9 Engaging Ways to Open a Presentation (With Examples)

When it comes to public speaking, how you start a presentation matters the most. The first 60 seconds can decide whether your audience pays attention or drifts away. That’s why finding the right ways to open a presentation is crucial.

A strong opener grabs attention, sparks curiosity, and sets the tone for everything that follows. Whether you’re pitching to investors, teaching a class, or motivating your team, the right start can make your presentation memorable and impactful.

In this guide, we’ll explore 9 engaging ways to start a presentation, complete with real-life examples you can adapt to your own talks.

1. Open With a Startling Statistic

Numbers and data points grab attention instantly. A surprising statistic shows you’ve done your research and gives your audience a reason to listen.

Example:
“Did you know that 90% of startups fail within the first year? Today, we’re going to explore how to be in the successful 10%.”

👉 Use statistics that are credible, up-to-date, and highly relevant to your audience.

2. Ask a Provocative Question

A question creates curiosity and involvement from the very beginning. It encourages your audience to think about their own experiences.

Example:
“What if I told you that one decision could increase your productivity by 40%? Let’s dive into what that decision is.”

👉 Choose a bold, thought-provoking question that directly connects to your presentation topic.

3. Begin With a Powerful Quote

A relevant and inspiring quote can set the perfect mood and give your opening credibility.

Example:
“Maya Angelou once said, ‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ Let’s make our customers never forget us.”

👉 Select quotes from figures your audience admires or respects.

4. Tell an Engaging Story

Stories are one of the most powerful ways to open a presentation because they connect emotionally. A short and authentic story makes your audience curious about what happens next.

Example:
“Three years ago, I was on the brink of bankruptcy. Now, I’m running a successful multi-million-dollar business. This is the story of the turnaround.”

👉 Keep your story concise, relevant, and tied to the main lesson of your presentation.

5. Use a Striking Visual

Visuals can communicate ideas faster than words. An image, slide, or metaphor can set the stage for your entire presentation.

Example:
“Imagine this image: Earth, seen from space, a tiny blue dot. That’s all of us. Now imagine it without water. Today, we talk about conservation.”

👉 Use visuals that provoke emotion and support your message.

6. Share a Humorous Anecdote

Humor breaks the ice and makes you relatable. Starting with something lighthearted keeps your audience relaxed and engaged.

Example:
“Why did the marketer get off the trampoline? He was worried about his bounce rate! Let’s talk about keeping customers engaged, without the trampoline.”

👉 Keep it professional, relevant, and inclusive so it works for everyone in the room.

7. Make a Bold Promise

When you start by promising value, people lean in to see if you’ll deliver. It sets clear expectations from the start.

Example:
“By the end of this presentation, you’ll know exactly how to triple your conversion rate. Let’s get started.”

👉 Ensure your promise is realistic, and then deliver on it.

8. Create an Interactive Challenge

Getting your audience involved right away makes them active participants instead of passive listeners.

Example:
“I want everyone to stand up if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by data. Keep standing. Today, we’re going to simplify data analysis.”

👉 Keep the activity simple and relevant to your presentation theme.

9. Make a Personal Connection

A personal touch makes your opener authentic and relatable. By showing vulnerability, you earn trust.

Example:
“I once stood exactly where you are, wondering if change was possible. Here’s how I discovered it and drastically changed my life.”

👉 Be genuine, people connect with honesty more than perfection.

Final Thoughts: The Best Ways to Open a Presentation

Your opener is your leverage: get it wrong, and your audience may lose interest. Get it right, and you set the stage for inspiration, persuasion, and action.

When preparing your next talk, test one of these 9 engaging ways to open a presentation. Whether it’s a startling fact, a personal story, or a bold promise, the right start can transform your presentation into a memorable experience.