

7 Creative Ways to Start Any Presentation (With Examples!)
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Published Date : December 4, 2020
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Creating an effective presentation is challenging and needs a lot of effort to become engageable to your audience. Many questions are indeed rounding inside your head.
Like how to start a PowerPoint presentation and a class set-up presentation, it helps people, such as entrepreneurs, organize and disseminate their ideas flawlessly.
It clarifies intentions, concepts, and other feasible topics specifically. They may differ from execution, events, and for whom the presentation.
With that, the bottom line and the question are how to do it? How to start a board meeting presenting or how to start a presentation introduction in class?
Many students are also struggling with how to start a case study presentation and young entrepreneurs or start-ups with how to start a business presentation.
To ease the tension and upgrade your confidence , furthermore those people above, I will share some tips, steps, and how to start a presentation example.
Why Presentation is Important on Persuading
Presentations break communication barriers. Across this, it brings mutual understanding to the audience.
In winning your stances and goals, having and knowing how to start a presentation is a must. It helps you more to give an idea of what would be your topic could be through moving pictures and graphics in reality.
The role of presentation on persuading can be categorized into many factors. First, it helps your audience to feel more comfortable with your spiels.
Second, you have the chance to tell your options, choices, summary, and the result of your case study, etc., within your presentation. Especially can be stoop on how to start a business presentation.
Lastly, knowing how to deliver and how to start a presentation in persuading your listener includes support for your audience’s decision. Through it, the concept of persuasion becomes more reliable with tangible materials.
It is evident in thesis defenses and academic proposals. To start a case study presentation, you must present facts, stats, related studies, and other materials.
And to achieve that in a well-presented way, you need to think and come up with a composition associated with your topic to make it reliable and credible.
Different Ways to Start a Presentation
Difficulties on how to start a case study presentation and the things you need to behold within your PowerPoint presentation would be easy after sharing with you this advice.
As for direction and advice, take a look at this list to start a presentation generally.
1. Start With a Strong Claim
The beginning is always the hard part of a presentation. But like a bottle of water, after it gets opened, the water inside can flow smoothly to your gulp.
Meaning after spitting out your first words, everything should follow accordingly to your presentation. That’s why it is the most crucial when you are learning how to start a presentation.
Try to use iconic lines of a famous philosopher —striking advice of a hotshot entrepreneur for your business proposal presentation.
Through this, you can have a good impression from your listener. Shook them, contradict their ideas; indeed, you can have an intense or beneficial presentation.
2. Know Your Prospect
Besides technicalities and visuals, knowing first the current state, perspective, wants, and needs of your prospect or audience are vital.
Before the presentation, you can send them a pre-assessment or survey consisting of what they want to see, learn, and things to keep them interested, or you need to get their attention and interest.
3. Assist the Flow With Visuals
Showing your audience a good spiel in presenting your developing ideas and concepts through pictures that can’t be put quickly in language can break communication drawbacks.
Apart from describing your idea in a presentation, you are also giving quick ways to dice abstract ideas.
4. Moving Pictures
Pictures and videos are great instruments for nurturing your ideas and your audience counterparts.
The power of moving pictures is evident as the film business, and the movie industry is booming and depicting fictional stories into reality.
5. Break People’s Expectation
To break the set expectation of your audience for you, always stick to your premise. Whether on business, academics, proposals, and other topical presentations.
Call an action to smash misconception to your particular presentation.
6. Spill Surprising Stories
Bring stories and the characters in life. Create conflict and suspense to highlight your goal’s presentation.
It also helps you to organize your presentation’s information to be catchy and relatable. Touching stories can affect audience decision-making.
7. Know When to Pause
Don’t present vague ideas, premises, and concepts. Stop bombarding your audience.
After a round of applause or before speaking, take a three second-pause. Observe your audience’s facial expressions.
With that, you can focus on your tone. It is also an indication that you want to give your audience a short rest.
Orai helps you perfect your speech with feedbacks on your tone, tempo, confidence and consicness.
Things to Avoid on Presentation
Introducing your name along your topic is not acceptable and not a killer intro. To nail a presentation, be careful, and prevent unnecessary elements.
Here is the list of recommended things you should avoid on how to start a presentation.
1. Cliché Sentences
Do you believe that the flow and relevancy of your presentation depend on your introduction?
If you do believe, avoid cruddy beginning, initial, and phrases. Instead of stating, “what is your presentation will be about,” give them an idea of why they need it, why it is worth sharing?
2. Plain Visuals
Stop using standard PowerPoint templates, discarded pictures, and non-HD videos. For engaging your audience, mastering your spiels is not enough to convince your listeners.
The balanced presentation consists of a good speech , spiels, and an enticing display. Instead of using plain visuals, use simple but complex graphics.
3. Lame Transitions
It is not all about effects or glitching transition effects but about how you transmit your spiels. Always open your arguments with a bang and end them using striking remarks.
4. Unstable Stats and Facts
Don’t use outdated data, studies, and facts. Don’t go to less up-to-date data websites.
Treat the facts and stats as vitamins for your presentation as it helps your exhibition look reliable and robust.
5. Colorless Templates
Pick templates that fit your topic and theme—download innovative templates and slides. Analyze your presentation structure.
Make sure to go for a font that suits perfectly to the presentation. Go for roadmaps, unique mats, and decks.
Check out this video for more tips on how to avoid presentation pitfalls:
Steps to Enhance Your Visual Presentation
To sort things specifically on how to start a presentation. Here are the steps and tips on how to start a PowerPoint presentation.
Step 1: Get a Color Palette
“Colors speak louder than texts.”
Aside from shapes, figures, and moving objects, picking the right color palette for your presentation can beautify the board’s ambiance if that’s the case.
Logos and company icons have their color combination to mark and emphasize their brand to all consumers. It may also apply to presentations.
If you want to be considered or remembered, start it with choosing the right color palette.
Step 2: Create a Theme
The theme supports the flow of your topic; it is the backbone of your presentation. Not considering this element can’t make your topic vague and not intact.
Step 3: Add Hyperlinks
Going back to how to start a presentation, comparing specific ideas is a waste of time. Using hyperlinks, you can offer your audience a “video game” theme.
Step 4: Play Short Video or Create GIFS
Before or after spiels about a particular slide, play a short video as an ice breaker. It helps you to feed your audience with a large amount of information in a shorter period.
Step 5: Practice the Presentation with Spiels in Every Portion
Practice helps you to attain presentation skills. You can interact with your audience and disseminate the messages clearly and analyze your listeners’ mindset.
You can also improve the flow in run-throughs. These will support you to polish and enhance persuasive skills.
Practice your perfect speech with Orai
Presentation Checklist
Besides sharing the tips and steps on how to start a presentation, let me give you a sample presentation checklist to support and organize your presentation.
This checklist may vary in every presentation. You can create and set your reminders.
Vital Points of a Presentation
To use your time wisely , try this outline on creating a presentation, such as how to start a board meeting presentation, and more.
This table only serves as a sample outline. It may also vary depending on your topic and forte.
How to Start Business Presentation and Other Samples
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.
- Create a Plan
Always start with a concrete plan to strengthen the body of your presentation. With that, your listeners can’t easily stab your presentation.
- Pick The Right Deck
If you are discussing in a formal setting, pick a deck with gray colors, choose dominant colors, and then combine.
- Tell Stories and Laugh
To balance the whole presentation, put some ice breakers, and funny idioms about your topic . Make sure it is sensible.
- Add Verbal Cues and Signpost
It helps your audience to get intact through the presentation. Try to use signal transitions, such as words or phrases that would give interconnections.
- Collect Images and Charts
Of course, images and charts are vital. Make sure to use HD photos and reliable maps from data websites.
- Initiate Audience Interaction
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.
- How would you design your material?
- How factual is it?
- What is the target deadline? Show your timeline.
Watch this live speech or business seminar to get different hooks and other strategies to impress your listeners with your business presentation:
3 Essential Parts on How to Start a Board Meeting Presentation
As your supervisor and other executives watch you presenting, stand tall and present like a boss through these points.
- Create the Structure of Your Presentation
It organizes the presentation and connects the main points to sub-points. With that, you can have minimal effort but impactful results.
- Build Big Introduction
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.
- Develop Your Data and Tell Crucial Parts
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 on presenting a business proposal to your bosses and other hotshots. Watch this video on striking tips and techniques for a presentation:
Vital Aspects of How to Start a Case Study 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.
- Show the Possible Results. Collect the possible outcomes or predicted results. With that, you can jump to “how” you will carry the topic into different methods and production.
- Prepare Back-Up Studies. Always have a back-up; there are some unexpected circumstances, emergencies, and other possible matters that may ruin your original presentation. It is wise to prepare around three to six back-up studies you can easily refer to.
- Connect to Your Prospect’s Situation. Research on their state, status, and other related ideas. It will help your case study to get a thumbs up.
- Focus on Deals. Keep in mind that you have a target deal. Always connect your study to the current agreement and profitable offers.
How to Start a Presentation Introduction in Class
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.
- Present Yourself With Manners
Tell them briefly who you are and why you are there in front of them while showing the right conduct and manners.
- Cite Your Objectives and Its Relevance
The material or your material must be the center of any presentation. Discuss its factuality, how tangible it is. Along with these, tell stories that may catch their interest and attention throughout the presentation.
- Leave Interesting Statement
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
How to Make an Unforgettable Start-Up Presentation
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.
1. Set Goals For Your Business Presentation
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.
2. Start With Provoking Questions or Stories
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.
3. Show Alarming Statistics, Graphics as a Clue
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.
4. Know Your Material
Master your presentation, fill loops. And own your topic. Study the weak points and establish more 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 presentation.
5. Add Business-Related Stories and Humor
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 ice breaker. Any possible facts about business that you can use — catch it!
6. Hold Your Audience With Visuals
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 to society. With that, your listeners may think your presentation is worth investing in.
7. Relax and Have an Early Set-Up
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.
8. Calculate Your Time and Sort it Into Parts
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:
Conclusion:
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 that perfectly suits your budget! They provide instant feedback on your to help with your public speaking needs. Start your free trial with Orai today!

