you've got a big presentation to deliver on stage or on camera you might feel a
little intimidated thinking how am I gonna capture the audience's attention
right off the top you're competing against emails texts social media and if
your audience is watching virtually your task just became that much harder this
video will give you a three-step formula to ensure the next time you speak you'll
be able to start in a way that conveys credibility builds rapport and motivates
your audience to take action hi I'm Riaz Meghji, Founder of the Every
Conversation Counts platform and seventeen-year television broadcaster
this is the channel that helps you present with confidence and connect
authentically every time you speak on stage and on camera if you're new here
subscribe to the channel and hit the bell so you get the heads-up when new
content is released every single week having a great opener sets the tone for
your entire presentation whether that speech is five or fifty minutes but
here's the thing attention spans are decreasing as our distractions are
increasing if you want to deliver a strong impression right out of the gates
consider these three ideas the goal of your intro is to peak curiosity
introduce new ideas and have your audience imagine what's possible how do
you do that we'll hook them what story first then give them the preview second
I'm a firm believer the story is the most effective way to connect off the
top and there are many thoughts on this strategy some say ask a question others
say share shocking statistic to engage your audience you could lead with story
and incorporate great questions and surprising stats into the narrative
itself now we cover how to tell great stories when speaking to an audience
right here on this channel storytelling is such a valuable tool because it
humanizes you and builds trust with others just make sure the story speaks
to the problem people are experiencing some quick tips on how to do this well
tell a story from a period in time you could create intrigue with
unpredictability and share a takeaway that benefits your listener for example
last summer I had one of the most valuable conversations of my life I met
up with a communications coach I followed
years as I was looking to improve on my craft now he appreciated my work and
gave some advice that changed my perspective on how to start any
presentation he said as soon as you begin the audience wants to know the
answer to three questions why you why this message and why now
three good questions right once you've shared your opening narrative then segue
to the preview of why this message is valuable to your audience the most
common mistakes speakers make when starting their presentations is telling
the audience what they already know you want to answer why before what trust me
I have learned from this mistake the hard way
if I take the stage or presenting virtually and start with hi I'm Riaz
today I'm going to talk to you about how to start your presentations let's be
real I'd be competing with your smartphone in no time because I'm
answering the question of what my name is and what I'm talking about while the
audience is asking well why should I listen to this before you tell your
audience what they're gonna get first explain why they need it and avoid
the cliches good morning it's an honor to be here thanks for having me
chances are if the audience has come to watch you speak they know your name and
they know the topic of your expertise have the emcee or host set you up for
success by speaking to your credentials in your introduction that way the moment
you take the stage your narrative it's off and running now I get YouTube is a
unique format and this can be more of a tutorial set up so I appreciate that the
self introduction here helps build momentum on your channel but when you
start your presentations on stage you're on camera share your story and segue to
a preview with the audience's needs in mind so let's say the audience invite us
invited us into you coach them on presenting an attention-grabbing preview
could sound something like this imagine if you could deliver your speech in a
way that hook to your audience in the first 60 seconds I'm about to give you a
three-step formula for capturing your audience's attention I've tested this on
stage in front of thousands of people and on camera during live television
broadcasts if you follow this framework you'll be able to captivate your
audience influence them to take action and look
like a rock star in front of your peers this is more impactful because the focus
is what's in it for them if you're presenting in front of any audience you
want to speak to their priorities how by understanding what their relationship is
with the topic you're speaking about the conversation you have beforehand with
organizers before you speak is crucial because there are several valuable
questions to ask why are you hosting this event tell me about your audience
who's attending what's the demographic what's the audience size what are other
people speaking about and where does this talk fit in with your agenda most
importantly how's everybody feeling right now would have been the highs and
lows of the past year if you're opening can speak to the audience's priorities
it's a huge difference because you'll cover off their pain points and they'll
start to connect with you and your message remember if you want to build
trust speak with an intention of service to help others solve their problems
first before ever trying to sell anything your intro is everything if you
nail your first few words your audience will respect you for it and come along
for the ride now what has helped you make a strong impression off the top
when starting your presentations be sure to share your best tips in the comments
section for more ideas on building human connection you can download the free
guide the 5 secrets to making every conversation count you can find the link
for that in the description below thanks for watching for more ideas on how to
calm your nerves when speaking and improving your virtual presentation
skills check out these videos if you like this one hit the like button
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the next video