Sales presentation training experts say that you should
invite your audience in…provide an entry point or invitation to join you in the
content of your talk. Find something they can identify with at the very
beginning so they feel they know you or want to know more. Do something
unique…something different.
This means you avoid the overused intros like lengthy
thanks for the opportunity to speak, a joke that has no connection to your
overall message, or reading a slide that outlines the agenda. You want the
audience to relate specifically to you and what you have to say.
Provide an initial framework for your entire presentation
that will grab your listeners and help them remember the content of your
presentation. Here are some suggestions for a powerful entry point:
- Use the theme of a movie that relates to your topic in a meaningful way.
- Share an anecdote about a mentor or someone who inspired you.
- Refer to a local or world event and tie it to your message.
