EYN#007 - This Framework Will Help You Nail The Hardest Part Of Any Presentation

Read Time: 2 mins

Without doubt the hardest part of any presentation is the first 3 minutes.  We want to succeed, land our message and influence people.  So nailing the beginning is essential.

Why is quite so hard?  Well:

• You're nervous/anxious/panicking (delete as appropriate)
• You haven't got into your flow yet
• It always feels a bit awks at the beginning
• You don't want to look like a k**b

And at the same time, the audience is:

• Judging you
• Building their first impression of you
• Assessing your credibility
• Deciding if they want to listen to you

So, at this critical time for the audience, we are at our weakest.  Nice!

A strong, confident start is essential.  This flow is  a great way to do it.  

Breath

Smile

Thanks

Introduction

Hook

Benefit

Key messages

Let's dig into each of these

Breath

A deep breath to centre yourself and calm the nerves.

Smile

Every presentation can take a smile at the beginning.  It shows confidence, puts the audience at ease and helps people engage with you.  Fake it till you make it.

Thanks

Show a bit of humility.  Everyone is giving you their non-refundable time.  Thank them for spending time with you.

Introduction

Introduce yourself.  Not war and peace.  A small relevant intro that builds your credibility and helps the audience understand why they should listen to you.

Hook

Draw them in with something interesting.  A great story, a fascinating fact, something that creates an emotional connection with the topic.  Pique their interest.

Benefit

Crisply outline why this topic is of benefit to them.  Tell them why it’s important and how it will help them.

Key Message

At the beginning no-one has zoned out yet.  Hit them between the eyes with the key thing you want them to hear.  Don't save it for a punch line at the end.  Sock em in the face without before they have a chance to decide they're bored.

So that's a great flow for a beginning.  To then eally nail your beginning ..

Visualise your "Beginnings" - Run it through in your mind

Practice your "Beginnings" - Actually say it out loud

Do this well, the audience will be listening, you'll have found your flow and you've set yourself up for success.  

Hope this helps

BenP

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