Here’s a video of a remarkably confident young man (Casey Gerald) giving a speech at Harvard Business School in 2014. The speech itself is inspirational, but for this post I’m only concerned with the 20 seconds at the beginning (0:06 – 0:26), as it demonstrates what I consider to be the perfect start. Observe the following:
- He puts the book away and folds down the small microphone – these actions show he’s in control, setting up the work space how he wants it.
- I don’t know the Boston reference, but it’s enough to raise a few chuckles and create a connection with the audience.
- Eye contact and smiles: ‘Everything’s fine’.
- A huge pause. He may not look completely confident, but he exudes control, allowing the mood to settle at precisely the right point for the seriousness of his talk. And then we’re off.
That’s it. Those four elements. The tongue-between-the-teeth mannerism and the aborted addition to the Boston joke don’t matter – this start is incredibly strong. Look and learn, people. Look and learn.
Related Posts
Nail the Presentation – Start Well
Presentation Techniques to Steal from Stand-Up Comics
Pingback: Presentation Fails and How to Fix Them #2: Start Strong -