when preparing a formal business presentation the phase

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by Tom Rielly • June 15, 2020

Keeping your presentation visuals minimalistic, simple, and clear is just one important step to remember when designing a hit presentation. Leaving nothing to chance, great presenters prove quite methodical as they prepare. Here’s a checklist for everything you need to keep in mind before your next presentation:

1. Choose the right software for your needs

The easiest way to select the right presentation software for you is to simply find the one that is native to your device. For example, if you have a Mac, use Apple Keynote, if you work on Windows, use PowerPoint. Google Slides is recommended if you’re working with someone, as it makes collaboration very easy. Another software option is Prezi: a specialty tool called Prezi that creates a presentation using motion, zoom, and panning across one giant visual space.

2. Organize your files

As you develop your script and visuals, you will need to start assembling all the assets for your slides. Create a unique folder on your computer to hold these items. Keep the folder organized by media type (presentation drafts, photos, videos, scripts) and back them up frequently to the Cloud or external disk. Label each file with a specific descriptive name, e.g. “Susan Johnson singing magpie 2020”, as opposed to “IMG_4043.jpg”, which can make it confusing to find your assets. The more organized you are up front, the easier preparing for your presentation will be.

3. Prepare your presentation materials

Make sure your presentation materials (script, graphics, actual slides) are saved in at least two safe spots (for example, your computer and an external USB drive) and are backed-up frequently. If you are using an online presentation software, such as Google Slides, be sure to also download a copy of your presentation in case the internet connection is unreliable. Having all the individual assets on hand in addition to your presentation slides can be helpful if you experience tech issues before presenting, or if you need to make any last minute changes. Make sure to label your final presentation with the title and your name so it’s easy to find.

4. Practice, practice, practice!

Remember, practice makes perfect. People often run out of time making their presentations and have no time to practice. Most TED speakers practice at least ten times. Neuroscientist Jill-Bolte Taylor gave one of the most successful Talks in TED history with nearly 27 million views. How did she do it? She practiced her Talk over 40 times! By rehearsing multiple times you will naturally memorize your Talk, which means you won’t need note cards when you give your final presentation.

5. Do a final test run

Before presenting, make sure the equipment you need is working properly. It’s generally good practice to rehearse standing on the exact stage with the exact lighting using the exact computer that you will be using in your final presentation.

Here’s a quick checklist of what to look for when testing your equipment:

• If you're not using your own computer, the one provided might be slower and have trouble playing media. If you have videos or other media, make sure they play correctly
• Test the projector to make sure it’s HD
• Make sure images are clear
• Test the sound of any clips you use, as this is what goes wrong most frequently
• If you’re using a mic, test the volume

Don’t let technical issues or other blunders overshadow your presentation. By following these guidelines, and with a little preparation, you can engineer out the problems BEFORE they happen.

Ready to learn more about how to make your presentation even better? Get TED Masterclass and develop your ideas into TED-style talks

© 2024 TED Conferences, LLC. All rights reserved. Please note that the TED Talks Usage policy does not apply to this content and is not subject to our creative commons license.

Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University

Careers Marketing Leadership Sep 6, 2018

4 key steps to preparing for a business presentation, don’t let a lack of prep work sabotage your great ideas..

Timothy Calkins

Yevgenia Nayberg

Being able to effectively present ideas to others is a crucial skill in many careers. But too often, honing the ability to stand in front of colleagues and deliver recommendations gets neglected in the shuffle of other more pressing priorities.

Yet struggling to get your ideas across can shake others’ faith in your abilities. That loss of confidence can quickly reduce your chances of advancement and long-term success, says Tim Calkins , a clinical professor of marketing at the Kellogg School who spent years as a brand manager for Kraft Foods and now serves as a consultant.

“You can be the smartest person in the room,” Calkins says, “but if you can’t put together a good business presentation, you’re going to be frustrated because the senior people will think very highly of the person with the nice presentation, even when they might not have great ideas.”

“It’s not a TED Talk,” he says. “It’s not like doing a speech at a wedding. A business presentation is a really unique event.”

Calkins, the author of the forthcoming book How to Wash a Chicken: Mastering the Business Presentation , offers four recommendations that can help you prepare and present with confidence (for those curious, the book’s title refers to the first presentation Calkins ever gave, as an eight year old boy at a 4-H fair).

