How many presentations have occurred in the world in the last week? I think you’ll agree . . . millions. How many of those presentations have been mediocre? Let’s agree . . . millions. No one in the world of work is eager to hear another presentation. That’s why it’s important, in the planning of your presentation or opening of a meeting, to construct an opening ‘hook to listen’. My definition of a ‘hook to listen’ is this:

• That after an audience hears the first words you speak of your presentation, their attention is ‘hooked’ and they’re keen to hear more.

– Here is my post Use these field tested pitch techniques to hook your audience. The post contains numerous ‘hook to listen’ examples. – Here is my post Strategies by mining your life to hook an audience to listen. The post provides a practical process that will uncover anecdotes, vignettes, stories etc that can be used for your ‘hooks to listen’. Fortuitously and recently, one of my senior executive clients, who is a VP of a multinational enterprise, has come up with an excellent process, that can be used on a regular basis to hook his boss to listen. Here’s an email my client sent me with the description of the process:

“Michael, recently, as part of a fortnightly engagement, I had the opportunity to present our strategy/focus with a new global leader. I have only had a few interactions since his hire.

Using the technique of sharing something personal about myself and linking it to the key topic on the agenda

created a wonderful two-way conversation for nearly 10 mins.

By doing this sharing, we learnt more about each other and created further opportunities for future conversations. It also created a more relaxed and engaging conversation on the topic that was being discussed.”

Own the Conversation

In the next seven days I suggest you choose ONE or MORE of the following things to do: #1 For an upcoming meeting with a peer, aim to share something personal about yourself and link it to the agenda item. #2 For an upcoming meeting with your boss, aim to share something personal about yourself and link it to the agenda item. #3 Read my post Use these field tested pitch techniques to hook your audience and choose one to trial. #4 Read my post Strategies by mining your life to hook an audience to listen and work through the described process.