How to Start a Presentation with Impact: 9 Examples

How do you start a presentation with impact? What’s the best introduction for a presentation? What is the best way to start a business presentation? How do you begin a presentation? What’s the best opening line for a presentation?

Meet the Author: Benjamin Ball

Ben is the founder of Benjamin Ball Associates and leads the presentation coaching and pitch deck creation teams. Formerly a corporate financier in the City of London, for 20+ years he’s helped businesses win with better pitches and presentations, particularly investor pitches. He is a regular speaker and a guest lecturer at Columbia Business School and UCL London.  Follow Ben on LinkedIn or visit the contact page. 

How do you start a business presentation now?

Do you begin with any of these opening words?

– Before I start, I want to introduce myself…

– Hi, my name is … and I’m here to talk about…

– Thank you all for coming, Good morning, I’m really pleased to be here…

If you start your presentation with these opening words, you are squandering the most important part of your presentation. You’ve already lost your audience before you even get to the main content.

Why? Because your audience will judge you instantly. They’ll decide whether or not this is interesting and whether to pay attention. Those starts above are boring.

You job as a presenter is to grab and maintain attention.

Why you must start your presentation strong

Your opening sets the tone for your entire presentation. A strong start grabs your audience’s attention, establishes your credibility, and helps them to absorb your content. In the first minute you need attention-getters as your first words so you make a memorable first impression. This makes it much easier for you to deliver the rest of your speech.

Whether you’re pitching a new idea, presenting quarterly results, or leading a training session, how you start a presentation sets the tone. Grabbing your audience’s attention from the start is not just desirable – it’s essential. Why?

1. First Impressions Matter
   Your audience will decide about you and your message within a few seconds of your start. When you start a presentation strong, you demonstrate confidence, credibility, and preparedness. You engage your audience instantly and establish trust.
   
2. You Capture Attention
   We all suffer from information overload. A strong start to a presentation increases curiosity and creates anticipation. You compel your audience to lean in and participate in your presentation. Whatever technique you use, your opening should command attention.
   
3. You Set Expectations
   A strong beginning to your presentation sets expectations for what’s to come. It provides a plan for your presentation, it summarises the key points and your objectives. This helps orient your audience. It means they can follow you more effectively and stay engaged.
   
4. You Build Momentum
   Like a car starting, a strong start pushes your presentation forward. It creates energy, it draws your audience in and it builds anticipation for what lies ahead.
   
5. You Maximise Impact
   Your audience will remember information better when it’s presented at the beginning and end of your presentation. When you start strong, you maximise the impact of your message.
   
6. You Differentiate Yourself
   Standing out from the competition is essential. A strong opening helps you differentiate yourself by demonstrating your unique perspective, insights, or approach. Whether it’s through storytelling, humour, or a bold statement, find a way to make your presentation memorable and distinct.
   
7. You Get your Audience in the Right Frame of Mind
   If your audience is feeling good, intrigued and curious after your opening words then you can feel confident that you have a good introduction and will deliver a good presentation.

How to Start Your Presentation with Impact

A good start is the foundation of a great presentation. The first step is understanding the purpose of your presentation. Are you informing, persuading, or inspiring your audience? Once you’ve identified your aim, create an opening statement that aligns with your purpose.

A good way to begin is by using creative ways to grab attention, such as a compelling story, a surprising fact, or a thought-provoking question. For instance, the best presenters often start with a good story that relates to their main message.

Your first slide should also make a good first impression. Use a captivating visual or a brief statement that ties into your main ideas. Don’t have a passive title e.g. ‘Three Year Plan”. Instead, an active statement like “How we will deliver our three year plan” is much more powerful.

A PowerPoint presentation can be a useful tool, but it’s you as the presenter, not the slides, that builds a strong connection with the audience. Maintain confident body language and give a warm welcome to put everyone at ease.

A strong start to a business presentation sets the tone, engages your audience, and builds your credibility. First impressions matter, so taking time to prepare a compelling opening is worth the effort. Here are practical strategies to start your presentation with confidence and leave a lasting impression.

