Most presenters waste the most important line of their whole presentation – the opening – on pleasant pleasantries. As it’s Thanksgiving here in Canada today, I thought it appropriate to say that “thank you” is warranted at the dining room table, but not at the beginning of your presentation.
Come out with a bang, let them know what’s in store, or get them excited that you will help them solve their problem, but please don’t waste it on fluff. Everyone knows you’re grateful to be here.
The audience is grateful too or at least they were until you started taking the opportunity to get brownie points with the meeting or conference organizer. Instead, prove that you’re grateful by putting on an amazing presentation that the audience members thank the organizer for having brought you in to speak.
And Happy Thanksgiving! 
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