The Opening of your talk sets the stage for the rest of your presentation.
LISTEN!
I'll use myself and one of my talks in the following examples.
1. Pause
Before beginning your Opening, P-a-u-s-e. P-a-u-s-e: almost to the point where people might be thinking, "He lost it. He has no idea what to say."
This will quiet your audience and draw their attention to you!
2. Have a Strong Opening that grabs the attention of your audience.
"Picture this. It's Monday morning and your boss tells you that you'll be the featured speaker at the company's Open House this coming Friday. Is it "YES!" of "YIKES!!"
3. Tell your audience what you will be telling them.
"I'll be talking about the components, parts, and elements of a speech.
I'll name them, explain them, and give examples.
I'll talk about things that will take your presentation from Blah to AH!
We discuss the Fear of Public Speaking.
Why we have it and
Nuggets to lessen it.
Optional, but excellent additions to your opening.
Tell them how you'll be handling questions.
"I have time set aside after each section for questions, just on that section.
I'll have time at the end for questions.
Then I'll close my presentation."
Issue a Disclaimer to build credibility.
"I'm going to show you my way to develop and deliver a great talk. It works really well for me and for people who have hired me or attended one of my talks.
However, their are others who do it differently. Some, way, differently, and their stuff works well, also.
My advice is to 'Be a Sponge.' Absorb everything, squeeze out what you don't need, and do it your way."
Tell them you be asking for "Lessons Learned."
After each section, I'll be asking for 'Lessons Learned."
I do this for several reasons:
By telling you up-front I might call on you for a 'Lesson Learned,' you'll pay better attention and learn more.
We have the attention span of a gnat.
You might hear and think something is important that another member misses and they might do the same for something you missed.
Incorporate these suggestions into your Openings and I guarantee they will be absolutely, positively - NO SWEAT!
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About the Author Fred E. Miller is a speaker, an international coach, and the author of the books, “NO SWEAT Public Speaking!” and “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”
Businesses, Individuals, and Organizations hire him because they want to improve their Networking, Public Speaking, andPresentation Skills.
They do this because they know:"Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities."
They also know:We perceive really great speakers to be Experts. We like to work with Experts.
He shows them how to: Develop, Practice, and Deliver Fantastic Presentations! with – NO SWEAT!
Services:
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Breakout Sessions
Personal and Group Public Speaking and Presentation Coaching
Crafting Your Elevator Speech, Floor by Floor with – NO SWEAT!
Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.
We are All Self-Employed!
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If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions about this post or other posts please contact me: Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com.
Thank you for your continued support. It is greatly appreciated!
Sharing "Lessons Learned" reinforces and expands take-aways from the talk.