Introducing yourself is about more than just saying your name. This is an opportunity to share relevant information about yourself and connect with your audience. This also sets the tone for the rest of the conversation. The way you present yourself will influence the way the audience receives the message you want to express. Make your next presentation perfect by providing the most interesting information about yourself. You should prepare your presentation beforehand and start with an attention-grabbing technique in order to reach out to the audience.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Include Relevant Information in Your Presentation
Step 1. Mention your name clearly
You want the audience to remember who you are, so don't mumble or say it quickly. Speak in a strong, confident tone, and pronounce each syllable.
If you have an unusual or difficult to pronounce name, you may need to add a small comment to help your audience remember it. For example, you can say "My name is Jacob Misen, like 'step on' but with M"
Step 2. Communicate your contribution to get the audience excited
Reflect on how you will help the public and communicate it briefly rather than just mentioning your credentials or job title. Your basic credentials will likely be listed on the presentation schedule. Ask yourself what special skills and experience you have that would interest the audience and introduce yourself to them.
If you're the VP of Marketing at a major company, it can be much more effective for you to say something like, “I have more than a decade of experience using Facebook marketing ads targeting clients in the dance industry” rather than just mentioning your title
Step 3. Leave additional details for a PowerPoint slide or handout
If there are other details about yourself that are interesting and relevant to the presentation, you won't have to list them all in your presentation. Instead, add them to your PowerPoint presentation or brochure. Your audience will be able to read them if they wish.
You can also ask the audience to review the brochure or PowerPoint presentation for more information. For example, if you want to mention that you have articles in many international newspapers, but don't want to list them all, just say, “I have written for a number of internationally recognized news organizations. You can find the full list on the first page of my brochure. "
Step 4. Save some relevant details about yourself for a later time in the presentation
You don't have to tell the public everything about yourself right away. Stick to the most interesting and relevant information. If you have other interesting personal details that you want to share, you can add them to other parts of the presentation.
For example, you could say “When I designed a website for Richard Branson last year…” to mention to the audience that you have an impressive resume, without having to list it all for them in your presentation
Step 5. Plan a smooth transition from presentation to your content
Once you have a great presentation, it will be important to make a smooth and efficient transition to the main content of your presentation. If you have a planned transition, this will also help you stay safe, knowing exactly where you are going and how you will get there.
Conclude your presentation by mentioning a client or project you've been working on that relates to the topic of the presentation. For example, say, “I have had the pleasure of working with NXP Semiconductors for the past three years. Last week I found a problem with our logistics database…”, and then continue with your presentation on a new software that will solve everyone's logistical difficulties
Part 2 of 3: Capture Your Audience's Attention Before Your Presentation
Step 1. Set the scene with music so that the audience has energy
Playing music while walking into the performance area and for a few seconds before you start will share your personality and grab the audience's attention. This will work best if you can reference the lyrics or artist as the music fades and you begin your presentation.
- If you don't have music that you can link to the presentation, you can use a song with the opening theme. For example, if you're giving a presentation at a sales meeting, play some relaxing jazz as participants enter. Then, when it's time to get started, play the chorus of “Let’s Get it Started” by the Black Eyed Peas to grab the audience's attention. Then you can start with an energetic "Good morning!" or "Good afternoon!" As the music ends
- Remember to choose music that is suitable for the event. For example, an academic conference might not be the best place to play pop music (unless you're presenting research on pop music, of course).
Step 2. Use an attention-grabbing quote before introducing yourself
Share a short and relevant quote before saying your name. This may interest the public in the topic. It's even better if the author of the quote is a well-known person in the industry you're targeting. Your audience will recognize the name and give your presentation credibility.
- For example, if you are giving a presentation on the design of a new easy-to-use coffee maker, you could start by referring to Elon Musk (“Any product that needs a manual to use is inefficient”) and then continue with something like “My name it's Laurie Higgens, and my coffee maker doesn't include a manual. " Talk briefly about your experience and qualifications, and then present your design.
