It’s vitally important to get off to a good start when you present. Being well prepared can really help you to open your presentation well. Preparation breeds effectiveness, breeds confidence, breeds success. If you are well prepared you can also focus on executing these aspects in the first 5 seconds of your delivery.

• Body position – start with an upright posture
• Facial expression – if you are selling or delivering good news, smile
• Eye contact – share and connect with the whole audience equally
• Gestures – start with your hands by your side and incorporate 2 or 3 relevant, natural gestures in the first 5 seconds

Practising and perfecting the first 5 seconds gives you the platform to make a great first impression.