We are conditioned to start our presentations with pleasantries because that’s exactly what most people do! Our impulse is to thank everyone and explain how excited we are to be here…avoid doing this!In this episode, I share three different ways you can start your presentation that will engage your audience. You do not need to be a great storyteller or have funny jokes - in fact, I don’t recommend jokes when presenting. Every presentation has the potential to captivate with some intention and prep.Tangible takeaways:Jump right in with a story, analogy, or statistic. You will stand out!You have to earn the right to get their attention. Skip the pleasantries to trigger your audience to think, “I want to listen to this person!”Prepare for your presentation by thinking of what you can start with, and practice it.Utilize the power of an example to illustrate your data.You will find more advice in my book, “Find Your Own Voice” here ?? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2KNN9PKAbout me:Karen Laos is a keynote speaker and leadership coach equipping women to stand out with unshakable confidence. She specializes in communication: executive presence and compelling messages. Karen champions female business leaders to own their value and find their voice so they can be seen and heard. She also works with teams to create cultures of trust and function at their best.Karen has coached leaders at Facebook, Google, Netflix, Uber, Sephora, Sony, Microsoft, Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Trip Advisor, Bacardi, Levi, and more. Karen’s style is fun, encouraging and results-oriented. She immediately moves past the “fluff” and gets straight to the issue (just ask her clients). Connect with me:Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/Purchase a copy of my book, “Trust Your Own Voice” https://karenlaos.com/book/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosconsultingFacebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsultingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/Clubhouse: @karenlaosEpisodes also available on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos