips on how to start a presentation useful, make sure to check out the world’s most complete public speaking course and become the best public speaker in virtually any room you walk into.

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If you want to know how to be the best public speaker in virtually any room you walk into, check out the world's most complete  public speaking course below.

Read Next:  How To Overcome The Fear Of Public Speaking– Ultimate Guide

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Devon Brown  (“Duh-Von” not “Dev-in”) is a speaker, author, entrepreneur, former hip-hop dancer, and World's #1 Event Emcee. Once described as a sort-of ‘MC Hammer meets Tony Robbins’; his style is 50% education, 50% entertainment, and 100% must-experience. Be sure to connect with Devon on social media.

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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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How to Create Slides That Suit Your Superiors: 11 Tips

When you’re pitching ideas or budgets to execs in your organization, you need to deliver slides that fit those particular people just right. This checklist identifies the key considerations.

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I recently interviewed 20 of my customers, all in senior roles at Fortune 100 companies, and asked them their biggest pain point in presenting to higher-ups and even colleagues. What I heard consistently was that it can feel like Goldilocks bouncing from one option to the next, testing to figure out what’s “just right.” Does the audience want deep reports? Sparse slides? Something in between? Like … what?

Teams often come to presentation meetings with vast amounts of backup content just in case an exec wants to take a deep dive on any given point. There’s often a struggle to anticipate every direction attendees might want to go. It’s frustrating, and it’s not efficient.

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There are many ways to build slides. I’m not just talking about crafting them well versus poorly. I’m talking about all of the important decisions regarding how to organize them, how much text to use, when to lean into a chart, the best ways to use bullets and color, and whether to include an appendix with additional information. Before you make your next proposal or request of the executive team, use this list of 11 tips for your next set of slides as a guide.

Four Things You Must Have in Every Exec’s Slides

Before we drill down into the harder aspects, the ones where your executives’ tastes may vary widely, let’s quickly cover four aspects that you can consider the building blocks — the basics you should never proceed without.

Start with an executive summary. Begin the slide deck with a tight executive summary that follows a three-act structure. First, start with stating the current realities. Second, clearly state the problem or opportunity your idea addresses and its potential impact. Third, explain how your recommendation solves the problem or exploits the opportunity and the next steps you’re proposing.

Have a logical organization. The arc of the deck — the package from beginning to end — should make sense. If your audience reads only the headline of every slide, the order should be coherent and make most of the case for you. The content below each slide’s headline must support the statement made in the title. Remove everything that doesn’t support your point; as writers will tell you, you sometimes need to “kill your darlings” when you’re editing.

Begin the slide deck with a tight executive summary that follows a three-act structure.

Make it skimmable. Help your audience to quickly grasp the point without getting bogged down in details. Create a clear visual hierarchy. Guide the reader’s eye through the content: Use bold headings, bullet points, and numbered lists to break down information into digestible pieces. Highlight key takeaways or conclusions in a different color or font size to draw attention to these critical points.

Focus on concise insights. Succinct statements with clear insights are everyone’s jam. Every slide should serve a purpose and contribute directly to the decision-making process. Distill complex information. Don’t use 100 words when 20 words will nail it. If you’re having difficulty trimming, consider using company-approved AI tools to help you take out the fluff.

Five Preferences to Confirm With the Person You Want to Reach

Now we’ll delve into what your particular audience does and does not want. If you haven’t yet, start by asking the person you’re presenting to what they generally prefer. They probably know themselves well but have not been asked to articulate how they like to receive information.

Ask how dense is too dense. Some executives prefer detailed slides with comprehensive data. Others favor a more high-level approach. You’re weighing how to balance informative content with readability, ensuring that slides are not overloaded yet are sufficiently detailed to support decision-making.

Confirm the delivery format and timing. Some execs like information presented to them. Others prefer a pre-read of the material followed by a discussion. I always recommend our tool Slidedocs (I’ve written a free e-book on them), which are visual documents using both words and images. The templates help presenters organize their thoughts into a document for a pre-read or a read-along. They are designed to be skimmable and able to travel through your organization without the help of a presenter.

I’m a huge fan of pre-reads and prefer to use my time in meetings to ask questions and build alignment. If your audience didn’t review your material in advance, ask at the top of the meeting whether they would like you to present it or would prefer to read through it and then discuss it.

Find out how much data visualization they prefer. Charts, graphs, photos, and illustrations often communicate complex data more clearly than words alone. When execs can see what you’re saying, they often can better understand the impact of your idea. Does the exec want to understand exact numbers? Bar charts allow them to move their eyes across a series of specifics. Does the exec want to know the shape of a trend over time? Line charts can show the pattern. (See “Classic Charts Communicate Data Quickly.”) Some prefer charts with annotations that draw attention to what you think is the most important point. Others want to make their own conclusions from the data.

