"And in every beginning lies a magic," as Hermann Hesse wrote. Fortunately, he was speaking of phases of life and not presentations, because then his statement would be a blatant lie.

Unfortunately, the beginning of most presentations is anything but magical. On the contrary, they usually start with a formulaic greeting and a boringly mumbled introduction of the speaker and the presentation topic – both of which are, of course, displayed in capital letters on the opening slide.

Unsurprising and unoriginal . It will probably continue like this the whole time – and the audience will tune out. A poor start that's so easily avoidable. With 15 simple tips for starting your presentation, you'll learn how to make your opening remarks more successful!

Introducing a presentation – Why you should do it differently

Content is what matters . So why all the fuss about tricks, ideas, and strategies for the ideal presentation? And especially about the presentation opening? A brief greeting, then efficiently ticking off the formalities and focusing on the important facts – that's what it's all about, isn't it?

Logically speaking, yes. But anyone who truly believes that human behavior is primarily guided by logic is approaching the matter very naively.

Even if we strive to let our intellect guide us in everything, other factors repeatedly take over. Our instincts, our emotions, our subconscious – all of these have a say (or more) and aren't necessarily interested in the facts . Anyone who wants to capture the attention of others should be aware of this and use it skillfully.

That's why the beginning of your presentation is so important!

Even before we consciously process information, it is filtered and categorized by our brain. This is called selective perception .

Without us consciously thinking about it, our brain decides in fractions of a second whether something is known or unknown, important or unimportant, interesting or uninteresting . This is very useful. If we were to consciously perceive all stimuli and information constantly, it would drive us crazy and render us incapable of acting.

But it also means that we can't always control our attention as we might like. This so-called "attentional blindness" can be particularly detrimental to you at the beginning of your presentation.

Because even during your first words and the sight of your very first slide, the brains of your listeners decide whether it makes sense to focus their full attention on you now – or not.

So, what should the right way to start a presentation be?

A better question to ask here might be: How should the opening of your presentation be structured so that it doesn't get stuck in the "attention filter"? A rattled-off opening slide is a familiar pattern for your audience and their brains. It inevitably lands you in the same category as the already familiar, long-winded, boring standard presentations. And that's precisely where you don't want to end up.

Your goal is therefore to arouse attention, interest, curiosity and ideally also emotions with the very first few sentences or actions at the beginning of your presentation, simply by doing things differently.

Give people good reasons to listen to you. Captivate them, ask questions, make your words important! These approaches can help:

1. Introducing a presentation: Beware of the cliché trap

Similar to the standard opening slide, the "cliché trap" also has its effects. If you use clumsy presentation clichés right at the beginning (but also later in your speech), you will inevitably be perceived as a dull speaker. Boring, artificial communication suggests a similarly dull speech.

In a less formal setting, you can do without such small talk altogether. Where some formal communication seems necessary, at least an individual adaptation makes sense. Examples of the cliché trap are formulations like these:

Impersonal address: Being addressed as "dear attendees" or "dear audience" doesn't create a connection with the listeners. It's best to address people individually, as they are: employees, colleagues, or those interested in my topic XY.

Meaningless platitudes: A thank you for the large turnout or an acknowledgment of the honor of presenting today is well-intentioned, but is perceived as mere talk. A more personal touch is better here too : "It's wonderful to welcome you all here today." Apologies and limitations: Making things sound bad beforehand draws attention to shortcomings that might otherwise never have become apparent.

Furthermore, this won't exactly make you appear as a confident or convincing speaker. So avoid statements like: "First, I must apologize for my hastily improvised presentation." or "Unfortunately, I'm not a very entertaining speaker."

2. Start the PowerPoint presentation and cleverly integrate formalities.

A standard, run-of-the-mill start with the topic and speaker on the opening slide, followed by a corresponding introduction from you, is not a good way to begin your presentation; that much should already be clear. The presentation introduction needs to be different.

