Open with a story

Today's tip is all about how to begin.

Best case you’ll open right on a story. Because the worst thing to do (unless you really have to) is to open with thank yous and then housekeeping and then other throat clearing before you really take off.

Just walk up to the stage or start the Zoom meeting and boom, go right into a story.

And never say “I’m going to tell you a story.”

I don't know about you, but every time I hear somebody say, “I'm going to tell you a story” I want to run from the room. But if you start right in on the action, chances are it'll really grab your audience and then in a few minutes and you can thank people and you can give any other kinds of introductions that you need to.