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- How To Start a Presentation: Follow These 4 Easy Steps
By Paola Pascual on Nov 29, 2021 12:25:31 PM
The introduction (together with the ending ), can be the most important part of your presentation, but it can also be the most awkward one. In this post, you will learn an easy-to-apply yet effective framework to start your next presentation.
Why is the beginning of a presentation important?
The reason why the beginning and the end are so important is called the Primacy and Recency Effects, which means that people remember the beginning and end best.
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Also read: 21 Helpful Tips For Remarkable and Outstanding Presentation Skills
How to start a presentation
Soft start. Depending on the nature of your presentation, you may be able to do a soft start before actually kicking off your presentation. You can have some small talk with the audience before politely transitioning into your hard start. These few initial minutes will help you engage those who arrived early and allow a brief time for latecomers.
Hard start. Your hard start is your 'official' introduction, where you welcome everyone, introduce the people involved and the topic at hand, and transition to the body of your presentation.
Welcome everyone and thank them for attending your presentation. If you feel comfortable, use a hook or a catchy opening to capture the audience's attention right off the bat . You can use a surprising stat, a famous quote, a rhetorical question.
- Hi everyone, thank you so much for joining us today, and welcome to this session.
- In the 60 minutes it will take me to give this presentation, 7,000 businesses in the US will close down.
- Somebody once said: "a brand is a promise." But what happens when that promise is broken?
#2 Introduce the people involved
When you introduce yourself, establish credibility by describing your relevant experience, responsibilities, and accomplishments. Why should we listen to you?
- My name is Susan, and I’m part of the design team here at Globex Corporation.
- I was fortunate enough to be part of the team at Globex that developed the original Datatronic 2000.
- In my 15 years in Silicon Valley, I learned quite a bit about managing risk, and I learned it the hard way.
#3 Introduce the topic
Make a clear and general statement to explain what benefit the audience will gain from your presentation (this refers back to your WHAT and your WHY, which we covered in our previous lesson).
- Today, I’d like to talk about…
- The main goal of this presentation is…
- What I hope you'll get from this afternoon's session is a clearer idea of how CRM works.
- By the end of this morning's talk, you'll know how to say "No" and feel good about it.
#4 Transition to the main point
Use signposting language to tell the audience where you are going and what they can expect next. Use a segue or transition phrases to move smoothly to whatever follows without pause.
- Alright, let’s dive right in!
- Shall we get the ball rolling?
- Great, let's get down to it!
Think about your next presentation and use this framework to draft the first few minutes of your presentation and paste it in the comments. Make sure you include all the sections and employ a variety of phrases!
This article works as supporting material for our podcast episode on how to start a presentation effectively. You can read the transcript below. Make sure y ou check out all our other Talaera Talks episodes and subscri be to get new episode alerts.
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More resources on presentation skills:
- 101 Must-Know Transition Phrases for Engaging Presentations Online
- 21 Helpful Tips For Remarkable and Outstanding Presentation Skills
- How To Bring Across Your Main Idea In A Presentation Effectively
- 5 Effective Strategies To End A Presentation
- 6 Public Speaking Tricks To Captivate Your Audience
- How To Do Effective Business Storytelling According To Former Prosecutor
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- 3 Quick Public Speaking Tips For Your Next Presentation
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Talaera Talks - Transcript Episode 30
If you are learning English, including new English words and expressions will help you with effective communication. Remember to check out our other episodes on how to make small talk, how to deliver engaging presentations, how to speak English fluently, and many more: visit the podcast website . Listen to it on your favorite platform.
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Intro Welcome to Talaera Talks , the business English communication podcast for non-native professionals. My name is Paola and I am co-hosting this show with Simon. In this podcast, we're going to be covering communication advice and tips to help express yourself with confidence in English in professional settings. So we hope you enjoy the show!
0:24 Welcome to a new Talaera Bit. This is Paola and, in this episode, you will learn an effective way to start your presentation. 0:32 Now, why the start? Well, it turns out the beginning, the start of your presentation, together with the conclusion, are the most important parts of your presentation. And this is due to what's called the Primacy and Recency effects. Don't worry, you don't need to remember the names. But it means that people remember the beginning and the end, best. So today, this is what we will cover –the different parts of the introduction or how to start your presentation so that everyone's listening to you and actually wanting to hear. 1:11 Depending on the nature of your presentation, you may be able to start or to do like a soft start before actually kicking off your presentation. Here's where you have a little bit of small talk with the audience before politely transitioning into your heart start. So these few initial minutes where you get to talk a little bit with the audience will help you engage with those who arrived early, but also allow a brief time for late commerce. So that's a bit the first few minutes a soft start with small talk. 1:51 And then you do have the hard start, which is your official introduction. And I usually this is the part where we will focus on today. And I usually divide this hard start into four small sections, where you welcome everyone you introduce the people involved, and also the topic at hand, and then you transition to the body of your presentation. So let's have a look at each of those four sections and make sure you pay attention to all the phrases I'm going to provide. 2:25 Alright, so we said the first section is the welcome. Here's where you welcome everyone and thank them for attending your presentation or talk. And if you feel comfortable, you can also use a hook, which is like a catchy opening to capture the audience's attention right off the bat. You can use like a surprising stat or a famous quote or a rhetorical question. And here are some phrases you can use for this welcome or first section: "Hi, everyone, thank you so much for joining us today and welcome to the session", or "In the 30 minutes that it will take me to give this presentation, 7000 businesses in the US will close down". That's a bit like a surprising stat, right? Or like a famous quote, as I said, "Somebody once said, 'A brand is a promise', but what happens when that promise is broken?" So now you have the first section, the welcome. 3:25 Now you move on to the people involved. This is when you introduce yourself, or perhaps even your co hosts if there are any. And here is where you establish credibility by describing your relevant experience, your responsibilities, your accomplishments, why should we listen to you, here's where you have to provide the evidence or reasons. And you can use phrases like just the simple ones such as, "My name is Susan and I'm part of the design team here at Globex corporation", or something like "I was fortunate enough to be part of the team at Globex that developed the original Datatronic 2000". Or here's another phrase, "In my 15 years in Silicon Valley, I learned quite a bit about managing risk, and I learned the hard way". 4:19 So you have number one, the welcome, number two, you introduce the people involved (and if there's someone else giving the talk or co hosting with you, make sure you introduce them as well), and number three, you can introduce the topic. And here you need to make a clear and general statement to explain what benefit –and I cannot highlight this enough– the benefit that the audience will gain from your presentation. What is your presentation about and why should they listen to it? And here are some phrases: "Today I'd like to talk about..." or "The main goal of this presentation is..." or "What is I hope you'll get from this afternoon session is a clear idea of how CRM works". Or "By the end of this morning's talk, you will know how to say no and feel good about it". Whatever benefit they will get, make sure you tell them in this heart start. 5:19 And the very last bit is the transition to the main point. Here you can use signposting language, which is what you use to tell the audience where you're going, and what they can expect next. Something like "Alright, let's dive right in!" Or "Shall we get the ball rolling?", or "Great, let's get down to it". 5:40 So those are the different parts of the beginning of your presentation. Remember, starting with a soft start is a nice way to engage people at the beginning and allow a little bit of time for those who are late. And then with your hard start, you have the welcome ("Hi, everyone. Thank you so much for joining us today"). Number two, you introduce the people involved, then you introduce the topic, giving them a clear benefit of your presentation. And number four, you transition to the main point. And that's it, I hope you're able to use all these phrases and tips and I look forward to our next episode.
And that's all we have for you today. We hope you enjoyed it, and remember to subscribe to Talaera Talks . We'll be back soon with more! And visit our website at https://talaera.com for more valuable content on business English. You can also request a free consultation on the best ways for you and your team to improve your communication skills. So have a great day and keep learning!

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Home Blog Presentation Ideas How to Start a Presentation: 5 Strong Opening Slides and 12 Tricks To Test
How to Start a Presentation: 5 Strong Opening Slides and 12 Tricks To Test

Knowing how to start a presentation is crucial: if you fail to capture the audience’s attention right off the bat, your entire presentation will flop. Few listeners will stick with you to the end and retain what you have told.
That is mildly unpleasant when you are doing an in-house presentation in front of your colleagues. But it can become utterly embarrassing when you present in front of larger audiences (e.g., at a conference) or worse – delivering a sales presentation to prospective customers.
Here is how most of us begin a presentation: give an awkward greeting, thank everyone for coming, clear our throats, tap the mic, and humbly start to mumble about our subject. The problem with such an opening performance? It effectively kills and buries even the best messages.
Table of Contents
- The Classic Trick: Open a Presentation with an Introduction
- Open a Presentation with a Hook
- Begin with a Captivating Visual
- Ask a “What if…” Question
- Use the Word “Imagine”
- Leverage The Curiosity Gap
- The Power of Silence
- Facts as Weapons of Communication
- Fact vs. Myths
- The Power of Music
- Physical Activity
- Acknowledging a Person
Closing Thoughts
How to start a powerpoint presentation the right way.
Let’s say you have all of your presentation slides polished up (in case you don’t, check our quick & effective PowerPoint presentation design tips first). Your presentation has a clear storyline and agenda. Main ideas are broken into bite-sized statements for your slides and complemented with visuals. All you have left is to figure out how you begin presenting.
The best way is to appeal to and invoke certain emotions in your audience – curiosity, surprise, fear, or good old amusements. And here’s how it’s done.
1. The Classic Trick: Open a Presentation with an Introduction

When you don’t feel like reinventing the wheel, use a classic trick from the book – start with a quick personal introduction. Don’t want to sound as boring as everyone else with your humble “Hi, I’m John, the head of the Customer Support Department”? Great, because we are all about promoting effective presentation techniques (hint: using a dull welcome slide isn’t one of them).
Here’s how to introduce yourself in a presentation the right way.
a. Use a link-back memory formula
To ace a presentation, you need to connect with your audience. The best way to do so is by throwing in a simple story showing who you are, where you came from, and why your words matter.
The human brain loves a good story, and we are more inclined to listen and retain the information told this way. Besides, when we can relate to the narrator (or story hero), we create an emotional bond with them, and, again – become more receptive, and less skeptical of the information that is about to be delivered.
So here are your presentation introduction lines:
My name is Joanne, and I’m the Head of Marketing at company XYZ. Five years ago I was working as a waitress, earning $10/hour and collecting rejection letters from editors. About ten letters every week landed to my mailbox. You see, I love words, but decent publisher thought mine were good enough. Except for the restaurant owner. I was very good at up-selling and recommending dishes to the customers. My boss even bumped my salary to $15/hour as a token of appreciation for my skill. And this made me realize: I should ditch creative writing and focus on copywriting instead. After loads of trial and error back in the day, I learned how to write persuasive copy. I was no longer getting rejection letters. I was receiving thousands of emails saying that someone just bought another product from our company. My sales copy pages generated over $1,500,000 in revenue over last year. And I want to teach you how to do the same”
b. Test the Stereotype Formula
This one’s simple and effective as well. Introduce yourself by sharing an obvious stereotype about your profession. This cue will help you connect with your audience better, make them chuckle a bit, and set a lighter mood for the speech to follow.
Here’s how you can frame your intro:
“My name is ___, and I am a lead software engineer at our platform [Your Job Title]. And yes, I’m that nerdy type who never liked presenting in front of large groups of people. I would rather stay in my den and write code all day long. [Stereotype]. But hey, since I have mustered enough courage…let’s talk today about the new product features my team is about to release….”
After sharing a quick, self-deprecating line, you transition back to your topic, reinforcing the audience’s attention . Both of these formulas help you set the “mood” for your further presentation, so try using them interchangeably on different occasions.
2. Open a Presentation with a Hook
Wow your audience straight off the bat by sharing something they would not expect to hear. This may be one of the popular first-time presentation tips but don’t rush to discard it.
Because here’s the thing: psychologically , we are more inclined to pay attention whenever presented with an unexpected cue. When we know what will happen next – someone flips the switch, and lights turn on – we don’t really pay much attention to that action.
But when we don’t know what to expect next – e.g., someone flips the switch and a bell starts ringing – we are likely to pay more attention to what will happen next. The same goes for words: everyone loves stories with unpredictable twists. So begin your presentation with a PowerPoint introduction slide or a line that no one expects to hear.
Here are a few hook examples you can swipe:
a. Open with a provocative statement
It creates an instant jolt and makes the audience intrigued to hear what you are about to say next – pedal back, continue with the provocation, or do something else that they will not expect.

