You have 8 seconds to capture
the audiences’ attention – talk
with one thing in mind - to seize the audience’s attention. NEVER start your talk/message with
“Hi, my name is ….” or “Good Morning” or “How is Everyone Doing?” or “The
Bible Passage Today is…”
Make the first 8 seconds count! Humans are built to evaluate a message on
first impressions. If you wait any longer than 8 seconds, many will tune you
out – some never to return to absorb the rest of your message!
Want to quickly connect with your audience? Have an unforgettable opening remark. If
you don’t, the majority of the audience will never fully engage you and your
message falls flat.
For example, I was at
networking event promoting my business. Here are the first words that I said:
“Recently the Chairman of Google, Eric
Schmidt was interviewed. The question asked of him: ‘what was the best business
advice he ever got.’ ”
I continued on. “Now he could have talked about a lot of
things but the first thing that came to his mind was the value of having a
business coach. Now, I think we would agree that currently Google is one
of the most successful companies on the planet, so
certainly doesn't that get our attention?”
My opening was 1) relevant to
my audience; (2) captured everyone’s attention and (3) opened the doors for my
message to have an impact on the audience.
Notice that I didn't introduce
myself first. Why? That’s not immediately relevant. People
listen first for “What’s in it for me?” or “How is this relevant to me?” Get
them intrigued first. Make them salivate
for more just as if they are experiencing their first bite into a piece of
chocolate (and wanting more) - then dive into the core of your message.
There are so many outlets daily
bombarding your audience. Make your presentation
stand out in the clutter by using the first 8 seconds to make an impact.
Bottom Line: Memorable
speakers have memorable openings!
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