– Hi, my name is … and I’m here to talk about…
– Before I start, I want to introduce myself…
– Thank you all for coming, I’m really pleased to be here…
Why? Because audiences form an impression within seconds. They quickly decide whether or not to pay attention. That’s why it’s so important to hook your audience immediately. And as a leader, great communication skills are vitally important.
In addition, psychologists have demonstrated a phenomenon known as the primacy effect. Your audience is more likely to remember the first bits of information they hear. Therefore work with a speech writer who can help you make the impact you want.
Is there a short relevant anecdote that you could open with? If you can, use a local or topical angle. Your audience will know that you have tailored your talk for them. This will help to keep things fresh for you, too, particularly if you are delivering the same talk or presentation several times.
Or perhaps you could keep your audience in suspense with this one simple trick:
Watch this technique in action: See how designer Danit Peleg starts off her speech with a short anecdote that sets the scene.
This could be a rhetorical question to make the audience think, or it could involve asking the audience to respond, usually by raising their hands if something applies to them.
Alternatively, you could set out the question that your talk will address. Work with your coach to find the best technique for you. Read our article on using powerful language in your talks.
Watch this technique in action: Here’s how 17 year-old Raymond Wang – winner of the 2015 Intel Science and Engineering Fair top prize – uses the question technique to start his TED talk.
This technique blends the first two approaches. You set a scene and then prompt the audience to imagine what they would do or think in those circumstances. Scenarios are an effective way of demonstrating the relevance of abstract topics to the lives of the audience.
To use this technique:
Watch this technique in action: See UPS’s Human Resource Manager, Regina Hartley, begin her presentation by setting out a scenario.
Will your audience have certain expectations about you or your talk, before you even begin? Then Start with something unexpected – or even shocking – to make them reconsider their preconceived ideas.
The way you do this needs to be relevant to avoid being gimmicky. When done well, it can be memorable, potentially humorous and even remarkable – with audience members sharing and reliving their reactions afterwards. Perhaps your coach can find a way to make your talk stand out.
Watch this technique in action: Our final example is Mohammed Qahtani, the winner of the 2015 Toastmasters Championship. Watch how he starts his thought provoking speech on the power of words.
Of course, most people who speak well will have worked with a coach at some point. If you need help choosing a great public speaking coach, read our guide to choosing a public speaking coach
Call Us Today
First, download our free ebook to start your journey towards becoming a Powerful Presenter.
Start improving your public speaking today
Call Us Today
Barak Obama speech extract ‘words, just words’ Town Hall Events – Five ways to improve them How to present to multi-lingual audiences How to use good body language in your talks Logos Ethos Pathos – the persuasive three appeals How to choose a public speaking skills coach Why accountants are now always good speakers Get rid of verbal ticks umms and errs How to end your speeches powerfully Analysis of Bob Geldof as a speaker Public speaking tips How to talk like TED Improve your public speaking body language Public speaking coaching course
Improve my public speaking
Fundraising presentations are hard work. You're bombarded with challenging questions from investors, worn out by long days, and struggling to...
Read More
Investment decision-making is not totally rational. Are you using all the tools at your disposal to create and deliver persuasive...
Read More
Do your public speaking skills inspire, motivate and influence others? They should. Many leaders are nervous of public speaking. Some...
Read More
A great investor pitch book is at the heart of successful fundraising. You use it to capture the essence of...
Read More
Better Body Language We all know that body language is important in business. But how important? And does is really...
Read More
How can you be seen as a top 1% fund by investors? At SuperReturn Emerging Markets in Amsterdam, experienced LPs...
Read More
A great elevator pitch is an essential part of your toolkit Last month I chaired the Quickfire Showcase at Berlin’s...
Read More
You must prepare for media interviews The excruciating Newsnight interview with Treasury Minister Chloe Smith this summer is one example of...
Read More
These days, we are writing more than ever. That means it’s harder than ever to grab attention. Your readers have...
Read More
When an investor questions how you calculated your Private Equity fund's performance, how do you react? If an investor asks...
Read More
How do you choose a public speaking coach? When selecting a public speaking coach or presentation trainer, you want to work...
Read More
How To Use Powerful Language For Leadership Communications Great leaders use Power Language. It adds interest and colour to...
Read More
So What? is probably your most important question. When you put your talk or presentation together, how do you decide what...
Read More
What do LPs want from private equity funds at first investor meetings? That's the question I put to the panel...
Read More
What do investors really want? Six tips We wrote this piece with our Private Equity clients in mind. But there...
Read More
Do you want to give high impact talks and presentations? Do you want to engage your audience? And do you want...
Read More
How to tell a great business story Leaders use storytelling so that audiences listen, remember and act on what they...
Read More
How do you make your investment pitch more memorable? It's a real challenge these days. Investors have more opportunities than...
Read More
Your leadership talks need to be persuasive As a leader, every talk or presentation you give is an exercise in persuasion....
Read More
A well-crafted private equity pitch book can make the difference between securing a first meeting with investors and getting a...
Read More
“BBA transformed our pitch into a compelling investment narrative. They undoubtedly helped us secure Sky TV as an investor.”
Gerry Bastable Director, Blast Films
“The new presentation properly represents the institutional quality of our fund. It has been a step change for us.”
Erwin de Kleijn Head of IR, Saemor Capital
“We were very pleased…[BBA] helped us define and explain our unique value proposition. As a result we have attracted new and different investors.”
Florian Kemmerich Managing Partner, Bamboo Capital Partners
Contact our
Client Services Director
Louise Angus
+44 (0)20 7018 0922