Bold Introduction
Body and Discussion
For all entrepreneurs, this portion is for you. To gratify your needs and to enlighten you on how to start a business presentation. Here are the basics.
Always start with a concrete plan to strengthen the body of your presentation. With that, your listeners can’t easily stab your presentation.
If you are discussing in a formal setting, pick a deck with gray colors, choose dominant colors, and then combine.
To balance the whole presentation, put some icebreakers and funny idioms about your topic. Make sure it is sensible.
It helps your audience to get intact through the presentation. Try to use signal transitions, such as words or phrases that would give interconnections.
Of course, images and charts are vital. Make sure to use HD photos and reliable maps from data websites.
After the presentation, evaluate it by asking your listeners if they have any questions.
Questions like these must be considered and answered in your presentation.
Watch this live Speech <p data-sourcepos="3:1-3:271">A form of communication involving spoken language, it is used to express ideas, share information, tell stories, persuade, or entertain. Public speaking is a powerful tool used in diverse contexts, ranging from casual conversations to formal presentations.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="5:1-5:27"><strong>Components of a Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="7:1-10:0"> <li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:73"><strong>Content:</strong> The information, message, or story conveyed through words.</li> <li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:106"><strong>Delivery:</strong> The vocal and physical presentation, including clarity, volume, gestures, and eye contact.</li> <li data-sourcepos="9:1-10:0"><strong>Structure:</strong> The organization of the content, typically following an introduction, body, and conclusion.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="11:1-11:21"><strong>Speech in Action:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="13:1-17:0"> <li data-sourcepos="13:1-13:88"><strong>Informing:</strong> Sharing knowledge and facts, educating an audience on a specific topic.</li> <li data-sourcepos="14:1-14:119"><strong>Persuading:</strong> Advocating for a particular viewpoint, using arguments and evidence to influence thoughts or actions.</li> <li data-sourcepos="15:1-15:93"><strong>Motivating:</strong> Inspiring and energizing an audience, fostering action and positive change.</li> <li data-sourcepos="16:1-17:0"><strong>Entertaining:</strong> Engaging and delighting an audience through humor, storytelling, or creative language.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="18:1-18:32"><strong>Public Speaking and Anxiety:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="20:1-20:227">Many people experience <strong>public speaking anxiety</strong>, a fear of speaking in front of an audience. While it's common, effective preparation, practice, and breathing techniques can significantly reduce anxiety and improve delivery.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="22:1-22:32"><strong>Different Types of Speeches:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="24:1-28:0"> <li data-sourcepos="24:1-24:81"><strong>Informative speech:</strong> Focuses on conveying information clearly and concisely.</li> <li data-sourcepos="25:1-25:102"><strong>Persuasive speech:</strong> Aims to convince the audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take action.</li> <li data-sourcepos="26:1-26:99"><strong>Motivational speech:</strong> Inspires and energizes the audience, building enthusiasm and commitment.</li> <li data-sourcepos="27:1-28:0"><strong>Entertaining speech:</strong> Aim to amuse and delight the audience, often using humor, storytelling, or anecdotes.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="29:1-29:33"><strong>Crafting a Compelling Speech:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="31:1-35:0"> <li data-sourcepos="31:1-31:106"><strong>Know your audience:</strong> Tailor your content and delivery to their interests, needs, and prior knowledge.</li> <li data-sourcepos="32:1-32:107"><strong>Have a clear message:</strong> Identify the main point you want to convey and structure your speech around it.</li> <li data-sourcepos="33:1-33:111"><strong>Engage your audience:</strong> Use varied vocal techniques, storytelling, and visual aids to keep them interested.</li> <li data-sourcepos="34:1-35:0"><strong>Practice, practice, practice:</strong> Rehearse your speech out loud to refine your delivery and build confidence.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="36:1-36:13"><strong>Remember:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="38:1-38:281">Speech is a powerful tool for communication, connection, and influence. By understanding its elements, addressing potential anxieties, and tailoring your delivery to different contexts, you can harness the power of speech to achieve your intended goals and captivate your audience.</p> " href="https://orai.com/glossary/speech/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">speech or business seminar to get different hooks and other strategies to impress your listeners with your business presentation:
As your supervisor and other executives watch you presenting, stand tall and present like a boss through these points.
It organizes the presentation and connects the main points to sub-points. With that, you can have minimal effort but impactful results.
Try to begin asking the “why’s,” furthermore, enlighten them of “hows.” How to conduct, how to execute, and how to surpass their limits.
Stop introducing your presentation with your name. Always start to implore your audience with no cliché intro.
You can be ideological, symbolic, and rhetorical, and these things are not yet easy to comprehend without visuals. That’s why it is essential to develop and expand your data to make it understandable.
Suppose you want to have a good impression when presenting a business proposal to your bosses and other hotshots. Watch this video on striking tips and techniques for a presentation:
Case study presentations are more technical, unlike the other displays. It should be specific, tangible, credible, and substantial.
Also, here are the vital points to follow.
Facing new students is challenging, right? If you want to get a good impression from your class in different situations, take a look at these tips.
Tell them briefly who you are and why you are there in front of them while showing the right conduct and manners.
The material or your material must be the center of any presentation. Discuss its factuality and how tangible it is. Along with these, tell stories that may catch their interest and attention throughout the presentation.
End it with a bang! Make them think and stare at you. You can also give them riddles and some metaphorical set of words as an ending remark .
Indeed, you will gain their participation, plus you are helping your listeners to think critically.
Become a pro presenter. Download Orai and start practicing
To give more emphasis on how to start a business presentation and to help young entrepreneurs. I’ll share with you this detailed outline. I hope you tuck this with you.
Always set the stage with objectives. Since you are presenting to get clients and investment, it would help if you cleared how long it takes your business proposal.
Never underestimate the power of storytelling. Initiate your presentation with real-life stories.
Stating provoking questions can grab attention, positive or negative, is a good result. It helps you to get your listener’s ears and eyes.
This recommendation is similar to a word game, the “4-pics, One Word,” demonstrating the idea or topic with photos will be more immersing.
Visuals are one of the key points to expand a presentation. They are depicting patterns, diagrams, and trends. Lend quick analysis and predictions.
By using graphics, you can easily sustain the interest of your listeners and attract more viewers.
Master your presentation and fill loops. And on your topic. Study the weak points and establish more of the strengths of the presentation.
With that, you can derive the information smoothly. Take note of this. It is also vital on how to start a Board Meeting <p data-sourcepos="3:1-3:200">A formal gathering of a company's board of directors, where they discuss strategic matters, review financial performance, make key decisions, and oversee the organization's governance.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="5:1-5:21"><strong>Key Participants:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="7:1-11:0"> <li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:102"><strong>Board members:</strong> Elected or appointed individuals responsible for guiding the company's direction.</li> <li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:94"><strong>Executives:</strong> Company leaders like the CEO, CFO, and COO, who provide updates and reports.</li> <li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:88"><strong>Secretary:</strong> Oversees logistics, records minutes, and ensures compliance with rules.</li> <li data-sourcepos="10:1-11:0"><strong>Legal counsel:</strong> Offers guidance on legal matters and ensures adherence to regulations.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="12:1-12:12"><strong>Purpose:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="14:1-19:0"> <li data-sourcepos="14:1-14:78"><strong>Strategic planning:</strong> Setting the company's long-term direction and goals.</li> <li data-sourcepos="15:1-15:81"><strong>Financial oversight:</strong> Reviewing financial reports, budgets, and investments.</li> <li data-sourcepos="16:1-16:86"><strong>Risk management:</strong> Identifying and mitigating potential risks to the organization.</li> <li data-sourcepos="17:1-17:76"><strong>Executive evaluation:</strong> Assessing the performance of company leadership.</li> <li data-sourcepos="18:1-19:0"><strong>Decision-making:</strong> Approving key initiatives, investments, and policies.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="20:1-20:11"><strong>Format:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="22:1-25:0"> <li data-sourcepos="22:1-22:43">Varies based on company size and culture.</li> <li data-sourcepos="23:1-23:91">Typically includes presentations, discussions, voting on proposals, and Q&A sessions.</li> <li data-sourcepos="24:1-25:0">It may be formal with strict agendas or more informal with brainstorming sessions.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="26:1-26:26"><strong>Public Speaking Roles:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="28:1-30:0"> <li data-sourcepos="28:1-28:125"><strong>CEO and other executives:</strong> Act as a <strong>public speaker</strong>, presenting reports, answering questions, and defending proposals.</li> <li data-sourcepos="29:1-30:0"><strong>Board members:</strong> May participate in discussions, ask questions, and occasionally propose or speak in favor of motions.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="31:1-31:39"><strong>Addressing Public Speaking Anxiety:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="33:1-36:0"> <li data-sourcepos="33:1-33:87">Many executives and board members face <strong>public speaking anxiety</strong> in these meetings.</li> <li data-sourcepos="34:1-34:93">Preparation, practicing presentations, and visualization techniques can help manage nerves.</li> <li data-sourcepos="35:1-36:0">Some companies hire <strong>public speaking coaches</strong> to offer personalized guidance and improve communication skills.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="37:1-37:248"><strong>Remember:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="37:1-37:248">Effective board meetings require clear communication, active participation, and informed decision-making. By understanding the format, roles, and potential challenges, participants can contribute to a productive and impactful session.</p> " href="https://orai.com/glossary/board-meeting/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">board meeting presentation.
Put the top 10 successful corporations, traders, companies, and other information that may help you present your goal. Flash the motto of some famous entrepreneurs. Analyze or contradict it to gain more attention.
Try to spiel some business jokes as an icebreaker. Any possible facts about business that you can use — catch it!
Play videos like a Public Service Announcement (PSA), but make sure it is connected to your topic.
Learn how to start a business presentation that has movement and action for society. With that, your listeners may think your presentation is worth investing in.
Stay calm and don’t even think about drawbacks or shortcomings, especially the night before the presentation.
Make sure to pamper your body. Create also a plan B for unexpected circumstances.
In your run-through, always set a timer. It gives you a heads up if you may look rushing or too slow in explaining each slide.
Being not responsible for other people’s time is a turn-off, especially in business, where time is essential in the industry.