Image Source: TED
“You will live seven and a half minutes longer than you would have otherwise, just because you watched this talk.”
That’s how Jane McGonigal opens one of her TED talks . Shocking and intriguing, right?
b. Ask a rhetorical, thought-provoking question
Rhetorical questions have a great persuasive effect – instead of answering aloud, your audience will silently start musing over it during your presentation. They aroused curiosity and motivated the audience to remain attentive, as they did want to learn your answer to this question.
To reinforce your message throughout the presentation, you can further use the Rhetorical Triangle Concept – a rhetorical approach to building a persuasive argument based on Aristotle’s teachings.
c. Use a bold number, factor stat
A clean slide with some mind-boggling stat makes an undeniably strong impact. Here are a few opening statement examples you can use along with your slide:
- Shock them: “We are effectively wasting over $1.2 billion per year on producing clothes no one will ever purchase”
- Create empathy: “Are you among the 20% of people with undiagnosed ADHD?”
- Call to arms: “58% of marketing budgets are wasted due to poor landing page design. Let’s change this!”
- Spark curiosity: “Did you know that companies who invested in speech recognition have seen a 13% increase in ROI within just 3 years?”
3. Begin with a Captivating Visual
Compelling visuals are the ABC of presentation design – use them strategically to make a bold statement at the beginning and throughout your presentation. Your first presentation slide can be text-free. Communicate your idea with a visual instead – a photo, a chart, an infographic, or another graphics asset.
Visuals are a powerful medium for communication as our brain needs just 13 milliseconds to render what our eyes see, whereas text comprehension requires more cognitive effort.
Relevant images add additional aesthetic appeal to your deck, bolster the audience’s imagination, and make your key message instantly more memorable.
Here’s an intro slide example. You want to make a strong presentation introduction to global pollution. Use the following slide to reinforce the statement you share:

“Seven of nine snow samples taken on land in Antarctica found chemicals known as PFAs, which are used in industrial products and can harm wildlife”
Source: Reuters
4. Ask a “What if…” Question
The “what if” combo carries massive power. It gives your audience a sense of what will happen if they choose to listen to you and follow your advice. Here are a few presentations with starting sentences + slides to illustrate this option:

Alternatively, you can work your way to this point using different questions:
- Ask the audience about their “Why.” Why are they attending this event, or why do they find this topic relevant?
- Use “How” as your question hook if you plan to introduce a potential solution to a problem.
- If your presentation has a persuasion factor associated, use “When” as a question to trigger the interest of the audience on, for example, when they are planning to take action regarding the topic being presented (if we talk about an inspirational presentation).

5. Use the Word “Imagine”
“Imagine,” “Picture This,” and “Think of” are better word choices for when you plan to begin your presentation with a quick story.
Our brain loves interacting with stories. In fact, a captivating story makes us more collaborative. Scientists have discovered that stories with tension during narrative make us:
- Pay more attention,
- Share emotions with the characters and even mimic the feelings and behaviors of those characters afterward.
That’s why good action movies often feel empowering and make us want to change the world too. By incorporating a good, persuasive story with a relatable hero, you can also create that “bond” with your audience and make them more perceptive to your pitch – donate money to support the cause; explore the solution you are offering, and so on.
6. Leverage The Curiosity Gap
The curiosity gap is another psychological trick frequently used by marketers to solicit more clicks, reads, and other interactions from the audience. In essence, it’s the trick you see behind all those clickbait, Buzzfeed-style headlines:

Image: Buzzfeed
Not everyone is a fan of such titles. But the truth is – they do the trick and instantly capture attention. The curiosity gap sparks our desire to dig deeper into the matter. We are explicitly told that we don’t know something important, and now we crave to change that. Curiosity is an incredibly strong driving force for action – think Eve, think Pandora’s Box.
So consider incorporating these attention grabbers for your presentation speech. You can open with one, or strategically weave them in the middle of your presentation when you feel like your audience is getting tired and may lose their focus.
Here’s how you can use the curiosity gap during your presentation:
- Start telling a story, pause in the middle, and delay the conclusion of it.
- Withhold the key information (e.g., the best solution to the problem you have described) for a bit – but not for too long, as this can reduce the initial curiosity.
- Introduce an idea or concept and link it with an unexpected outcome or subject – this is the best opening for a presentation tip.
7. The Power of Silence
What would you do if you attended a presentation in which the speaker remains silent for 30 seconds after the presentation starts? Just the presenter, standing in front of the audience, in absolute silence.
Most likely, your mind starts racing with thoughts, expecting something of vital importance to be disclosed. The surprise factor with this effect is for us to acknowledge things we tend to take for granted.
It is a powerful resource to introduce a product or to start an inspirational presentation if followed by a fact.
8. Facts as Weapons of Communication
In some niches, using facts as the icebreaker is the best method to retain the audience’s interest.
Say your presentation is about climate change. Why not introduce a not-so-common fact, such as the amount of wool that can be produced out of oceanic plastic waste per month? And since you have to base your introduction on facts, research manufacturers that work with Oceanic fabrics from recycled plastic bottles .
Using facts helps to build a better narrative, and also gives leverage to your presentation as you are speaking not just from emotional elements but from actually recorded data backed up by research.
9. Fact vs. Myths
Related to our previous point, we make quite an interesting speech if we contrast a fact vs. a myth in a non-conventional way: using a myth to question a well-accepted fact, then introducing a new point of view or theory, backed on sufficient research, that proves the fact wrong. This technique, when used in niches related to academia, can significantly increase the audience’s interest, and it will highlight your presentation as innovative.
Another approach is to debunk a myth using a fact. This contrast immediately piques interest because it promises to overturn commonly held beliefs, and people naturally find it compelling when their existing knowledge is put to the test. An example of this is when a nutritionist wishes to speak about how to lose weight via diet, and debunks the myth that all carbohydrates are “bad”.
10. The Power of Music
Think about a presentation that discusses the benefits of using alternative therapies to treat anxiety, reducing the need to rely on benzodiazepines. Rather than going technical and introducing facts, the presenter can play a soothing tune and invite the audience to follow an exercise that teaches how to practice breathing meditation . Perhaps, in less than 2 minutes, the presenter can accomplish the goal of exposing the advantages of this practice with a live case study fueled by the proper ambiance (due to the music played in the beginning).
11. Physical Activity
Let’s picture ourselves in an in-company presentation about workspace wellness. For this company, the sedentary lifestyle their employees engage in is a worrying factor, so they brought a personal trainer to coach the employees on a basic flexibility routine they can practice in 5 minutes after a couple of hours of desk time.
“Before we dive in, let’s all stand up for a moment.” This simple instruction breaks the ice and creates a moment of shared experience among the attendees. You could then lead them through a brief stretching routine, saying something like, “Let’s reach up high, and stretch out those muscles that get so tight sitting at our desks all day.” With this action, you’re not just talking about workplace wellness, you’re giving them a direct, personal experience of it.
This approach has several advantages. Firstly, it infuses energy into the room and increases the oxygen flow to the brain, potentially boosting the audience’s concentration and retention. Secondly, it sets a precedent that your presentation is not going to be a standard lecture, but rather an interactive experience. This can raise the level of anticipation for what’s to come, and make the presentation a topic for future conversation between coworkers.
12. Acknowledging a Person
How many times have you heard the phrase: “Before we begin, I’d like to dedicate a few words to …” . The speaker could be referring to a mentor figure, a prominent person in the local community, or a group of people who performed charity work or obtained a prize for their hard work and dedication. Whichever is the reason behind this, acknowledgment is a powerful force to use as a method of starting a presentation. It builds a connection with the audience, it speaks about your values and who you admire, and it can transmit what the conversation is going to be about based on who the acknowledged person is.
Now you know how to start your presentation – you have the opening lines, you have the slides to use, and you can browse even more attractive PowerPoint presentation slides and templates on our website. Also, we recommend you visit our article on Key Insights on How To End a Presentation Effectively in order to apply the best practices in your slides and how to make a PowerPoint Presentation .

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How to Start a Presentation [+ Examples]
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.
![how to begin presentation → Free Download: 10 PowerPoint Presentation Templates [Access Now]](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/53/2d0b5298-2daa-4812-b2d4-fa65cd354a8e.png)
Table of Contents
Why Your Presentation Opening Matters
How to start a presentation, opening slide examples, best practices for starting a presentation.
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.
Infuse humor.
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.
Ask a question.
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.
2. Tell your audience why they should be listening to you.
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:
Highlight relevant personal experience.
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.
Highlight your expertise.
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.
Tell your audience what’s in it for them.
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.
3. Introduce your topic.
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.
4. Leverage storytelling.
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:
1. “ Blackboard is Getting an Upgrade ”
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.
4. Keep it short and sweet.
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.
5. Embrace authenticity.
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.
Mastering the Art of Captivating Presentations
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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How To Start a Presentation: 15 Ways to Set the Stage
By Krystle Wong , Jul 25, 2023

The opening moments of your presentation hold immense power – it’s your opportunity to make a lasting impression and captivate your audience.
A strong presentation start acts as a beacon, cutting through the noise and instantly capturing the attention of your listeners. With so much content vying for their focus, a captivating opening ensures that your message stands out and resonates with your audience.
Whether you’re a startup business owner pitching a brilliant idea, a seasoned presenter delivering a persuasive talk or an expert sharing your experience, the start of your presentation can make all the difference. But don’t fret — I’ve got you covered with 15 electrifying ways to kickstart your presentation.
The presentation introduction examples in this article cover everything from self-introduction to how to start a group presentation, building anticipation that leaves the audience eager to delve into the depths of your topic.
Click to jump ahead:
How to create an engaging introduction for your presentation
15 ways to start a presentation and captivate your audience, common mistakes to avoid in the opening of a presentation, faqs on how to start a presentation, captivate the audience from the get-go.

Regardless of your mode of presentation , crafting an engaging introduction sets the stage for a memorable presentation journey. Let’s dive into some key tips for how to start a presentation speech to help you nail the art of starting with a bang:
Understand your audience
The key to an engaging introduction is to know your audience inside out and give your audience what they want. Tailor your opening to resonate with their specific interests, needs and expectations. Consider what will captivate them and how you can make your presentation relevant to their lives or work.
Use a compelling hook
Grab the audience’s attention from the get-go with a compelling hook. Whether it’s a thought-provoking question, a surprising fact or a gripping story, a powerful opening will immediately pique their curiosity and keep them invested in what you have to say.

State your purpose
Be crystal clear about your subject matter and the purpose of your presentation. In just a few sentences, communicate the main objectives and the value your audience will gain from listening to you. Let them know upfront what to expect and they’ll be more likely to stay engaged throughout.
Introduce yourself and your team
Give a self introduction about who you are such as your job title to establish credibility and rapport with the audience.
Some creative ways to introduce yourself in a presentation would be by sharing a brief and engaging personal story that connects to your topic or the theme of your presentation. This approach instantly makes you relatable and captures the audience’s attention.
Now, let’s talk about — how to introduce team members in a presentation. Before introducing each team member, briefly explain their role or contribution to the project or presentation. This gives the audience an understanding of their relevance and expertise.
Group presentations are also a breeze with the help of Venngage. Our in-editor collaboration tools allow you to edit presentations side by side in real-time. That way, you can seamlessly hare your design with the team for input and make sure everyone is on track.
Maintain enthusiasm
Enthusiasm is contagious! Keep the energy levels up throughout your introduction, conveying a positive and upbeat tone. A vibrant and welcoming atmosphere sets the stage for an exciting presentation and keeps the audience eager to hear more.
Before you think about how to present a topic, think about how to design impactful slides that can leave a lasting impression on the audience. Here are 120+ presentation ideas , design tips, and examples to help you create an awesome slide deck for your next presentation.
Captivating your audience from the get-go is the key to a successful presentation. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or a novice taking the stage for the first time, the opening of your presentation sets the tone for the entire talk.
So, let’s get ready to dive into the 15 most creative ways to start a presentation. I promise you these presentation introduction ideas will captivate your audience, leaving them hanging on your every word.
1. Ask a thought-provoking question
Get the audience’s wheels turning by throwing them a thought-provoking question right out of the gate. Make them ponder, wonder and engage their critical thinking muscles from the very start.
2. Share a surprising statistic or fact
Brace yourself for some wide eyes and dropped jaws! Open your presentation with a jaw-dropping statistic or a mind-blowing fact that’s directly related to your topic. Nothing captures attention like a good ol’ dose of shock and awe.

