You only get one chance to make a first impression – and in a presentation, that first impression happens in the opening 60 seconds. Whether you’re addressing your team, pitching a new idea, or speaking to senior leaders, those first moments set the tone for everything that follows.
You don’t need to be a natural performer to start strong. With the right approach, you can grab attention, build credibility, and feel more confident – even if presenting isn’t your favourite thing.
1. Start with something that makes people look up
The worst way to open is with, “Hi everyone, thanks for having me.” It sounds polite, but it’s forgettable.
Instead, try opening with:
- A surprising fact or statistic: “Did you know that 70% of change projects fail – mostly because of poor communication?”
- A question: “How many of you have sat through a presentation that felt endless?”
- A short, relevant story: “Last month, one of our clients gave us feedback that completely changed how we approach…”
These openers signal energy and intent – and they instantly make your audience curious.
2. State your purpose clearly
Audiences like to know why they’re listening. Within the first minute, say what your talk is about and what they’ll get from it.
Try: “In the next ten minutes, I’ll show you a simple way to present project results so your audience actually remembers them.”
This clarity helps people stay focused and reassures them their time is well spent.
3. Connect with your audience, not your slides
Many presenters turn immediately to the screen – but the best openings are human, not visual.
Before showing your first slide:
- Make eye contact with the room (or the camera, if virtual).
- Take a calm breath before speaking – silence can be powerful.
- Smile, even slightly – it relaxes both you and your audience.
You’ll come across as grounded and confident, even if your heart is racing.
4. Use a confident first line
Your first line should sound like you – but more intentional. For example:
- “I’m excited to share some insights from our latest results.”
- “Let’s start with a challenge we’ve all faced this quarter…”
- “I want to talk about something we’ve been overlooking – but it’s costing us time and energy.”
Avoid memorising it word-for-word. Instead, know your key message and say it naturally.
5. Practise your opening until it feels effortless
You don’t need to rehearse every line, but you should rehearse your opening. When you know exactly how you’ll start, the rest of your presentation flows more smoothly.
Try recording yourself or running through it in front of a trusted colleague. Focus on how it feels to say the words – not just how they sound.
A strong opening doesn’t require charisma – it requires clarity, confidence, and connection.
If you take the time to craft your first minute intentionally, you’ll not only grab attention, but you’ll also calm your nerves and set yourself up for a more impactful presentation.
