How to start a presentation?

Ákos Zala | directory

Ákos Zala | directory

In presentations, the first impression can be decisive. The purpose of the introduction is to draw attention to the topic and the speaker, and to prepare the audience to receive the information. We start the presentation with a short greeting and, if necessary, introducing ourselves. Then formulate the purpose of the presentation and present the structure of the presentation. The first sentence sets the mood of our presentation, so choosing a stylish first sentence is crucial.

Possible ways of introduction:

• outline of the presentation
• topic introduction
• quote
• figures
• references
• reference to previous history
• reference to the immediate antecedents of the presentation
• reference method
• audience praise
• technical demonstration
• provocation
• joke, anecdote
• in media res

Outline of the presentation: can be used in scientific lectures and in general, where we want to create seriousness and clarity of thought as a first impression. It creates anticipation, attention and tension. A logical presentation of the topic indicates preparation, but it can lead to divided attention, and our audience may be disappointed if the content and expectations do not overlap. The outline shows the main points of the speech’s content. It prepares the audience to receive information related to your presentation. Outlining is perhaps one of the best techniques a speaker can use to increase the effectiveness of their presentation.

 Topic introduction: We choose an example from our own or the audience’s experience, so that the participants identify with the topic and the person of the speaker. Example: “Thinking about our topic, the methods of learning, I recalled my experiences from elementary school.” Our audience tunes in to the topic and makes abstract content understandable with examples. The topic introduction relies on the imagination of the audience. However, it is more time-consuming than the direct method and the presentation may take too long. This method can be used in general; it especially facilitates the interpretation of abstract content. But it is dangerous if the examples are bad, they make you limp.

 Quote: The quote is a verbal reproduction of the published, publicized thoughts of the Hungarian or foreign author. The choice of examples is determined by the topic. It has an invigorating effect and is based on the reading experience, enabling us to present our case to the audience in an accepted form. The persuasive power of the idea is greater if it is related to an intellectual authority. However, it can result in a negative effect due to:

 the quote is outdated, has been used many times,

 counterexamples can be given to the different views that can be found,

 out of necessity, we refer to a foreign opinion,

 it can act as manipulation if the quote is taken out of its context and used in a distorted way in a different context or interpretation.

 Figures in the introduction: This method of introduction is used in several areas. The numbers are verifiable data, they are controllable, and they provide the opportunity for logical conclusions, the data can be illustrated with appropriate figures and pictures. We always relate the new figures to already known data so that they seem more illustrative. We use figures in moderation, do not mention more than two in one statement, because our audience may lose the thread of thought. There is a risk of manipulation if we use figures in the wrong context, and a lot of data can be confusing. Its use is good when expressing expert opinion and in general when we want to create tension and interest with shocking data.

 References (to persons, institutions, mass media): The presenter refers to books and newspaper articles published in connection with his topic, or his consulting activities with senior management. There is a danger of overbearing, emphasizing an excessive sense of importance. If the presenter is unknown to the audience, it can be used.

 Reference to history: For example, a summary of some topics that have already been discussed in previous lectures. With this, we can revive the essence of the train of thought and limit the topic. However, this can make the speech long, and there is a risk of the topic being discussed to the max. Its application can be useful in the case of a presentation tour, lecture series, recurring relationships, themes or cyclical events.

 Presenting immediate antecedents: an important and effective method when several presentations follow each other, when we want to start something varied and attention-grabbing, or when it is important to strengthen personal prestige, to demonstrate confident ease, when the audience needs to be shaken up, but it is also very risky, because not always and not everyone succeeds very well. This method provides an opportunity for quick contact, personal style comes to the fore, a quick connection with current affairs has an attention-grabbing effect, spontaneity, a striking, imaginative solution increases prestige. It can also weaken the performance, as it can be forced and lengthy, it can have a confiding effect, and excessive “glitter” can blind both the audience and the speaker himself. For example: “Before my presentation, some of us were just talking about…” “I was part of the following sight coming this way…”

 Reference method (recommendation): The speaker is introduced by another person who has a good relationship with the audience. The method is based on the acceptance of the audience and aims to create a quick connection between the speaker and his audience. It can also have a negative effect:

 the presenter holds a personal competitive paper and creates a competitive atmosphere,

 the presenting person steals the show,

 the level of demand cannot be maintained due to the laurels harvested in advance.

Its application is common at festive events and congresses, where several speakers and presentations follow each other.

 Praise from the audience: “I am delighted and honoured to introduce our latest service to such expert colleagues.” “You have achieved remarkable results. I am confident that what I am presenting now will be a great success with your participation.” Such and similar sentences can motivate the audience, but if the speaker exaggerates the praise, it can have an ironic effect. Don’t use excessively worn-out forms: (e.g. “I’m glad that such a good number of people showed up!”) There should be no sense of humiliation in the praise. We only use it if we can convey the praise authentically.

 Demonstration method: The demonstration method makes the presentation vivid and helps the audience identify with the topic more easily, but there is a risk of distraction, technical errors, and malfunctions. It can happen in two ways:

 In a direct way (the speaker explains the topic),

 In an indirect way (the presenter uses demonstration tools; films, slides, pictures).

 Provocation (challenge): With provocation, we arouse emotions, attract attention and make the participants think. It can also have a negative effect, since it creates a strong difference of opinion, divides the audience, incites contradictions, always contains a judgmental statement and deviates from the objective plane in the direction of emotions. If used before a thought-provoking discussion, the provocation should be personal and professional.

 Joke, anecdote, joke: Most examples of this method can be found in the Anglo-Saxon language area, but it is a less commonly used method in the introduction. It usually works well for atmospheric, situational speeches. Its effect: it creates a relaxed atmosphere, but it can turn into a cabaret, especially if the speaker laughs the loudest, and the topic, the audience and the person of the speaker can also be devalued. A high-impact, but high-risk start-up, highly dependent on personality and style.

 In media res! – Into the middle! – the direct method: We immediately proceed to the discussion of the topic, in such a way that we directly name and define the topic. Example: “Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, by raising children we mean that…” In this way, the audience receives immediate information, we activate our listeners, and we gain time. But it can also have a negative effect: the unexpected, abrupt start does not prepare the audience for the topic. Application: suitable for pre-informed audiences or specialist lectures.

 Dear reader! If you’re still reading the article, it wasn’t exactly “in medias res”, but congratulations!