3. Tell a relevant story
Start your presentation with a riveting story that hooks your audience and relates to your main message. Stories have a magical way of captivating hearts and minds. Organize your slides in a clear and sequential manner and use visuals that complement your narrative and evoke emotions to engage the audience.
With Venngage, you have access to a vast library of high-quality and captivating stock photography, offering thousands of options to enrich your presentations. The best part? It’s entirely free! Elevate your visual storytelling with stunning images that complement your content, captivate your audience and add a professional touch to your presentation.

4. Use a powerful quote
Sometimes, all you need is some wise words to work wonders. Begin with a powerful quote from a legendary figure that perfectly fits your presentation’s theme — a dose of inspiration sets the stage for an epic journey.
5. Engage with a poll or interactive activity
Turn the audience from passive listeners to active participants by kicking off with a fun poll or interactive activity. Get them on their feet, or rather — their fingertips, right from the start!
Venngage’s user-friendly drag-and-drop editor allows you to easily transform your slides into an interactive presentation . Create clickable buttons or navigation elements within your presentation to guide your audience to different sections or external resources.
Enhance engagement by incorporating videos or audio clips directly into your presentation. Venngage supports video and audio embedding, which can add depth to your content.

6. Utilize visuals or props
Capture your audience’s gaze by whipping out captivating visuals or props that add an exciting touch to your subject. A well-placed prop or a stunning visual can make your presentation pop like a fireworks show!
That said, you maybe wondering — how can I make my presentation more attractive. A well-designed presentation background instantly captures the audience’s attention and creates a positive first impression. Here are 15 presentation background examples to keep the audience awake to help you get inspired.
7. State a bold statement or challenge
Ready to shake things up? Kick off with a bold and daring statement that sets the stage for your presentation’s epic journey. Boldness has a way of making ears perk up and eyes widen in anticipation!
8. Use humor or wit
Sprinkle some humor and wit to spice things up. Cracking a clever joke or throwing in a witty remark can break the ice and create a positively charged atmosphere. If you’re cracking your head on how to start a group presentation, humor is a great way to start a presentation speech.
Get your team members involved in the fun to create a collaborative and enjoyable experience for everyone. Laughter is the perfect way to break the ice and set a positive tone for your presentation!

9. Invoke emotion
Get those heartstrings tugging! Start with a heartfelt story or example that stirs up emotions and connects with your audience on a personal level. Emotion is the secret sauce to a memorable presentation.
Aside from getting creative with your introduction, a well-crafted and creative presentation can boost your confidence as a presenter. Browse our catalog of creative presentation templates and get started right away!
10. Use a dramatic pause
A great group presentation example is to start with a powerful moment of silence, like a magician about to reveal their greatest trick. After introducing your team, allow a brief moment of silence. Hold the pause for a few seconds, making it feel deliberate and purposeful. This builds anticipation and curiosity among the audience.
11. Pose a problem and offer a solution
A great idea on how to start a business presentation is to start by presenting a problem and offering a well-thought-out solution. By addressing their pain points and showcasing your solution, you’ll capture their interest and set the stage for a compelling and successful presentation.
Back up your solution with data, research, or case studies that demonstrate its effectiveness. This can also be a good reporting introduction example that adds credibility to your proposal.
Preparing a pitch deck can be a daunting task but fret not. This guide on the 30+ best pitch deck tips and examples has everything you need to bring on new business partners and win new client contracts. Alternatively, you can also get started by customizing one of our professional pitch deck templates for free.

12. Provide a brief outline
Here’s a good introduction for presentation example if you’re giving a speech at a conference. For longer presentations or conferences with multiple speakers especially, providing an outline helps the audience stay focused on the key takeaways. That way, you can better manage your time and ensure that you cover all the key points without rushing or running out of time.
13. Begin with a personal connection
Share a real-life experience or a special connection to the topic at hand. This simple act of opening up creates an instant bond with the audience, turning them into your biggest cheerleaders.
Having the team share their personal experiences is also a good group presentation introduction approach. Team members can share their own stories that are related to the topic to create an emotional connection with your audience.

14. Begin with an opening phrase that captures attention
Use opening phrases that can help you create a strong connection with your audience and make them eager to hear more about what you have to say. Remember to be confident, enthusiastic and authentic in your delivery to maximize the impact of your presentation.
Here are some effective presentation starting words and phrases that can help you grab your audience’s attention and set the stage for a captivating presentation:
- “Imagine…”
- “Picture this…”
- “Did you know that…”
- “Have you ever wondered…”
- “In this presentation, we’ll explore…”
- “Let’s dive right in and discover…”
- “I’m excited to share with you…”
- “I have a confession to make…”
- “I want to start by telling you a story…”
- “Before we begin, let’s consider…”
- “Have you ever faced the challenge of…”
- “We all know that…”
- “This is a topic close to my heart because…”
- “Over the next [minutes/hours], we’ll cover…”
- “I invite you to journey with me through…”
15. Share a fun fact or anecdote
Time for a little fun and games! Kick-off with a lighthearted or fascinating fact that’ll make the audience go, “Wow, really? Tell me more!” A sprinkle of amusement sets the stage for an entertaining ride.
While an introduction for a presentation sets the tone for your speech, a good slide complements your spoken words, helping the audience better understand and remember your message. Check out these 12 best presentation software for 2023 that can aid your next presentation.

The opening moments of a presentation can make or break your entire talk. It’s your chance to grab your audience’s attention, set the tone, and lay the foundation for a successful presentation. However, there are some common pitfalls that speakers often fall into when starting their presentations.

Starting with Apologies
It might be tempting to start with a preemptive apology, especially if you’re feeling nervous or unsure about your presentation. However, beginning with unnecessary apologies or self-deprecating remarks sets a negative tone right from the start. Instead of exuding confidence and credibility, you’re unintentionally undermining yourself and your message.
Reading from Slides
One of the most common blunders in the opening of a PowerPoint presentation is reading directly from your slides or script. While it’s crucial to have a well-structured outline, reciting word-for-word can lead to disengagement and boredom among your audience. Maintain eye contact and connect with your listeners as you speak. Your slides should complement your words, not replace them.

Overwhelming with Information
In the excitement to impress, some presenters bombard their audience with too much information right at the beginning.
Instead of overloading the audience with a sea of data, statistics or technical details that can quickly lead to confusion and disinterest, visualize your data with the help of Venngage. Choose an infographic template that best suits the type of data you want to visualize. Venngage offers a variety of pre-designed templates for charts, graphs, infographics and more.

Ignoring the Audience
It’s easy to get caught up in the content and forget about the people in front of you. Don’t overlook the importance of acknowledging the audience and building a connection with them. Greet them warmly, make eye contact and maintain body language to show genuine interest in their presence. Engage the audience early on by asking a show of hands question or encourage audience participation.
Lack of Clarity
Your audience should know exactly what to expect from your presentation. Starting with a vague or unclear opening leaves them guessing about the purpose and direction of your talk. Clearly communicate the topic and objectives of your presentation right from the beginning. This sets the stage for a focused and coherent message that resonates with your audience.
Simplicity makes it easier for the audience to understand and retain the information presented. Check out our gallery of simple presentation templates to keep your opening concise and relevant.

Skipping the Hook
The opening of your presentation is the perfect opportunity to hook your audience’s attention and keep them engaged. However, some presenters overlook this crucial aspect and dive straight into the content without any intrigue. Craft an attention-grabbing hook that sparks curiosity, poses a thought-provoking question or shares an interesting fact. A compelling opening is like the key that unlocks your audience’s receptivity to the rest of your presentation.
Now that you’ve got the gist of how to introduce a presentation, further brush up your speech with these tips on how to make a persuasive presentation and how to improve your presentation skills to create an engaging presentation .

How can I overcome nervousness at the beginning of a presentation?
To overcome nervousness at the beginning of a presentation, take deep breaths, practice beforehand, and focus on connecting with your audience rather than worrying about yourself.
How long should the opening of a presentation be?
The opening of a presentation should typically be brief, lasting around 1 to 3 minutes, to grab the audience’s attention and set the tone for the rest of the talk.
Should I memorize my presentation’s opening lines?
While it’s helpful to know your opening lines, it’s better to understand the key points and flow naturally to maintain authenticity and flexibility during the presentation.
Should I use slides during the opening of my presentation?
Using slides sparingly during the opening can enhance the message, but avoid overwhelming the audience with too much information early on.
How do I transition smoothly from the opening to the main content of my presentation?
Transition smoothly from the opening to the main content by providing a clear and concise outline of what’s to come, signaling the shift and maintaining a logical flow between topics.
Just as a captivating opening draws your audience in, creating a well-crafted presentation closing has the power to leave a lasting impression. Wrap up in style with these 10 ways to end a presentation .
Presenting virtually? Check out these tips on how to ace your next online presentation .
Captivating your audience from the very beginning is crucial for a successful presentation. The first few moments of your talk can set the tone and determine whether your audience remains engaged throughout or loses interest.
Start with a compelling opening that grabs their attention. You can use a thought-provoking question, a surprising statistic or a powerful quote to pique their curiosity. Alternatively, storytelling can be a potent tool to draw them into your narrative. It’s essential to establish a personal connection early on, whether by sharing a relatable experience or expressing empathy towards their needs and interests.
Lastly, be mindful of your body language and vocal delivery. A confident and engaging speaker can captivate an audience, so make eye contact, use appropriate gestures and vary your tone to convey passion and sincerity.
In conclusion, captivating your audience from the very beginning requires thoughtful preparation, engaging content and a confident delivery. With Venngage’s customizable templates, you can adapt your presentation to suit the preferences and interests of your specific audience, ensuring maximum engagement. Go on and get started today!
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How To Write A Presentation 101: A Step-by-Step Guide with Best Examples
Jane Ng • 02 Nov 2023 • 8 min read
Is it difficult to start of presentation? You’re standing before a room full of eager listeners, ready to share your knowledge and captivate their attention. But where do you begin? How do you structure your ideas and convey them effectively?
Take a deep breath, and fear not! In this article, we’ll provide a road map on how to write a presentation covering everything from crafting a script to creating an engaging introduction.
So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What is a presentation , what should be in a powerful presentation.
- How To Write A Presentation Script
- How to Write A Presentation Introduction
Key Takeaways
Tips for better presentation.
- How to start a presentation
- How to introduce yourself

Start in seconds.
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Presentations are all about connecting with your audience.
Presenting is a fantastic way to share information, ideas, or arguments with your audience. Think of it as a structured approach to effectively convey your message. And you’ve got options such as slideshows, speeches, demos, videos, and even multimedia presentations!
The purpose of a presentation can vary depending on the situation and what the presenter wants to achieve.
- In the business world, presentations are commonly used to pitch proposals, share reports, or make sales pitches.
- In educational settings, presentations are a go-to for teaching or delivering engaging lectures.
- For conferences, seminars, and public events—presentations are perfect for dishing out information, inspiring folks, or even persuading the audience.
That sounds brilliant. But, how to write a presentation?