One of my clients, the CEO of a massive commercial real estate company, doesn’t want anything visualized. He prefers numbers, only in a table, and only in two colors — black and red. You might think this is archaic. But the fact that he’s clear to his teams about what he wants takes all the mystery out of how to communicate with him.

When the stakes are high, have a conceptual thinker help with diagrams and concepts. If you don’t have one on your team, and when it’s high stakes, find an internal designer to help you or hire one. You can’t afford to have the baby (your idea) thrown out with the bathwater (terrible slides).

Identify which details need spelling out. How well do the people you’re presenting to know the landscape and function of the company and products you’re talking about? For example, if your engineering team threw a slide into a deck about an issue that requires executive approval, do the execs all speak geek? Or do you need to explain the technology so that they will really understand the ask? Either eliminate internal jargon and acronyms or unpack those bits, especially if your proposal deeply involves expertise outside of the executives’ domain.

Ask whether appendices will be useful. When you’re organizing a presentation, you often troll data, read through complicated reports, and even hire external experts to figure out what’s best for the company. Do your execs want access to that supporting data? You can add a document to the end of the presentation as an appendix to show all of the data and source material. This allows the main content of the slides to remain focused and accessible while still providing comprehensive background information for those who want more.

Two Tips to Improve Your Presentation Skills

Getting materials in place is the biggest step. They will be your best tools for selling your ideas. But there are two extra areas to pay attention to as a presenter: how you handle questions and how you use every experience to improve.

Anticipate questions, and practice your answers. Before you have your meeting, gather a small team to challenge every point you make. Invite colleagues you trust to role-play as “a rapidly inquisitive exec” or “the doubting naysayer exec” so you are prepared to present your idea well. They’re gonna grill you, and practicing will help you remain unruffled when it happens.

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Ask for feedback after the presentation. Establish a feedback loop with those you presented to. Ask what worked well and how you can improve. If attendees don’t have the time, find people who have had their ideas funded and talk to them about what they did that worked. Advice and some perspective will help you nail your performance even better next time.

Empathetically understanding your audience members and how they process information, whether it’s executives or peers, sets up your ideas for success. Clarity creates efficiency. When a presentation fits just right, you’ve given your great thinking the best chance of moving through your organization and having maximum impact.

About the Author

Nancy Duarte is CEO of Duarte Inc. , a communication company in the Silicon Valley. She’s the author of six books, including DataStory: Explain Data and Inspire Action Through Story (Ideapress Publishing, 2019).

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• How to Paraphrase | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

How to Paraphrase | Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

Published on April 8, 2022 by Courtney Gahan and Jack Caulfield. Revised on June 1, 2023.

Paraphrasing means putting someone else’s ideas into your own words. Paraphrasing a source involves changing the wording while preserving the original meaning.

Paraphrasing is an alternative to  quoting (copying someone’s exact words and putting them in quotation marks ). In academic writing, it’s usually better to integrate sources by paraphrasing instead of quoting. It shows that you have understood the source, reads more smoothly, and keeps your own voice front and center.

Every time you paraphrase, it’s important to cite the source . Also take care not to use wording that is too similar to the original. Otherwise, you could be at risk of committing plagiarism .

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Table of contents

How to paraphrase in five easy steps, how to paraphrase correctly, examples of paraphrasing, how to cite a paraphrase, paraphrasing vs. quoting, paraphrasing vs. summarizing, avoiding plagiarism when you paraphrase, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about paraphrasing.

If you’re struggling to get to grips with the process of paraphrasing, check out our easy step-by-step guide in the video below.

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Putting an idea into your own words can be easier said than done. Let’s say you want to paraphrase the text below, about population decline in a particular species of sea snails.

Incorrect paraphrasing

You might make a first attempt to paraphrase it by swapping out a few words for  synonyms .

Like other sea creatures inhabiting the vicinity of highly populated coasts, horse conchs have lost substantial territory to advancement and contamination , including preferred breeding grounds along mud flats and seagrass beds. Their Gulf home is also heating up due to global warming , which scientists think further puts pressure on the creatures , predicated upon the harmful effects extra warmth has on other large mollusks (Barnett, 2022).

This attempt at paraphrasing doesn’t change the sentence structure or order of information, only some of the word choices. And the synonyms chosen are poor:

• “Advancement and contamination” doesn’t really convey the same meaning as “development and pollution.”
• Sometimes the changes make the tone less academic: “home” for “habitat” and “sea creatures” for “marine animals.”
• Adding phrases like “inhabiting the vicinity of” and “puts pressure on” makes the text needlessly long-winded.
• Global warming is related to climate change, but they don’t mean exactly the same thing.

