Open a presentation with a clear purpose — Speaking Exercise
Presentations · Beginner · 1–2 minutes speaking
Open a short presentation about a topic you know. Tell the audience what they will understand or be able to do by the end.
Your speaking goal
Tell listeners why to pay attention
Plan your answer
Think in short notes rather than writing every sentence.
- Who is listening?
- Why does this matter to them?
- What is your main point?
One way to begin
By the end of these five minutes, you will have a simpler way to decide which task needs your attention first.
Illustrative opening. Use your own experience and words.
Try it out loud
Try three openings: a question, a brief situation, and a direct promise. Choose the one that fits the audience rather than the most dramatic one.
Make a first attempt without stopping to fix every sentence. On the second take, change just one thing.
Use the free teleprompter →Listen back and reflect
Is the purpose clear within the first two sentences?
If you record yourself, notice one sentence that worked and one place where a pause or simpler explanation would help.