How To Write A Presentation? What should be in a powerful presentation? A great presentation encompasses several key elements to captivate your audience and effectively convey your message. Here’s what you should consider including in a winning presentation:
- Clear and Engaging Introduction: Start your presentation with a bang! Hook your audience’s attention right from the beginning by using a captivating story, a surprising fact, a thought-provoking question, or a powerful quote. Clearly state the purpose of your presentation and establish a connection with your listeners.
- Well-Structured Content: Organize your content logically and coherently. Divide your presentation into sections or main points and provide smooth transitions between them. Each section should flow seamlessly into the next, creating a cohesive narrative. Use clear headings and subheadings to guide your audience through the presentation.
- Compelling Visuals: Incorporate visual aids, such as images, graphs, or videos, to enhance your presentation. Make sure your visuals are visually appealing, relevant, and easy to understand. Use a clean and uncluttered design with legible fonts and appropriate color schemes.
- Engaging Delivery: Pay attention to your delivery style and body language. You should maintain eye contact with your audience, use gestures to emphasize key points, and vary your tone of voice to keep the presentation dynamic.
- Clear and Memorable Conclusion: Leave your audience with a lasting impression by providing a strong closing statement, a call to action, or a thought-provoking question. Make sure your conclusion ties back to your introduction and reinforces the core message of your presentation.

How To Write A Presentation Script (With Examples)
To successfully convey your message to your audience, you must carefully craft and organize your presentation script. Here are steps on how to write a presentation script:
1/ Understand Your Purpose and Audience:
- Clarify the purpose of your presentation. Are you informing, persuading, or entertaining?
- Identify your target audience and their knowledge level, interests, and expectations.
- Define what presentation format you want to use
2/ Outline the Structure of Your Presentation:
Strong opening: .
Start with an engaging opening that grabs the audience’s attention and introduces your topic. Some types of openings you can use are:
- Start with a Thought-Provoking Question: “Have you ever…?”
- Begin with a Surprising Fact or Statistic: “Did you know that….?”
- Use a Powerful Quote: “As Maya Angelou once said,….”
- Tell a Compelling Story : “Picture this: You’re standing at….”
- Start with a Bold Statement: “In the fast-paced digital age….”
Main Points:
Clearly state your main points or key ideas that you will discuss throughout the presentation.
- Clearly State the Purpose and Main Points: Example: “In this presentation, we will delve into three key areas. First,… Next,… Finally,…. we’ll discuss….”
- Provide Background and Context: Example: “Before we dive into the details, let’s understand the basics of…..”
- Present Supporting Information and Examples: Example: “To illustrate…., let’s look at an example. In,…..”
- Address Counterarguments or Potential Concerns: Example: “While…, we must also consider… .”
- Recap Key Points and Transition to the Next Section: Example: “To summarize, we’ve… Now, let’s shift our focus to…”
Remember to organize your content logically and coherently, ensuring smooth transitions between sections.
Ending:
You can conclude with a strong closing statement summarizing your main points and leaving a lasting impression. Example: “As we conclude our presentation, it’s clear that… By…., we can….”
3/ Craft Clear and Concise Sentences:
Once you’ve outlined your presentation, you need to edit your sentences. Use clear and straightforward language to ensure your message is easily understood.
Alternatively, you can break down complex ideas into simpler concepts and provide clear explanations or examples to aid comprehension.
4/ Use Visual Aids and Supporting Materials:
Use supporting materials such as statistics, research findings, or real-life examples to back up your points and make them more compelling.
- Example: “As you can see from this graph,… This demonstrates….”
5/ Include Engagement Techniques:
Incorporate interactive elements to engage your audience, such as Q&A sessions , conducting live polls , or encouraging participation.
6/ Rehearse and Revise:
- Practice delivering your presentation script to familiarize yourself with the content and improve your delivery.
- Revise and edit your script as needed, removing any unnecessary information or repetitions.
7/ Seek Feedback:
You can share your script or deliver a practice presentation to a trusted friend, colleague, or mentor to gather feedback on your script and make adjustments accordingly.
More on Script Presentation

How to Write A Presentation Introduction with Examples
How to write presentations that are engaging and visually appealing? Looking for introduction ideas for the presentation? As mentioned earlier, once you have completed your script, it’s crucial to focus on editing and refining the most critical element—the opening of your presentation – the section that determines whether you can captivate and retain your audience’s attention right from the start.
Here is a guide on how to craft an opening that grabs your audience’s attention from the very first minute:
1/ Start with a Hook
To begin, you can choose from five different openings mentioned in the script based on your desired purpose and content. Alternatively, you can opt for the approach that resonates with you the most, and instills your confidence. Remember, the key is to choose a starting point that aligns with your objectives and allows you to deliver your message effectively.
2/ Establish Relevance and Context:
Then you should establish the topic of your presentation and explain why it is important or relevant to your audience. Connect the topic to their interests, challenges, or aspirations to create a sense of relevance.
3/ State the Purpose
Clearly articulate the purpose or goal of your presentation. Let the audience know what they can expect to gain or achieve by listening to your presentation.
4/ Preview Your Main Points
Give a brief overview of the main points or sections you will cover in your presentation. It helps the audience understand the structure and flow of your presentation and creates anticipation.
5/ Establish Credibility
Share your expertise or credentials related to the topic to build trust with the audience, such as a brief personal story, relevant experience, or mentioning your professional background.
6/ Engage Emotionally
Connect emotional levels with your audience by appealing to their aspirations, fears, desires, or values. They help create a deeper connection and engagement from the very beginning.
Make sure your introduction is concise and to the point. Avoid unnecessary details or lengthy explanations. Aim for clarity and brevity to maintain the audience’s attention.
For example, Topic: Work-life balance
“Good morning, everyone! Can you imagine waking up each day feeling energized and ready to conquer both your personal and professional pursuits? Well, that’s exactly what we’ll explore today – the wonderful world of work-life balance. In a fast-paced society where work seems to consume every waking hour, it’s vital to find that spot where our careers and personal lives harmoniously coexist. Throughout this presentation, we’ll dive into practical strategies that help us achieve that coveted balance, boost productivity, and nurture our overall well-being.
But before we dive in, let me share a bit about my journey. As a working professional and a passionate advocate for work-life balance, I have spent years researching and implementing strategies that have transformed my own life. I am excited to share my knowledge and experiences with all of you today, with the hope of inspiring positive change and creating a more fulfilling work-life balance for everyone in this room. So, let’s get started!”
Check out: How to Start a Presentation?

Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or new to the stage, understanding how to write a presentation that conveys your message effectively is a valuable skill. By following the steps in this guide, you can become a captivating presenter and make your mark in every presentation you deliver.
Additionally, AhaSlides can significantly enhance your presentation’s impact. With AhaSlides, you can use live polls, quizzes, and word cloud to turn your presentation into an engaging and interactive experience. Let’s take a moment to explore our vast template library !
Frequently Asked Questions
1/ how to write a presentation step by step .
You can refer to our step-by-step guide on How To Write A Presentation Script:
- Understand Your Purpose and Audience
- Outline the Structure of Your Presentation
- Craft Clear and Concise Sentences
- Use Visual Aids and Supporting Material
- Include Engagement Techniques
- Rehearse and Revise
- Seek Feedback
2/ How do you start a presentation?
You can start with an engaging opening that grabs the audience’s attention and introduces your topic. Consider using one of the following approaches:
3/ What are the five parts of a presentation?
When it comes to presentation writing, a typical presentation consists of the following five parts:
- Introduction: Capturing the audience’s attention, introducing yourself, stating the purpose, and providing an overview.
- Main Body: Presenting main points, evidence, examples, and arguments.
- Visual Aids: Using visuals to enhance understanding and engage the audience.
- Conclusion: Summarizing main points, restating key message, and leaving a memorable takeaway or call to action.
- Q&A or Discussion: Optional part for addressing questions and encouraging audience participation.

A writer who wants to create practical and valuable content for the audience
More from AhaSlides


How to Start a Presentation – 11 Proven Tips For A Killer Start 11 min read
How you start a presentation is crucial, as it can make or break the entire experience for the audience.
It’s crucial to grab the audience’s attention from the get-go. Otherwise, they’ll lose interest and tune out.
This is especially important when presenting to larger crowds, like at a conference or when trying to win bids over prospective customers.
Most of us would have watched videos of how influential people have addressed their audience.
Steve Jobs’s presentation for the launch of the iPhone in 2007 was one of the most successful product launches to date.
Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” is another prime example of a powerful speech.
Not to forget former President-Elect Obama’s term-winning speech in Chicago!
We have observed and learned a lot from these powerful presentations, how these legends addressed a large audience and kept their speech engaging throughout.
In this blog, we have listed the 11 proven strategies on how to start a presentation and hook your audience until the end like a Pro.
So, if you are nervous about starting a presentation or often find yourself stumbling over your words and forgetting what you want to say, you have come to the right place!
Don’t let the fear of starting a presentation hold you back. With our expert strategies, you’ll be able to start like a pro, impress your audience, and leave a lasting impression.
So, let’s get started!
11 Ways To Start Your Presentation
- Use an inspiring quote
- Use the power of image
- Open with a leading question
- Start with a little test
- Start with a short story
- Start with a touch of humor
- Start with “Picture this..”
- Spark interest with Animated Characters
- Introduce yourself to your audience
- Surprise your audience
- Start with Silence
1. Use an inspiring Quote
One of the easiest ways to grab your audience’s attention is by using a powerful quote.
A well-crafted quote can be a powerful tool in a presentation. It helps to set the tone for a long presentation and as well as rekindle the audience’s attention when there’s a dip in their concentration.
Have a look at this video below,
The speaker starts off her presentation with a quote – “Letting go can make you unstoppable!”. Through this the speaker gives a strong narrative to her topic and ropes in the audience.
Selecting a quote relevant to your topic and that resonates with your audience is essential. You have to keep in mind that your audience should be able to understand and remember it.
Therefore, avoid complex quotes that might confuse them. Instead, choose a quote that is simple, clear, and has an emotional appeal.
Hence, with a thoughtful quote and the right visual aid, you can effectively capture your audience’s attention and set the stage for a memorable presentation.
2. Use the power of Image
Facts and figures can be compelling, but visuals can be more appealing and stimulate your audience’s emotional response.
An appealing image-based content receives more percentage of views than text-based content.
Images, in particular, can help you connect with your audience’s emotions and convey complex data clearly and concisely.
Have a look at this presentation, the speaker displays an alluring image to help the audience understand her topic – “Does photographing a moment steal the experience from you?”
This helps the audience to immediately understand and related to their own life experiences. Eventually forming an emotional connection to the problem that the speaker is presenting.
A strong focus on the topic of the presentation can be established almost instantly through an image , making it a powerful tool for conveying important information.
3. Open with a leading question
When giving a presentation, engaging your audience and making them feel invested in your message is essential. One effective way to do this is by conducting polls or asking questions.
Take a look at this video below,
The speaker starts off his presentation with an open-ended question and then proceeds to introduce himself and his topic. This intrigues the audience to listen and participate in the presentation.
Similarly, in your presentations, you can ask any relevant direct questions requiring a response, such as “What would you do in this situation?”
These questions are mentally stimulating and can encourage audience participation. You can even pass a microphone around and let the audience come up with the desired solution.
Rhetorical questions, on the other hand, do not require answers. Instead, they’re often used to emphasize a point.
With this approach, you can create an interactive and memorable presentation that leaves a lasting impact on your audience.
4. Start with a little test
One definite exciting way to kick off your presentation is by sparking curiosity with a little test amongst the audience right at the beginning.
Have a look at this video,
The presenter builds up curiosity right off the bat by saying, ‘I have a test for you.’ This creates excitement and curiosity about what that test might be.
You can also incorporate a thought-provoking statement, fact, or poll in your presentation right at the start to hook the audience’s attention very closely.
Do this with an air of authority and knowledge. With a confident delivery and a fascinating fact, you can draw your audience in and set the stage for a captivating presentation.
5. Start with a short story
While slide presentations can be informative, they can also be dull and uninspiring. That’s why you must consider starting your presentation with a short, relevant story.
The presenter starts off his presentation with a short story about his immigration journey. This helps him to attract the audience and make them eagerly anticipate the series of events and the end result.
Using a good story in your presentation can build rapport with your audience and create an emotional connection. Whether it’s humorous, romantic, or thought-provoking, make sure it’s 30 seconds to a minute and is relevant to the presentation.
So, before diving into your slide presentation, take a moment to tell a story that will grab your audience’s attention and create a connection with them.
Let your audience in on your personal experience, and watch as their interest in your presentation grows.
6. Start with a touch of humor
Using humor in your presentation can have numerous benefits beyond just making people laugh.
One of the most significant advantages of incorporating humor into your presentation is that it can help to ease tension and anxiety, especially for you as the presenter.
Have a look at this video below
The presenter engages with the audience by cracking relevant jokes as he shares stories from his life. He uses the element of humor to keep the audience emotionally engaged and also to convey a heartfelt message at the end.
Likewise, starting your presentation with a light-hearted joke or an anecdote can help you relax and feel more confident.
If you can make your audience laugh, they’re more likely to remember your key takeaways. So don’t be afraid to inject a bit of humor into your presentation – it might help to make it a hit!
7. Start with “Imagine…”
As a presenter, sometimes you need to tap into your audience’s imagination to make your point. This is where the commands “imagine,” “think of,” or “picture this” can come in handy.
In this video, the presenter starts off his presentation by using the hook word “Imagine..” Through this, the presenter gets hold of their attention and takes them on an imaginary journey with him.
Similarly, in your presentation, by prompting your audience to imagine or consider different scenarios, you can stimulate their creativity and engage them in a deeper level of thinking.
This can also evoke emotions that are relevant to your topic, making it more impactful and memorable for your audience.
Remember, emotions are a powerful tool in keeping your audience engaged and attentive throughout your presentation.
By leveraging your audience’s imagination, you can create a more interactive and dynamic experience that will leave a lasting impression.
8. Spark interest with Animated Characters
If you’d have to do a presentation online and none of the above suggestions work for your set of audience, then you can use an Animated version of yourself and spark interest.
Yes! You read it right. You can now create and add custom Animated Characters to your slide decks with the online presentation software Animaker Deck .

