Introducing yourself before giving a presentation is an opportunity to provide information about yourself and build relationships with your audience, instead of just mentioning names. What's more, this moment determines what the atmosphere of the meeting will be like during the presentation. How well the audience understands the information you want to convey is influenced by how you introduce yourself. So, be as prepared as possible so that you can provide relevant and useful information about yourself. When speaking, use the right techniques to make your audience pay attention and feel connected to you.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Delivering Relevant and Useful Information
Step 1. State your name with clear articulation
Don't mumble or rush when you say your name so your audience will remember it. Speak loudly and confidently while pronouncing each syllable clearly.
If your name is unique and difficult to pronounce, provide a brief explanation so your audience can remember it. For example, say to the audience, "My name is Joko Gani. Oh yes, Gani stands for brave." while smiling
Step 2. Explain the contribution you want to make so that the audience is interested in listening to the presentation
Briefly state the useful things you want to do for your audience, instead of just mentioning your title or title. However, you may include this in the introductory slide of the presentation. When preparing material to introduce yourself, think about your skills and experience that will benefit your audience.
If you're the Marketing Director of a large company, it's more helpful to say, "I've been using Facebook advertising for more than ten years as an effective means of marketing products to consumers in the dance costume industry," instead of simply mentioning your title
Step 3. Provide additional information in the presentation paper or slide
If there is other information that is interesting and relevant to the presentation material, don't convey it all when introducing yourself. Include the information in a paper or slide for the audience to read for themselves.
You may share with your audience any additional information presented in the paper or slide. For example, if you want to let your audience know that you've written articles in international newspapers, but don't want to mention this when introducing yourself, say to your audience, "I've written articles for several well-known international print media. it's on the first page of my paper."
Step 4. Save other useful information about you to share during the presentation
Don't tell me everything about yourself when you introduce yourself. Choose the most interesting and useful information for the audience. If there is still interesting information that you want to convey, put it on the slide in the middle of the presentation material.
For example, say to your audience, "When I designed a website at the request of a famous artist (mention name) last year…" to let them know that you had an impressive work experience without including that in the introduction to the presentation material
Step 5. Prepare for a smooth transition from introduction to presentation
If the introductory session goes well, make sure you are able to make a smooth transition without any lags when starting your presentation. A well-prepared transition keeps you confident because you know the next step and how to do it.
To end the introductory session, state the name of the company that is your client to convey that you are working on a project that is directly related to the presentation material. For example: "Over the past 3 years, I have had a wonderful time working with multinational company PT. XYZ by creating a computer program to store logistics data. Last week, we succeeded in developing a new, more sophisticated program to solve a problematic logistics database…", then continue the presentation by discussing the new program
Part 2 of 3: Catching the Audience's Attention Before Introducing Yourself
Step 1. Play a song to create an atmosphere that excites the audience
Before entering the meeting room, play a song and wait a few seconds before you start speaking to show your personality and grab the attention of the audience. This step is especially useful if you refer to the lyrics or the songwriter when starting your presentation once the song ends.
- Play songs with certain genres if there are no songs whose lyrics match the presentation material. For example, if you're going to be speaking at a sales team meeting, play a jazzy tune in a calm rhythm as the audience enters the room. A few minutes before your performance, play Queen's "We Are The Champions" to grab the audience's attention. As soon as the song ends, say, "Good morning!" or "Good afternoon!" eagerly to start the presentation.
- Choose a genre and song lyrics that match the topic of the presentation. For example, don't play pop songs if you're speaking at a meeting with academics (unless you're presenting research on pop songs).
Step 2. Say an inspirational sentence that grabs your attention before introducing yourself
One of the surefire tips to attract the attention of the audience is to convey relevant short inspirational sentences. This step is more useful if you quote famous people according to the field that will be discussed because the audience has heard it so that the credibility of your presentation increases.
- For example, if you want to present a practical design for a coffee blending machine, start your presentation by quoting Elon Musk's words: "Products that can only be used if there are instructions for use are faulty products," then continue by saying, "My name is Laura Huges. Coffee brewers." my designs don't require manuals." Briefly share your work experience and skills, then present your design.
