We all rush to judgement. When we see the new presenter standing there, we the audience are taking snapshots, forming judgements about the presenter. How often have you sat there and known that a presentation is going to be good or bad within the first 90 seconds? In the next few comments we’re going to look at ways of improving your impact in those crucial 90 seconds but, for the moment, just concentrate on one thing.

Turn to the audience and say, “I’m really pleased to be given the chance to speak to you this morning. I’ve really been looking forward to it.” They’ll be put more at ease, you’ll be more at ease and politeness can get you a long way.