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We’ve all heard the adage that first impressions matter. They allow people to form an opinion—which you often have difficulty counteracting. The same is true of presentations: People are there to learn, of course, but they are also there to see you in action. So your presentation is your first (and perhaps only) impression.
Your audience will derive much of their emotion, excitement, sadness, or insights into your presentation from how you react and what you do with your limited time. For starters, you can help them be engaged from the beginning by making sure that your presentation has a definite goal with a benefit—maybe for them personally or maybe for their organization. That goal can be readily apparent if you limit your idea to the big one—just a single thing that you present that makes them realize instantly why they’re there and what the payoff is going to be.
One tool that superstar presenters use is to rely on a story or a contrast to make their presentation even more impactful. You can also create contrast for your audience members using a number of different tools, such as advantages paired with disadvantages.
You must also present certain emotions to the audience so that you are believable. You have to be at your most confident, for example. That includes what you do on the stage—your presence, your posture, your dress. And be forceful with your information, especially by limiting what you provide. What does that mean? One slide, one idea—no more, no less.
What other tools can you put to use in order to take your presentations from ho-hum to awesome? This graphic provides some good guidance to help you revamp everything from beginning to end.

Ronell Smith is a business strategist and digital content strategist with more than 15 years of experience helping businesses online. He assists companies looking to create an online user experience their customers will recognize, appreciate, and reward them for with their business.
He is passionate about removing the obstacles that keep individuals and businesses from reaching their full potential, in large part by helping them see how search, social, and content work together successfully.[/mepr-show]