How many chances do you get to make a first impression?
All presenters and public speakers face the same Universal challenge; getting and keeping their audience’s undivided attention.
Psychologists at Princeton University suggest that people make judgments about others super speedily. Likeability, trustworthiness, and competence of other people are often judged after just 100 milliseconds.
No wonder so many people are so anxious about the idea of speaking in public
One tenth of a second for our audience to make their minds about up about us when we are presenting is a scary thought.
Google the question ‘How long does it take to make a first impression?’ You will be greeted with 530M results. Answers ranging from 7 to 60 seconds.
100 milliseconds is taking it a little far though if you ask me. That said, regardless of the correct number, it’s widely recognized that when it comes to a first impression, your opening is critical.
If you haven’t grabbed your audiences attention and aroused their curiosity within the first 60 seconds you are likely to struggle from there on. You only have once chance to make a first impression.
There are numerous ways to open a presentation and here is a hand-picked selection of 60 second openings from www.ted.com
Carin Bondar: The birds and the bees are just the beginning
“Anyone in the room thought about sex today?”
If that doesn’t grab your attention and curiosity for what’s to come next, I don’t really know what will. Fortunately for Carin the subject matter she is presenting on lends itself to a fascinating opening. It’s probably not appropriate for you to throw that one in for your next quarterly update.
Whilst it may not be a typical opening for your average corporate presentation, the point I’m making is not about sex.
It’s about opening with a question.. A bold, thought provoking question.
If that doesn’t do it for you then how about a different approach to asking a question?
Hans and Ola Rosling: How not to be ignorant about the world
In this video, Hans Rosling opens up with a high energy multiple choice question which is supported by technology and game show music.
It’s not for everyone but we believe that you’re probably going to want to listen to what he has to say.
Will Marshall: Tiny satellites show us the Earth as it changes in near-real-time
Perhaps you prefer something a little more subtle but equally captivating and interesting.
Like a bold statement supported by an iconic image of something we all have in common, the earth. Most of us are familiar with what our planet looks like from space. Not many of us will know that the very first image of the earth shot from space was taken by the Apollo 17 astronauts in 1972. Descriptive and language like “hurtling around the moon” and ” it galvanised a whole generation of human beings” is definitely something that makes you lean in a little.
How does this work as a first impression?
Kitra Cahana: My father, locked in his body but soaring free
Maybe this somber, emotional opening by Kitra Cahana works for you. Sharing how she documented her father’s spiritual experience as he helped guide others even in a state of seeming helplessness may make you want to learn more.
Ramanan Laxminarayan: The coming crisis in antibiotics
There is always the opportunity to share a historical fact and fascinating story that most people will probably never have heard before.
Kelly McGonigal: How to make stress your friend
Some people may even be fearless enough to make a confession; although calling on their audience to do so first.
My final selection is of one of the UK’s best loved chefs, Jamie Oliver.
Jamie Oliver: Teach every child about food
He may be a world class chef but he’s not particularly good on his feet, as you will see when you watch him nervously shuffle around.
What’s important here though is his opening.
He may not be the best speaker in the world but he certainly knew on this occasion how to grab his audience’s attention and keep it.
In this case he chose the route of delivering a shocking and sobering statement.
Remember, you only get the one chance to make a first impression.
Make your first 60 seconds count
If you are presenting soon and would like help in making that crucial first impression:
– Book yourself onto a powerful public speaking course.
– Invest in some really good one to one public speaking coaching.
– Get yourself some excellent presentation training
Videos courtesy of https://www.youtube.com/
Image courtesy of www.istockphoto.com
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