Forgo the very old presentation styles and give life to your slide decks with the help of Animated Characters.
Animaker Deck offers various choices and an option to create custom characters, from children to adults and even animal characters.
You can create a look-alike of yourself as an Animated character, choose facial expressions and add actions to the character. There are plenty of customization options available for you to choose from.
Check out this video to learn how to make animated presentations
Starting your presentation with Animated characters will surely be refreshing for your audience, and they will be intrigued to see what comes next in your presentation! So do give it a try from here!
9. Start by stating your expertise
If you are presenting to a group of students or upcoming entrepreneurs or simply a young crowd, the OG way of starting a presentation is stating your expertise on the topic and introducing yourself largely.
Watch this example presentation below,
The speaker establishes credibility and sets the stage for the rest of the presentation by claiming his authority and expertise as a doctor who worked closely on addiction problems.
Similarly, during your presentation, when introducing yourself, include your name, your position or area of expertise, and any relevant qualifications or experience you have.
This will help your audience understand why you are qualified to speak on this topic.
Next, introduce your topic and briefly overview what you will discuss. This will help your audience understand the purpose of your presentation.
This is one great way to begin your presentation and set the tone for the rest of the decks in-store.
10. Surprise your audience
One way to capture your audience’s attention and keep them engaged throughout your presentation is by incorporating a shock factor to surprise and intrigue your audience.
For instance, in the recent Marvel Comics Con 2022, the MCU presenter took the audience by storm by unveiling the plans for phase 6 of the Marvel Movies. It entirely shook the audience and caught them off-guard.
Have a look at the audience’s reaction in this video.
That’s a splendid way to keep your audience entertained throughout the presentation, right?
Similarly, you can also instill a surprise element at the start of your presentation and hook your audience throughout the end.
However, it’s essential to ensure that your shocking tactic is effective and well-suited for your audience and the purpose of your presentation.
The last thing you want is to shock your audience in a way that offends or upsets them, which can lead to a disengaged and uninterested audience.
Instead, your shock factor should be designed to elicit a positive response from your audience, such as a sense of excitement, interest, or humor. If done correctly, this would help you effectively kick off your presentation.
11. Start with Silence
Silence can be a powerful tool for commanding a room during a presentation. While it may be daunting to use silence as a technique, it can be incredibly effective when executed properly.
In this video, the presenter starts with Silence. This gets the audience thinking different things and anticipate what’s going to happen.
Silence is another effective technique to draw attention to a prop or visual aid.
By holding the audience’s attention with silence, you create a dramatic moment that keeps them engaged and eager to hear what you have to say next.
Incorporating silence into your presentation may feel uncomfortable, but with practice and confidence, it can become an incredibly valuable tool in commanding the room and keeping your audience engaged.
In conclusion, starting a presentation on the right note is crucial for capturing your audience’s attention and keeping them engaged throughout your talk.
By following the 11 proven ways we’ve discussed in this blog, you can create a powerful opening that sets the tone for the rest of your presentation and leaves a lasting impression on your audience.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different opening techniques and find what works best for you and your audience.
So go out there and take the first step towards becoming a confident and engaging presenter!
Now that you have learned the pro strategies of how to start a presentation, take a look at this guide on “How to end a presentation” as well and nail your presentation from start to end!
Do you have more pointers to start a presentation like a pro? Feel free to add them in the comments section below!
Related posts:

An ardent Product Marketer, trying to make everyday count!
22 Ways to Open a Presentation

Getting your first presentation slide right can be a tricky task. It sets the tone of your whole presentation, and can make or break you in terms of confidence.
Always alter your presentation openings, depending on your audience. Remember that what might work for you in a boardroom would likely turn a room of millennials into a bored room . But don’t worry. Our advice isn’t to start telling jokes at any available opportunity. Instead, we’ve collated the many various ways you can start a speech, to inspire you to choose a presentation slide that’s right for you, and your audience.
22. Welcome!

Use a welcoming presentation slide when people have come specifically to see you present.
Don’t use this if you’re presenting in the middle of other presentations, or when the audience have already seen something to do with your product or service that day.
21. Use a Physical Object

Bring an object along to your presentation that you think could be useful in your presentation, and start with explaining what it is, and why it is significant.
It could be a red ball, which you promise to toss at people who look like they’re going to fall asleep, or a product which you’re trying to sell. Either way, having an object in your opening is an unusual way of starting a presentation, and can get you some important points when presenting.
Use this if you’re presenting to a lively young audience instead of an opening presentation slide.
20. What If…

A good TED talk tactic. Use an imaginary scenario to get the audience to pay attention, and tickle their own abstract ideas about your subject.
Use this presentation slide if you have a hypothetical focus of your presentation, and you’re looking for input from the audience.
19. Show of Hands

Ask the audience their opinion on something.
Often, this can break the ice between you and the audience, and get you feeling a little more comfortable before you start with your first presentation slide.
18. A Wise Man Once Said… (Or indeed woman!)

Use a famous quote as a point of reference.
This can be a good way to start a presentation if you think the audience need some context before your presentation, and can be an easy way in if you’re about to explain something complicated.
17. A Prelude.

Instead of starting off your presentation with an about me or history slide, try and tell the audience who you are, and what you’re about before you make the presentation.
One short story about what makes you a real person, and why they should listen to you speak can make a big difference in your confidence, and in the audiences’ faith in you.
16. Dramatic Pause…

You don’t need to use a presentation slide to kick off your speech.
Instead, start your presentation with 10 seconds of silence, and a blank powerpoint slide to heighten the audience anticipation.
15. Add some Glitz

Quote a movie or a song in your first presentation slide to build rapport with your audience.
As long as it’s something that most of the audience will know, you’ll have them listening intently right from the get go!
This is especially important to consider when presenting to millenials.
14. A Number.

Open your speech with a statistical presentation slide.
A number can start your presentation right by giving your audience something tangible to understand.
If your presentation includes an interesting statistic, or you have an interesting point inside your presentation, show it off right at the start to keep your audience curious about how you arrived at that fact.
13. Make a Bold Claim

Controversial or elaborate hypotheses are often approached in presentations in an apologetic way, with a build up to the claim.
This is mostly due to nervous presenters to whom the idea of seeming silly at the start of a presentation puts them off using this as a tactic. Don’t be one of them!
12. Thank you

Another effective presentation slide opener is to thank the audience for being there.
Make them feel part of the presentation, and appreciated to get the best reaction from them later in your presentation.
11. Ask a Question

Start by asking your audience a difficult question about the topic to get a feel for the room.
Don’t ask them for a show of hands, but instead just ask them to think about it.
10. State their Problem

If you’re pitching to investors, focus on their problem. Try and relate your product or service to how their lives would be improved on your first presentation slide.
If they’re not the right audience, try and relate it their son, their daughter or their mother. Make it personal.
9. Grab their Attention

Do you have a shocking piece of information you’re going to present? Maybe you have an impressive statistic, or fact which you discovered or achieved.
Lead with something bold and colorful to grab their attention from the start.
8. Make Fun of Yourself

Be humble and approachable right from your first slide if you want to make a fantastic impression.
By showing the audience that you can make fun of yourself, and that you’re honest, you will knock down a little of the fourth wall between you and the people in front of you.
7. Use Curiosity

Using curiosity as a way to grab your audience’s attention is a good way to make you feel some power if you get nervous in presentations. Try something along the lines of: “I have the most exciting job in the world. No really, I do. Everyone I meet says “Wow, how do have the energy to do such a thing every day” , as i shrug, and take the compliment. Can you guess what i do? That’s right. I’m an accountant. ”
6. Look Back

Refer to the past in your first presentation slide, and make a comparison of what humans thought the future would look like related to your presentation topic.
This can be a great way of getting the audience to feel like they already knew something about a difficult subject. It can also help to build connection between you and your audience by relating to a common belief.
5. Look Forward

Open your presentation by referring to the future, and what you hope to achieve with your research, data, or pitch.
This is an impressive first presentation slide if you are trying to convince your audience to believe in something, whether that be a product, or a cause.
4. Use a Foreign Proverb

Using an english proverb might be a bit old hat in this day and age. Unless of course you’re going with the ‘dad joke’ ideal to millenials, in which case, press on!
Instead, use a proverb from a different language. There are some real gems out there, and can impress your audience that you’ve gone to the research trouble.
3. Refer to Current Events

If, on the day you’re due to present you read about an interesting current events story, or news article which links to your presentation, use it as your opening!
Discussing a current events article will show the audience your intellect and also get them understanding you from the get go.
2. Refer to a Historical Event

If you’re presenting something really fantastic, comparing your presentation to something significant in the past can be a good way of building some hype.
Of course, if you’re building something which isn’t that revolutionary, try adapting this opening into a humorous comparison instead, and build some rapport with your audience.
1. Tell a Story

The best way to start a powerpoint presentation is to start is with a story.
A thoughtful story along with a link to your presentation will get you off on the right foot

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How to Start a Presentation
Last Updated: October 20, 2021 Approved
This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 19 testimonials and 85% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 231,400 times.
You only get one chance to make a great first impression, which is important to consider when planning a presentation. The way you start your presentation should grab your audience’s attention, establish your credibility, and project your confidence. Some simple strategies can help you to make sure that your next presentation gets off to a great start.
Setting the Stage

