10 Powerful Openers to Captivate Your Audience from the Start

Over the last week, I’ve been working with my team preparing an opening statement for an upcoming jury trial.

They thought my LinkedIn community might enjoy hearing about the different ways I start my presentations, so here you go.

By the way, I never start by standing, walking over to the lectern, introducing myself, my client, and thanking the court for being there.

That’s expected.

It’s boring.

Instead, I stand, walk over to a spot in front of the jury, and, depending on what’s appropriate, start with one of the following approaches.

After a couple of minutes, I’ll move on to the introductions.

Once done, I’ll take a deep breath and continue with sharing what the evidence will show using in a personalized story format crafted around the facts and evidence.

Outside of the courtroom, you can do the same thing.

Whether you’re giving an opening statement in court or a presentation before a small or large audience, consider using one of the following proven approaches.

For example, let’s say you’re giving a presentation on the power of communication. Here are 10 different ways you can immediately grab the attention of your audience.

By the way, I’d start with one of the following approaches (pick one that works for you and compliments your message and environment) and then take a minute or two to expand on the topic before moving into introductions.

OK, let’s get started.

#1: A quote: “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” – George Bernard Shaw

#2: A statistic: “The next time you deliver a speech, keep in mind that 90% of what you’re about to say will be forgotten within 60 minutes.”

#3: A question: “Do you know what the biggest communication challenge is in today’s noisy and busy world? It’s probably not what you think!”

#4: A current news item: “The Boston Celtics just made it back into the NBA finals. Their coaching staff focused on communicating three simple things to the team to get them through the playoffs. Would you like to know what those three things were?”

#5: A story that relates directly to your message: “I watched opposing counsel give his closing argument. He stumbled through the whole thing. It was a mess. Using four of the tips that I’ll be sharing with you today, I stood, walked over to the jury, and gave a closing argument that resulted in a multi-million-dollar verdict. Want to know what those four steps are?”

#6: A sincere thank you or acknowledgment: “Rotary International is truly one of the top community service organizations in the world. I’d like to thank Bob Smith for including me in the event and asking me to share my best business fundraising communication tips with you.”

#7: Have them write something down: “There are five steps that exceptional communicators use to share their message. Grab a pen and paper because you’ll want to write them down.”

#8: Humor: “The mind is a wonderful thing. It starts working the minute you are born and never stops until you get up to speak in public.”

#9: Make a prediction: “By the time we finish this presentation, I predict that you will increase your ability to persuade others by 25 to 50%.”

#10: A poem, rhyme, rhetorical statement, or a personal reflection: “Communication is the key, but my hands are shaking as I start the ignition. How many of you feel this way every time you stand to deliver a speech or presentation?”

The next time you give a presentation, consider being different and grabbing your audience’s attention from the very start using one of these proven approaches.

Mitch Jackson, Esq.
Lawyer | Private Mediator 