To present other samples wisely. Let me share some videos to rock and how to start a presentation:
Successful presentations like “How Google Works” and “Start with Why” prove the power of Clarity <p data-sourcepos="3:1-3:269">In <strong>public speaking</strong>, <strong>clarity</strong> refers to the quality of your message being readily understood and interpreted by your audience. It encompasses both the content and delivery of your speech, ensuring your message resonates and leaves a lasting impact.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="5:1-5:16"><strong>Key Aspects:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="7:1-13:0"> <li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:133"><strong>Conciseness:</strong> Avoid unnecessary details, digressions, or excessive complexity. Focus on delivering the core message efficiently.</li> <li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:149"><strong>Simple language:</strong> Choose words and phrases your audience understands readily, avoiding jargon or technical terms unless you define them clearly.</li> <li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:145"><strong>Logical structure:</strong> Organize your thoughts and ideas logically, using transitions and signposts to guide your audience through your message.</li> <li data-sourcepos="10:1-10:136"><strong>Effective visuals:</strong> If using visuals, ensure they are clear, contribute to your message, and don't distract from your spoken words.</li> <li data-sourcepos="11:1-11:144"><strong>Confident delivery:</strong> Speak clearly and articulately, avoiding mumbling or rushing your words. Maintain good eye contact with your audience.</li> <li data-sourcepos="12:1-13:0"><strong>Active voice:</strong> Emphasize active voice for better flow and avoid passive constructions that can be less engaging.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="14:1-14:24"><strong>Benefits of Clarity:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="16:1-20:0"> <li data-sourcepos="16:1-16:123"><strong>Enhanced audience engagement:</strong> A clear message keeps your audience interested and helps them grasp your points easily.</li> <li data-sourcepos="17:1-17:123"><strong>Increased credibility:</strong> Clear communication projects professionalism and expertise, building trust with your audience.</li> <li data-sourcepos="18:1-18:111"><strong>Improved persuasiveness:</strong> A well-understood message is more likely to resonate and win over your audience.</li> <li data-sourcepos="19:1-20:0"><strong>Reduced confusion:</strong> Eliminating ambiguity minimizes misinterpretations and ensures your message arrives as intended.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="21:1-21:15"><strong>Challenges:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="23:1-27:0"> <li data-sourcepos="23:1-23:129"><strong>Condensing complex information:</strong> Simplifying complex topics without sacrificing crucial details requires skill and practice.</li> <li data-sourcepos="24:1-24:128"><strong>Understanding your audience:</strong> Tailoring your language and structure to resonate with a diverse audience can be challenging.</li> <li data-sourcepos="25:1-25:85"><strong>Managing nerves:</strong> Nerves can impact your delivery, making it unclear or rushed.</li> <li data-sourcepos="26:1-27:0"><strong>Avoiding jargon:</strong> Breaking technical habits and simplifying language requires constant awareness.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="28:1-28:22"><strong>Improving Clarity:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="30:1-35:0"> <li data-sourcepos="30:1-30:117"><strong>Practice and rehearse:</strong> The more you rehearse your speech, the more natural and clear your delivery will become.</li> <li data-sourcepos="31:1-31:107"><strong>Seek feedback:</strong> Share your draft speech with others and ask for feedback on clarity and comprehension.</li> <li data-sourcepos="32:1-32:161"><strong>Consider a public speaking coach:</strong> A coach can provide personalized guidance on structuring your message, simplifying language, and improving your delivery.</li> <li data-sourcepos="33:1-33:128"><strong>Join a public speaking group:</strong> Practicing in a supportive environment can help you gain confidence and refine your clarity.</li> <li data-sourcepos="34:1-35:0"><strong>Listen to effective speakers:</strong> Analyze how clear and impactful others achieve communication.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="36:1-36:250"><strong>Remember:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="36:1-36:250"><strong>Clarity</strong> is a cornerstone of impactful <strong>public speaking</strong>. By honing your message, focusing on delivery, and actively seeking feedback, you can ensure your audience receives your message clearly and leaves a lasting impression.</p> " href="https://orai.com/glossary/clarity/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">clarity and simplicity. Both Schmidt and Sinek captivate audiences with straightforward messages enhanced by visuals (slides or whiteboard) that support, not overpower, their narratives. The lesson: ditch complexity, focus on your core message, and deliver it with a conviction for maximum impact.
Effective group presentations require thorough rehearsal, clean transitions, and speaker handovers. Recap your section, introduce the next speaker, and gesture towards them to link sections and keep the audience engaged.
Ditch the podium! Move around the stage to grab attention, connect with listeners, and emphasize key points. Strategic shifts in location signal transitions, while your energy and passion come alive through purposeful movement. Make your presentation dynamic and memorable – get moving!
To master the “remaining method,” Briefly introduce the controversy, dive deep with your side (logos & pathos!), acknowledge and dissect opposing solutions, and then unveil your “remaining solution” as the superior answer. Wrap up with a strong summary and a call to action. Guide your audience, earn trust, and win them over!
Ditch the dry facts! Captivate your audience with stories. Use classic structures like the hero’s journey or jump into the action with “in media res.” Craft your narrative with a clear plot, relatable characters, and a consistent tone. Tie it all back to your key points for maximum impact. Storytelling makes presentations memorable, engaging, and impactful – go forth and win hearts (and minds)!
Hook them, hit them, fix them! Problem-solution presentations start with a clear pain point, delve deep with causes and impacts (think logic and emotions!), and then unveil your solution as the hero and its amazing benefits. Finish with a call to action – tell them what to do next! Simple, powerful, persuasive.
Forget the slides; show and tell! Demo presentations explain the “what” and “why” of your product, then dazzle with a live showcase. Highlight problem-solving and potential uses to keep them hooked. Leave them curious and wanting more with a glimpse of what your product can truly do. It’s all about interactive understanding and engagement!
Q&A isn’t just an add-on! It’s a chance to clear confusion, recap key points, and answer burning questions. Wrapping up the discussion, offering deeper dives, and inviting audience participation – it’s the perfect way to seal the deal and connect with your listeners.
Ditch the tangents and deliver on your promises! The main body is where you unpack your points. Organize it clearly, hit each topic with evidence and examples, summarize as you go, and link your ideas. Keep it focused, relevant, and audience-friendly – take notes, stay on track, and make your impact!
Hook, roadmap, and expectations – that’s your intro! Briefly introduce the topic, explain why it matters and what you’ll cover, and tell the audience how long they’re in for and if they can participate. Set the stage, guide them through, and make them feel comfortable – then dive in!
Get organized, and get remembered! Structure keeps your audience engaged and learning while boosting your Confidence <p data-sourcepos="3:1-3:305">In the context of <strong>public speaking</strong>, <strong>confidence</strong> refers to the belief in one's ability to communicate effectively and deliver one's message with clarity and impact. It encompasses various elements, including self-belief, composure, and the ability to manage one's <strong>fear of public speaking</strong>.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="5:1-5:16"><strong>Key Aspects:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="7:1-12:0"> <li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:108"><strong>Self-belief:</strong> A strong conviction in your knowledge, skills, and ability to connect with your audience.</li> <li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:95"><strong>Composure:</strong> Maintaining calmness and poise under pressure, even in challenging situations.</li> <li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:100"><strong>Assertiveness:</strong> Expressing your ideas clearly and concisely, avoiding hesitation or self-doubt.</li> <li data-sourcepos="10:1-10:104"><strong>Positive self-talk:</strong> Countering negative thoughts with affirmations and focusing on your strengths.</li> <li data-sourcepos="11:1-12:0"><strong>Strong body language:</strong> Using gestures, posture, and eye contact that project confidence and professionalism.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="13:1-13:27"><strong>Benefits of Confidence:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="15:1-19:0"> <li data-sourcepos="15:1-15:99"><strong>Reduced anxiety:</strong> Feeling confident helps manage <strong>fear of public speaking</strong> and stage fright.</li> <li data-sourcepos="16:1-16:133"><strong>Engaging delivery:</strong> Confident speakers project their voices, hold eye contact, and connect with their audience more effectively.</li> <li data-sourcepos="17:1-17:137"><strong>Increased persuasiveness:</strong> A confident presentation inspires belief and motivates your audience to listen and remember your message.</li> <li data-sourcepos="18:1-19:0"><strong>Greater impact:</strong> Confidently delivered speeches leave a lasting impression and achieve desired outcomes.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="20:1-20:15"><strong>Challenges:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="22:1-26:0"> <li data-sourcepos="22:1-22:112">Overcoming <strong>fear of public speaking</strong>: Many people experience some level of anxiety when speaking publicly.</li> <li data-sourcepos="23:1-23:101"><strong>Imposter syndrome:</strong> Doubting your abilities and qualifications, even when objectively qualified.</li> <li data-sourcepos="24:1-24:92"><strong>Negative self-talk:</strong> Internalized criticism and limiting beliefs can hamper confidence.</li> <li data-sourcepos="25:1-26:0"><strong>Past negative experiences:</strong> Unsuccessful presentations or negative feedback can erode confidence.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="27:1-27:24"><strong>Building Confidence:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="29:1-36:0"> <li data-sourcepos="29:1-29:102"><strong>Practice and preparation:</strong> Thoroughly rehearse your speech to feel comfortable with the material.</li> <li data-sourcepos="30:1-30:101"><strong>Visualization:</strong> Imagine yourself delivering a successful presentation with confidence and poise.</li> <li data-sourcepos="31:1-31:100"><strong>Positive self-talk:</strong> Actively replace negative thoughts with affirmations about your abilities.</li> <li data-sourcepos="32:1-32:106"><strong>Seek feedback:</strong> Ask trusted individuals for constructive criticism and use it to improve your skills.</li> <li data-sourcepos="33:1-33:157">Consider a <strong>speaking coach</strong>: Working with a coach can provide personalized guidance and support to address specific challenges and confidence barriers.</li> <li data-sourcepos="34:1-34:114"><strong>Start small:</strong> Gradually increase the size and complexity of your speaking engagements as you gain experience.</li> <li data-sourcepos="35:1-36:0"><strong>Focus on progress:</strong> Celebrate small successes and acknowledge your improvement over time.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="37:1-37:282"><strong>Remember:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="37:1-37:282"><strong>Confidence</strong> in public speaking is a journey, not a destination. By actively practicing, embracing feedback, and focusing on your strengths, you can overcome <strong>fear of public speaking</strong> and develop the <strong>confidence</strong> to deliver impactful and memorable presentations.</p> " href="https://orai.com/glossary/confidence/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">confidence and delivery. It’s a win-win for both the speaker and the listener!
To be an effective speaker or presenter, you must master how to start a presentation. Learn the basics and dynamics.
Earn persuasive skills and grasp how to start a PowerPoint presentation with the steps and tips above to disseminate the information in a free-lingual way effectively.
I hope you find this helpful; you are free to use these tips for any goals.
You can try Orai , an AI-powered Speech Coach <p data-sourcepos="3:1-3:411">A <strong>speech coach</strong> is a trained professional who provides personalized guidance and support to individuals seeking to improve their <strong>public speaking</strong> skills. Whether you aim to <strong>master public speaking</strong> for professional presentations, overcome stage fright, or simply hone your everyday communication, a <strong>speech coach</strong> can tailor their expertise to meet your needs and goals.</p><br /><h2 data-sourcepos="5:1-5:32"><strong>What Does a Speech Coach Do?</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="7:1-13:0"> <li data-sourcepos="7:1-7:124"><strong>Conduct assessments:</strong> Analyze your strengths, weaknesses, and communication style through evaluations and observations.</li> <li data-sourcepos="8:1-8:149"><strong>Develop personalized plans:</strong> Create a customized roadmap with exercises, techniques, and feedback to address your specific areas of improvement.</li> <li data-sourcepos="9:1-9:167"><strong>Offer expert instruction:</strong> We will guide you through various aspects of public speaking, including vocal control, body language, content delivery, and overcoming anxiety.</li> <li data-sourcepos="10:1-10:168"><strong>Provide practice opportunities:</strong> Facilitate mock presentations, simulations, and role-playing scenarios to refine your skills in a safe and supportive environment.</li> <li data-sourcepos="11:1-11:114"><strong>Offer constructive feedback:</strong> Identify areas for improvement and suggest strategies for achieving your goals.</li> <li data-sourcepos="12:1-13:0"><strong>Boost confidence and motivation:</strong> Encourage and support you throughout your journey, empowering you to become a confident and impactful communicator.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="14:1-14:40"><strong>Who Can Benefit from a Speech Coach?</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="16:1-20:0"> <li data-sourcepos="16:1-16:174"><strong>Professionals:</strong> Refining public speaking skills can benefit executives, entrepreneurs, salespeople, leaders, and anyone who presents in professional settings.</li> <li data-sourcepos="17:1-17:160"><strong>Students:</strong> Teachers, public speakers, debaters, and students wanting to excel in presentations or classroom settings can gain valuable skills with a coach.</li> <li data-sourcepos="18:1-18:176"><strong>Individuals who fear public speaking:</strong> Coaching can help those who experience anxiety or nervousness when speaking in public develop strategies and gain confidence.</li> <li data-sourcepos="19:1-20:0"><strong>Anyone seeking to improve communication:</strong> A coach can provide guidance to individuals seeking to enhance their communication skills for personal or professional development.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="21:1-21:28"><strong>Types of Speech Coaches:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="23:1-26:0"> <li data-sourcepos="23:1-23:110"><strong>Private coaches:</strong> Work one-on-one with individuals to provide highly personalized attention and feedback.</li> <li data-sourcepos="24:1-24:130"><strong>Group coaches:</strong> Offer workshops or classes in group settings, often at a lower cost but with less individualized attention.</li> <li data-sourcepos="25:1-26:0"><strong>Specialization coaches:</strong> Some coaches specialize in executive communication, storytelling, or presentation design.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="27:1-27:35"><strong>Finding the Right Speech Coach:</strong></h2> <ul data-sourcepos="29:1-33:0"> <li data-sourcepos="29:1-29:91"><strong>Identify your goals:</strong> What areas do you want to improve? What are your specific needs?</li> <li data-sourcepos="30:1-30:109"><strong>Research credentials and experience:</strong> Look for qualified coaches with relevant experience and expertise.</li> <li data-sourcepos="31:1-31:122"><strong>Consider availability and budget:</strong> Set a budget and explore options that fit your schedule and financial constraints.</li> <li data-sourcepos="32:1-33:0"><strong>Schedule consultations:</strong> Talk to potential coaches to assess their personality, approach, and compatibility with your needs.</li> </ul> <h2 data-sourcepos="34:1-34:418"><strong>Remember:</strong></h2> <p data-sourcepos="34:1-34:418">Investing in a <strong>speech coach</strong> can be a transformative experience, enhancing your communication skills, boosting your confidence, and empowering you to achieve your communication goals. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, consider exploring the potential of working with a <strong>speech coach</strong> to unlock your full potential as a communicator and <strong>master public speaking</strong>.</p> " href="https://orai.com/glossary/speech-coach/" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex="0" role="link">speech coach that perfectly suits your budget! They provide instant feedback on you to help with your public speaking needs. Start your free trial with Orai today!