Choosing a Great Opening Line

- Instead of an image, you could use a prop or some other physical object to get your audience interested in your topic.
- You might also consider using a video to start your presentation. Just make sure the video is not too long or you may not have enough time to present your material.
Projecting Confidence with Your Voice and Words

Expert Q&A

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- Keep a glass of water handy in case your mouth gets dry while you are talking. A bottle of water will work too, but a glass is better because you won’t have to fumble with a lid. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
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- ↑ http://www.inc.com/sims-wyeth/all-s-well-that-begins-well-the-power-of-first-impressions.html
- ↑ http://www.inc.com/sims-wyeth/10-reasons-why-eye-contact-can-change-peoples-perception-of-you.html
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2010/08/effective-communciation-begins/
- ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/nickmorgan/2012/08/23/the-best-way-to-start-a-presentation/
- ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/excellent-ways-to-start-a-presentation-2014-7#1-tell-a-captivating-story-1
- ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/excellent-ways-to-start-a-presentation-2014-7#2-ask-a-rhetorical-thought-provoking-question-2
- ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/excellent-ways-to-start-a-presentation-2014-7#3-state-a-shocking-statistic-or-headline-3
- ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/excellent-ways-to-start-a-presentation-2014-7#4-use-a-powerful-quote-4
- ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/excellent-ways-to-start-a-presentation-2014-7#5-show-a-gripping-photo-5
- ↑ http://www.inc.com/matt-abraham/3-speaking-habits-that-are-damaging-your-credibility.html
About this article

When starting a presentation, pick an opening line that catches your audience’s attention. You could tell a story or ask a question that relates back to your topic. You can also share a famous quote or a shocking fact to help build your credibility as a presenter. As you present, make eye contact with your audience to connect with them on a deeper level and to show your confidence in what you’re presenting. For more information on what phrases you should leave out or what tone of voice to use, continue reading below! Did this summary help you? Yes No
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Starting a presentation in english: methods and examples.
- By Jake Pool
If you’re going to make it in the professional world, most likely you’ll have to give a presentation in English at some point. No reason to get nervous!
Most of the work involved lies in the introduction. You may or may not need an English presentation PPT file, your topic, audience, or time limit may vary, but a strong opening is a must no matter what! Everything that follows can build from the opening outline you present to your audience.
Let’s look at some guidelines for starting a presentation in English. If you can master this part, you’ll never have to worry about the rest!
Opening in a Presentation in English
While it’s important to have your entire presentation organized and outlined, planning and organization are especially important in the introduction. This is what will guide you through a clear and concise beginning. Let’s look at how to start a presentation with well-organized thoughts .
Introduction Outline
- Introduce yourself and welcome everyone.
- State the purpose of your presentation
- Give a short overview of the presentation
As we say, it’s as easy as 1-2-3. (No need for a more detailed English presentation script!) Let’s examine the first step.
1. Introduce Yourself & Welcome Everyone
The self-introduction is your opportunity to make a good first impression. Be sure to open with a warm welcome and use language that is familiar and natural. Based on your audience, there are a few different expressions you can use to start your presentation.
If you’re presenting to coworkers who may already know you:
- Hello, [name] here. I would like to thank you all for your time. As you may know, I [describe what you do/your job title] I look forward to discussing [topic] today.
- Good morning/afternoon/evening everyone. Thank you for being here. For those who don’t know me, my name is [name], and for those who know me, hello again.
If you’re presenting to people you’ve never met:
- Hello everyone, it’s nice to meet you all. My name is [name] and I am the [job/title].
- Hello. Welcome to [event]. My name is [name] and I am the [job/title]. I’m glad you’re all here.
There are certainly more ways to make an introduction. However, it’s generally best to follow this format:
- Start with a polite welcome and state your name.
- Follow with your job title and/or the reason you’re qualified to speak on the topic being discussed.
2. State the Purpose of Your Presentation
Now that your audience knows who you are and your qualifications, you can state the purpose of your presentation. This is where you clarify to your audience what you’ll be talking about.
So, ask yourself, “ What do I want my audience to get from this presentation? ”
- Do you want your audience to be informed?
- Do you need something from your audience?
- Do you want them to purchase a product?
- Do you want them to do something for the community or your company?
With your goal in mind, you can create the next couple of lines of your presentation. Below are some examples of how to start.
- Let me share with you…
- I’d like to introduce you to [product or service]
- Today I want to discuss…
- I want to breakdown for you [topic]
- Let’s discuss…
- Today I will present the results of my research on [topic]
- By the end of this presentation, you’ll understand [topic]
- My goal is to explain…
- As you know, we’ll be talking about…
When talking about the purpose of your presentation, stick to your goals. You purpose statement should be only one to three sentences. That way, you can give your audience a clear sense of purpose that sets them up for the rest of the presentation.
3. A Short Overview of the Presentation
The final step in starting your presentation is to give a short outline of what you’ll be presenting. People like a map of what to expect from a presentation.
It helps them organize their thoughts and gives a sense of order. Also, it lets the audience know why they’re listening to you. This is what you’ll use to grab their attention, and help them stay focused throughout the presentation.
Here are some examples of how you can outline your presentation:
- Today, I’m going to cover… Then we’ll talk about… Lastly, I’ll close on…
- We’re going to be covering some key information you need to know, including…
- My aim with this presentation is to get you to… To do that we’ll be talking about…
- I’ve divided my presentation into [number] sections… [List the sections]
- Over the next [length of your presentation] I’m going to discuss…
That’s it! It’s as simple as 1-2-3. If you have a fear of public speaking or are not confident about presenting to a group of people, follow these three steps. It’s a simple structure that can get you off to a good start. With that in mind, there are other ways to bring your introduction to the next level too! Read on for bonus tips on how to really engage your audience, beyond the basics.
For a Strong Presentation in English, Engage your Audience
Presentations aren’t everyone’s strongest ability, and that’s OK. If you’re newer to presenting in English, the steps above are the basics to getting started. Once you’re more comfortable with presenting, though, you can go a step further with some extra tricks that can really wow your audience.
Mastering the skill of engaging an audience will take experience. Fortunately, there are many famous speakers out there you can model for capturing attention. Also, there are some common techniques that English-speakers use to gain an audience’s attention.
*How and when you use these techniques in your introduction is at your discretion, as long as you cover the 3 steps of the introduction outline that we discussed earlier.*
Do or say something shocking.
The purpose of shocking your audience is to immediately engage them. You can make a loud noise and somehow relate the noise to your presentation. Or, you can say, “ Did you know that… ” and follow with a shocking story or statistic. Either way, the objective is to create surprise to draw their attention.
Tell a story
Telling a story related to your presentation is a great way to get the audience listening to you.
You can start by saying, “ On my way to [location] the other day… ” or “ On my way here, I was reminded of… ” and then follow with a story. A good story can make your presentation memorable.
Ask your audience to take part
Sometimes a good introduction that captures attention will involve asking for help from the audience. You can ask the audience to play a quick game or solve a puzzle that’s related to your presentation. Also, you could engage the audience with a group exercise. This is a great way to get people involved in your presentation.
There are many more ways to engage the audience, so get creative and see what you can think up! Here are some resources that will help you get started.
Also, if you want to get better at public speaking (and help your English speaking too!), a great organization to know about is the Toastmasters . The organization is dedicated to helping you be a better speaker, and there are many local groups in America. They offer free lessons and events to help you master your English speaking, and also offer additional help to paying members.
The Takeaway
A presentation in English? No problem, as long as your introduction sets you up for success . Admittedly, this can be easier said than done. Native speakers and non-native speakers alike sometimes struggle with getting a good start on their English presentation. But the advice above can help you get the confidence you need to lay a good foundation for your next speech !
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How to start a powerpoint slideshow.
Let the slideshow begin!
Quick Links
Start a slideshow in powerpoint's desktop app, start a slideshow in powerpoint's web app, start a slideshow in powerpoint's mobile app, key takeaways.
To start a PowerPoint slideshow on your desktop, open your slideshow and click "Start Slide Show" in the "Slide Show" tab. If you're using the web app, select "From Beginning" in the "Slide Show" tab. On mobile, simply tap the Monitor icon at the top of your screen.
There's nothing quite like finishing a presentation after spending hours getting it just right. Now, show off your hard work by starting your Microsoft PowerPoint slideshow on desktop, web, and mobile using the methods below.
Related: How (and Why) to Start Microsoft PowerPoint from the Command Prompt
To play a slideshow in PowerPoint's desktop app, all you have to do is click an option or press a shortcut on your keyboard .
Start the process by opening your presentation with PowerPoint. Then, in the app's ribbon at the top, select the "Slide Show" tab.
In the "Slide Show" tab, from the "Start Slide Show" section, choose "From Beginning" (or press F5). Now your presentation will play from the very first slide.
If you'd like to start the slideshow from your current slide, choose the "From Current Slide" option. Alternatively, press Shift+F5 on your keyboard.
While your presentation is playing, you can perform various tasks, like moving to the next slide or ending the show. You can reveal these options by right-clicking anywhere on the slide.
Alternatively, you can use the following keyboard shortcuts while viewing your slideshow:
- Spacebar or Right Arrow Button: Go to the next slide in the presentation.
- Left Arrow Button: Go to the previous slide in the presentation.
- Esc: End the show.
- W: Hide your current slide and display a white screen. Press the same key again to bring back the slide's content.
- B: Hide your current slide and display a black screen. Revert back to the slide's content by pressing the same button.
- Ctrl+Left Mouse Button: Activate the laser point tool to point at things in your slides.
- Ctrl+P: Launch the pen tool to annotate your slide's content during your show. You can choose if you'd like to keep these annotations when you end the show.
- Ctrl+i: Access the highlighter tool to highlight items in your slides.
If you'd like to jump to a specific slide while presenting, press that slide's number on your keyboard and hit Enter. For example, press 12 and hit Enter to access that slide quickly.
To access the Presenter view, where you can see the upcoming slides and other options, right-click anywhere on your slide and choose "Show Presenter View."
With these options, you can start a slideshow and have it play exactly how you want.
To play a slideshow on the web, launch your preferred web browser and access PowerPoint on the web . Then, open your presentation.
From PowerPoint's ribbon at the top, select the "Slide Show" tab.
In the "Slide Show" tab, start your slideshow from the first slide by clicking the "From Beginning" option. To have your show play from your current slide, choose "From Current Slide."
Your presentation is now playing.
To reveal the options for moving slides, annotating items, and using Presenter Coach , bring your cursor to your screen's bottom-left corner. Then, click the appropriate icon.
Related: How to Practice Your Presentations with PowerPoint's Presenter Coach
To start a slideshow in the PowerPoint mobile app , launch the app on your phone and open your presentation.
On the presentation screen, at the top, tap the Monitor icon to play the slideshow.
Your presentation has now begun.
To move to the next slide, swipe left on your screen. To go to the previous slide, swipe right.
You can reveal PowerPoint's presentation options, like annotation and black screen tools, by tapping at the top of your presentation. Then, choose the option you'd like to use.
And that's it. Happy presenting!
Want to learn a few tips to help you make the best PowerPoint presentations ? If so, check out our guide.
Related: 8 Tips to Make the Best PowerPoint Presentations
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4 tips for delivering a great presentation
Giving a presentation can be a difficult, nerve-wracking task, but writing for Harvard Business Review , Chris Anderson, the curator of TED , argues that giving a good talk "is highly coachable," and provides four tips on how to give a great presentation.
Conversation guide: Making a business case that gets a yes
4 tips on giving a great presentation
1. Frame your story
"There's no way you can give a good talk unless you have something worth talking about," Anderson writes, and the most important part of a presentation is conceptualizing and framing what you want to say.
When he thinks of compelling presentations, Anderson thinks of taking the audience on a journey. To do that, you need to determine where to start and where to end.
To figure out where your presentation should start, consider what people in the audience will already know about your subject and how much they care about it. You want to avoid assuming they have more knowledge or interest than they actually do, or else you'll lose them.
Avoid going too broad with your presentation, Anderson writes. Instead, go deeper and give more detail. "Don't tell us about your entire field of study — tell us about your unique contribution," Anderson writes.
However, it's also important not to overexplain to the audience. "Remember that the people in the audience are intelligent," Anderson writes. "Let them figure some things out for themselves. Let them draw their own conclusions."
Anderson also notes that, as a general rule, people aren't particularly interested in talks about organizations or institutions. "Ideas and stories fascinate us; organizations bore us — they're much harder to relate to," he writes.
2. Plan your delivery
There are three main ways to deliver a talk, Anderson writes. You can read it off a script or teleprompter, you can use a set of bullet points to map out what you're going to say, or you can memorize your presentation word-for-word.
Anderson's advice is to not read your presentation and don't use a teleprompter. "It's usually too distancing — people will know you're reading," he writes. "And as soon as they sense it, the way they receive your talk will shift."
Many of the most popular TED Talks have been memorized, and Anderson said if you have the time to do it, it's the best way to go. However, if you don't have time to memorize your presentation thoroughly, instead go with bullet points on note cards.
Paying attention to tone is also important, Anderson writes. While some speakers may want to sound authoritative or wise, it's best to just sound conversational. "Don't force it," Anderson writes. "Don't orate. Just be you."
3. Develop stage presence
Being onstage can be the most difficult part of a presentation for inexperienced speakers, but people often overestimate its importance, Anderson writes. The words, story, and substance are far more important than your stage presence. However, a little coaching can help develop your stage presence.
Anderson writes the biggest mistake he often sees is people moving their bodies too much onstage. They'll move from side to side or shift their weight, which can be distracting and make the speaker seem weak.
The most important physical act onstage is making eye contact, Anderson writes. "Find five or six friendly-looking people in different parts of the audience and look them in the eye as you speak," he writes. "Think of them as friends you haven't seen in a year, whom you're bringing up to date on your work. That eye contact is incredibly powerful, and it will do more than anything else to help your talk land."
Nervousness is another big hurdle for speakers to overcome, both before the talk and while onstage. Many speakers stay in the audience until they go on, which can be helpful, as keeping your mind engaged can distract you and limit your nervousness.
Amy Cuddy, a professor at Harvard Business School who studies how body poses can affect power, recommends people spend time before a talk striding around, standing tall, and extending their bodies, as these poses can make you feel more powerful.
Generally speaking, "nerves are not a disaster," Anderson writes. "The audience expects you to be nervous. It's a natural body response that can actually improve your performance: It gives you energy to perform and keeps your mind sharp. Just keep breathing, and you'll be fine."
4. Plan your multimedia
If you choose to use PowerPoint slides, it's important to keep it simple, don't use your slide deck as a substitution for your notes, and don't repeat out loud the words that are on a slide, Anderson writes.
Anderson notes that many of the best TED Talks have no slides at all, but if photos or illustrations can help make your topic come alive, go ahead and use them. If not, Anderson recommends going without them, at least for part of the presentation.
Video can also be effective if used well, but Anderson writes it's important to keep a clip short — less than 60 seconds — and to not use corporate videos or any videos that sound self-promotional.
Ultimately, Anderson writes that the most important thing to remember is that there isn't one single good way to give a talk.
"The most memorable talks offer something fresh, something no one has seen before. The worst ones are those that feel formulaic," he writes. "So do not on any account try to emulate every piece of advice I've offered here. Take the bulk of it on board, sure. But make the talk your own. You know what's distinctive about you and your idea. Play to your strengths and give a talk that is truly authentic to you." (Anderson, Harvard Business Review , June 2013)
Decision-makers often have limited budgets and receive many competing proposals. To ensure your request is successful, you must present a strong business case and demonstrate the unique advantages over others. This conversation guide outlines what to include in your financial request to get the support of key decision-makers.
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How Generative AI Will Transform Knowledge Work
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Managers can take steps to help employees realize the potential benefits.
Generative AI can be a boon for knowledge work, but only if you use it in the right way. New generative AI-enabled tools are rapidly emerging to assist and transform knowledge work in industries ranging from education and finance to law and medicine. Companies are starting to introduce generative AI-powered innovations into their processes, and to promulgate policies on how to use the tools safely. However, there is no need to wait for these externally-imposed changes. You can start now to use generative AI for your own benefit, once your understand and learn to mitigate the associated risks. Using free tools already available on the web, you can reduce your cognitive load from constantly rising tides of information, while also boosting your cognitive abilities and learning effectiveness. Now is the time to start using generative AI in your knowledge work, and to help your colleagues to use it wisely.
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- Maryam Alavi is the Elizabeth D. & Thomas M. Holder Chair & Professor of IT Management, Scheller College of Business, Georgia Institute of Technology .
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How to Watch 2023 Patriot Awards Live Online Without Cable
Posted: November 16, 2023 | Last updated: November 15, 2023
Live from the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN, it’s the 2023 Patriot Awards on Fox Nation . It’s an evening dedicated to celebrating those whom Fox deems America’s greatest patriots, and a host of Fox News personalities will be on hand to present awards. Hosted by Pete Hegseth, the ceremony takes place on Thursday, Nov. 16 starting at 8 p.m. ET, and will show off the network’s stars in all their red-white-and-blue glory. You can watch with a 7-Day Free Trial of Fox Nation .
About 2023 Patriot Awards
Hegseth who has helmed the event every year since its inception, will return as emcee. The evening will honor America’s everyday heroes, including military veterans, first responders and inspirational figures who have contributed to their communities. Patriot awardees will be honored in a number of categories, including Most Valuable Patriot Award, Back the Blue Award, Young Patriot Award, the Fox Weather Award for Courage and more.
Fox News Media personalities, including Sean Hannity, Jesse Watters, Laura Ingraham, Dana Perino, Harris Faulkner, Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt, Brian Kilmeade, Judge Jeanine Pirro, Lawrence Jones, Jimmy Failla, Jessica Tarlov, Johnny Joey Jones and others will make appearances throughout the night and serve as presenters. In addition, Dennis Quaid will be on hand to perform a song from his gospel album “Fallen.”
Can you watch 2023 Patriot Awards for free?
Fox Nation offers a 7-Day Free Trial . With your free trial, you can watch 2023 Patriot Awards on Fox Nation .
What is the 2023 Patriot Awards episode schedule?
An encore presentation of the 2023 Patriot Awards will be aired on Fox News on Nov. 23 at 8 p.m. ET.
What devices can you use to stream 2023 Patriot Awards?
You can watch Fox Nation using Amazon Fire TV , Apple TV , Google Chromecast , Roku , Android TV , iPhone/iPad , Android Phone/Tablet , Mac , Windows , Xbox , LG Smart TV , Samsung Smart TV , Sony Smart TV , and VIZIO Smart TV .
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To access Fox Nation within Fubo once you’ve added the service, just look within the Shows or Movies tabs, or search for a specific title. You can also browse available FOX Nation programming by selecting Guide > Networks , then selecting FOX Nation.
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Exclusive: Exxon aims to begin lithium production by 2026 in Arkansas