These are our top tips for the most powerful ways to start a presentation with impact:

Let’s review each of these best ways to start a presentation in turn:

1. Start with a Story or Anecdote

People love stories. A relevant anecdote will humanise your message, build a connection, and make your audience curious about what’s next. The story could be a personal experience, a customer success story, or even a historical event that ties into your theme. Keep it brief and make sure it aligns with your key message.

For example, if you’re presenting on the value of innovation, you might start with:
“A few years ago, a small tech startup faced a problem they thought was insurmountable…”

See in this video how Angela Lee Duckworth brings you into her world quickly by starting with a story.

2. Ask a Thought-Provoking Question

A well-chosen question can immediately engage your audience. It prompts them to think and mentally invest in your topic. Choose a question that’s relevant and directly ties into your presentation’s purpose.

For instance:
“When was the last time you made a decision that changed the course of your business?”

See how Simon Sinek uses two question in his opening words to start his TED talk.

3. Share a Surprising Statistic

Numbers can grab attention, especially if they challenge expectations. Start with a statistic that highlights the importance of your topic or underscores the problem you’re addressing.

Example:
“Did you know that 70% of change initiatives fail due to poor communication? Today, we’re going to look at how to avoid being part of that statistic.”

See in this video how Tony Robbins using a statistic (50 hours) to start his TED presentation.

Why Pick Benjamin Ball Associates for Your Coaching

At Benjamin Ball Associates, we’ve been coaching business people to improve their business communication skills for over 15 years.  Our coaching is fast and effective.  We work with individuals and with companies, one-to-one and in groups.  Call us today to learn more.

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4. Use a Powerful Quote

Quotations from well-known figures can add authority and gravitas to your presentation. Make sure the quote is relevant and directly supports your message.

For example:
“Albert Einstein once said, ‘We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used to create them.’ Today, we’ll explore how fresh perspectives can drive business success.”

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5. Begin with a Bold Statement

A striking or unexpected statement can pique curiosity. However, it should be truthful and connected to your topic. This approach works best if you have a strong argument or compelling evidence to support your claim.

Example:
“By the end of this presentation, you’ll understand why traditional marketing strategies are no longer enough to grow your business.”

See how John Doerr uses a series of bold statements to grab our attention at the start of this TED talk.

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6. Use Visuals or Props

Sometimes, actions speak louder than words. When you start with a dramatic image, an interesting prop, or even a short video can draw attention and set the stage for your message. Make sure your visual aid is relevant and easy to understand.

For instance, if discussing sustainability, you could hold up a single-use plastic item and ask,
“How many of these do you think we go through every day?”

See how Adam Grant in his TED talk using a visual right near the start to emphasise the success of the company he did not invest in.

7. Establish Common Ground

Relating to your audience on a personal level can make them more receptive. Share a shared experience or concern that resonates with them.

Example:
“We’ve all faced challenging times over the past year, and like you, I’ve had to rethink how to adapt. That’s what brings us here today – navigating change together.”

See how Julian Treasure starts his talk by talking about something we all have – a voice.

8. State the Value Proposition Clearly

Be upfront about what your audience will gain from your presentation. This approach works well for practical, information-heavy talks.

Example:
“In the next 20 minutes, I’ll show you three actionable strategies that will help you increase productivity by 25% without hiring additional staff.”

9. Start by encouraging audience participation.

For example, you could ask a show of hands on a question related to your particular topic. This method engages your listeners and activates the human brain, making them more likely to stay attentive.

See how Celeste Headlee asks for audience participation at the start of her TED talk about having better conversations.

Final Tips for Starting Strong

• Know your audience. Tailor your opening to their interests and challenges.
• Rehearse thoroughly. A smooth delivery builds credibility.
• Stay authentic. Speak in your natural voice to build trust.
• Be concise. A strong opening should take no more than a couple of minutes.

Mastering the art of starting a presentation well will make all the difference in how your message is received. Next time you prepare, experiment with these approaches to find what works best for you and your audience.

When planning your next presentation, think of different ways to establish rapport and leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re delivering a work presentation or a keynote speech, the most important thing is to ensure your main message is clear from the outset. With preparation and the right opening lines, you’ll set the stage for a truly great presentation.

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