During the first two minutes of your presentation, you should be “taking the audience’s pulse.” What is their energy level? Are they displaying any body language, such as smiling or nodding? Are they exchanging glances with the people around them, and if so, are those glances of interest or skepticism? Throw out a safe and clear show-of-hands question and see how many people respond. These first two minutes are crucial in deciding how to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
Some audiences are quick to respond; others are not. This can depend on whether they are already interested in your topic, whether their presence was mandatory, and whether they know and like each other.
Keep in mind that they are assessing you while you are assessing them!
