What are the best ways to start your client presentation with a bang?

A story is a great way to introduce a new concept and engage the audience right from the start. Powerful story telling can transport us into perspectives we had never previously considered. It can serve many functions such as building an emotional connection with the audience, introduces a new problem to consider or could provide some humor and levity to showcase your personality. But the goal is to be memorable and make a thought impact. Stories connect us into the lives and situations of others so we can understand how they overcame those struggles, which we can extend into our own lives. No one wants to be lectured or told what to think, so stories are a disarming way to present your topic with emotion, humor or innovation.

Have a completely black powerpoint slide (if having a PowerPoint at all). Say: "Before we begin..." And enter a story. And remember that people don't care about who you are, your company or it's history, how many employees you have or how many countries you've expanded to. The intro of your presentation should focus on: - What's in it for them - How can you serve them - What makes you a good match for them But focus on THEM - instead of talking about YOU.

Story telling is an art which makes a person an artist. Its the smoothest way to engage anyone into a conversation - Start your presentation with a compelling anecdote or scenario that relates to your topic. - By weaving a powerful story, you capture your audience's attention, create an emotional connection, and set the tone for an engaging presentation.

My first slide is my photo with several companies in a trade show. While I'm introducing myself and make a simple "guessing game" for the audience to identify me in that image, I told a great story behind that photo to make the audience feel inspired.

Nothing works better than a story. I repeat, nothing. "We remember in context, and we forget isolated facts" Keep the story short, easy-to-follow, relatable and relevant. You can almost feel the moment when the client starts to nod along with you. That's when you know you've captured their attention. And also, a story increases confidence in the speaker and, therefore, the audience too. You can give a great presentation now, almost sure that the client will buy whatever it is you're selling.

Asking a question is a great way to engage an audience — if they feel comfortable enough with you and one another. Be prepared with a question or two. Also be prepared to assess the risk and have a back up plan in case the crowd is resistant.

Start with exciting argumentative or contradiction topics were very important to start your presentation with bang. Your audience want to hear relevant question that can rises different idea from different individuals.

I don't mind asking a question be you need to be prepared for any sort of answer. If you ask a question on "how much does it cost to process a transaction" you need to be able to handle someone giving you a really low answer or a really high one.

I do a demo and ask someone to volunteer from the audience. In case there are no volunteers, I have a backup person, that I will rely on first and then later on reiterate the invitation. This works whether you are a fitness presenter or someone who has to demonstrate a concept (fashion).

I always ask questions that will elicit participation from the audience to be sure they're following my delivery..Most times I wear something eye-catchy like a lapel on my shirt or suit and then take it off midway then ask to see if they noticed.That way I measure their level of concentration and interest in the conversation..Trust me that's getting instant feedback without waiting for the end of the presentation for a post assessment feedback

Depending on who your client is, using a shocking statistic works with everyone. It is bound to wake them up and actually pay attention to what you're saying. Be sure to follow that stastic up with its relevance to the context of the meeting and then set the agenda. This way you not only make them eager to hear you out, but also listen carefully.

Data is the new Oil..A compelling slide showing relevant comparative statistic quoting the source of my information is a must have for me..That way I'm able to explain the data and the impact using the graph or table of information which can be easily verified from the Internet.

I’ve found this one to be very effective. Start of with something like: - Did you know..? - Just this last year… - New studies have found… Bonus: Adding a graf will increase trust with 29 %. You’ve got this ??

This pointer is especially pertinent to a problem that lends itself to visual impact. One example could be transformation of a physical space (problem and proposed solution). After all, weight loss ads give you the before and after: the same theory applies here.

Acronyms, abbreviations or punch lines that will stick usually does wonders for me..You want to be sure that the first person they meet after listening to your presentation they're able to give an excited elevator pitch of what you just empowered them with..For me it's about knowledge transfer and vocabulary build up

Not my favourite way to start as it can some across as being like you have rolled out this presentation 100 times and are just reading off the script. In fact it is so scripted we have a slogan!

In my experience a personal anecdote helps your audience relate to your perspective. Establishing credibility with your audience often involves finding common ground to build rapport off of, a personal story is a great way to open doors for connection.

A personal anecdote is a bridge that connects you to your audience, it acts as a base or rather a foundation on which you can build and engage further with your audience. Although personal anecdote remains to be my favorite way to start a presentation. It doesn't really matter how you start. Delivery is the key. One can start with a question or an anecdote or a cheery greeting, what really matters is the power, the intensity and the intent with which you present that will take away the trophy.

There are 3 components to a really good start of a presentation: - Create curiosity - Create likability - Create trust Curiosity is best created with what you say. - Start with a chocking statistic - Start with a question Trust and likability is best created with your nonverbals. Have a downward inflection in you pitch. (I like to imagen speaking like a police-officer handing out a ticket. Not rude, not harsh, just certain). Lastly, show them how excited you are to have the opportunity to speak with them about this subject that you love. If you don't find your presentation exciting and valuable, how can you possibly think that anyone else will? Curiosity, likability, trust. The pillars of a great presentation.

There are a lot of methods you can use as a frame/re-frame/hook to start off your presentation. How you use a method matters. It must deliver a relevant insight related to your topic, not merely generate interest. It should be quick - like 90 seconds or less. Choose the method carefully based on your audience. For example, if you're presenting to CFO, a shocking statistic or data story is more likely to resonate than a personal anecdote or catchy slogan. These methods can be used throughout your presentation to maintain engagement... and the same recommendations apply.

One thing I have found helpful is that the presentation should always be inquisitive and make the client curious to know more about what you are offering as solutions and keeping that Momentum to know more and that is the key to bank on the presentation.

Most likely the listener will decide to hear you or not within the first 60 seconds of your presentation. So depending on your client and the presentation, one should have a relevant start. A very formal client presentation with senior members involved can start with a small example or a video of a problem area prevailing in the market, which you have a solution for. For other client presentations, where you feel you have the liberty to be creative, you can definitely start with a personal anecdote or even a thought provoking question! All in all, the start should be different and catchy!

The best way to start a client presentation is with empathy and understanding. Seek first to understand your client's goals, challenges, and context before launching into your pitch. Ask thoughtful questions, listen intently to their responses, and convey genuine interest in their needs. This builds rapport and trust, allowing you to tailor your presentation to address their specific concerns. Lead with the human element before the business element.