Structuring Your MessageUNIT4DB Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Structuring Your MessageUNIT4DB - Essay Example In this paper, we will address why the opening of a presentation is crucial and some ways to prepare an effective one. The opening, beginning or introduction of a presentation tells the audience what is to come and what to expect. According to Mary Munter (2002), one must remember to â€Å"set the stage†, â€Å"grab attention†, â€Å"use humor with caution† and â€Å"state recommendations† in preparing for the opening. (p. 43-44) She underscored the fact that this is the part where the presenter introduces the topic, sets the pace, and establishes credibility. There are several styles in doing so, but it is recommended to use a formal introductory device. Effective formal openers include anecdote, humor and involving question. Steve Mandel (2000) explained these extensively in his book, The Effective Presentation Skills. Anecdote, which is usually humorous though not always, tells of a short story to illustrate a point. Humor, on the other hand, uses a joke as a springboard to seize attention and break the ice. Mandel, however, warned against humor that has something to do with sex, race, religion, or any other personal topic. According to him the humor must be linked to the speaker, topic, audience, or the occasion. It should be conservative. Involving question is a bit tricky, so if one does not know his audience, he could ask for a show of hands after asking an open-ended question. This is a safe way since audience might give a wrong answer or crack a joke at the presenter’s expense. (Mandel, p. 24) Informative presentations do away with these devices and instead call for introductions that state facts and figures. (Asha, p. 96) In this case, statistical data or citing the agenda is used to open the presentation. Confidence adds up to the impact of a presentation. That is the reason why practice and preparation is important. I have seen a very good presentation ruined because the presenter