08/09/2026
🎤 A client recently told me “I’m always nervous when I start presenting, but once I get through the first few minutes, I’m fine.”
Sound familiar? Here’s the problem: your audience isn’t waiting five minutes for you to find your groove.
Whether it takes five seconds, 30 seconds or a minute, people form an impression of a speaker very quickly. If your opening is hesitant, quiet or uncertain, you may lose their attention before you’ve even reached your main message.
So how do you start strong? Here are 3 tips to make your first few seconds count:
1️⃣ Know your opening
Your first few sentences should be rehearsed so well that you don't have to think about what comes next. That gives you the freedom to focus on your audience.
2️⃣ Make eye contact with your listeners
Don’t hide behind your notes or slides. Look at people. Connect with them. Speak to them, rather than simply speaking at them.
3️⃣ Use confident body language
Plant your feet. Open up your posture. Face the audience. Avoid nervous shifting, excessive pacing or closed-off body language.
Your audience is forming an impression. Make those first five seconds count.
Ready to improve your public speaking?
👉 Get in touch with The Speaking Coach
Do you want to improve your Public Speaking? The Speaking Coach offers professional training so you can communicate with clarity, confidence and connection.
