How to make a good first impression in a presentation

How do you make a good first impression in a presentation? There is a lot of pressure to deliver in any presentation and one must be able to not only get the audience interested but be able to deliver the points that are needed. It takes practice to make a killer presentation  but it can be done. Making a good first impression is key to any presentation success that you may want.

Also read How to create a winning presentation

Dress well and appropriately

Don’t just dress, but also dress appropriately according to the audience and the message that you need to deliver. If you are presenting at a  technology seminar where everyone is dressed casually then in order to connect with that audience you must look like one of them, but well dressed of course. The is the first thing that people see before you speak or do anything in any presentation as it communicates before you put words into your message. Don’t make a presentation to CEOs with rolled up sleeves, with your tie hanging the wrong way and one of shirts unbuttoned, this is a no no.

Also read How to write a good report

Stand or sit comfortably

Fidgeting and moving all over the place is a distraction that results in people thinking of other things or noticing other things about you that they were never supposed to focus on. If you are about to do a presentation, be the picture of composure. Look like the Monalisa if you have to.

Smile and Look at your audience

There is no substitute for smiling; it makes you human, so never forget that. Look at your audience but do not stare. Don’t make people uncomfortable as if you are studying them in a zoo, but rather look at your audience just as they normally look at you.

No unnecessary delays

The worst thing you could ever do when you are announced to deliver your presentation is to delay speaking or start by looking like you are waiting for inspiration. If there is a technical glitch then tell the audiences don’t be silent and never waste time looking for your presentation file. Your presentation file should just be ready, let your only delays be because of technical glitches. Any other delays between your introduction and you starting to speak will make you look very odd.

Thank the person who introduced you and greet the audience

Only a moron does not thank the person who introduced them, at least that is what people will think subconsciously. Saying thank you makes you look appreciative and considerate, people love an appreciative person. After thanking your host, you can go ahead and greet the people who you are addressing. Never start a presentation without greeting people.

Start Firm and Relaxed

When you finally start to speak, don’t look for how to start, your introduction this must be in your mind. Introduce yourself and subject so that everyone feels  you are there to do a presentation which you are comfortable with. When you have a firm start you don’t start by being condescending, instead appeal to the audience to your objectives and subject matter. Control your emotions and don’t be brush just be relaxed and composed.