Which opening do you like more?

Opening #1:

“I know none of us want to be here, but we need to talk about the new safety cable we’re adding to all parachute harness containers. I promise I’ll try not to be too boring.”

Opening #2:

“I was 5,000 feet above the ground and falling at a speed of 100 miles an hour when I realized my chute wouldn’t open.”

Both talks are about parachute safety, but which one do you want to listen to, right?

Now, most of you would NEVER (or at least I hope...) open your talk with, “I know none of us want to be here.” But it’s pretty common to open by sharing your agenda.

BUT if you want your audience to learn anything, your first challenge is to get them to LISTEN.

So, skip the “I’d like to begin by thanking so-and-so” or an agenda slide. Instead, find the most exciting moment in your talk and start THERE.

And if you don’t have an exciting moment? Let’s find one.