How many words is a 5-minute speech, good attention getters for speeches with 10+ examples, quick links.
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Updated: August 15, 2024
Published: September 13, 2023
The first step in mastering the art of delivering powerful presentations is understanding how to start a presentation properly.
In this post, you'll discover strategies for crafting a solid presentation opening, designing an impactful opening slide, and delivering a memorable presentation.
Table of Contents
How to start a presentation, opening slide examples, best practices for starting a presentation.
Everything you need to become more comfortable and effective during your next presentation, including:
The opening of your presentation sets the tone for your entire session.
Within the first few minutes, most of your audience will decide whether they find your expertise, experience, and topic compelling enough to warrant their attention.
Think of it this way: Your opening is a preview of your presentation like a trailer is a preview of a movie. If the five-minute trailer isn’t engaging or impactful, why should the audience bother sitting through the half-hour movie?
Your opening shapes the expectations of your audience and entices them to stay engaged throughout the session.
And although you’ll still need to work to maintain their attention, getting it right from the start will spare you the challenge of re-engaging a disinterested audience right from the beginning of your presentation.
This opening statement is powerful because rather than lead with his “credentials” or “accolades,” as the audience most likely expects, he defies that expectation.
He creates a sense of intrigue that instantly piques the audience's curiosity and compels them to pay closer attention.
In Tom Thum's TedTalk titled Beatbox Brilliance , he sets a lighthearted tone by stepping on stage wearing oversized sunglasses and declaring, “My name is Tom, and I've come here today to come clean about what I do for money.”
As you might expect, this humorous approach not only elicits laughter but also surprises the audience, who are intrigued and pleasantly surprised at the tone he sets for the presentation.
Graham Shaw's presentation titled “ Why people believe they can’t draw - and how to prove they can ” begins with, “Hi, I've got a question for you - how many people here would say they can draw?”
Seeing as this is a relatively lighthearted question that’s simple to answer, the audience responds immediately.
Now, what makes this a powerful opening technique is that Graham then goes on to say:
“When people say they can’t draw, I think it's more to do with beliefs rather than talent and ability. When you say you can’t draw, that’s just an illusion, and today I’d like to prove that to you.”
By immediately challenging a widely held belief among the audience and promising to debunk it during the presentation, he employs a powerful technique that keeps the audience fully engaged.
This approach makes the audience feel “invested” in the outcome of the presentation and curious as to whether he can back up his claim.
Getting your audience’s attention is just one part of the equation. Once you have it, you must also explain why they should “keep” listening to you. Here are some ways to do this:
In Phil Waknell’s opening section, he talks about how he’s spent the last ten years helping conference speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs prepare and deliver powerful presentations .
This immediately signals to the audience that he’s someone worth listening to and positions him as a credible source of insights based on the wealth of experience he has gathered.
During the opening section of Dr. Lara Boyd’s presentation titled “ After watching this, your brain will not be the same ,” she says, “I’m Dr. Lara Boyd, and I’m a brain researcher here at the University of British Columbia.”
Sharing her credentials as a brain researcher is crucial to gaining her audience's trust — especially considering the technicality of her topic.
But even while creating presentations outside fields like brain research, sharing qualifications and credentials in your opening section can be a powerful technique.
This helps you position yourself as a credible authority and reinforcing your audience's confidence in your ability to deliver valuable information.
In Mel Robbins’ opening section for her presentation titled “ How to stop screwing yourself over ,” she ends her introduction by saying:
“I’m here for you. I’m going to tell you everything I know in less than 18 minutes about how to get what you want.”
Although she started the section by highlighting her experiences and expertise, she went further by explicitly stating the benefits her audience can expect from her presentation.
Doing this is a great way to create a compelling reason for your audience to invest their time and attention and emphasize the value of the presentation you’re about to deliver.
If your topic is relatively simple to grasp or your audience is particularly knowledgeable, introducing your topic can be as easy as “Today, I’m going to be talking to you about how we’ve built a six-figure software company in 6 months.”
However, if your topic is more complex or unfamiliar to the audience, you must do a bit more heavy lifting in your opening section.
For example, Sam Bern’s “ My philosophy for a happy life ” presentation discusses how he lives a happy life despite having Progeria disease.
However, because this condition might be unfamiliar to some audience members, he takes some time in his opening section to talk about the illness before delving into the meat of his presentation.
Similarly, if you’re presenting on a complex topic or to an audience that isn’t knowledgeable, it’s essential to consider this when crafting your opening section.
Stories can create immersive experiences that captivate the audience and convey a core message.
For example, in the opening section of Sam Bern's presentation, he tells a story about his struggles while trying to achieve his goal of becoming a drummer in his school marching band, despite living with Progeria disease.
This sets the tone for his entire presentation by conveying an inspiring message of fighting against and succeeding despite the odds.
Another great example is the opening section of Josh Kaufman’s presentation, titled “ The First 20 Hours — how to learn anything ,” where he tells a story about his experience as a time-strapped first-time parent.
This story enhances the presentation as Josh eventually shares that this experience triggered his interest in studying how to become an efficient learner.
Finally, Amy Morins’s presentation “ The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong ” is another excellent example of leveraging storytelling.
Amy starts her presentation with a thought-provoking story about observing a Facebook friend's seemingly perfect life.
She then highlights how such comparisons can lead to negative thought patterns and emphasizes the importance of cultivating mental resilience.
This relatable story not only resonates with her audience but also sets the stage for her message on building inner strength.
All these presentations are great examples that highlight how incorporating story-telling in your openings can be a powerful tool for creating memorable and impactful presentations.
Your presentation slides play a crucial role in determining the impact and effectiveness of your presentation.
In this section, you’ll find examples of 8 powerful opening slides across various use cases that not just support but enhance the presentation openings:
Although these are very different methods of injecting humor at the start of a presentation, they show how infusing humor can be a powerful tool for adding a touch of personality and creating a more enjoyable presentation for the audience.
While it's important not to rush through the start of your presentation, keeping your opening concise is equally important. But remember, concise does not mean sacrificing substance; it simply means delivering information efficiently.
Essentially, you want an opening section that allows you to create a solid initial impression without losing the audience's interest.
So, how long should this opening secretion be?
Most successful presentation openings are under three minutes, and many are shorter, often clocking in at under one minute.
Contrary to popular belief, there isn't a specific personality that makes someone a better presenter. In fact, the most impactful presentations have been delivered by individuals with diverse characters.
Take, for instance, the contrasting styles of Tom Thum’s irreverent humor and animated mannerisms and Sam Bern, who adopts a relaxed and conversational approach. Despite their differences, both speakers have garnered millions of views for their talks.
So, rather than emulating or mimicking their presentations, the key takeaway is to embrace authenticity.
Allow your personality to shine through, lean on your strengths, and be human in your delivery.
Starting a presentation is a skill that is as much an art as it is a science. Thankfully, it is also a skill that can be learned and honed.
By implementing the strategies in this guide and refining them through experience, you’ll become a master at delivering impactful presentations that command attention and leave a lasting impression.
All from the moment you step onto the stage.
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May 1, 2018 | Business Professional English , Free Resource , Public Speaking & Presentations
This lesson on how to organize your introduction for a presentation in English has been updated since its original posting in 2016 and a video has been added.
Getting ready to present in English? Here’s how to make sure your introduction for a presentation in English is successful.
But first… When you think about a presentation, I know you’re thinking about something like a TED video or a presentation at a conference. You’re thinking about a speech, with PowerPoint slides and a big audience.
But did you know we use the same skills when we share new information or ideas with our work colleagues? Or when we tell stories to our friends and family? The situation or speaking task may be different but we still use the same skills.
When presenting information or telling stories, we need to:
So today you’re going to learn how to take the first big step in your English presentation: how to start with a great introduction.
The introduction is the most important part of your presentation. It is the first impression you’ll make on your audience. It’s your first opportunity to get their attention. You want them to trust you and listen to you right away.
However, that first moment when you start to speak is often the hardest. Knowing how to best prepare and knowing what to say will help you feel confident and ready to say that first word and start your presentation in English.
Be sure to include these 5 things in your inroduction.
Lesson by Annemarie
Organize Your Introduction Correctly
Okay, first let’s focus on what you need to include in your English introduction. Think of this as your formula for a good introduction. Using this general outline for your introduction will help you prepare. It will also help your audience know who you are, why you’re an expert, and what to expect from your presentation.
Use this general outline for your next presentation:
Use Common Language to Make Your Introduction Easy to Understand
Great, now you have the general outline of an introduction for a speech or presentation in English. So let’s focus on some of the key expressions you can use for each step. This will help you think about what to say and how to say it so you can sound confident and prepared in your English presentation.
“The introduction is the most important part of your presentation. It is the first impression you’ll make on your audience. It’s your first opportunity to get their attention. You want them to trust you and listen to you right away.”
Welcome Your Audience & Introduction
It is polite to start with a warm welcome and to introduce yourself. Everyone in the audience will want to know who you are. Your introduction should include your name and job position or the reason you are an expert on your topic. The more the audience trusts you, the more they listen.
Capture Their Attention
For more information about how to best capture your audience’s attention and why, please see the next session below. However, here are a few good phrases to get you started.
Identify Your Goal or Topic of Presentation
At this stage, you want to be clear with your audience about your primary topic or goal. Do you want your audience to take action after your talk? Is it a topic everyone is curious about (or should be curious about)? This should be just one or two sentences and it should be very clear.
Outline Your Presentation
You may have heard this about presentations in English before:
First, tell me what you’re going to tell me. Then tell me. And finally, tell me what you told me.
It sounds crazy and weird, but it’s true. This is how we structure presentations in English. So today we’re focusing on the “First, tell me what you’re going to tell me” for your introduction. This means you should outline the key points or highlights of your topic.
This prepares your listens and helps to get their attention. It will also help them follow your presentation and stay focused. Here are some great phrases to help you do that.
On Asking Questions
You want to be sure to let you audience know when and how it is appropriate for them to ask you questions. For example, is the presentation informal and is it okay for someone to interrupt you with a question? Or do you prefer for everyone to wait until the end of the presentation to ask questions?
Capture Your Audience’s Attention
Do you feel unsure about how to capture the attention of your audience? Don’t worry! Here are some common examples used in English-speaking culture for doing it perfectly!
Two of the most famous speakers in the English-speaking world are Steve Jobs and Oprah Winfrey. While Steve Jobs is no longer living, people still love to watch his speeches and presentations online. Oprah is so famous that no matter what she does, people are excited to see her and listen to her.
