Introduction of the presentation

The first few minutes of your presentation are extremely important. A speaker who manages to spark interest in what is to follow can count on a very attentive audience. The main purpose of the opening few sentences of your presentation is therefore to grasp the audience's attention. Only when you have done so should you proceed to announce the main theme (the 'preview').

Tip:

• Begin the presentation with an informal, perhaps even unconventional, opening. You might ask a question which requires your audience to think. You can then provide the answer to that question. Alternatively, you could begin by telling an anecdote or recounting a personal experience which relates to the topic of the presentation. You may begin with some outrageous statement, which again will spark considerable curiosity. However, it is usually best to avoid clichés and jokes.