There are various ways to do this, which are presented in the following tips. And depending on how you personally begin your presentation, you may or may need to use a suitable opening slide.

But what about the information that isn't presented at the beginning: the topic and the speaker? In some contexts, it certainly wouldn't be a problem to omit it entirely. Who attends a lecture without knowing the topic? Or why should you introduce yourself to a colleague you see every day?

But of course, that's not always the case. In many presentation situations, it's useful and necessary to introduce yourself and the topic again. Sometimes (for example, in academia) such formalities are even required. So they have to be included somewhere.

In such cases, a sensible solution is to make the formal information the second step . After a concise introduction, the formal details follow smoothly: "I would like to discuss precisely this issue in my presentation on topic XY." The relevant facts can be displayed on a PowerPoint slide in the background, but not simply read aloud.

3. Introduce the presentation in a dialogue style

Nothing activates people more than being involved in something . Being addressed, having our opinion asked, being part of something – that's something we can't ignore. So why not start right there, to "capture" the audience with the introduction to your presentation?

This can be done with a question or short survey, an estimation question or even a kind of brainstorming to get in the mood for the topic ("What comes to mind when you think about today's topic XY?").

Such an interactive opening should be relaxed and not sound like a knowledge test or exam . It's enough to offer a good starting point from which you can easily transition. For example, you could ask about a problem that many or all of the attendees are likely familiar with and for which your presentation offers a solution. This immediately makes what you're about to say particularly relevant.

Tips on how to make presentations interactive can be found in the article " Interactive Presentations ".

Depending on the topic of your presentation, it may also be helpful to inquire about existing problems or open questions, which you can then ideally address during the event. However, you should be as confident as possible in your subject matter to be able to respond flexibly to any questions that may arise. Further information on this type of presentation can be found here .

4. Introduction to the presentation with a statement

You can structure your introduction with a claim, a promise, a fact, or a quote. Throughout your presentation, you then refer back to it repeatedly by providing evidence, qualification, or even refutation.

To be effective, your opening statement should be somewhat provocative and catchy. Even—and especially—if your listeners are thinking, "How can this guy claim something like that?", they will listen attentively. Now they want to know how you arrived at your claim and whether you might actually be right.

The key message can also be used right at the beginning. Of course, it should be formulated in such a way that it arouses enough interest.

5. Use a current or historical reference to begin your presentation.

It can be worthwhile to take a look at current headlines and articles in the press, the latest company announcements, or other current special features during the preparations.

Current, special topics have a relevance that you can leverage . If a connection can be made to your topic, you essentially get the introduction to your presentation delivered "free of charge".

Such a presentation opening could sound something like this: "You may have heard that a recent study on the state of digitalization in Germany made the news yesterday. We're clearly lagging quite a bit behind. That's exactly what I'd like to talk to you about..." You can also include a quote from the headline or article on the opening slide.

Here is an example where an advertising insert is cleverly used to introduce a presentation.

A current professional reference, used appropriately, can also be suitable for presentations at work: "The new annual report was released this morning. Perhaps you've already had a chance to look at it. My presentation today fits very well with the latest figures."

Historical references can also be used in a very similar way. They are particularly well suited to showing that something has been known or relevant for a very long time.

6. Presentation introduction with media support

Let's be honest, people want to be entertained. Achieving this with words alone is certainly possible with some skill. But a little support from media makes things easier.

Images, videos, or music are usually more captivating than words alone. They are well-suited as a "starter" because they guarantee initial attention and offer diverse opportunities to prepare the audience for the topic.

The chosen medium can be provocative, witty, moving, or unsettling. The main thing is that it sparks interest and provides a smooth transition into your presentation topic.

7. Personal introduction

Presenting yourself not just as a dry speaker, but also as a person, is generally advantageous. It creates a feeling of familiarity, can evoke emotions, and thus naturally generates sympathy.

