I had an opportunity to do a keynote two weeks ago. I used a technique I have used many times before with success. I walk rapidly out towards the audience and ask them to turn to the person on their left and right and say a the title of the keynote.. In this case the title was “My Best Is Yet To Come”

This is an old opening that works every time. It must be done with energy and excitment. It is an “in your face” approach that does not allow anyone to be a passive listener. The next step included two volunteers to come to the front and lead the audience in an interpretive dance to the song “The Best Is Yet To Come.” It was fun.

Give it a try. You don’t have to use the music if you do not have a license to play it or not  covered under the license of the institution you are speaking for at the time. However, you can use this low risk opening as long as you are not thinking about it failing. Give it all you have.

I ended it with just the words from a song, “I believe I can fly” . This statement was said in the same manner in which I opened the keynote.

Will you give it a try?

This short clip from Sister’s Act illustrates the need to change the way you have been presenting. Engage your audience with new ways of doing something, of change and excitement.

Try not to dwell on the faces that are stern and serious and get out there and enjoy yourself! Share your messages in a way that others will hear it. Then watch the tranforming joy.

Diane Diresta is the guest blogger today. She is a presentation skills expert with a message that will encourage you to start your presentation with a good opening.

It takes 30 seconds or less for an audience to decide to listen or tune out.

Your opening must grab and focus attention.
Most people I coach have difficulty getting started. People are most nervous at the beginning of a speech. Even when their speech is well organized they hem and haw during their opening.
It’s like revving up a car on a cold, winter day. It takes time to get the motor running.
They may start with “So…I want to tell you about…” or “Good morning, um, I think my idea is, I feel this is a good idea..”

This scattered approach will set you up for failure. Your opening must be crisp and focused. The way to achieve that is to write your opening line and memorize it.
Recently, I worked with someone who had a technology product that would benefit the audience. But it took the speaker too long to get to the point.

We worked on refining the opening: “I’m going to show you a way to make your life easier. It will enable you to pull the data faster.”
The speaker captured their attention, focused the presentation, and sounded more confident.
The presentation was a success.

When it comes to opening statements-less is more.

Doug Stevenson is a true storytelling genius. Look and listen to the 9 steps he uses while telling a story. Story telling can engage your audience and keep them AWAKE! Which is one of the goals of this site Rap Tap and Act!

You can view this excellent video HERE.