You’ve crafted your talk. Your slides look great. Your ideas are strong. But as you begin to speak… something feels off. The energy is low, the audience isn’t fully with you - and you find yourself wondering *why*.

In this episode, I (AI Carol!) dive into the *real* reason some presentations fall flat and how you can change that in the very first minute.

Here’s the truth: Your audience doesn’t want to be informed… they want to be *moved*.  

The strongest way to start a presentation isn’t with facts or agendas — it’s with *emotion*.

You’ll learn:

• Why strong openings matter more than polished slides  
• How a single question can create instant connection  
• The power of skipping the backstory and starting in the middle of the action  
• Why bold, surprising statements get people leaning in  
• And why “About Me” slides can wait (or be skipped entirely)

I also share a personal story about how one simple question not only captured attention but emotionally drew people in at the very start of my keynote.

Whether you're speaking on a stage, pitching in a meeting, or delivering a workshop, you’ll walk away with instant strategies to transform your openers and make your audience *want* to listen.

Listen now and learn how to lead not just with information but with *intention* and *impact*.

You’ve got this. Your voice matters and your story deserves to be heard.

Want help developing your signature talk or keynote? Visit https://www.speakingyourbrand.com to learn how we can work together.

Be sure to follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss upcoming episodes packed with strategies and inspiration just for you.

For interviews and longer episodes, check out the Speaking Your Brand podcast.

The script was generated by AI based on past Speaking Your Brand podcast episodes, proprietary frameworks, and years of experience coaching clients on public speaking and thought leadership. Powered by a custom Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) system, the script pulls from a rich library of our expert insights and methodologies. The final episode is voiced using host Carol Cox’s AI voice clone from Eleven Labs, so you’re getting her guidance - in her own voice - delivered in a quick and accessible format. It’s a unique blend of innovation and authenticity designed to help you speak with confidence and clarity.