BUT, if you listen to a speech by Steve Jobs or Oprah Winfrey, they still work to get your attention!
The don’t start with a list of numbers or data. They don’t begin with a common fact or with the title of the presentation. No – they do much more.
From the moment they start their speech, they want you to listen. And they find interesting ways to get your attention. In his most famous speeches, Steve Jobs often started with a personal story. And Oprah often starts with an inspiring quote, a motivational part of a poem, or a personal story.
These are all great ways to help your audience to listen to you immediately – whether your presentation is 3 minutes or 20 minutes.
Here’s how you can do it.
Like Steve Jobs or Oprah Winfrey, start with a:
And finally, consider audience participation. Ask a question and get your audience to respond by raising hands.
Get the complete Presentations in English Series:
Part 1: How to Prepare for Your Presentation in English
Part 2: How to Start with a Great Introduction in Your Presentation
Part 3: How to Organize Your Presentation in English
Part 4: How to End Your Presentation Powerfully
As I mentioned in the video, I have two question for you today:
Be sure to share in the comments below to get feedback from me and to learn from others in the Confident English Community.
Have a great week! ~ Annemarie
Follow my 3-step solution to speak English with clarity, fluency, and freedom so you can say what you want with confidence.
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Good day Annemarie! you are truly a God sent, because I believe communication is your God giving gift. Your tone, facial expression and gesture is what capture my attention. I learn a lot with ease as I watch your videos each time. Keep it up! God bless.
Thank you so much for your kind comment. I’m glad to know my lessons are helpful.
Thank you, Annemarie. thanks for the generosity of sharing useful and systemative information and content.
This is really a very informative message thank you.. And it’s help me a lot
hi thank you for this It was helpful. You used simple english that i understood well.
How to start with a great presentation on composition
Thankyou for the information . It was much helpful . I will definitely use this information in my presentation 🤗
Hi, I am Thang Sok Do you have a Sample presentation?
This was helpful but can you please tell me how to start a presentation in college because this is for work in a company. My presentation is on laboratory skills and all that
Its informative
Thank you for this video! I’ve learned quite a lot and will want to use all these knowledge in presenting my thesis proposal in 2 months. About your question no. 2, I’d just like to share that the mere fact of presenting in front of many respected professionals makes me already nervous and shaky even if i have studied everything about my presentation. What do you think should i do to deal with my concern?
Could you give me advise, how to start learning English for beginner.How to prepare presentation on any topic and how to make interesting..
Thank u so much for valuable advice. Definitely I will used this in my presentation!!
Thank you very much for these kind of useful advice. I hope my first presentation will be exciting for the audience.Your video is helping me again thanks a lot 😊
hi, i’m B.COM student and I have to prepare presentation about identifying business opportunities. How to start and an attractive attention to my audience.. Please Help me…
very nise and educative piece of information thank you nancy nairobi kenya
i am starting a video speech shooting in night about a famouse person how do i start my speech with a good intro.
Hi again how do you do a introduction goodbye
Hi i do not know what you are talking about
Hi Kate, I’m sorry to hear you’re not sure about the content. I recommend reviewing the video carefully if you haven’t already. Is there something specific you have a question about?
thanks a lot for guiding in such an easier way.
Your write-up on introduction helped a lot, thank you Annemarie. I work for cross-geography team and greetings get lengthy as timezones are different e.g. “Good evening to those joining from US office and good morning to colleagues from India office”. I replaced that with “Thank you everyone for joining”. Is it okay?
Hi Amit, I’m so glad it was helpful. As for your greeting, both of your options are perfectly appropriate and friendly.
How to introduce group members in online presentation?
Great question! I’d love to use that for a future Confident English lesson.
its amazing. i can’t explain in wording. this material helping me a lot. i am so happy after use this website . its make easy for me preparing my presentation more interesting. i am thankful too u.
thanks! i use your materials to teach my students(clinets) how to prepare a presentation. is it ok to use them on my materials?
Hi! I am a student from the USP from Tuvaluan and i take CEE45 so our assessment 2 is to prepared a group presentation and we presented in school. so need your help for how to start an attractive introduction to my teacher and my fellow students, they already kwow me.
Thank you.. very helpful
Very useful
It was very use Gul for or presentations
Hi. I am a 1st year BIT student and I have to prepare a presentation on 3D Printing. how to start an attractive introduction to my teachers, when they already know about me? Can you please help me out? Thank you.
I just took 1st place for my paper that I presented at an international students conference. I used a lot of your techniques to improve my speech and I have no words to say how grateful I am to you. Keep up the good work!
😲WOW!! That’s awesome, Andrew. 🙌Congratulations on your presentation. What a wonderful response to your hard work. I’d love to know what you presentation was about. And thank you for sharing your new here. I’m thrilled to know that my techniques were helpful to you.
The title of the presentation was “Handling burnout: A study regarding the the influence of job stressors over military and civilian personel”. I can sent you my paper through email if you would like to see it.
Hi Andrew, what a fascinating topic. And it’s interesting because I just had a newspaper reporter interview me about burnout as a small business owner. Must be a hot topic. 🙂 And sure, I’d love to see it.
🔥❤ too goodd
Hello Annemarie, Thank you so much for one of the best content on the English presentation, I’ve seen. I have a question: Is it impolite or informal to start the presentation without a greeting? I’m asking this question because I’ve seen a lot of TEDTalks and in only a few of them, they greet the audience and in most of it, they quickly go to the “CAPTURING the ATTENTION” with numbers and pictures. I would be so thankful if you could answer this question as soon as possible, my presentation is so close. Best regards, Helia
Hi Helia, What a great question. It has definitely become more common to skip the greeting and go straight to capturing the attention of the audience and you’re right that we often see this in TED talks. I would say it’s best to know your audience and what might be expected. For example, at more formal, traditional conferences or lecture, it might be more appropriate to start with a welcome. I prefer to welcome/thank my audience quickly at the start when I give presentations. A welcome can be very brief, just one sentence, and then you can quickly go into … Read more »
Hi Annemarie I would like to thank you for giving such types of presentation skills but I have a question can you give me some idea about vote of thinks.
I’m glad the lessons are helpful to you. Could you clarify what you mean by ‘vote of thinks?’ I’m not sure I understand that.
Please can you give me some idea about vote of thanks
Could you clarify what you’re asking for, Bello?
Thanks a lot
Glad it was helpful!
it is agood i learn alot from this english class
Hello.i would like to thank you for giving these beautiful tips to start a presentation.This article helped me a lot.
That’s great, Radha. Glad to hear it.
Thanks for your article. It’s simply for interpersonal skill development.
You’re welcome, Mithun. Glad to know it was helpful.
Hi Annemarie . Thank you so much for giving such helpful guildelines it’s really gonna help me
I’m glad it’s helpful, Swetha! 🙂
thank you for help me
You’re very welcome!
Hi Anne Marie, i ‘m from Catalonia and i came across with your site only by chance and i think it’gonna be so helpful for me to pass the next test for c1 level. Several weeks ago i did some rehersals with my presentation and i was so nervous and terrified about what was expected from me.
Some tips in your youtube channel are so cool !!! Thank you.
Hi Tom, I’m thrilled you’ve found this site in your preparations for your English exam and am glad to know it’s helpful! Best of luck as you continue to prepare.
Hi Annemarie Thanks it’s so useful to develop presentation skill. Fatima
You’re very welcome, Fatima! I’m glad it was helpful.
Awesome, especially this simple and clear motto: “First, tell me what you’re going to tell me. Then tell me. And finally, tell me what you told me.” This three sentences exactly explain the content you need to create a memorable presentation.
Hi Dzmitry,
Yes, I’ve always loved that simple motto on how to do a presentation. 🙂 It’s so easy to remember and tells you exactly what to do.
hello I need to introduce myself to language center. i am going to learn Danish Language and i want to introduce myself to them and i am little bit nervous because my grammar is not good at that level.so will you please guide me how to introduce myself to them with an example. i did go through your examples but that is for professionals and i am just a student (Graduate). I don’t have any experience . Please guide me how to do it.
I was in a confused state about starting a conversation and proceeding in it but when I read the guidelines you mentioned above I became confident. thank you for your innumerable ………….
Thank you so much…… it’s an excellent topic, and it helped me a lot
I’m so glad this was helpful to you! Thank you for sharing.
hi annemarie i have a few questions about a speech i have to make a englishi speech of what i want to become can you help me?
Hi Rebecca,
Thank you for the question. I have several lessons on the topic of presentations in English . However, for personal assistance with English or presentations, I only do that through my one-on-one classes .
thank you so much…… it’s really helpful for me….
You’re very welcome, Shalini.
Thanks its really nice to develop the presentation skills
Awesome. I’m glad it was helpful to you, Mohammed.
I have to give a demo on one of your programs next week. I would like you to check my self introduction – Good afternoon everyone and thank you for all of your presence. Before we get into the session I would like to quickly introduce myself. My name is Dinesh . I am working as a Pharmaceutical sale and promotion of the brands for Arrient Healthcare. I am in this filed for the past ten years. Before becoming trainer I worked as a medical representatives for different pharma company . I am highly interested in learning from people and … Read more »
Please ignore my previous comment. Yea the demo was a success. So hereafter I will say”I have been in this field for the past four years. Actually I worked for different consultancies so I didn’t include an article there.
I have to give a demo on one of your programs next week. I would like you to check my self introduction – Good afternoon everyone and thank you for all of your presence. Before we get into the session I would like to quickly introduce myself. My name is Monica. I am working as a Soft Skill Trainer at Synergy School of Business Skills. I am in this filed for the past four years. Before becoming trainer I worked as a Recruiter for different job consultancy. I am highly interested in learning from people and I think teaching/training is … Read more »
Thank you for sharing your example! One note: “I am in this field for the past four years.” –> Don’t forget, when we’re talking about something that started in the past and continues to now, we use the present perfect. How might you change this sentence to fix the grammar?
Also, we want to add an article to, “… I worked as a recruiter for [a] different job consultancy.”
I wish you much success in your demo this week! Best, Annemarie
Yea the demo was a success! So hereafter I will say”I have been for the past four years. Actually I worked for different consultancies.
Join Annemarie for an English Fluency Breakthrough . Available for a limited time.⏳
04-18-2024 CAREER EVOLUTION
Focus on strong planning, transition, and Q&A execution.
[Photo: Cecilie Skjold Wackerhausen/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock]
BY Matt Abrahams 4 minute read
Facing an audience alone can be anxiety-producing. But copresenting with others brings its own set of challenges as well: from confusion to unclear roles.
I once taught a class in which students were required to deliver a group presentation on the topic of their choice. One group told me they would be speaking about whales, but failed to coordinate their talk. I think they were as surprised as I was when one member discussed the marine mammal whales, one treated us to some enlightening information about the country of Wales, and a third proceeded to give us an overview of the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem!
Thankfully, most teams do a better job of coordination than my students did. In fact, just a bit of planning and collaboration beforehand can minimize the potential messiness of team talks and allow the benefits (diverse perspectives, time efficiency, teamwork, etc.) to shine. When you coordinate your work together, communication can flow smoothly and your presentation will look like a unified effort, rather than disparate talks thrown together under a single heading.
You don’t have to synchronize and coordinate every word, but the three elements that will make the most difference in your group presentation are planning, transitioning, and executing a strong Q&A. Here are three keys to giving a great group presentation:
Before you get in front of your audience, it’s critical to align on your group’s goal, the depth and road map of your content, and the tone of your presentation. Discuss these questions before crafting content:
When moving from one speaker to the next, you need to transition both topic and presenter. Too often presenters will simply say, “And here is Sven . . .” and hand over the microphone. Instead, offer a more complete transition that allows your audience to mentally shift from one section of your talk to the next. For instance, “Now that we all understand the significance of the problem, Sven will come up and share our proposed solution.”
