1. Not Grabbing Attention: A weak introduction fails to engage the audience right away.
* What it looks like: Starting with a bland statement like "Hi everyone, today I'm going to talk about..." or focusing solely on the speaker's credentials instead of the topic.
* How to avoid it: Use a compelling opening line, a relevant anecdote, a surprising statistic, a thought-provoking question, or a powerful image to pique interest.
2. Lack of Clarity: A confusing introduction leaves the audience unsure of what to expect.
* What it looks like: Rambling, jumping between topics, or failing to clearly state the purpose of the speech.
* How to avoid it: Keep the introduction concise and focused. Clearly state the topic, the speaker's purpose, and the main points that will be covered.
3. Ignoring the Audience: A speaker who doesn't connect with the audience fails to build rapport and trust.
* What it looks like: Reading from notes without making eye contact, using jargon the audience doesn't understand, or not acknowledging their presence.
* How to avoid it: Make eye contact, use a friendly tone, and tailor the language to the audience's knowledge level. Consider using a personal anecdote to connect with them on a human level.