Bruce Kasanoff tells us what to focus on in the first 60 seconds of your presentation. And the first 60 seconds has nothing to do with your contact information -- A picture of your office, your products, or your office phone number. Those slides are about as exciting as watching glue dry.
Instead Bruce offers five suggestions. My favorite suggestion?
Be immediately interesting. Even if you have housekeeping notes or details to go over with the audience, don't start with these! First, build rapport and demonstrate that you are both in control and worth their attention. Audiences are happy to support a speaker, once the recognize his or her talents.
The author makes a final point, that should inspire you to practice these techniques.
-- Presenting is the closest you will ever get to show business.