An impressive presentation begins before you have spoken your first word. It is about the way you step onto the stage, how you carry yourself, and the first words you speak. Here are a few tips to make an unforgettable first impression, come across as credible and make your audience listen.

1. Stepping onto the stage: the power of non-verbal communication

Begin with contact

Your presentation does not begin when you start talking, but the moment you step onto the stage. Make eye contact with your audience and smile. This immediately creates a bond and ensures you come across as confident. Eye contact shows interest and involvement, and a smile is disarming and friendly.

Radiate self-confidence

Self-confidence radiates from your posture. Walk calmly and purposefully to the centre of the stage. Make sure you do not stand in front of the screen and that during your presentation you do not stray from the ideal stage position. Avoid hurried or nervous movements. Adopt a firm, open posture; stand up straight, shoulders back, and chin slightly up. This also applies to an important boardroom meeting. Stand up straight next to your screen and look your audience in the eye. This shows that you are in control and prepared.

The right posture

Your posture speaks volumes. Stand firmly with both feet on the ground and distribute your weight evenly. Avoid crossing your arms or putting your hands in your pockets, as this can come across as defensive or uninterested. Use your hands to support your words, but do not overdo it with wild gestures.

2. A strong start: beginning with impact

Pose a clear problem

The first thing you say must grab your audience's attention. Begin by presenting a problem that is relevant and recognisable for your audience. This ensures your audience is immediately involved, because they recognise themselves in the problem you sketch.

Create a framework

After presenting the problem, briefly give the solution you have to offer for it. Where do you want to go with your customers / potential customers / audience? What is the end point you have in mind? What is your goal? It creates structure and makes your message more accessible.

Offer a solution

End your introduction by giving a glimpse of the solution. This arouses curiosity and holds attention. It promises the audience that you will share valuable insights and gives them a reason to keep listening.

The ideal speaking pace

Practise your speaking pace. During a presentation, many people want to ‘get it over with quickly'. That is why they speak faster, it is harder for the audience to listen and your presentation therefore has less impact. So mind your breathing. Then you will automatically speak more calmly too and be more intelligible for your audience.

Extra tips for success

• Be prepared: Practise your opening several times so you can deliver it confidently. Ask colleagues to be your test audience and ask them how you come across so you become more self-aware.
• Know your audience: Know who your audience is and respond to their interests and needs.
• Use humour: A little bit of humour can help to break the tension and make a connection with your audience.
• Be authentic: Stay yourself and do not try to imitate someone else. Coming across as authentic is convincing.
• It does not have to be perfect. Elke Van Parys has written a whole book about the power of an imperfect presentation. However well you prepare, there will always be things that happen differently from how you envisaged. Just let that happen too. But I will devote another article to this next time.

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