Dedicate Time to Prepare

Preparation should start the moment the presentation is scheduled, Calkins says. And by preparation, he may not mean quite what you think.

“A lot of people worry about delivery, their breathing and how they move around the room,” Calkins says. “You should really spend your time ahead of the meeting thinking about your audience, developing a clear recommendation, and finding a clear and logical story.”

Specifically, Calkins stresses the importance of gathering information, drafting the presentation, and allowing plenty of time to incorporate feedback from stakeholders.

Calkins recalls a time at Kraft when he was preparing for a big presentation. He knew that the company needed to shift its strategy with regard to its line of barbecue sauces. After iterating with his team for weeks, the team delivered a strategic recommendation to cut back on promotions and improve the product’s quality. Taking these actions would cause an initial loss, but would lead to later growth. Though the strategy was somewhat risky, it was approved.

The “polish” on the speech Calkins gave to senior leadership—his presence in the front of the room, the authority in his voice—was nearly beside the point.

“The presentation was so logical and clear that we could have sent anyone on the team to present it,” Calkins says. “Heck, we could’ve sent the summer intern up there. The recommendation was just that tight.”

Figure Out Your Story

Calkins is often amazed by how many people deliver presentations with little sense of the narrative they want to convey.

“People often start writing and constructing pages before they know the story,” he says. “That’s a disastrous approach because what you end up with is a lot of data, but you don’t end up with a story, a narrative flow that makes sense.”

Calkins suggests that presenters look to their objective—the recommendation—to determine the key points they can deploy to support that objective. From there, framing the presentation is as simple as determining what information to include in its beginning, middle, and end.

“We’re swimming in a world with so much information. We spend our time thinking about analytics, big data, and all these wonderful things we can do. But people cannot understand a page of numbers very well.” 

Calkins recommends starting with the company’s status quo along with a quick backstory on how it came to be. “If your audience doesn’t know much about your business, then a bit of history might be useful to provide some perspective on the situation,” he writes.

You can move from there into your key points, with data backing up each statement. Once you have established those key points, it is critical to ask yourself how each of those statements clearly relates to the other points—and how it ladders up to the recommendation itself.

“What you’re trying to find is a story that you tell page by page, one point to the next point,” Calkins says.

Make Sure Your Data Serve Your Story

Just as there should be data to back up each of your main points, there should be a main point to each piece of data.

While data are key to building a reasoned, supported argument, you have to be judicious—more is not always better. A deluge of data can muddy a presentation’s flow and frustrate your audience to the point where they tune you out to check their email.

“We’re swimming in a world with so much information,” he says. “We spend our time thinking about analytics, big data, and all these wonderful things we can do. But people cannot understand a page of numbers very well.”

Rather than using every bit of information at your disposal, Calkins recommends whittling that data down to the elements that provide the most compelling support for your points—and which allow you to move on to the next part of your narrative.

Remember, too, that not every piece of data is equally credible. Analysis from a trusted provider will carry more weight. “Only use support points that you understand and trust,” recommends Calkins. “You don’t want people to question your sources.”

Keep Your Language Simple and Relatable

We all want to sound smart—or would that be “ erudite ” ? —when we speak. This signals to others that our opinions are sound and our recommendations are well reasoned. But it turns out that the key to gaining people’s support for an idea rests on quite the opposite track.

“One of the things that happens when people present is they try to use all these fancy words because, in theory, it makes them look smart,” he says. “But it’s totally opposite.”

Studies have shown that reaching for big words tends to make texts unnecessarily complex, when simpler versions are more understandable and digestible. They also make the author of the simpler version seem more intelligent than their more loquacious counterparts.

“The simpler you make it, the smaller the words, the more compelling it is,” Calkins says. “And that’s the heart of any presentation. If it feels simple and easy and logical, people are going to understand it and they’re going to accept it and they’re going to approve it.”

Clinical Professor of Marketing

About the Writer Glenn Jeffers is a writer based in Los Angeles.

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What It Takes to Give a Great Presentation

• Carmine Gallo

Five tips to set yourself apart.

Never underestimate the power of great communication. It can help you land the job of your dreams, attract investors to back your idea, or elevate your stature within your organization. But while there are plenty of good speakers in the world, you can set yourself apart out by being the person who can deliver something great over and over. Here are a few tips for business professionals who want to move from being good speakers to great ones: be concise (the fewer words, the better); never use bullet points (photos and images paired together are more memorable); don’t underestimate the power of your voice (raise and lower it for emphasis); give your audience something extra (unexpected moments will grab their attention); rehearse (the best speakers are the best because they practice — a lot).

I was sitting across the table from a Silicon Valley CEO who had pioneered a technology that touches many of our lives — the flash memory that stores data on smartphones, digital cameras, and computers. He was a frequent guest on CNBC and had been delivering business presentations for at least 20 years before we met. And yet, the CEO wanted to sharpen his public speaking skills.

• Carmine Gallo is a Harvard University instructor, keynote speaker, and author of 10 books translated into 40 languages. Gallo is the author of The Bezos Blueprint: Communication Secrets of the World’s Greatest Salesman  (St. Martin’s Press).

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The 3 Most Important Stages In Your Presentation

If you want to deliver a presentation on a particular topic and you have to prepare yourself for it you should make sure that you go through several very important stages in order to craft a compelling, persuasive and useful speech for your listeners.

The stages your presentation has to go through are the introduction, the unveiling and the wrap up, but before you even start thinking about those three you have to pick the topic. The topic will help you craft the title of your presentation.

You have to answer one single question and the question is this - Why is this so important to share?

Why is this so unique to anything else that you could share?

Once you know the answer to this you can now start listing the major discussion points that you want to share with your audience.

Stage 1 - The Introduction

The introduction could vary in time it could be like 3 minutes, or around 5 minutes depending on your presentation topic, length and discussion points.

In the introduction you have to make sure that you talk about your ideal outcome or best result for the listeners. This is the so called "promise"

Once you pick your promise/best outcome you have to answer the question "Why?" as you will most probably be asked this one by the audience during the presentation or when you have a Q&A at the end of it.

Stage 2 - The Unveiling

This is the stage where the presenter has to share his/her wisdom, knowledge and experience with the crowd. And of course the right time for you to shed more light on the previously picked key discussion points.

Tell the people about a compelling story or a lesson that you can share with them that will further support your topics and ideas.

Stage 3 - The Wrap Up

This is the perfect time for any presenter to stress on the topic or thesis he wants to make clear. The right time for you to talk about the number one takeaway you want the listeners to remember.

And last but not least, make sure you tell the audience about the single most important action that they can take right away to implement the knowledge and experience you have just shared.

Having gone through these stage will not only put you as an expert presenter under the spotlight but will also provide value to your listeners that will make them feel they have received valuable and useful information that they can use right away...

Author Profile

Nicky Nikolaev is a Social Media Marketing Strategist, an Online Marketing Strategist and a Consultant. Nicky has extensive knowledge and experience in the fields of Blogging, Copywriting, Internet Marketing, Social Media Marketing, Web Traffic and Lead Generation, developing new business opportunities and helping businesses establish their online presence in order to spread their ideas, target their potential target audiences and attract loyal followers. Nicky worked as an Online Marketing Manager at ICYGEN and as the Head of Sales in the Web Design and Interactive Marketing Department at TravelStoreMaker.com, he was also a Sales Manager and an Online Marketing Strategist at companies from the IT/Software fields which provided him with the experience that is required for fruitful communication in the online environment and the ability to establish good personal relationships with clients.

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2013 - 2013 Archivision Ltd. - Social Media Marketing Expert 2013 - 2014 Advanced Nutrients Ltd. - Social Media Optimization Manager 2009 - 2010 TravelStoreMaker.com - Blogging Manager, Social Media Marketing Strategist, Social Media Marketing Evangelist 2014 - HutsJWT Sofia - Digital Acceleration Manager 2010 - 2011 TravelStoreMaker.com - Head of Sales, Web Design and Interactive Marketing Dept., Social Media Marketing Consultant 2011 - 2012 ICYGEN - Online Marketing Manager, Social Media Marketing Strategist, Social Media Marketing Evangelist 2012 - 2013 DG NET Ltd. - Website Content Manager 2010 - 2013 SocioSaurus - Social Media Marketing Strategist, Social Media Marketing Advisor, Social Media Marketing Manager 2010 - 2010 eCommerceAcademy - Speaker and Social Media Marketing Strategist, Social Media Marketing Advisor 2011 - 2011 eCommerceAcademy - Keynote Speaker and Social Media Marketing Strategist, Social Media Marketing evangelist 2007 - 2009 Media and Advertising Ltd. - Sales Manager, Forums and Social Media Marketing strategist, Social Media Marketing Campaign Manager 2005 - 2007 BulgarianPropertyGuide - Broker

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How to Prepare an Impactful Business Presentation in 8 Steps

/ Steven Hobson / Business English , Confidence , English Presentations , Speaking

For non-native speakers, giving a business presentation in English can be a scary experience, especially if you don’t do it often or feel insecure about speaking English in front of others.