Because of this, the text reads awkwardly, is longer than it needs to be, and remains too close to the original phrasing. This means you risk being accused of plagiarism .

Correct paraphrasing

Let’s look at a more effective way of paraphrasing the same text.

Here, we’ve:

• Only included the information that’s relevant to our argument (note that the paraphrase is shorter than the original)
• Introduced the information with the signal phrase “Scientists believe that …”
• Retained key terms like “development and pollution,” since changing them could alter the meaning
• Structured sentences in our own way instead of copying the structure of the original
• Started from a different point, presenting information in a different order

Because of this, we’re able to clearly convey the relevant information from the source without sticking too close to the original phrasing.

Explore the tabs below to see examples of paraphrasing in action.

• Journal article
• Newspaper article
• Magazine article

Once you have your perfectly paraphrased text, you need to ensure you credit the original author. You’ll always paraphrase sources in the same way, but you’ll have to use a different type of in-text citation depending on what citation style you follow.

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It’s a good idea to paraphrase instead of quoting in most cases because:

• Paraphrasing shows that you fully understand the meaning of a text
• Your own voice remains dominant throughout your paper
• Quotes reduce the readability of your text

But that doesn’t mean you should never quote. Quotes are appropriate when:

• Giving a precise definition
• Saying something about the author’s language or style (e.g., in a literary analysis paper)
• Providing evidence in support of an argument
• Critiquing or analyzing a specific claim

A paraphrase puts a specific passage into your own words. It’s typically a similar length to the original text, or slightly shorter.

When you boil a longer piece of writing down to the key points, so that the result is a lot shorter than the original, this is called summarizing .

Paraphrasing and quoting are important tools for presenting specific information from sources. But if the information you want to include is more general (e.g., the overarching argument of a whole article), summarizing is more appropriate.

When paraphrasing, you have to be careful to avoid accidental plagiarism .

This can happen if the paraphrase is too similar to the original quote, with phrases or whole sentences that are identical (and should therefore be in quotation marks). It can also happen if you fail to properly cite the source.

Paraphrasing tools are widely used by students, and can be especially useful for non-native speakers who may find academic writing particularly challenging. While these can be helpful for a bit of extra inspiration, use these tools sparingly, keeping academic integrity in mind.

To make sure you’ve properly paraphrased and cited all your sources, you could elect to run a plagiarism check before submitting your paper. And of course, always be sure to read your source material yourself and take the first stab at paraphrasing on your own.

If you want to know more about ChatGPT, AI tools , citation , and plagiarism , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

• ChatGPT vs human editor
• ChatGPT citations
• Is ChatGPT trustworthy?
• Using ChatGPT for your studies
• What is ChatGPT?
• Chicago style
• Critical thinking

 Plagiarism

• Types of plagiarism
• Self-plagiarism
• Avoiding plagiarism
• Academic integrity
• Consequences of plagiarism
• Common knowledge

To paraphrase effectively, don’t just take the original sentence and swap out some of the words for synonyms. Instead, try:

• Reformulating the sentence (e.g., change active to passive , or start from a different point)
• Combining information from multiple sentences into one
• Leaving out information from the original that isn’t relevant to your point
• Using synonyms where they don’t distort the meaning

The main point is to ensure you don’t just copy the structure of the original text, but instead reformulate the idea in your own words.

Paraphrasing without crediting the original author is a form of plagiarism , because you’re presenting someone else’s ideas as if they were your own.

However, paraphrasing is not plagiarism if you correctly cite the source . This means including an in-text citation and a full reference, formatted according to your required citation style .

As well as citing, make sure that any paraphrased text is completely rewritten in your own words.

Plagiarism means using someone else’s words or ideas and passing them off as your own. Paraphrasing means putting someone else’s ideas in your own words.

So when does paraphrasing count as plagiarism?

• Paraphrasing is plagiarism if you don’t properly credit the original author.
• Paraphrasing is plagiarism if your text is too close to the original wording (even if you cite the source). If you directly copy a sentence or phrase, you should quote it instead.
• Paraphrasing  is not plagiarism if you put the author’s ideas completely in your own words and properly cite the source .

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To present information from other sources in academic writing , it’s best to paraphrase in most cases. This shows that you’ve understood the ideas you’re discussing and incorporates them into your text smoothly.

It’s appropriate to quote when:

• Changing the phrasing would distort the meaning of the original text
• You want to discuss the author’s language choices (e.g., in literary analysis )
• You’re presenting a precise definition
• You’re looking in depth at a specific claim

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