How to start a presentation on a topic? The first step to take when preparing to start a presentation is to choose a good presentation topic. There are millions of topics you could create a presentation on, but what defines a good topic? If you’re struggling to either come up with a good topic for a presentation or you can’t decide between multiple ones, here are a few questions you should ask yourself before choosing a topic.
When you’re choosing a topic, consider the meaning behind it. Ask yourself what the purpose of talking about this topic is, and what you want to say about it. Whatever topic you choose to present, the conclusion needs to provide a takeaway or lesson you want to communicate to your audience. A meaningful goal will make your presentation more memorable.
However, to start a presentation on a topic, there are some important questions you need to answer:
Whether you’re interested in the topic?
If you’re not interested in the topic, others won’t be curious either. Interest, enthusiasm, and passion enrich your presentation and are noticeable when presenting. Interest shines through and inspires others to find the topic as fascinating as you do. Think about the last time you saw someone sharing something they were passionate about their excitement drew people in to pay closer attention to what they were saying. When choosing a topic, you need to find it or a particular angle of it interesting for yourself.
Whether your audience will find the topic relatable?
While you have to find the topic you’re presenting interesting, you also have to think about your audience. When choosing a subject, consider your audience’s background in terms of demographics, interests, culture, and knowledge level about the topic. Think about what others will find fascinating and relevant, so they’re not bored or confused during your presentation.
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Whether you have prior experience or knowledge about the topic?
Personal experiences are always great to share in a presentation, providing your unique perspective for anyone listening. While you can easily prepare your presentation based on Google search, it won’t make the same lasting impact on your audience. Choose a topic you have some prior knowledge about, or have an interesting opinion you can share with others. It’ll make your presentation more engaging and memorable.
How to Start a Presentation On a Topic
welcome your audience with a thank you
The most important formality to start a presentation on a topic is by welcoming your audience with a thank you. It shows both sincerity and appreciation and additionally establishes a sense of community with your audience. A great example of this is welcoming them coupled with a thank you for the opportunity to speak.
Get your audience’s attention
Getting your audience’s attention from the beginning is the most important thing one can do to start a presentation on a topic. You may want to introduce yourself and complete the formalities as quickly as possible, but without grabbing your audience attention, you’ve already lost your audience.
Start up a topic that you are good at
Start up a topic that you are good at. You will feel more confident delivering it. And if there are questions at the end of the presentation, which I guess there will be, you will have a chance to show the extent of your knowledge.
Tell a joke to elicit laughter from the audience
Tell a joke to elicit laughter from the audience. Even for marketing and sales representatives, this can be a way to lighten the room and become more connected with the audience. Don’t overdo this as it can steer people away from your purpose, but proper usage of this technique can be effective in starting any presentation.
Make your audience know your purpose
Make your audience know your purpose or why you’re there but you want to be sure to make it clear to them.
Making your audience to know your purpose will help them focus on your message and why it is important to them. In addition, identifying who your audience is and what your purpose is will guide you in selecting an appropriate tone for the message you want to deliver to your audience.
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Ask direct questions
To start a presentation you can begin with direct questions to the audience. It’s a great way to wake up their senses, get them engaged and get you more connected with them.
Quoting someone is a great way to start
Quoting someone is a great way to start a presentation on a topic. Just be sure to make it relevant to the purpose of your speech and presentation. If you are using slides, add a picture of the person you are quoting to add more texture and breadth to your presentation.
Showcase your vulnerable ability
We know that great speakers can be tough as nails, but those who upon up about their lives or their story build a deeper relationship with their audience. When you start your presentation showcasing your ability to be vulnerable, you are giving yourself more chances to maintain the attention and interest of your audience.
Make your topic delivery specific
Make your topic delivery specific. Don’t try to cover everything possible. That will only spread the topic thin. So choose a strand you are really good at and stick to that.
Let the audience know how you will handle questions
Always remember to let the audience know how you will handle questions. If you are in a marketing or sales presentation, I would not bring this up. Simply give them the free will to ask questions when they best see fit.