If you are presenting in person, there is a delicate dance when one presenter relinquishes the stage to the next person. These transitions work best when the current presenter turns to face the direction the next presenter is coming from, then waits until the new presenter takes center stage before exiting. If you need to pass a remote slide advancer and/or microphone, extend the equipment to the new presenter and allow them to take it. Think of it as “passing the baton” in a relay race; to avoid a literal mic drop, someone’s hand needs to be on these at all times. This exchange also allows you to symbolically pass authority to the next presenter.
Going from broadcasting information to interacting with your audience is a critical shift. A Q&A section allows the audience to engage in dialog with the presenting team. It also invites deeper understanding for the audience and allows the presenters to gauge how well the audience has understood their message. When this shift is handled adeptly, the team preserves their credibility and authority.
Here are three suggestions to make this portion of your presentation a success:
Successful group presentations are like scenes in a stage play. Knowing your role, agreeing on timing, paying attention to details, and practicing will create a positive experience for your team members and will enhance your ability to successfully convey your message to your audience.
And here is some bonus advice for virtual team presentations: Always test mic levels so that everyone’s sound level is even, work to have the same level of lighting, coordinate virtual backgrounds to give a sense of cohesion, and have each member position their bodies in their stage areas the same way.
More and more of our communication is occurring in teams. By taking some time to coordinate and give feedback in advance, we can maximize the benefit of team presenting and avoid barriers to success.
Matt Abrahams is a lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, the author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot and Speaking Up Without Freaking Out , and the host of the Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast.
Apply to the Most Innovative Companies Awards and be recognized as an organization driving the world forward through innovation. Final deadline: Friday, October 4.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Matt Abrahams is a lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, the author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot and Speaking Up Without Freaking Out , and the host of Think Fast, Talk Smart ThePodcast . More
Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Presentations > How to work on a group presentation
Working in a group can be a great way to tackle complicated tasks or share unique knowledge. When it comes to illustrating your team’s results to an audience, it can be tricky to navigate how to pace your presentation and who gets to speak, among other factors. Check out these tips for how to start a presentation speech, how to conclude a group presentation, and everything in between.
Some people thrive working in groups , while others prefer to tackle projects by themselves. Balancing all these differing personalities is one of the key skills to ensuring that your presentation goes smoothly:
Powerpoint empowers you to develop well-designed content across all your devices
The clearest way to do set presentation roles, and the order of these roles, is to set them early in the process and based upon the strengths of your group members. Designate roles based on certain skillsets and to keep from duplicating efforts. For example, having one or two people work exclusively on designing your PowerPoint presentation can streamline the process. Depending on how long your presentation is, you can assign everyone on your team three to five slides to discuss.
In addition, it helps to rehearse your presentation multiple times to iron out any kinks and build confidence. Practice your presentation together as a group so everyone can be prepared in front of your audience. Here, communication is key, scheduling regular meetings and clearly delegating tasks ensure everyone is on the same page.
Just like the rest of your presentation, it helps to have just one person speak at a time. Assign the role of introducer to someone on your team. You can also choose to designate someone as the narrator who can both start the presentation, introduce team members, and finish in the conclusion.
Ensure that they clearly state the purpose of your presentation and provide an overview of what you’ll cover. You can also start with a compelling hook or an intriguing question to grab the audience’s attention. Introduce each member of your group and their roles and expertise to establish credibility and cohesion.
At the end of your presentation, it helps to summarize the key points of your presentation and reiterate your main message so that your audience can retain as much information as possible. End with a strong closing statement or call to action to leave a lasting impression on your audience. Thank them for their time and invite further discussion or questions.
Mastering the art of group presentations requires effective collaboration, enough time for preparation, and a confident delivery. Play to your group’s strengths, give everyone plenty of time to speak, and value everyone’s contributions equally. Check out more tips for how to create an effective presentation , how to make group projects go smoother , or how to connect with virtual audiences .
It’s the Office you know, plus the tools to help you work better together, so you can get more done—anytime, anywhere.
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Engage your audience and get them interested in your product with this guide to creating a sales presentation.
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Starting a presentation effectively is vital to its success. The beginning of your presentation sets the tone for the entire session and determines whether your audience will stay engaged. A strong opening captures attention immediately, making sure your message stands out amid the noise of other content vying for their focus.
A common mistake many presenters make is starting with a lackluster introduction. This often includes an awkward greeting, a quick thank you, and a mumble about the topic, which can diminish even the most compelling message. Instead, think of your opening as a powerful preview, much like a movie trailer. If your initial moments are engaging, they will create interest and keep your audience attentive. If not, you risk losing their attention right from the start.
Regardless of your presentation’s setting—whether in-house, at a conference, or during a sales pitch—a captivating start is essential. It not only draws your audience in but also sets the stage for what follows. By beginning with a strong, well-thought-out introduction, you ensure that your audience is interested and ready to listen, making the rest of your presentation much more effective.
Key Takeaways
Beginning your PPT with a strong introduction helps establish trust and connect with your listeners. Begin with a warm welcome and share your name. Depending on the setting, you may want to adjust your greeting to fit your audience. As a presentation introduction example, if you’re speaking to coworkers who already know you, try: “Hello, [name] here. I’d like to thank you all for your time today. As you know, I’m [your job title], and I look forward to discussing [your topic].”
If your audience doesn’t know you, use an introduction for a presentation example like: “Hello everyone, it’s nice to meet you all. My name is [name], and I am the [your job title]. I’m glad you’re here today.”
A creative way to introduce yourself is by sharing a brief, engaging personal story that connects to your presentation’s topic. This can make you more relatable and grab your audience’s attention right away.
Finally, if you’re introducing team members, first explain their roles or contributions. This not only highlights their expertise but also helps the audience understand their relevance to the presentation.
Start your PPT by clearly stating its objective. In just a few sentences, let your audience know what the presentation is about and what they can expect to gain from it. This will help set the tone and keep your audience engaged throughout.
Think about the main takeaway you want for your audience. Are you looking to inform them about a topic, encourage them to buy a product, or inspire them to take action? Whatever your goal is, craft a purpose statement that aligns with it. Keep it concise — one to three sentences will do.
As an example of a good introduction for a presentation, you could begin with: “Today, I want to discuss…”, “Let’s dive into…”, or “By the end of this presentation, you’ll understand…”. A clear, direct opening helps your audience focus on what’s important and prepares them for the information to come.
Open your PPT with a hook that immediately grabs attention. Whether it’s a surprising fact, a bold statement, or a thought-provoking question, a strong opening creates intrigue and makes the audience want to know more.
Think about saying something unexpected — like a surprising statistic or an unusual story. For instance, instead of a standard greeting, try a line no one expects: “Did you know companies waste over $1.2 billion each year on unsold clothes?” A jolt like this wakes up the room and sets the tone for what’s to come.
Another effective way is to ask a rhetorical question: “Are you among the 20% of people with undiagnosed ADHD?” This makes the audience reflect silently, engaging their curiosity and keeping them tuned in to hear more.
To further connect, consider using an interactive element such as a quick poll or a short video. The goal is simple: get your audience engaged from the start by making them think, wonder, or even gasp.
Start your PPT with a strong visual to grab your audience’s attention right away. Instead of using text, consider using a striking image, a relevant photo, a clear chart, or an engaging infographic on your first slide template. Visuals are processed by the human brain faster than text, making them a better way to communicate your main idea quickly.
An eye-catching visual can set the tone for your presentation and create a positive first impression. The right image or graphic adds appeal to your slides, helps your audience imagine your message, and makes it more memorable. Think of it as creating a “wow” moment that keeps everyone engaged from the start.
Choose visuals that relate to your topic and help tell your story. Whether it’s a picture that evokes emotion, a prop that adds excitement, or a graphic that simplifies complex data, a compelling visual can make your presentation stand out.
Beginning your PPT with the word “imagine” is a powerful way to grab your audience’s attention. Words like “imagine,” “picture this,” or “think of” prompt your listeners to engage their minds and visualize the scenario you are describing. This technique helps set the stage for a compelling story that can make your presentation more memorable.
Stories have a unique power to draw people in. Our brains respond to stories, especially those filled with emotion and tension. When your audience imagines a story with a relatable hero or a high-stakes situation, they are more likely to pay attention, feel the emotions of the characters, and even mimic their actions later. It creates a connection between you and your listeners, making them more open to your message—whether that’s supporting a cause or considering your proposed solution.
So, next time you start a presentation, try saying, “Imagine this…” and see how quickly you can create a bond with your audience.
Opening the presentation with silence can be one of the most powerful tools in a speaker’s arsenal. Imagine standing before an audience and remaining quiet for a few seconds—no words, just you and the audience in complete silence. This unexpected pause can capture everyone’s attention, much like a magician building suspense before revealing a trick. The audience’s curiosity is piqued, and they are more inclined to focus, anticipating something important.
Using silence deliberately gives the audience a moment to absorb their surroundings and prepares them for what’s to come. It sets a tone of confidence and control, signaling that you have something vital to share. As you hold the silence, avoid the urge to fill the gap with unnecessary words. Instead, embrace the pause. A moment of silence not only helps build anticipation but also allows you to project calmness and authority.
However, this technique is most effective when used by experienced presenters who can maintain their composure and control the room. If done right, silence can quickly draw all eyes to you and create a powerful opening for your presentation.
Open your PPT with a story that grabs attention and connects to your main message. Stories are powerful tools that can enthrall your audience’s hearts and minds. Think about starting with a phrase like, “On my way to [location] the other day…” or “On my way here, I was reminded of…,” then follow with a story that relates to your topic.
Organize your slides to support the story in a logical sequence, and use visuals that enhance the narrative and stir emotions. Tell a story that makes your presentation memorable, helping your listeners to understand and remember your key points.
Starting the first slide in a presentation with humor can set a positive tone and immediately capture your audience’s attention. A witty joke or a clever remark can break the ice. Humor is especially useful if your audience has already sat through multiple presentations — it brings a refreshing change that makes them want to hear more.
Including a lighthearted or surprising fact is another way to kick things off on a fun note. This approach can spark curiosity and encourage the audience to engage more with your content.
Humor also adds a personal touch, making your presentation more memorable. If you’re presenting as a group, involve your team members in the fun to create a collaborative and enjoyable experience for everyone. Just make sure your humor is relevant to your topic to keep the focus on your message. With the right dose of humor, you’ll start your PPT on a high note and build a strong connection with your audience.
To begin a presentation that grabs attention, focus on engaging with your audience right from the beginning. One way to do this is by involving them in an activity, like a quick game, puzzle, or group exercise related to your topic. This can help break the ice and make your presentation more interactive.
Another effective strategy is to use the stage to your advantage. Move around and face different sections of the audience to create an inclusive atmosphere. This helps everyone feel involved. Make eye contact to build a personal connection and show that you value their presence.
Finally, consider asking a question at the start or encouraging audience feedback. These techniques foster a sense of involvement and make your audience feel like they are a vital part of your presentation.
To kick off your presentation effectively, start by making an emotional connection with your audience. One powerful way to do this is by sharing a real-life experience or a personal story related to your topic. This approach not only creates an instant bond but also turns your audience into your biggest supporters.
If you’re presenting as a team, have each member share their personal stories related to the topic. This collective sharing enhances the emotional impact and helps build a closer connection with your audience.
Another way to engage your audience is by beginning with a heartfelt story or example that tugs at the heartstrings. Emotion plays a vital role in making your presentation memorable, so don’t shy away from using it to create a personal link with your listeners. Plus, a creative and emotionally engaging start can boost your confidence as a presenter.
Starting your presentation with a quote from a well-known figure can be a powerful way to engage your audience. A succinct, relevant quote can instantly grab attention and set the tone for what’s to come. Choose a quote that aligns with your presentation’s theme to provide a touch of inspiration and credibility. This approach not only captures interest but also helps frame your message in a meaningful way.
At the start of your PPT, share a brief outline to give your audience a clear roadmap of what to expect. This is particularly useful for longer presentations or events with multiple speakers. An outline helps the audience follow along and stay focused on your key points, while also allowing you to manage your time effectively.
