Esta aula é parte da série: Developing Business skills. Feita para nível B2 em diante. Nela, vamos aprender as melhores técnicas para iniciar uma apresentação.
Preparation
How long does it take lose someone's attention?
What is the best way to start a presentation?
Reading
In various forms of media and communication, the initial segment plays a pivotal role in capturing and holding the audience's attention. In journalism, this is achieved through the "lede," which concisely presents the core of the story. Books often use a "prologue" as a provocation to intrigue the reader. Musical compositions introduce principal themes with an "overture," while operas and ballets might employ a similar tactic with a "prelude." In academic circles, the "hook" of a paper entices further reading. Each of these beginnings is crafted to engage, inform, and provoke interest right from the start.
Read the hook of the paper from Whiteman and Cooper, winners of best introduction of the year in the world most important business paper:
"On the afternoon of November 11, 1996, the firstauthor began an ethnographic study in subarctic Canada. Her intention was toanalyze the management practices of Cree hunters, who have successfully lived in the north despitethe harshness of the conditions. On that same day, she slipped down a rock face near a large set of rapids and almost died. This incident could have been the surprising end of the beginning of this study. Over thousands of years the 'natives' have learned how to make sense of, and respond to, subtle cues in their natural environment. On that first day, she learned this the hard way."
Academic reading (and writing) is not trivial. Hence, being able to capture someone's attention in the first paragraph is a daunting task. Ted Talkers are masters in capturing audience's attention while also bringing tremendous value to the public, as we can see in Shawn Achor presentation below.
Watch the first 2 minutes of the following presentation:
In business presentations, opening remarks are crucial but often overlooked. An effective opening should engage the audience immediately with a hook, such as an intriguing statistic, a provocative question, or a compelling story. This captures attention and sets the tone, making the audience more receptive to the message that follows. However, many presenters miss this opportunity by starting with mundane details, which can disengage listeners. Opening remarks are not just about introducing the speaker or the topic; they're about establishing credibility and building an emotional connection. Unfortunately, the importance of crafting compelling openings is frequently undervalued in business communication training. To make a lasting impact, professionals should prioritize mastering this skill, ensuring their presentations engage and persuade from the start.
Step 1: Identify Your Key Message
Start by defining the central message or takeaway of your presentation. This will guide the direction of your story and ensure it aligns with your overall objectives.
Step 2: Choose a Relatable Theme
Select a theme that resonates with your audience’s experiences, interests, or challenges. This could be overcoming adversity, a journey of discovery, or a conflict resolution.
Step 3: Develop Your Characters
Create a main character for your story. This character could be yourself, someone else, or even an abstract entity. Ensure the character is relatable and has qualities that reflect the theme of your presentation.
Step 4: Set the Scene
Describe the setting and context in which your story unfolds. This should establish the time, place, and atmosphere, helping your audience visualize the scenario.
Step 5: Build the Conflict
Introduce a conflict or challenge that your main character faces. This should be directly related to the central message of your presentation and mirror the challenges faced by your audience.
Step 6: Show the Resolution
Demonstrate how the character resolves the conflict or overcomes the challenge. This part should provide insights or solutions that you will further explore in your presentation.
Step 7: Connect Back to Your Presentation
Transition from your story to the main content of your presentation. Make a clear connection between the story and the topics you will discuss, reinforcing how the resolution of your story applies to the real-world scenarios your audience faces.
Step 8: Practice Your Delivery
Practice delivering your story with the right pacing, tone, and gestures. Make sure your delivery enhances the emotional impact of the story and clearly conveys your message.
Step 9: Use Visuals to Enhance Your Story
Consider using visuals that complement your story during the opening. This could be images, animations, or key phrases that reinforce the narrative and mood.
Step 10: Gather Feedback
Before the actual presentation, consider sharing your story with colleagues or friends to get feedback. Use their insights to refine and improve the story’s impact.
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