Four Public Speaking Lessons from the Professionals

How do you give great presentations? How do you captivate an audience? How to you tell a story on a stage? Digital Strategist & Entrepreneur, Ross Simmonds developed a slide show presentation that highlights a handful of insights that answer these questions using inspiration from studying a handful of successful comedians. Presentation by Ross Simmonds

(Click to download presentation)

How To Grab the Audiences Attention with a Powerful Opening

The STAR approach to delivering a powerful opening/introduction for your presentation:


S- Shock: Say something shocking that will grab the audiences attention (but make sure it is also appropriate for your audience or may not be well received)
T- Tell-A-Story: A story or case study with a previous client makes a good story when you are looking to pursuade or sell something
A- Ask a Question: Check in with the audience first (you can do this by simply asking, "is everyone doing well today?"). Ask a yes or no question so that it is easy for the audience to respond.
R- Recite a quote: Make sure it is applicable and relevant

You should use one or more (but not all) of the STAR methods to grab the audiences attention.