A Powerful Presentation Deserves
A Powerful Introduction
Michael Hart, Guest Author
Whether you are speaking to inspire, educate, or motivate, you
have one primary goal, to convince your listeners to agree with
your point of view.
The most effective way to accomplish this goal is to open your
presentation with a strong compelling opening statement. However
before you begin, you must establish your credibility, that is,
to tell your listeners who you are and what you, an authority on
the subject, plan to discuss. In other words, what gives you the
right to be speaking on this particular subject in the first
place?
Your introduction should be the first step in creating this
needed credibility. Unfortunately many presenters have no idea
how to create a compelling, emotionally charged introduction or
why they should introduce themselves at all.
Keep it to one or two paragraphs. For example, let's assume you
are about to address city leaders on the virtues of your firm's
new cast iron pipe product line. Perhaps you have vast experience
working with or for municipalities. In your career you have seen
the pit falls associated with making a major purchase with
taxpayers money. Be sure to make this information available to
your audience before you start talking about your firm, its
product merits or any potential solutions.
The members of every group you address have some issue, dilemma,
or concern they must handle. Before you can attempt to help them
solve their problems, they need to know you understand their
situation.
Thus your introduction should include more than your name and who
or what you represent. It should convince your listeners that you
understand what they are going through, and that you understand
their needs.
You will be amazed how much more they will understand and agree
with your presentation, which should be structured to back up the
ideas you expressed in your compelling opening statement. No
amount of whizbang technology and PowerPoint slide shows can make
up for what you fail to declare in your introduction. Take the
time to craft one worthy of your expertise and the presentation
you are about to make.
Read: Introductions: Their Care & Feeding.
Copyright © 2004 - Michael Hart. - Reprinted with permission.
Michael P. Hart & Company helps professional sales people, entrepreneurs
and small business owners in prospecting, selling
and publicity strategies. Learn how to get priceless exposure for
your firm or cause by getting free media exposure. Promote your
ideas and sell your products through public speaking. Advanced
networking techniques, and powerful sales closing skills. -
Relationship books by Larry
James:
How to Really Love the One You're With:
Affirmative
Guidelines for a Healthy Love Relationship
LoveNotes for Lovers:
Words That Make Music for Two
Hearts Dancing
Red Hot LoveNotes for Lovers (Career Assurance
Press).
Author Larry James is a professional speaker. He presents "Relationship
Enrichment LoveShops" nationally for singles and couples.
More About Larry James
For a personally autographed copy of Larry's books, or for more information,
please contact:
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Larry James
CelebrateLove.com
P.O. Box 12695
Scottsdale, AZ 85267-2695
480 998-9411
Fax 480 998-2173
800 725-9223
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E-Mail: LarryJames@CelebrateLove.com
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