- Don't say cliche or boring inspirational phrases because your audience may have heard it many times.
- When delivering inspirational sentences, make sure you quote them correctly.
Step 3. Get the audience thinking by providing statistical data
One effective way to attract the attention of the audience is to start the presentation by presenting statistical data to provide an overview of the problem that you want to discuss or solve. Often, the audience doesn't realize there's a problem until you bring it up. As a result, they will be more alert and interested in listening to the solutions that you will convey.
- For example, start your presentation by saying, "According to Time magazine, Americans redeemed 4.3 billion prescription drugs and spent $374 billion on drugs in 2014." Then, introduce yourself by informing your profession in the field of medical research, then start the presentation session by explaining how to prevent the doctor from giving the patient excessive medication.
- Communicate sources of statistical data to your audience so that you appear professional and trustworthy. In addition, the audience can verify the data you present if needed.
Step 4. Have a two-way communication with the audience and invite them to reflect by asking questions
Your audience will become participants if you ask them. Choose a topic that is universal so that the audience understands it and can give their opinion. Make sure the topic of the question relates to the presentation material.
- If you want to present a new design of a suitcase that's so practical that it doesn't take up too much time to be checked by an airport clerk, start your presentation by asking, "How many of you have had to wait in long lines for baggage check at the airport to almost miss your flight?"
- After asking the question, invite the audience to close their eyes and imagine the event.
- Don't be disappointed if your audience doesn't answer your questions. Sometimes, they hesitate or are embarrassed to answer. You can tell that they're still thinking about your question if a few people look down or smile after you've finished asking.
Step 5. Be humorous to keep your audience and yourself relaxed
Laughter makes the speaker and audience feel instantly connected. Start your introductory session with a joke or a personal story in a humorous way, but don't overdo it. Be humorous without being contrived. Tell a story of humor or irony that fits the context of the presentation material.
- You can make jokes while sharing personal experiences, showing photos on a slide, or saying inspirational quotes.
- A humorous attitude makes the audience feel comfortable and remembers you after the presentation is over.
Step 6. Engage the audience if you are giving a presentation to a small group
Speaking in front of an audience can trigger feelings of loneliness and isolation. You may engage the audience if the number of participants is relatively small. After introducing themselves, ask participants to introduce themselves in turns and ask questions or opinions related to the presentation topic. This step keeps the audience focused, while you cool off and get to know them one by one.
For example, if you want to present a pizza delivery app, ask your audience to name their favorite pizza-tasting thoughts, and the ups and downs they've had when ordering food using the app
Part 3 of 3: Preparing for Your Presentation
Step 1. Prepare a written plan
You need to come up with a plan so you don't get nervous or confused when you stand in front of an audience. It's a good idea to create a text that contains the words you want to say so that you can correct or read them when introducing yourself. If needed, you can write down all the sentences especially for practice.
In the lead-up to your introductory session, write down a few key phrases or keywords to remember what you want to convey to your audience. That way, you're not just reading notes
Step 2. Take time to practice with a friend
Read the text aloud to determine the appropriate intonation and tempo of speech so that you can convey your message clearly and interestingly. Use a timer to figure out how long you've been talking, then add or subtract words in the text until you get the best possible script. Ask friends for feedback and suggestions for improvement. Speak the text aloud to make you more confident.
If you don't have a friend to give you feedback, make a video of your practice. Set aside time to watch videos to hone your presentation skills. You may not be comfortable seeing yourself in videos, but these steps will help you introduce yourself well. In addition, you can record the presentation practice from start to finish. Record over and over again until the result is satisfactory because you know that the audience will hear the best presentation
Step 3. Learn about the local culture so you don't offend others
Make sure you know the do's and don'ts to make a good first impression when introducing yourself. Learn about the local culture in which you are giving your presentation, such as everyday work attire. In addition, find out the habits of local residents when introducing yourself. Do they mention only first names or first names and surnames? Also learn the etiquette that applies because in some countries, being humorous in front of an audience is considered impolite. Don't joke if you can't be sure of this.
