Rock Your Opening
91% of people pay attention during the first 15 minutes of a meeting, then you lose them.
"Thank you for coming here today, we are here today to talk about..." Sound familiar? Your listeners just mentally checked out. They're already diving into emails, knowing you'll waste five precious minutes before delivering anything valuable. Every conversation matters. Your opening determines whether people lean in or tune out. Research shows that 91% of people pay attention during the first 15 minutes of a meeting, but this drops to 84% in the next 15 minutes, proving you have a narrow window to capture minds before losing them forever.
Ditch the Deadly Filler Phrases
"We are here today to talk about..." destroys your credibility instantly. This lazy opener invites listeners to shut down before you've shared anything meaningful. Winners never start with weak filler phrases.
Instead, launch with a S.P.A.R.K.: Story, analogy, quote, reference, question or humor. Your S.P.A.R.K. must connect directly to your topic and drive home your key point in 45 seconds maximum. No rambling stories that circle nowhere.
Master the 30-Second Opening Formula
Following your S.P.A.R.K., clearly state your opinion on the subject, what you want listeners to do during the meeting and the value they receive. This formula works for every interaction: meetings, presentations, emails, face-to-face conversations and virtual discussions.
Example: "Communicating with influence drives long-term client relationships. Stay open to skills and techniques that quickly build trust with clients, put more money in your pocket and increase your ability to influence Monday to Monday."
Your listeners now know where you stand, what you're asking them to do and the value they receive. State these elements in any order based on your listeners' needs.
Connect With Purpose From Second One
The moment you begin speaking, connect with one person for a complete sentence or thought. Stop scanning the room with your eyes or talking to your notes, handouts or PowerPoint deck. Your listeners deserve to know you value their time and you're 100 percent present.
Get to the Point Immediately
The number one frustration for listeners? When you waste their time. Most conversations happen without preparation time - those impromptu hallway discussions, unexpected client calls and urgent team huddles.
Practice being clear, concise and direct during day-to-day conversations. When you communicate your points in less time, your message gains more impact and influence. That's the purpose of every conversation.
Your opening sets the tone for everything that follows. Stop hoping people will stick around long enough to hear your good stuff. Command their attention from word one.
