What's the best way to attract the attention of the audience in the beginning of a presentation?

Question

Pls answer me seriously..

Answer 1

Start off with small talk (just a couple of minutes), an anecdote relevant to the presentation and then begin the presentation. It is to connect yourself with the audience.

Also, do not go beyond 15 to 20 minutes duration. If you have a lot to cover, give short breaks such as streching of legs etc. Studies indicate that the audience will lose attention after 20 minutes (some people lose it in no time, that's another story :-)

Finally, make sure you make good eye contact with audience, turn your focus to all around the room and move a bit forward with open hand gestures (don't over do the arm swinging). Your voice should be clear & loud enough (but not shrieking or shouting tone), and the tone should modulate sometimes slower, sometimes faster. Varied tone in delivery catches the attention rather than dull and monotonous voice.

Answer 2

YanNie,

Thanks for the question.

One good way is to tell a joke but you have to be confident that you can tell it and it is appropriate for your audience. It's no use telling a blue joke to a church presentation.

You should turn up early and make sure that everything works for your presentation.
Alternatively, this web page suggests a good opening presentation should have one or more of the following:

1) Have an impact statement - something that will make your audience listen?;
2) Arouse curiosity?
3. Start with a Question?
4. Offer a startling statistic?
5. Challenge a societal norm?
6. Contradict a recognized expression to tradition?
7. Use an analogy?
8. Refer to a case study?
9. Repeat a thematic phrase?
10. Use a one word lead?

You should also try and make eye contact.

Presentation opening tips
http://www.passociates.com/presentation_opening_techniques_tip_39.shtml

I have also added additional sources for you.

Good luck on your presentation.

Answer 3

Hey There!

My tips for you:

1. If you're using a presentation slide, to begin with, create a short little intro animation with a very catchy sound clip (i.e . the slashing sounds of sword - just like those montage before movies advertising their DTS sound systems) this will catch their attention first.

2. If you're not using any presentation material, you have to work with your voice tone. Start with a loud gesture, then slow down, and then punctuate ur speech with strong and loud voice so that you can catch their attention.

3. Topic - dont do boring stuff....i always notice, if the issue is sensitive, more attention.

4. Keep pointing in all direction when u speak so that your audience will also move to your rythm.

5. Joke - is a good idea but dont plan it, it shud just happen like that, maybe a facial expression to something you just mentioned which might tickle ur audience (i.e. Statement: Girls are much hardworking than boys. Gesture: eyebrows up and lips out, shows that you're doubtful with your statement makes the audience laugh)

Alrite...thats all for now! Cheers!

Answer 4

Before you start ask a question that to the audience that is relevant to the presentation to increase their curiosiy in the presentation topic and also to let them know the real theme of the presentation so that the audience will always correlate the presentation with the first question asked by you to them.
That will be a very effective presentation in my opinion.

Answer 5

Click a relation with the audience before going on to the real topic.
Never give a brief summary of the whole presentation. People jump to conclusion and the cat is out of the bag.
Shocking examples, surprising facts and one-liners add up to the charm of your presentation.
Be yourself. Don't overdo or underdo anything. Be natural in full control of your speech and body language.

I think that is enough!!!

Answer 6

Tell a joke that is related to your topic.

Find a cartoon that goes with the theme of your presentation.

Get the audience involved by having them stand up and do something - turn and massage the shoulders of the person next to them, introduce themselves.

Begin with a thought provoking question.

Answer 7

1. You gotto think about presentation time as 'performance time'
2. You got to remember what you intend to accomplish
3. You may enter in the room; smile at everybody and be sure to deliver the first set of words after as rehearsed

It must have an introduction about yourself (one line)
A quick mention about the topic (it generates interest)
An interconnected joke (it creates a light ambience)
You must ask questions (it helps involvement)

then transition to the remaining part. Good luck

Answer 8

Call it unserious if you will, but I seem to recall a special about advertising on TLC (I think) where some dude started a meeting by spitting a loogie all over his desk. Everyone looked at him in disgust as he said (paraphrased) "After seeing the disgusting thing I just did, I know none of you will forget me or a word I'm about to say." Something like that.

I once started a speach for school by faking a siezure.

Answer 9

several options.

a tasteful, relevant joke can do wonders to set the tone of a presentation.

a quick overview of the presentation can also catch and interest viewers.

a story or example from real life may be useful depending on the presentation

Answer 10

Say hello and then start your presentation. Don't do something cheesy like make the audience respond with a "hello"