How to Start a Presentation Speech: Outlining Key Points and Establishing Rapport

Introduction

Starting a presentation speech can be an intimidating experience. You may feel unprepared or uncertain of what to say, yet you need to be able to create a connection with your audience in order to deliver your message effectively. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to ensure that your presentation speech is successful. This article will explore how to start a presentation speech by outlining key points and establishing rapport with the audience.

Outlining Key Points of the Presentation

The first step in delivering a successful presentation speech is to make a list of your main ideas. Take some time to brainstorm and jot down the most important points you want to make. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that you cover all the topics you want to address. Additionally, it’s important to consider your audience when outlining the key points of your presentation. Ask yourself who will be attending the event and what they would be interested in hearing about. This will help you tailor your presentation to fit the needs of your audience.

Once you have outlined your key points, think about the flow of your presentation. How will you transition from one point to the next? Will you use visuals or props to support your argument? By taking the time to plan out the structure of your presentation, you can ensure that your speech is engaging and easy to follow.

Establish Rapport with the Audience

In addition to outlining the key points of your presentation, it’s also important to establish rapport with your audience. Introduce yourself and explain your qualifications so that the audience knows why they should listen to you. Additionally, consider using a story or anecdote to engage the audience and make your presentation more memorable. According to a study conducted by the Harvard Business Review, “Stories are far more powerful than facts and figures, because they evoke emotion and create a shared experience.”

You can also pose a thought-provoking question to get the audience thinking and open up a discussion. This will help you establish a connection with them and demonstrate that you value their opinions. Finally, don’t forget to smile and make eye contact with the audience throughout your presentation. This will show that you are confident and comfortable speaking in front of them.

Set the Context for the Presentation

Before diving into the main content of your presentation, it’s important to set the context for it. Identify the topic and describe its significance. Explain why this topic is important and why the audience should care about it. Additionally, provide an overview of what will be discussed so that the audience knows what to expect. This will help them better understand and appreciate the content of your presentation.

Conclusion

Starting a presentation speech can be an overwhelming experience. However, by outlining the key points of your presentation, establishing rapport with the audience, and setting the context for the presentation, you can ensure that your presentation is successful. Remember to make a list of main ideas, consider the audience, use stories or anecdotes to engage the audience, and pose a thought-provoking question. With these tips, you can start your presentation speech with confidence and ease.