Over the years, I have helped a range of professionals prepare for business presentations, as well as training teachers to prepare their students for presentations when I ran my own language school in Brazil.  

During this time I constructed a very effective approach that can be used if you are preparing for a business presentation but do not have a coach or trainer t o guide you.

In this post, I’m going to share with you this proven approach which consists of 8 steps.

Step 1: The Foundation to Your Business Presentation – Goal, Audience, Past Experience

This first step is essential for a successful business presentation, as it sets the foundation for the rest of your preparation.

Ask yourself what exactly it is that you want to achieve with this presentation. In other words, what is the goal?  What do you want to communicate and how do you want the audience to react or take action?

In addition to this, consider your audience. How many people will you be presenting to? Do you know the audience personally or are they unknown to you? What will they be expecting? Are there any cultural differences you need to be aware of?  For what reasons are they listening to your business presentation?

lastly, if you have given business presentations in English before, reflect on your experience. What were your main challenges and how will you face them this time around? What improvements do you need to make?

I prepared an executive who once told me that he froze up when he was stopped to ask questions during his presentations. He was worried about whether he was going to understand the questions correctly, as well as being capable of giving a good answer under pressure.

For this, we worked on how to ask for clarification if he wanted to make sure he understood the questions, and then we wrote down all the possible questions he could get asked and rehearsed the answers.

This reflection and extra preparation helped the executive to overcome his nerves and anxiety for his next business presentation.

Step 2: Prepare the Slides with Minimum Text

One of the biggest mistakes I see people making when putting their slides together is including too much text. Or even worse, their speech is the text which is written on the slides.

If there is too much text, three damaging things can happen.

First, the presenter spends more time reading the slides and doesn’t look at the audience enough. This makes it difficult to establish a connection with your audience.

Secondly, good eye contact can communicate confidence and authority , which helps the audience to agree with or believe your message. Therefore, spending too much time looking at the slides can affect how confident or authoritative you look, which will consequently weaken your message.

Thirdly, it confuses your audience because they don’t know whether to read the slides or listen to you. Both, they cannot do. And potentially they could miss important parts, let alone diminish engagement.

So ask yourself these questions when preparing your slides: Is there too much text?  Could the slides be better summarized? Could there be more images?

The slides should really be as condensed as possible using keywords , as well as being visual.

Step 3: Record Yourself from Beginning to End

Before writing down your speech or doing any rehearsals, record yourself (audio or video) giving the business presentation from beginning to end.

Your presentation will be unpolished and rough, however, this exercise will give you some immediate and useful insights on how you present and what you need to improve.

When playing back the recording try to look out for the following:

• the parts of the presentation you are finding difficult to explain,
• if you are being objective enough or taking too long to explain something,
• how often you use filler word s, such as “erm”, “um”,
• whether you are using a variety of linking phrases between parts,
• if there are any grammar mistakes you can recognise.

These insights will help when you start working on your speech, which is the next step.

Furthermore, you can compare this initial recording with future recordings. This will help you perceive your progress, which will build confidence.

Step 4: The Introduction

Next, you’re going to focus on the separate parts of the business presentation, beginning with the introduction.

The introduction normally includes a few sentences to welcome the audience, say a little bit about who you are, communicate the objective of the business presentation, and then give an outline of the main parts of the presentation.

I recommend writing down the script and memorizing the introduction word for word, as it is only going to be a few sentences. You can write it in the ‘notes’ section at the bottom of the PowerPoint slides.

Memorizing the introduction will strengthen the delivery of it, and a strong intro will not only calm down your nerves , it will also give the audience a great first impression of you which helps to build trus t .

Practice out loud a few times then move on to the middle section.

Click here for introduction phrases for a business presentation.

Step 5: The Middle

Just like the introduction, write down the script for the middle part. However this time, the reason for writing the middle section is to make your speech more objective and straight to the point, rather than memorizing it word for word.