- Avoid clichéd or overused motivational quotes that your audience might have heard many times.
- Make sure you mention the quote correctly.
Step 3. Get the audience to reflect by starting with an eye-opening statistic
If you start by presenting a statistic that illustrates a problem that your presentation will address or try to solve, this can be very effective in capturing your audience's attention. In many cases, the public may not even realize there is a problem unless you tell them to. Once you do, they will be more alert and interested in hearing solutions from you.
- For example, you could start by saying, "According to Time magazine, Americans have filled out 4.3 billion prescriptions and spent three hundred and seventy-four billion dollars on medicine in 2014." Then introduce yourself and mention your qualifications in medical research, and then give a presentation on how to prevent doctors from over-prescribing drugs to their patients.
- Remember to cite the source of your statistics. You will appear more professional and trustworthy, and the public will be able to get more information if they wish.
Step 4. Connect with the audience and invite them to reflect with a question
Asking a question will transform your audience into participants. Choose universal situations with which all members of the public have some experience or opinion. Make sure it links directly to your presentation material as well.
- If you are giving a presentation on a new travel bag suitable for airport security, start by saying something like "How many of you have stood in line at the airport security checkpoint and almost missed your flight?"
- You can also invite the audience to close their eyes and imagine something as you lead them to your question.
- Don't be discouraged if your audience doesn't raise their hand when you ask a question. Sometimes these questions seem more rhetorical to the audience, or maybe they are just shy. You can usually identify the signs that they are still paying attention to the question by nodding or smiling after you ask.
Step 5. Use humor to relax you and the audience
Laughter can create an instant connection between a speaker and the audience. Start your presentation by making fun of yourself or exaggerating your own experiences in a humorous way. Don't overdo the humor. Use it naturally without trying to force a laugh. Make sure the jokes or irony you use are appropriate for the context in which you are giving your presentation.
- Tell stories, show pictures in PowerPoint, or use quotes.
- Being funny will not only put your audience at ease, but will also help them remember you after the presentation.
Step 6. Get the audience involved if you are giving the presentation in front of a small group
Giving a presentation can be a very lonely and isolating experience. However, if you have a small audience, you can involve them in your presentation. After introducing yourself, ask members of the audience to introduce themselves and bring up a question or concern that relates to the topic of the presentation. You will take some of your pressure off, keep your audience on their toes, and get to know them at the same time.
For example, if you are giving a presentation about a pizza delivery app, ask members of the audience to state their name, their favorite pizza topping, and a situation where they had a fascinating or terrible experience with the delivery of pizza. food
Part 3 of 3: Prepare Before Your Presentation
Step 1. Make a plan and write it down
It's best to have a plan for how you are going to present yourself so that you don't get lost or confused when you go on stage. It's even better if you can write the plan so that you can review it beforehand or refer to it during your presentation. You can write down each sentence if you prefer, especially to practice your presentation.
When it's time to introduce yourself, it's probably best to just write a few notes or keywords to remember what you want to say, so you won't just read your cards
Step 2. Practice your presentation with a friend
Practicing it out loud will help you speak with the correct intonation and rhythm, so your message will be clear and interesting. You can also measure your time and add or remove certain parts of your presentation, until it is perfect for you. Ask your friends for constructive feedback and advice on how to improve. Practicing out loud will also help you gain confidence.
If you don't have a friend to watch your presentation, videotape yourself and play it back later to hone your skills around it. It may seem awkward to watch yourself on video, but this will help you master your presentation. You can even record the entire presentation. Keep recording until you are happy with the result. Then you will know that the public will be happy too
Step 3. Research the culture in the venue where you are giving your presentation so you don't offend anyone
You will have to make a good first impression with your presentation, so you should know what is expected of you and what could be frowned upon. Research the local culture of the area in which you are giving the presentation. What do they normally wear in the local industry? Are they presented with only their first name or with their last name? Also be aware of international customs. In some places, it is inappropriate to use humor. If you are unsure of your audience, skip the humor.