[1/2] Darren Woods, CEO of ExxonMobil, speaks at the 2023 Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, U.S., May 1, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Acquire Licensing Rights
Nov 11 (Reuters) - Exxon Mobil (XOM.N) is set to unveil its long-awaited lithium strategy on Monday with an announcement that it aims to start production of the electric vehicle (EV) battery metal in Arkansas by 2026, according to a source with direct knowledge of the oil major's plans.
Exxon's expansion into the sector comes as emerging technologies aim to boost global production of the ultralight metal by filtering it from salty brine deposits found across the globe and supplying it to battery makers eager for fresh sources.
Exxon, which invented the lithium-ion battery in the 1970s but stepped away from the technology, plans to begin producing at least 10,000 metric tons per year of lithium in Arkansas by 2026 with partner Tetra Technologies (TTI.N) in what has been labeled "Project Evergreen," according to the source.
That initial production would be roughly equivalent to the amount needed to produce 100,000 EV batteries.
Reuters reported this year that Exxon had agreed to develop more than 6,100 lithium-rich acres in Arkansas with Tetra, which produces chemicals for water treatment and recycling.
Exxon has been drilling wells in Arkansas this year to study the vast Smackover Formation, a geological formation stretching from Florida to Texas that teems with lithium- and bromine-rich brine. The company has also been testing unproven direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology that will be crucial for commercial operations, according to the source, who was not authorized to speak publicly.
An Exxon spokesperson declined to comment. A representative for Tetra was not immediately available to comment.
For Exxon and other oil companies, lithium production offers the prospect of selling a new product with relatively little added cost. Darren Woods, Exxon CEO since 2017, told investors during a call on Oct. 4 that the lithium sector was "fairly promising."
He also said: "We see an opportunity to really leverage the things that we're pretty good at."
Exxon, like other fossil fuel producers, has faced pressure to reduce carbon emissions from operations. Reuters reported this year that Exxon shareholder Engine No. 1 had pressured the company to deploy DLE.
Exxon is not expected to publicly announce which DLE technology it has chosen, according to the source. The company has a long-standing pattern of not disclosing some vendors.
Reuters reported this year that Exxon and Chevron (CVX.N) held talks with International Battery Metals (IBAT.CD) and EnergySource Minerals about licensing DLE technology .
OTHER ACREAGE
Separate from its Tetra partnership, Exxon also controls more than 100,000 acres in Arkansas from which it plans to begin lithium production by 2027, according to the source.
Exxon acquired that acreage this year from privately held Galvanic Energy, Reuters reported.
It was not clear whether Exxon plans to expand lithium operations outside Arkansas. Like all oil producers, Exxon extracts water containing traces of lithium as part of fossil fuel production. That could help the oil industry morph into the world's largest lithium supplier, if DLE technologies can be commercialized.
Exxon, like Albemarle (ALB.N) , Standard Lithium (SLI.V) and others aiming to produce the battery metal in Arkansas, face a key regulatory roadblock. The southern U.S. state, just north of Louisiana, has a royalty structure for bromine, which Albemarle has long produced there, but not for lithium, which could delay development in the short term.
The Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission, which overseas lithium operations in the state, has said it plans to hold hearings on the matter.
Exxon plans to send at least six representatives to the Benchmark Minerals conference next week in Los Angeles, according to an attendance list seen by Reuters. It would mark the company's first attendance at the major critical minerals conference.
Reporting by Ernest Scheyder; editing by Caroline Humer and David Gregorio
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Thomson Reuters
Ernest Scheyder is an award-winning senior correspondent covering the green energy transition and the minerals that undergird it. He is also the author of a forthcoming book about the global fight over where, how, and why these minerals are produced. He previously covered the U.S. shale oil revolution, politics, and the environment. Contact: +1-469-691-7667
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How to create an engaging introduction. Consider using the tips below to engage your audience before your next presentation: 1. Tell your audience who you are. Introduce yourself, and then once your audience knows your name, tell them why they should listen to you. Example: "Good morning. My name is Miranda Booker, and I'm here today to ...
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A great way to kick off the introduction to your creative self-introduction PPT is to tie yourself to the topic and then tie the topic to the audience. Start by stating your name and job title and then share a random or a fun fact about you. Then, transition into the main part of your presentation about yourself. 4.
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