It can be particularly effective to begin your presentation with personal words rather than facts . Why not share a personal experience related to your topic or tell a short, relevant anecdote?

If your narrative is well-chosen, it can earn you even more points as a speaker. Not only will you make a dry topic more tangible and engaging, but you can also position yourself as an expert, explain your motivation, or provide examples of the relevance of your subject matter.

Perhaps you can even refer back to your little story throughout the presentation to create vivid connections, as in this entertaining example .

8. Starting a presentation with humor

This method is certainly not suitable for all topics and must also suit you as the speaker. Even the most fitting joke will seem artificial and forced if you feel uncomfortable in the role of the jokester. Nevertheless , starting with humor can be very effective. It evokes positive emotions and lightens the atmosphere.

The point here isn't so much to deliver a truly hilarious joke, but more to send a signal. The important thing is to signal that this event won't be dry and boring, and that it's worth sticking around. So, it's not necessary for everyone to burst into laughter – unless, of course, you're performing in a comedy show.

Further information on how to effectively incorporate humor can be found in our article on " Humor in Presentations".

9. Start the presentation with a surprise

Surprising facts or actions can also be used to create a stir right from the start and thus spark interest . Choose an astonishing, thought-provoking number or statistic, or a little-known fact related to your presentation topic. It doesn't have to be deadly serious; it can also be presented in a more playful way.

Did you know, for example, that the brain filters out unnecessary things, such as the second "das" in the sentence?

You can also introduce your presentation with a surprise effect by doing something specific, using gestures, and perhaps incorporating small props (as shown here ). What you do can be unexpected, funny, or even thought-provoking; the main thing is that it gives you an opportunity for an original transition. Whether it's pantomime, singing, or eating on stage – your imagination and creativity are key.

10. The framed presentation

It's never a bad idea to keep the equally important end goal in mind right from the start of your presentation. It can be particularly effective to link both aspects from the outset to create a cohesive and compelling presentation. Here are some approaches to achieve this:

• Thesis: A thesis or question is introduced at the beginning and revisited at the end. Has it been substantiated or answered?
  
  
• Survey: You can have people vote on the same question at the beginning and end by raising their hands ("Can you imagine that each of you could easily become XY?"). Ideally, this will show that you were able to convince people. (If not, at least you'll know that you still need to work on your presentation.)
  
  
• Quote or phrase: Start and end with the same words. Their meaning should be emphasized throughout the presentation.

More information on the importance of the end of a presentation and 20 tips on how to make it effective can be found in the article on "End of presentation" .

11. Introduce your presentation with a personal touch

For frequent presenters or speakers with a certain level of recognition, a specific approach can be worth considering as a trademark for every speech. Often, the end of a presentation is chosen for this purpose, for example, in the form of a particular, personal closing formula. But the opening can also be personalized.

Vera F. Birkenbihl, for example, frequently used this method. The author, motivational and management trainer was known for her legendary presentation style – even before interesting presentations were truly in demand.

She usually started with a short quiz, which she then revisited throughout the presentation. Here you'll find a nice and entertaining example, in which you can also discover some of the other tips mentioned here.

12. Let a demonstration speak for itself

Instead of starting with a greeting, capture your audience's attention with a demonstration. Let's say you're currently working on a new voice assistant and are about to present it. Why not give those present a short sample of what the voice assistant can do?

Actively use the product you are presenting to establish a connection between theory and practice. This approach allows the audience to immediately gain a clear understanding of the presentation topic. Even if not all products lend themselves to this type of presentation, consider how you can demonstrate the content.

13. The conclusion comes first.

We all know that the conclusion belongs at the end of a presentation. But why not start your presentation with the result? This allows you to explain in detail how you arrived at that result and capture the audience's attention.

This can lead to an interesting situation. However, be aware that some of your listeners may lose interest in the introduction after this brief opening. But as they say, the journey is the destination.