Begin by summarizing what you will cover. For instance, you might say, “Today, I’ll start with an overview of [first topic], then move on to discuss [second topic], and finally wrap up with [third topic].” This approach helps your audience understand the structure of your talk and why each part is important.
You can also introduce the main goals of your presentation. For example, “My aim today is to explain [main objective], and we’ll achieve this by covering [key points].” This helps set clear expectations and keeps your audience engaged throughout.
By outlining your presentation , you provide a map that helps listeners follow your logic and stay engaged. It also gives them a reason to pay attention and understand the relevance of what you’re discussing.
Starting a PPT effectively is crucial for engaging your audience and setting the right tone. Begin with a strong introduction that captures attention, whether through a compelling story , a surprising fact, or a striking visual. A clear and concise statement of your presentation’s objective helps your audience understand what to expect and keeps them focused. Avoid mundane openings; instead, think of your start as a trailer that previews what’s to come.
Use engaging elements like personal stories or humor to make a memorable first impression. Also, consider interactive techniques or emotional connections to build rapport and keep your audience invested. By setting a powerful stage from the start, you pave the way for a successful presentation that resonates and maintains audience interest throughout.
1. What is the best way to start a presentation?
The best way to start a presentation is with a strong, engaging introduction. Use a compelling story, a surprising fact, or an impactful visual to capture your audience’s attention right from the beginning.
2. How can I make my introduction more memorable?
Make your introduction memorable by incorporating elements like personal stories, humor, or thought-provoking questions. These techniques help create a connection with your audience and set the tone for the rest of your presentation.
3. Why is stating the objective important at the start?
Stating the objective at the start helps your audience understand the purpose of your presentation. It provides a clear roadmap and keeps them focused on what they can expect to learn or gain.
4. How can I use visuals effectively in my presentation?
Use strong visuals, such as images or infographics, to grab attention quickly. Visuals are understood faster than text and can make your main idea more memorable and engaging.
Starting a PowerPoint presentation effectively can make or break its success. With Prezentium, you can perfect your opening from the get-go. Our Overnight Presentations service ensures your next presentation begins with a powerful impact, delivered right to your inbox. We craft compelling introductions that set the stage and capture attention immediately.
Our Accelerators team will transform your ideas into striking slides that engage and retain your audience from the start. We’ll help you develop unique visuals and formats that make your introduction unforgettable.
For those seeking to master the art of presenting, our Zenith Learning workshops offer hands-on training in creating captivating beginnings. Learn how to craft a powerful start that ensures your audience is hooked and ready for what’s next.
Elevate your presentation with Prezentium and make every start count.
Why wait? Avail a complimentary 1-on-1 session with our presentation expert. See how other enterprise leaders are creating impactful presentations with us.
7 public speaking tips for enhancing your public speaking abilities, 7 best practices to design slides for a scientific presentation.
by Allison Shapira
Putting together an effective group presentation takes teamwork and coordination so it doesn’t look like a patchwork quilt. And yet, many of us never budget the time to fully prepare. The author outlines some of the common mistakes people make in group presentations and offers best practices to keep you on track.
Many of us have experienced poor group presentations. If you’re giving one, it’s the last-minute scramble the night before to decide who is presenting which part of the presentation. If you’re observing one, it’s the chaos of hearing multiple people talking over one another or, even worse, simply reading their slides word-for-word and ignoring their audience.
Leah Nguyen • 04 April, 2024 • 6 min read
A group presentation is a chance to combine your superpowers, brainstorm like mad geniuses, and deliver a presentation that'll have your audience begging for an encore.
That's the gist of it.
It can also be a disaster if it's not done right. Fortunately, we have awesome group presentation examples to help you get the hang of it💪.
What is a good group presentation, #1. delivering a successful team presentation, #2. athletetrax team presentation, #3. bumble - 1st place - 2017 national business plan competition, #4. 2019 final round yonsei university, #5. 1st place | macy's case competition, bottom line, frequently asked questions, tips for audience engagement.
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What is a good group presentation? | Clear communication, convincing arguments, careful preparation, and the ability to adapt. |
What are the benefits of group presentations? | Collaborative effort, shared resources, and fresh concepts. |
Here are some key aspects of a good group presentation:
• Organisation - The presentation should follow a logical flow, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. An outline or roadmap shown upfront helps guide the audience.
• Visual aids – Use slides, videos, diagrams, etc. to enhance the presentation and keep it engaging. But avoid overly packed slides with too much text. For the sake of convenience of quickly sharing the content, you can attach a QR code directly in your presentation using slides QR code generator for this goal.
• Speaking skills - Speak clearly, at an appropriate pace and volume. Make eye contact with the audience. Limit filler words and verbal tics.
• Participation - All group members should contribute to the presentation in an active and balanced way. They should speak in an integrated, conversational manner. You can also gather attention from your audience by using different interactive features, including spinner wheel word cloud , live Q&A , online quiz creator and survey tool , to maximize engagement.
🎉 Choose the best Q&A tool with AhaSlides
• Content - The material should be relevant, informative, and at an appropriate level for the audience. Good research and preparation ensure accuracy.
• Interaction - Involve the audience through questions, demonstrations, polls , or activities. This helps keep their attention and facilitates learning.
• Time management - Stay within the allotted time through careful planning and time checks. Have someone in the group monitor the clock.
• Audience focus - Consider the audience's needs and perspective. Frame the material in a way that is relevant and valuable to them.
• Conclusion - Provide a strong summary of the main points and takeaways. Leave the audience with key messages they'll remember from your presentation.
🎊 Tips: Icebreaker games | The secret weapon for connecting a new group
Present in powerful and creative visual
Engage your audience in real-time. Let them imprint your presentation in their head with revolutionising interactive slides!
To give you a good idea of what a good group presentation is, here are some specific examples for you to learn from.
The video provides helpful examples and recommendations to illustrate each of these tips for improving team presentations.
The speaker recommends preparing thoroughly as a team, assigning clear roles to each member, and rehearsing multiple times to deliver an effective team presentation that engages the audience.
They speak loudly and clearly, make eye contact with the audience, and avoid reading slides word for word.
The visuals are done properly, with limited text on slides, and relevant images and graphics are used to support key points.
The presentation follows a logical structure, covering the company overview, the problem they are solving, the proposed solution, business model, competition, marketing strategy, finances, and next steps. This makes it easy to follow.
The presenters speak clearly and confidently, make good eye contact with the audience, and avoid simply reading the slides. Their professional demeanor creates a good impression.
They provide a cogent and concise answer to the one question they receive at the end, demonstrating a good understanding of their business plan.
This group nails it with a positive attitude throughout the presentation . Smiles show warmness in opposition to blank stares.
The team cites relevant usage statistics and financial metrics to demonstrate Bumble's growth potential. This lends credibility to their pitch.
All points are elaborated well, and they switch between members harmoniously.
This group presentation shows that a little stutter initially doesn't mean it's the end of the world. They keep going with confidence and carry out the plan flawlessly, which impresses the judging panel.
The team provides clear, supported responses that demonstrate their knowledge and thoughtfulness.
When answering the questions from the judge, they exchange frequent eye contact with them, showing confident manners.
🎉 Tips: Divide your team into smaller groups for them to practice presenting better!
In this video , we can see instantly that each member of the group takes control of the stage they present naturally. They move around, exuding an aura of confidence in what they're saying.
For an intricate topic like diversity and inclusion, they made their points well-put by backing them up with figures and data.
🎊 Tips: Rate your presentation by effective rating scale tool , to make sure that everyone's satisfied with your presentation!
We hope these group presentation examples will help you and your team members achieve clear communication, organisation, and preparation, along with the ability to deliver the message in an engaging and compelling manner. These factors all contribute to a good group presentation that wow the audience.
More to read:
A group presentation is a presentation given by multiple people, typically two or more, to an audience. Group presentations are common in academic, business, and organisational settings.
To make an effective group presentation, clearly define the objective, assign roles among group members for researching, creating slides, and rehearsing, create an outline with an introduction, 3-5 key points, and a conclusion, and gather relevant facts and examples to support each point, include meaningful visual aids on slides while limiting text, practice your full presentation together and provide each other with feedback, conclude strongly by summarising key takeaways.
Words that convert, stories that stick. I turn complex ideas into engaging narratives - helping audiences learn, remember, and take action.
Tips to Engage with Polls & Trivia
If you’re looking for the perfect icebreaker to open your presentation and connect with your audience from the get-go, look no further! With the help of our presentation experts here at 24Slides, we have compiled the ultimate list of icebreakers you can use in your next presentation, meeting, or conference.
We’ll also go through some quick icebreakers 101, solving questions like:
And, of course, you’ll get our compilation of over 50 icebreaker examples for your next presentation. Since there’s no one-size-fits-all, we’ve divided our presentation ice breakers into categories depending on the context of your presentation, so you can go straight to the ones that will work the best for you!
In this article, you’ll find:
Icebreakers for small group presentations (2-10 people), icebreakers for medium group presentations (11-30 people), icebreakers for large groups (31+ people), icebreakers for business and sales presentations, icebreaker ideas for training sessions and workshops.
So, are you ready to become an expert in using icebreakers in your presentations?
Imagine you’re in a room with a bunch of people where you know only a few of them or even none at all. You’d probably start feeling awkward and self-conscious, uncertain to interact with those around you. When you’re uncomfortable, your attention will probably be divided between wanting to listen to the speaker and making sure your elbows don’t touch your unknown neighbor.
And, if you’re the speaker, you might feel pretty awkward too. Speaking in front of an audience is never easy, and you might wonder how to approach your presentation’s topic, especially if it’s dense or very important.
An icebreaker is precisely what its name suggests: it breaks the ‘ice’ of uncomfortableness between you and everyone else around you. Icebreakers are usually short activities meant to help your audience to connect first as people before approaching your presentation’s topic - making your audience more relaxed and likely to hear out your ideas.
Icebreakers can take many forms and shapes, from simple questions to engaging games. They can require people to talk with each other, answer a poll, or even move around the room. Anything that will make your attendees open up could be an icebreaker as long as it makes people feel more at ease!
The main objective of using an icebreaker in a presentation is to help people get more comfortable and avoid the common awkwardness when first speaking to a new audience.
Icebreakers can accomplish many things - presenting yourself, getting people more at ease, and even as an introduction to your presentation’s topic. But they also offer a wide array of side benefits, like getting people more involved with your presentation and making it more memorable.
If you’re thinking to yourself, ‘Why should I add an icebreaker to my presentation? I’m just fine without one!’ here are 6 of the top benefits of using an icebreaker in your next meeting.
For people who aren’t 100% an extrovert, presentations and meetings are likely to create a certain degree of awkwardness. And having a room full of people who feel uncomfortable around each other can be detrimental to your presentation. Icebreakers help lessen this feeling in your presentation – making people relax and be more at ease so they can put all their energy into listening.
When people relax, they’re more likely to entertain new ideas. An icebreaker may be the turning point to make them feel more receptive to what you’re going to say. It also opens up more possibilities for inviting your audience to participate and ask questions. Icebreakers are a great way to make them feel welcomed and more likely to volunteer or join whatever activity you’ve prepared for them onstage.
A presentation where the speaker starts right away can feel a little jarring. Icebreakers are the perfect way to introduce yourself and your topic without throwing your audience headfirst into the presentation. A good icebreaker can help you connect better with your audience – making them, in turn, more likely to hear you out!
Some presentations can feel like they take forever. When you’ve been sitting down for what seems like hours, you might feel yourself starting to nod off. An icebreaker doesn’t necessarily happen just at the start of the presentation. It can be a great way to wake up your audience after a quick break and bring them back to the topic at hand.
The right icebreaker can get your audience talking and help them find things in common. After all, your audience is all in the same meeting for a reason! By giving them the opportunity to interact with one another, you are also giving them the extra value of finding people who can work with them in the future.
