Effective Opening - Psp

Effective Opening

It is known by all that opening of a presentation can sometimes be so crucial and sets the tone for the whole presentation. Everyone can give a speech, but the question is how many of it is effective? In the next few paragraphs, I am going about few factors which can be considered for effective opening for a presentation.

During a presentation, if the audience doesn't understand what you are saying or if they are bored by the style and content of your message, you will lose opportunities no matter how great your product or idea may be. An effective, well organized business presentation can make all the difference. For an effective opening and to build your credibility, audience interest and audience understanding, as suggested in Munter & Russell, 2005, Pg.43-44, one should:

* Set the stage

* "Grab" their attention

* Use humor with caution

* State your recommendation

Set the Stage:

Before directly starting of with the presentation, introduce and talk briefly about yourself to the audience. In this stage of introduction take care to

1. Prompt interest of the audience

2. Provide an overview of the whole topic

3. Establish your credibility by mentioning what you know about the topic and what the audience will appreciate

4. Establish the Purpose of your presentation

When this is done you have already reached your audience half way through and flamed up their interest

"Grab" their attention:

For this you need to analyze your audience before and ask a few questions like - who your audience is? What do they know and expect? What is their knowledge and interest about the subject? This will give you an idea of what to include in your speech and what not. To grab the audience's attention and to keep them interested throughout the presentation

1. Give some important "Facts" or "Tips" in between your presentations.

2. Ask leading questions that would help you lead to your core discussion

3. Involve in an active interaction to help the audience come up with real life examples related to this topic. This will help them appreciate the topic even better.

Use humor with caution:

Humor is the best thing to bring about and arouse interest of the audience. It does