14. Creatively combine ideas

Of course, you're not limited to just one approach when introducing your presentation. You can also combine the aforementioned opening ideas to suit your needs . Show an image and explain in your own words what it means to you. Choose a current reference and combine it with a historical one.

Or supplement a personal experience with facts from a recent study. Here you can let your creativity run wild. However, the beginning of your presentation shouldn't be too cluttered or overwhelming, as your actual content is yet to come.

15. Don't neglect the surrounding circumstances

The best rhetorical tricks and the most skillful references cannot achieve their full effect if the circumstances are not right. This refers primarily to your personal presentation.

People form an impression of you in the very first moments. And even the best opening to a presentation can miss its mark if the speaker reads it from the slide with their back to the audience.

Controlling your body language and making eye contact with the audience is therefore particularly important, especially when you start your PowerPoint presentation. You can find further tips in our article on " Body Language" .

"Easier said than done!" you might be thinking. And you're right, because understandably, many presenters haven't yet arrived in the moment and act nervously and erratically.

Unfortunately, there's no magic bullet. But: Good preparation helps! If necessary, memorize your opening sentences and practice intensively at home in front of a mirror or a camera. It's better to feel ridiculous there than later in front of your audience!

A little extra tip: If time and circumstances allow, you can engage in some informal small talk with those already present while the audience is slowly gathering. This eases any initial nervousness and also makes you seem more approachable.

16. Bonus idea: Start your presentation like a TED Talk

TED Talks (short for Technology, Entertainment, Design) take place annually in California. The conference features presentations on innovations. The best talks are subsequently released as videos. Each speaker has 18 minutes to present their idea, similar to a pitch presentation . A strong opening is therefore crucial for speakers given the short presentation time.

How do presentation introductions work in TED Talks?

Direct attention to your topic right from the start. Think of it like this : "Set your hook ." Metaphorically speaking, capture your audience immediately.

The following statistics show that a good opening is crucial in determining how your presentation is perceived and how attentively people listen to you:

30% of top TED Talk speakers use storytelling to start their presentations. Similarly, a clear graphic or a compelling video can also increase attention at the beginning and ensure a strong first impression.

Images and stories exert a fascinating power over us . Why? Quite simply, stories and images have centuries-old traditions among humankind. They are the oldest means by which people have communicated and passed on knowledge and experiences, and continue to exchange them today. They are thus the most effective forms of communication.

Studies prove: Stories are remembered 22 times better than pure facts . Even the combination of image and text is retained 65% of the information after three days, while pure text, with a mere 10% retention rate, is the clear loser . So what are you waiting for? Embrace storytelling! Present like a professional TED Talk speaker!

Further information on how to properly incorporate stories can be found in the storytelling article .

Conclusion: A good start makes the rest of the journey easier.

As you can see, there are numerous ways to begin your presentation creatively and outside the formal norm. These approaches are not only better for your success and your audience, but will also be more enjoyable for you. If you try this approach, you'll quickly discover that giving presentations can be not just work, but also a pleasure.

It makes a world of difference whether you're reading the usual introductory formalities to a bored audience from the start, or whether you're telling a captivating anecdote and looking out at curious faces. So all that remains is to wish you lots of fun and success in bringing that "magic" to your personal opening!

Do you have questions about getting started with a presentation or about PowerPoint presentations in general? Feel free to contact us by email at becker@presentationload.de . We're happy to help!

Professionally designed slide templates to enhance your presentation can be found in our shop . Feel free to browse. We have numerous slides on a wide variety of (business) topics. ►To the shop

You might also be interested in these articles:

• Storytelling in presentations: How to evoke emotions in your audience!
• Make a lasting impression with the right body language during presentations!
• 20 tips for the perfect presentation ending!
• Pitch presentation - How to convince with your idea in a short version!
• Using humor correctly in presentations
• How to correctly formulate the core message/key message
• The interactive presentation
• Why the first 7 seconds of your presentation are so important