Just as we form first expressions of people seconds after meeting them, similarly, we form first impressions of a presentation seconds after hearing the introduction. Thus, an introduction should be designed to draw the listener’s attention to the topic of the presentation.

Some speakers choose to start like this, “Today, my presentation is about love.” While this does introduce the topic, it is not a very creative way to start a presentation. More effective methods could have been used and it is my aim to share with you some of these techniques.

The common theme that runs through all the different methods used will be based on the theme of love.

Introduction No. 1: Method – Begin with a Quotation

Quotations can be used to start a presentation.

“O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?
Deny thy father and refuse thy name,
Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love,
And I’ll no longer be a Capulet.”

This is the famous balcony scene in which Juliet swears her undying love for Romeo. The quotation used successfully encapsulates the overall theme of the presentation, which is the theme of love.

Introduction No. 2: Method – Humour

It is important that the humour one intends to inject into the introduction relates to the topic of the presentation.

Q1: “What is love?”
A1: “Love is a three ring circus: engagement ring, wedding ring, suffe-ring.”

Q2: “What is love?”
A2: “Love is an institution in which a man loses his bachelor’s degree and a woman gets her master’s.”

Introduction No. 3: Method – Reference to a Historical Event

Faced with the unenviable task of choosing between his throne and his love, Edward VIII chose to abdicate and married American divorcee Wallis Warfield Simpson. Such was the power of love which gave him the courage to forsake the throne for his love.

Introduction No. 4: Method – Personal Experience

I remember the time when my grandfather passed away when I was still in primary school. I did not think much about it then and did not understand why everyone around me felt so sad. But as the years went by, I realized how little I loved him when he was still alive. He did so many things for me, but I never once appreciated them, even taking him for granted. How I wish I could turn back time and tell my grandfather the three most beautiful words in the English Language which I have always wanted to but never had the chance “I love you.”

Master these four methods and you can use them anytime, anywhere and to start any of your presentations.

Written by: Lionel L (2 Aug 1998)

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