As Arvee at Persuasive.net explains
asking a question
at the beginning of a presentation
is a great way to get an audience involved
(involved audiences listen,
involved audiences buy).
She suggests asking two questions,
with each yes/no question aimed
to get the majority of the audience
raising their hand to agree.
Questions like…
How many people here want more sales in 2010?
Or
How many people need more hours in the day?
Ask a question with no wrong answers.
At a past presentation I attended,
the presenter asked a question,
the majority answered ‘yes’
and he then told them they were all wrong.
Heads in the audience reared back
as though he slapped them.
Some people walked out.
Others argued.
I don’t think he made a single sale.
As you ask the question,
you raise your own hand.
This prompt drives more response.
Of course, you should practice this
as you practice your presentation.
You should also practice this
in the outfit you’ll be wearing
in front of a mirror
or with a trusted business partner.
The audience’s first impression
shouldn’t be a sweaty armpit.
(I’ve seen a few of those in my life)
If asking questions isn’t for you,
Arvee has two more classic openers.