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Wednesday, June 15, 2005

Public Speaking Tip: Openings

=> Make points that folks agree on first. Never create
controversy early, unless you are doing it for dramatic
effect.

=> Never tell a long involved story unless it is HIGHLY
TESTED. If it bombs, you will have a tough fight to win back
the audience.

=> Never tell any story or joke that has a remote chance of
offending someone. After you warm up the audience, you may
be bolder.

=> Somewhere in your opening you must tell the audience why
you are there. They need some selfish reason to listen
to you.

=> Using humor in your opening tells the audience that yours
is going to be a fun presentation. It tells them that they
might actually enjoy it. Don't disappoint them by telling an
opening joke and boring them the rest of the time.

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