One of the most common, easiest-to-avoid mistakes that many speakers make is a boring opening statement.

Your opening is the most important part of your speech! If you lose people then, they’ll not likely pay attention to the rest of what you say! Getting their immediate attention, challenging the status quo, saying something interesting right off the bat, will motivate them to listen.

How often have you heard this? After speakers are introduced, they walk out on stage and reintroduce themselves —

“And now, please welcome Bob Smith!”
“Hi! I’m Bob Smith! – It’s an honor to be here! Thank you for having me!”

The audience is now checking their mobile phones because this beginning is the same as the openings of the other boring speakers they’ve just heard.

So, avoid reintroducing yourself! Let your body language express your appreciation. And begin by saying something interesting that will move the audience and have them lean towards you!

In this short video I offer you an example:

How John Bates blew his TED TalkBy JOHN BATES / ABOUT AUTHOR
The Art is in Hiding the Art

The Art is in Hiding the Art

Bringing your "Beginner's mind" to open yourself up to many possibilities.
Body Language

Your Talk Begins The Moment They See You. Be Mindful of your Body Language!

Bringing your "Beginner's mind" to open yourself up to many possibilities.
Avoidance

The Opening is Really Important!

Bringing your "Beginner's mind" to open yourself up to many possibilities.
Filler Words - Get Present

When You Relax in the Present Filler Words Will Disappear

Bringing your "Beginner's mind" to open yourself up to many possibilities.
What Matters to the Audience

What Matters to the Audience

Bringing your "Beginner's mind" to open yourself up to many possibilities.