I suggest working through your business presentation part by part. Write the script for a specific section, practice saying it aloud a few times, then move on to the next part.

An important part of the middle section is how you link all the different parts and slides together. Make sure you use a variety of linking phrases to join everything up and maximize presentation flow.

Here’s an example of a linking phrase: “Ok, I’ve explained how ABC works. Now I’d like to change direction and talk about XYZ.”

Linking phrases help you move through the business presentation smoothly and the audience will be able to follow it easier.

Once you have written your speech, a useful exercise is to run through the presentation only saying the linking phrases. This will help you identify if you are using enough variety and it will cement the structure of the presentation in your mind.

Click here for more linking phrases for the middle section of a business presentation.

Step 6: The End

For the ending, use the same method as the introduction and middle section – writing the speech and then practicing it orally.

Just like the intro, the ending is normally quite short and consists of a summary or conclusion, followed by questions, then thanking the audience.

Click here for expressions to help you with the ending of a business presentation.

Step 7: Practice and Repeat from Top to Bottom

Practice and repetition is the most important aspect of preparing for a business presentation.

By now, you have edited your slides, written your speech, and practiced each section individually a few times. You have also chosen a variety of linking phrases to improve the flow of the presentation.

At this point, you need to practice the presentation aloud as many times as you can from beginning to end. I suggest that you record yourself every now and again, listen to the playback and note down where you think you can improve.

Go back to that very first recording and compare yourself now. Your progress will be visible and this will increase confidence. As you continue to practice, you’ll find that your fluency level will improve.

If possible, practice in front of work colleagues and ask them to give you feedback. This will give you experience presenting in front of people, and there’s always something which we miss while other people notice.

Alternatively, look for a coach or trainer to help you. I offer this service online. Apply for a free evaluation here.

Step 8: Anticipate Audience Questions 

When you are feeling comfortable giving the presentation, the next step is to anticipate questions that your audience might ask. Write down how you would like to answer these questions and practice them orally.

You will either invite the audience to ask questions after you have finished the business presentation or in some cases, the audience will interrupt you during the presentation.

It is more challenging when you get interrupted because it breaks the flow. An effective way to prepare for this is to get somebody to ask you anticipated questions during specific slides as you are practicing the presentation. This will help you get used to being interrupted, answering the question, then resuming the presentation again.

Conclusion

By following this 8 step approach, you will find that your confidence and fluency will improve significantly at giving business presentations.

The crucial part is the practice. You can never practice too much.

Be disciplined enough to define a practice routine and follow through with it. When you feel comfortable, practice a few more times. You’ll see that it is worth the effort after receiving praise for delivering a successful business presentation.

Was this article helpful for you? Share this on social media below.

Tags business English business presentations confidence English presentations English speaking ESL Learn English speak confidently

Author: Steven Hobson

Steven is a business English coach, a certified life coach, writer, and entrepreneur. He helps international professionals build confidence and improve fluency speaking English in a business environment.

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Blog Marketing How To Start a Presentation: 15 Ways to Set the Stage

How To Start a Presentation: 15 Ways to Set the Stage

Written 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 start a presentation introduction

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.

Presentations can be scary, I know. But even if stage fright hits, you can always fall back on a simple strategy.

Just take a deep breath, introduce yourself and briefly explain the topic of your presentation.

To grab attention at the start, try this opening line: Hello everyone. I am so glad you could join me today. I’m very excited about today’s topic. I’m [Your Name] and I’ll be talking about [Presentation Topic]. Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by [Challenge related to your topic]. Many of us might have faced challenges with [Challenge related to your topic]. Today, we’ll explore some strategies that’ll help us [Solution that you’re presenting].

Regardless of your mode of presentation , crafting an engaging introduction sets the stage for a memorable presentation.

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.

Grab-attention immediately

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.

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.

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!

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.

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…”

Build connection and credibility

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. 

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. 

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.

Build anticipation

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.

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. 

Incite curiosity in the audience

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. 

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!

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!

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.

Pique their interest

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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When preparing a formal business presentation the phase that can make or break your report is the revision phase?

B- Revision

Add your answer:

What type of noun is presentation?

The noun 'presentation' is a singular, commonnoun, a word for a thing.The noun 'presentation' is an abstract noun; a word for an instance of giving of something to someone; a word for a formal ceremony of giving something to someone; a word for a formal introduction of someone; a word for a concept.The noun 'presentation' is a concrete noun as a word for the position of a fetus in relation to the cervix at the time of delivery; a word for a physical position.

