“I guess it’s about time to get started…” Heard that as a meeting opening today, 15 minutes behind the posted start time. Can’t speak for anyone but me, but it took me a good 30 minutes to overcome the start. Presenters shouldn’t be guessing. Presenters shouldn’t be starting late. Presenters should start with something that provides me a reason to be interested and sets the stage for the coming time.If the best you can do is slide into a start, your audience will slide into dis-interest. Quickly. Do something to get their attention, not give them a (good) excuse to withhold it. The start is one of the few things that should be totally in the control of the presenter. It should be scripted and practiced, and executed with energy, smiles, and aplomb.
Start well.