And, of course, icebreakers are great ways to get the ball rolling, so by giving your audience a chance to talk with one another, you might also get more interesting and unique takes on questions and ideas later on.
A positive atmosphere is created when people lower their barriers and defense mechanisms, making it more conducive to learning. A negative atmosphere, on the other hand, is felt when people don’t feel at ease and give their neighbors the cold shoulder. ‘Breaking the ice’ needs to get done as soon as possible!
What makes a good icebreaker? This is a tricky question to ask. Many icebreakers that work in certain situations will not work in others, as their use depends on context.
Here are key factors to consider when planning your next presentation’s icebreaker:
Take the time to research your audience. The most important thing when planning your presentation’s icebreaker is to remind that you want your audience to feel less awkward — not more.
Taking your time to learn about the people in front of you is the easiest way to avoid doing or saying something that could potentially offend your audience. Even if you do it unintentionally, the damage will still be done.
The right icebreaker will help you achieve your presentation objective, so take some extra time to think about it. For example, if you’re giving a presentation on cooperation and teamwork, you can do a game where your audience needs to rely on one another. Or conduct a poll to ask your audience how confident they are in their teamwork skills.
Making your icebreaker closely relate to your presentation’s topic will not only open up your audience but also allow you to transition smoothly to the rest of your presentation.
The icebreaker should be inclusive, meaning it shouldn’t exclude anyone from joining. For instance, if you have a disabled person in the crowd, then you wouldn’t want him or her to feel awkward for not being able to join.
Have a backup icebreaker just in case the first one excludes someone. The point is that fun icebreakers should make everyone feel more at ease — and not at the expense of the outliers of the crowd.
To pick the right icebreaker for your presentation, you must know the overall setting in which it will take place. A presentation to the board of directors where you need to explain where the sales have been going down is probably not the best place to use a joke as an icebreaker. Or, if you’re giving a quick 15-minute presentation, you might not want to begin with a game that will take at least 10 of them.
Taking into consideration general setting cues like time frame, space and resources availability, and presentation tone, will help you pick the perfect icebreaker.
Here you’ll find the perfect icebreaker for your presentation. Since not every icebreaker will work on every situation, here you’ll find them divided into several categories:
Do feel free to browse through the entire list: most icebreakers will be easy to adapt to fit your specific needs and your presentation!
While in a small crowd, you might be able to ask person by person their input, this will most likely not be the case in large groups. On the flip side, a game that needs the audience to divide into teams might be a good pick for a medium-sized crowd, but not a one-on-one presentation.
Among the many options of icebreaker options all over the web, we’ve compiled and edited a list of which ones will work the best for each audience size:
When planning your next icebreaker, you must always take into account the context of your presentation. After all, giving a sales report to your boss is not the same as giving a fun workshop on teamwork.
If you’re looking for the perfect icebreaker for a specific situation, here you might find the one you’re looking for!
If you’re looking for a more professional way to warm up your audience for your work presentations, these icebreakers are the one for you. Most business presentations are more serious and straight to the point, just like these icebreaker ideas!
The best icebreakers for training presentations and workshops are those that incentivize teamwork and learning skills. These icebreakers will help your team get to know each other better and work together in tandem.
Not sharing a physical space can make breaking the ice even more of a challenge, especially since many icebreaker ideas would not fit an online presentation. So here you’ll find some icebreaker options that are specifically designed for virtual meetings!
Icebreakers can also help your presentation be more playful and fun! If you like your icebreakers a little silly to make sure people loosen up their inhibitions, then take a look at these ideas.
Sometimes simpler is better, and the easiest way to get people talking is to ask them to do so! These icebreaker questions will help your audience open up without taking much time or extra preparation.
As a speaker or presenter, it’s important that you prepare fun icebreakers for your audience. You want people to be comfortable not just with you, but with their neighbors and groupmates as well. The icebreakers in this list are just the tip of the iceberg concerning the wide array of possibilities you can choose from. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and get creative with your icebreakers!
Now that you’ve begun thinking about your presentation, and the best way to break the ice with your audience, you might wish to have more time to prepare for it. Luckily, 24Slides can help with that !
You can focus on your presentation’s content and how to make your audience as comfortable as possible, and 24Slides professional designers will tackle the visual aspects of it all. In less than 24 hours , you can get a custom-made, fully editable presentation that will wow your audience and make it even more memorable.
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Undergraduate Research
Delivering an effective oral presentation is an essential skill for sharing your research findings with an audience. Tailoring your presentation to your audience, preparing for technical issues, and engaging your listeners with clear, concise content are crucial for the success of your research project. This guide provides comprehensive advice on how to prepare, what to include, and common pitfalls to avoid, ensuring your presentation is impactful and memorable.
For further assistance, contact the Office of Undergraduate Research for individual consultations.
Purpose
The purpose of an oral presentation is to share your research with an audience, typically through PowerPoint or Prezi. It is typically a synopsis of your research. If you've conducted a study, you will probably address the following topics:
If your scholarship is in a different form (e.g., a film analysis, a presentation of a creative work), the structure will likely be a little different, but in all cases, it should be clear to the audience what the main goals of your research are, why it's important to do this work, and what you found in your research.
Preparation
Plan for the Unexpected
What to Avoid
It is usually not required that you use visuals for your presentation, but a PowerPoint or Prezi can often help the audience follow along with your research.
If you use PowerPoint or Prezi:
Also, consider your verbal and physical presentation:
Ways to Stand Out
Handling Audience Questions
Conclusions
If you have been accepted to present your research at a conference, congratulations! This is a great honor, and you should be proud of this accomplishment. If you would like an individual consultation with someone from the Office of Undergraduate Research about your presentation, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] .
Other online resources to check out include:
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Marietta Campus 1100 South Marietta Pkwy Marietta, GA 30060
Campus Maps
Phone 470-KSU-INFO (470-578-4636)
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If there is one sector that has attracted even more hype than technology and TMT , it might just be renewable energy investment banking .
The good news is that if you can get in, the group has many positives: Diverse deal activity, a generalist technical skill set, and many exit opportunities.
The bad news is that despite these positives, it’s still highly dependent on the government and overall macro conditions – despite claims to the contrary.
But before jumping into the overall advantages and disadvantages, let’s start with the verticals and how banks are set up:
Diversified renewables, what is renewable energy investment banking.
Renewable Energy Investment Banking Definition: In renewable energy investment banking, bankers advise companies in the solar, wind, biofuel, storage, battery, smart grid, electric vehicle, hydrogen, hydroelectric, and carbon capture verticals on equity and debt issuances, asset deals, and mergers and acquisitions.
Yes, that’s a mouthful – because the renewables sector consists of many verticals that are only loosely related.
Depending on your area, the deals you work on could resemble transactions in oil & gas , power & utilities , technology , chemicals , or industrials .
Because it is difficult to find a unifying technical theme, banks classify their renewable energy teams differently.
For example, at Goldman Sachs, it’s part of the “Natural Resources” group , along with chemicals, metals and mining, oil & gas, power, and infrastructure.
But at many other banks, it’s part of the Power & Utilities, Utilities & Renewables, or Power & Renewables teams (e.g., Barclays, MS, JPM, Citi, BofA, RBC, Guggenheim, Lazard, Nomura).
Adding to the confusion is that some banks, such as Citi and Nomura, have dedicated teams that are separate from their existing coverage within power & utilities (e.g., the “Clean Energy Transition” (CET) team at Citi and Nomura Greentech).
Some banks also classify certain verticals differently from others.
For example, batteries and electric vehicles (EVs) might be put in the tech or industrials teams, under the argument that firms resemble semiconductor or traditional auto companies.
Finally, many renewable energy debt deals take place within Project Finance teams at banks – but Project Finance and corporate finance are very different !
The bottom line is that you must pay close attention to your group’s deal flow rather than assuming all teams operate similarly.
Since renewable energy is broad but not specialized, you can get in from almost any background.
Some knowledge of solar and wind assets, batteries, etc., certainly helps, but it’s not like real estate , mining , or oil & gas , where deep sector expertise can be a huge benefit.
So, you can get in right out of undergrad, and if you’re already working, you can move in from virtually any related group.
The same criteria as always apply: High grades, a good university or business school, previous finance internships, and a good amount of networking and interview prep.
In terms of technical interview questions and general topics , you should know:
Although the renewable energy sector is diverse, deal activity is not that diverse.
Per FTI Consulting , solar, wind, and “portfolio” (mixed asset) deals account for 60% of renewable M&A activity in the U.S.:
In practice, most of this M&A activity consists of asset acquisitions because buying individual solar plants and wind farms is common.
So, even if you’re advising entire companies, you must still be familiar with asset-level modeling and valuation and how an entire portfolio works.
For growth-stage companies, you will see plenty of equity offerings: IPOs , SPACs , PIPEs, and follow-on issuances .
Since equity deals are highly dependent on market conditions, deal flow tends to be much more uneven than in asset-level M&A.
A good example is the 2020 – 2021 period, when SPAC activity went vertical, and plenty of renewable energy companies used SPACs to go public.
But the market crashed the next year, and you stopped hearing about renewable energy SPACs.
Debt deals also happen, but many are in a Project Finance context, meaning they’re outside the purview of the renewables IB team.
For example, if a renewable developer wanted to raise debt to build a new offshore wind farm as a separate entity, it would fall under Project Finance.
The renewables team still works on corporate-level debt deals, but these are less common than asset-level transactions.
Like all sectors, renewable energy is driven by a mix of macro and micro factors:
I will now attempt to summarize the main verticals without turning this article into a novella:
Representative Public Companies: Canadian Solar, First Solar, GCL-Poly Energy, JA Solar, JinkoSolar, LONGi Green Energy, Risen Energy, SMA Solar, SolarEdge, Sunnova, SunPower, SunRun, Trina Solar, Xinyi Solar, and Yingli Green Energy.
You could add plenty of diversified companies (e.g., solar + wind + batteries) to this list, but we’ll address those in another section.
The basic division here is between manufacturing , development , and service companies.
Manufacturing companies (most of the Chinese ones in this list) are like semiconductor or industrial companies, but with lower margins and even more cutthroat competition.
The key drivers include the growth in new solar installations worldwide and their products’ raw material and labor costs.
Solar developers are more like power producers in the power & utilities sector, with the key drivers being the CapEx required to build new plants, the capacity of each plant, and the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) terms, including the contract length, electricity rates, and the allowed rate increases.
Here’s an example operational snapshot:
You won’t necessarily model each plant or site separately, but you might group them into similar regions or contract types and forecast the revenue, expenses, and financing costs for each one.
Finally, services companies are like other professional services companies but have different macro drivers (see above).
Many “services” in this area involve residential installations of solar panels.
Quite a few solar companies offer both panel manufacturing and installation services, and some even develop and hold plants, so you need to analyze each segment separately.
Representative Public Companies: CS Wind Corporation, Dongfang Electric Corporation, Inox Wind, Nordex, Northland Power, Ørsted, Sany Renewable Energy, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, Suzlon, Vestas, and Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology.
There aren’t that many pure-play independent players in this vertical, but there are some huge companies that just happen to manufacture wind turbines and related parts.
There’s a similar split as in solar, with some companies focusing on manufacturing wind turbines (Vestas) and others focusing on development and generation activities (Ørsted).
The key drivers are similar, but wind assets tend to be bigger, riskier, and more expensive than solar ones – especially in the offshore wind segment.
You can see this if you look at the valuation multiples paid for solar vs. wind assets worldwide:
Offshore wind is even more complex and expensive to develop than onshore wind, which explains the higher median multiple but also the much wider range of values here.
Because of wind turbines’ size, “residential installations” don’t happen unless your residence is a seaside mansion.
This means services companies don’t exist in quite the same way; most of the companies servicing wind turbines perform maintenance activities and are separate divisions of manufacturers like Vestas, Siemens, or GE.
The key drivers for wind turbine manufacturers are raw material and labor costs, demand for new wind farms, and overall competition and market share.