Are Contractions and colloquial expressions are acceptable in a formal report?

No, contractions and colloquial expressions are not acceptable in business language. You should keep your language professional and focus on the message of the writing.

The steps to writing an effective personal statement are?

practicing with the prompt, prewriting, drafting, and revision

Is human resources business partner capitalized in a sentence?

Only if it is a formal job title.

Example of formal definition?

assets is a property of business either cash or non cash.

When preparing a formal business presentation the phrase that can make or break your report is the phase?

When preparing a formal business presentation the phase that can make or break your report is the phase., when preparing a formal business presentation the phase that can make or break your report is what kind of phase.

organization

Definition of formal and informal presentation in PowerPoint?

what is formal presentation

What type of document design layout presentation template font colors and graphics to use in a business presentation?

There is no simple answer to that question. Every business and every presentation is different. So sometimes you would want a very formal presentation and sometimes it would not need to be so formal. You may use a template that is specifically for a particular company, so it might have a company name and logo on it for example. They may use it for all of their presentations. A presentation could have different sections, with each section using different designs. The audience can also be an influence on how a presentation is designed. So each presentation you make needs planning and careful thought and can be different.

What is a business plan. Discuss the purpose and significance of a business plan?

in simple words, business plan is formal statement of business goals and objectives over the next firve years. the main pursose of the preparing business plan is perpare comprehensive strategy detailing how and why the business will be successful and how business will take on its competitors.

What are the types of presentation?

electronic informal formal virtual (: your welcome

What does Formal assemblies conducted indoors begin with?

Formal assemblies that are conducted indoors, begins with the presentation of colors.

Is a formal presentation internal or external?

It is when you work with another person on the spot and get both your ideas toghter and lay it out as a presentation.

What are the types of classroom presentation?

there are two types of classroom presentation.1. formal presentation2. informal presentation1. in formal presentation the presenter use a proper channel, preparednand plane and use the visual aids as well.2. in informal presentation, the presenter not well prepaired and well planned and even not use of a.v aids.

What is a presentation business plan?

A presentation plan showcases your business concept and strategies in a formal manner in hopes of impressing the reader. This type of plan includes all of the information contained in an business and will need more detail. They need to know what your business does, where it is located, who the management team members are and their background, details on the product and/or services that you offer, etc. A presentation plan is suitable for investors, bankers, business partners and potential management team members. The most common type of presentation plan is the start-up plan, which defines the steps for a new business. It covers standard topics including the company, product or service, market and competition, forecasts, strategy and operations, implementation milestones, management team and financial data.

What is the formal definition of business?

what is a formal company

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When preparing a formal business presentation, the phase that can make or break your report is the _____phase. a)organization b)revision c)writing d)outline

What do you think is the most important part of a presentation, i would say organization., the phase that can make or break your report when preparing a formal business presentation is the "organization" phase. when it comes to delivering an effective presentation, having a well-organized structure for your content is crucial. it helps you present your ideas in a logical sequence, ensures a smooth flow of information, and allows your audience to follow along easily..

To get to the organization phase, you would typically follow these steps: 1. Research and gather information on your topic: Start by obtaining all the necessary data and information related to your presentation topic. This could include conducting market research, analyzing industry trends, or gathering data from reliable sources such as reports or surveys. 2. Define your key message or objective: Determine the main point or objective you want to convey through your presentation. This will help you stay focused and ensure your content aligns with your overall goal. 3. Outline your presentation: Create an outline that serves as a roadmap for your presentation. It should include an introduction, main points, supporting details, and a conclusion. This will help you organize your content and present it in a structured manner. 4. Arrange your content logically: Arrange your main points and supporting details in a logical order. Consider using a chronological, problem-solution, or cause-effect structure, depending on what best suits your content. 5. Use visual aids or slides: If appropriate, consider incorporating visual aids or slides into your presentation. This can help enhance the organization of your content and make it easier for your audience to follow along. 6. Practice and revise: Once you have organized your content, practice delivering your presentation. This will help you identify areas that need improvement and allow you to make necessary revisions to enhance the organization of your report. By paying close attention to the organization phase during your presentation preparation, you increase the likelihood of delivering a clear, effective, and impactful presentation.