15 seconds. This is the maximum length of time you have at the beginning of your presentation to get the audience's attention. If you fail, the audience will probably begin to focus on other things than listening to what you want to convey. So how to make a good use of the first 15 seconds? Inc.com advises:
Don't introduce yourself
Don't waste your time by starting to explain who you are and what you do. Write a brief bio (up to 50 words) in advance and attach it to the invitation for the participants. If someone invited you to present your presentation, ask him to introduce you himself.
Don't try to attract the audience with a joke
Most of the jokes stated at the beginning of presentations are mot successful and the speaker rather shows that he is nervous and he doesn't believe in himself. The audience usually knows the joke or the point is clear in advance, which will definitely not allow you to gain the audience's attention.
Don't start describing the success of your business
Many speakers begin their presentations with a list of their companies' long-term successes, from which they expect to gain credibility. The history of your company is, however, not what the audience is interested in at the beginning of the presentation. They are interested in what you are going to speak about.
Start with an alarming fact
Don't introduce yourself, don't talk about your work or company and rather project a visible number - for example, "1 million dollars". Continue with the fact that all of us pay this sum when... and consequently describe possible ways to save the money. The first slide should be surprising and the audience's initial interest is almost guaranteed.
-kk-