The drivers for wind developers and power generators are the same as for solar, but the risks, CapEx, and ongoing OpEx are all greater.
You’ll still see the same analysis of individual assets owned by companies, as shown below:
Representative Public Companies: Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM), Borregaard, Chevron Renewable Energy Group, Cosan, Drax Group, Green Plains, Neste, Raízen, REX American Resources, Valero, and Verbio.
You can divide this list into:
Among the dedicated companies, there’s another division: Producers vs. transporters , like the split between Upstream and Midstream in oil & gas.
For a good example, look at this BofA presentation to Green Plains , which was structured as an MLP at the time and treated like a pipeline company in oil & gas.
Key drivers include the company’s overall capacity (pipelines, roads, terminals, etc.), the gathering & transportation fees , and the labor, service, and material costs associated with each “unit” of fuel transported.
The producers in this sector operate more like chemical companies, so key drivers include the cost of the raw materials (biomass in this case), the labor required for the transformation process, and the underlying demand, including contracts set up with key customers.
One common issue in this sector is overpromising and underdelivering to large customers, which has killed companies like Enviva .
Subsidies from the government encourage independent producers to go into this area, but they sometimes overestimate the volumes they can deliver and underestimate their costs.
Renewable natural gas (RNG) is a relatively new entry to this area, and traditional energy companies like it because RNG can use existing infrastructure, such as pipelines and storage assets built for conventional natural gas.
The difference is that RNG is made from organic matter (landfills and farms) and synthetically turned into natural gas that releases no carbon dioxide (or minimal CO2).
This ability to re-use infrastructure explains why energy companies like Chevron and BP have made acquisitions in the space; you can see some of BP’s acquisition rationale for Archaea Energy below:
Representative Public Companies: BYD, CALB, CATL, Envision AESC, Farasis Energy, Fluence, LG Energy Solution, NGK Insulators, Panasonic, Samsung SDI, SK On, Sunwoda, Tesla, and Wärtsilä.
This vertical has a ton of overlap with EVs since many of these battery companies also produce EVs.
If their battery production gets out of sync with their EV production, they can buy or sell batteries to other companies.
This space is a cross between industrials and technology because significant R&D is required to develop new materials and improve efficiency, but it’s also very reliant on huge CapEx spending and raw material costs for production.
For the larger companies in this sector, you can expect to see drivers like the total market size, market share, and order backlog – just like you would for a traditional railcar or auto manufacturer.
Companies like Emerson even use these numbers to justify acquisitions like the Open Systems deal:
Some consumer-focused companies here also have a subscription element, with customers paying monthly fees to manage their energy.
Representative Public Companies: BMW, BYD, Changan, GAC Aion, Geely-Volvo, General Motors, Hyundai, KIA, Li Auto, Mercedes-Benz, MG, SAIC-GM-Wuling, Stellantis, Tesla, and Volkswagen.
This one is arguably not in renewable energy since EVs are a subset of automotive vehicles – which explains why companies like GM, Hyundai, BMW, and Volkswagen are on this list.
But the dynamics are different enough that it’s worth discussing separately here.
Once again, this list is dominated by many Chinese companies, one prominent U.S. company, and legacy auto manufacturers worldwide that have begun to focus on EVs.
Before EVs emerged, the traditional auto market had stagnated in units sold – at least in developed countries.
The growth of this new segment created a lot of excitement, but you still need to consider the overall market when analyzing it.
That means looking at the replacement time frames across all vehicle types (luxury, non-luxury, compact, midsize, SUV, etc.), prices, consumer sentiment, and incentives such as tax credits.
In places like China, much of the EV growth comes not from replacing traditional autos but from brand-new buyers, so you also need to think about developed vs. emerging/frontier markets differently.
This sector is also highly dependent on infrastructure: If there aren’t enough charging stations in your area, good luck getting a lot of EV buyers.
Many companies that do not produce EVs directly but sell parts, software, and hardware operate like tech companies, but with links to all the EV macro drivers.
Representative Public Companies: Adani Green Energy, Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure, Brookfield Renewable Partners, Clearway Energy, EDP Renováveis, Enphase Energy, GE Vernova, Iberdrola, NextEra Energy, Nextracker, RWE Aktiengesellschaft, and Siemens Energy.
Besides the verticals mentioned above, there are many others within renewable energy: Carbon capture, energy efficiency, geothermal, hydropower, and water tech are a few examples.
(Some people even consider nuclear renewable energy since it does not emit CO2, but I don’t want to wade into that debate.)
But it’s difficult to find dedicated public companies in these sectors, so I’m not breaking them out separately here.
There are a few examples in the Chinese market due to its sheer size (e.g., China Yangtze Power for hydropower), but there aren’t many global companies in these areas.
However, there are plenty of large, diversified renewable companies that operate globally, like Iberdrola, NextEra, and GE Vernova.
These firms do a bit of everything (solar, wind, storage, batteries, and biofuel), and you’d have to break them into segments to do the full analysis.
For the most part, very little is “new” here.
If you look at the presentations and valuations below, you will still see standard valuation multiples like TEV / Revenue, TEV / EBITDA, and P / E.
If you want a quick example, here’s a set of “solar service” comparable companies :
I would summarize the key differences as follows:
1) New Metrics and Slightly Different Multiples – For example, in addition to EBITDA and EBIT , you’ll also see multiples based on “Capacity” for power producers and, for companies with large portfolios of renewable assets, multiples based on Project Finance metrics like the Cash Flow Available for Debt Service (CFADS). Dividend yields are frequently cited for these types of companies as well.
Here are a few examples:
2) Asset-Level “Comparables” – Please see the examples above in the solar and wind sections. You often create quick profiles of companies’ energy assets to understand how their capacities, contracts, and other terms compare.
3) Asset-Level Analysis – You need to understand the basics of modeling individual solar/wind assets since you’ll work on many divestitures involving them. These include points like PPA rates, escalation factors, debt sculpting vs. sizing , the DSCR , LLCR , and forecasting the CFADS and Cash Flow to Equity.
4) Sum-of-the-Parts (SOTP) Valuation – This methodology is far more common than in other sectors because many companies operate across the entire renewables space.
In terms of technical training , our Project Finance & Infrastructure course and Advanced Financial Modeling course are the most relevant ones:
Learn cash flow modeling for energy and transportation assets (toll roads, solar, wind, and gas), debt sculpting, and debt and equity analysis.
Learn more complex "on the job" investment banking models and complete private equity, hedge fund, and credit case studies to win buy-side job offers.
This list was extremely difficult to compile due to the lack of company-level deals in the sector, but I’ve done my best:
Sunergy Renewables – SPAC / IPO (Cohen and Houlihan Capital)
SunPower / Maxeon – Spin-Off (Centerview and GS)
CBRE and Blackstone / Altus Power – SPAC / IPO (Citi, JPM, MS, and Duff & Phelps)
ConEdison / Sempra Solar – Acquisition (CCA, Citi, Lazard, CS, and JPM)
Shanghai Xingsheng Equity Investment & Management Co. / Trina Solar – Acquisition (Citi, Industrial Bank, and Duff & Phelps)
Iberdrola / Avangrid – Acquisition (Moelis and MS)
Regal Concord Limited / China Ming Yang Wind Power Group – Acquisition (Kroll Securities)
AEP / Sempra Renewables Wind Portfolio – Acquisition (Wells Fargo, CS, and JPM)
BP / Archaea Energy – Acquisition (MS and BofA)
Chevron / Renewable Energy Group – Acquisition (GS and Guggenheim)
Green Plains Partners / Green Plains Inc. – MPL Buy-In Transaction (BofA and Evercore)
NRG / Vivint – Acquisition (GS and JPM)
Emerson Electric / Open Systems International – Acquisition (Centerview and Lazard)
Schaeffler / Vitesco Technologies – Acquisition (BNP, BofA, Citi, JPM, and Lazard)
TPG / EVBox – SPAC / IPO (Cancelled Deal) (Nomura, DB, JPM, and Barclays)
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company / TERNA Energy – Acquisition (Rothschild and MS)
Omega Geração / Omega Desenvolvimento – Subisidiary Mergers (Lazard and Berkan)
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board / Pattern Energy Group – Acquisition (BofA, Evercore, and GS)
You can get a sense of the top banks by looking at the presentations above, but I’d summarize the market as follows:
Among the bulge bracket banks , BofA, Barclays, Citi, and MS are all quite strong and have advised on many of the largest deals (though MS has more strength in Project Finance).
And yes, JPM and GS also operate in the sector, but they seem to be slightly lower on the ladder than the banks above.
Among the elite boutiques , Evercore and Lazard have traditionally been strong, but Moelis and Guggenheim also have significant deal flow.
In the middle market , Jefferies has recruited some of the top bankers in renewable energy M&A and is expected to do well going forward.
Nomura Greentech (NGT) is also a standout, but the classification is a bit murky, so I’ll mention it without putting it in a specific category here.
Many other MM and “in-between-a-bank” firms work in the space (Macquarie, Wells Fargo, CIBC, TD, etc.), but they are less consistent than those above.
There are also quite a few boutique banks in the space, including Marathon Capital, Onpeak Capital, CRC-IB, Finergreen, Virentis, Ocean Park, Global Power Partners, and Rubicon Capital.
Various European and Japanese banks strong in Project Finance (Soc Gen, BNP Paribas, Santander, Mizuho, etc.) are also active in renewables.
But they do mostly debt/lending deals , not M&A advisory, which may not be what you want.
In terms of geography, the headquarters for many renewable deals is shifting to Houston, with NY as a base for more conventional power deals.
Exit opportunities out of renewable energy investment banking are quite good because:
I don’t think the “pigeonhole factor” is too high here, but if you are concerned about it, you could always move into more of a generalist group before aiming for buy-side roles.
There’s an overwhelming amount of information and news on this sector, but we recommend starting with these resources:
Given the benefits outlined above – diverse deal flow, plenty of exit opportunities, and verticals that resemble other industry groups – there are some very good reasons to join the renewable energy investment banking team.
Many people also argue that renewables will grow faster than virtually any other sector in the global economy, which means even more deals in the future.
But that brings us to the biggest risk factor: All these predictions could be wrong or overly aggressive.
Despite what renewable cheerleaders often claim, the entire industry is very dependent on government subsidies, tax incentives, regulation, and even monetary/fiscal/trade policy.
Yes, solar, wind, and storage costs have decreased over time and become more competitive with fossil fuels, but government actions and policies still play a huge role.
We have already seen a blowback against ESG policies at companies, and it could easily spread into broader areas.
The big “X Factor” here is how much the costs of this energy transition end up affecting the average person.
If they must deal with much higher energy costs, in addition to everything else that has shot up in recent years, expect a lot of pushback and slower adoption curves.
I don’t necessarily think the sector will crash, but it might turn out to be slightly less green than expected – on both axes.
Brian DeChesare is the Founder of Mergers & Inquisitions and Breaking Into Wall Street . In his spare time, he enjoys lifting weights, running, traveling, obsessively watching TV shows, and defeating Sauron.
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Great article Brian, and very well articulated and researched for such a niche space.
I work in renewable energy private equity and will say that the growth is certainly there, but it is one of the most over banked sectors in the market. Far more bankers/coverage than deals to be done, so I think that will be the biggest factor around growth opportunities rather than if the sector will meet its growth projections.
Also another point, tax equity is an extremely important aspect of the space with some of the bulge brackets lumping their tax equity groups into the investment banking group. Tax equity advisory is also therefore a very popular advisory role that also gets grouped into investment banking. CRC-IB and Marathon are two examples where their tax equity advisory business is a huge fee generator.
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If there is one sector that has attracted even more hype than technology and TMT, it might just be renewable energy investment banking.. The good news is that if you can get in, the group has many positives: Diverse deal activity, a generalist technical skill set, and many exit opportunities.. The bad news is that despite these positives, it's still highly dependent on the government and ...