Management Tip of the Day: Capture Your Audience Right Away

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile SEPTEMBER 27, 2012 Capture Your Audience Right Away A successful presentation relies on an engaged audience, which you need to hook from the start. Open with a comment, question, relevant story, statement, or example that will get your audience's attention. Then use the rest of the opening to define the purpose of the presentation and briefly preview your main points. You also need to establish your credibility. Ask yourself "Which of my credentials will impress this particular audience?" and emphasize them. Or, if appropriate, have another person with authority introduce your presentation. Don't overdo this step. Your audience isn't interested in your full CV and you could alienate them if you brag. Lastly, be sure to explain upfront why your audience should care about what you're going to tell them. Be sure to answer: What's in it for them? Today's Management Tip was adapted from the Harvard ManageMentor Online Module: Presentation Skills. Buy the course and learn how to become a better presenter » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT Presentation Skills: Harvard ManageMentor Online Module Harvard ManageMentor Sound advice on preparing and delivering presentations that command attention, persuade, and inspire. Includes rehearsal techniques as well as tips for creating and using more effective visuals. Also addresses the importance of understanding your objectives and your audience to create a presentation with impact. One-year single user license. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Bring Out Quieter Voices on Your Team Get Feedback, Even If You're the Boss Out of Time? Give Some Away Give Employees Freedom, Within Limits Start Your New Client Relationship Right Match Your Presentation to Your Audience Make Decisions Simpler for Your Customers Choose the Right Tools to Communicate With Your Virtual Team Ask for More Before Granting a Favor Create a Vision that Motivates Your Team All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2012 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)