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How To Start a Presentation: 15 Ways to Set the Stage

By Krystle Wong , Jul 25, 2023

How To Start A Presentation

The opening moments of your presentation hold immense power – it’s your opportunity to make a lasting impression and captivate your audience. 

A strong presentation start acts as a beacon, cutting through the noise and instantly capturing the attention of your listeners. With so much content vying for their focus, a captivating opening ensures that your message stands out and resonates with your audience.

Whether you’re a startup business owner pitching a brilliant idea, a seasoned presenter delivering a persuasive talk or an expert sharing your experience, the start of your presentation can make all the difference. But don’t fret — I’ve got you covered with 15 electrifying ways to kickstart your presentation. 

The presentation introduction examples in this article cover everything from self-introduction to how to start a group presentation, building anticipation that leaves the audience eager to delve into the depths of your topic.

Click to jump ahead:

How to start a presentation introduction

15 ways to start a presentation and captivate your audience, common mistakes to avoid in the opening of a presentation, faqs on how to start a presentation, captivate the audience from the get-go.

presentation introduce agenda

Presentations can be scary, I know. But even if stage fright hits, you can always fall back on a simple strategy.

Just take a deep breath, introduce yourself and briefly explain the topic of your presentation.

To grab attention at the start, try this opening line: Hello everyone. I am so glad you could join me today. I’m very excited about today’s topic. I’m [Your Name] and I’ll be talking about [Presentation Topic]. Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by [Challenge related to your topic]. Many of us might have faced challenges with [Challenge related to your topic]. Today, we’ll explore some strategies that’ll help us [Solution that you’re presenting].

Regardless of your mode of presentation , crafting an engaging introduction sets the stage for a memorable presentation.

Let’s dive into some key tips for how to start a presentation speech to help you nail the art of starting with a bang:

Understand your audience

The key to an engaging introduction is to know your audience inside out and give your audience what they want. Tailor your opening to resonate with their specific interests, needs and expectations. Consider what will captivate them and how you can make your presentation relevant to their lives or work.

Use a compelling hook

Grab the audience’s attention from the get-go with a compelling hook. Whether it’s a thought-provoking question, a surprising fact or a gripping story, a powerful opening will immediately pique their curiosity and keep them invested in what you have to say.

presentation introduce agenda

State your purpose

Be crystal clear about your subject matter and the purpose of your presentation. In just a few sentences, communicate the main objectives and the value your audience will gain from listening to you. Let them know upfront what to expect and they’ll be more likely to stay engaged throughout.

Introduce yourself and your team

Give a self introduction about who you are such as your job title to establish credibility and rapport with the audience.

Some creative ways to introduce yourself in a presentation would be by sharing a brief and engaging personal story that connects to your topic or the theme of your presentation. This approach instantly makes you relatable and captures the audience’s attention.

Now, let’s talk about — how to introduce team members in a presentation. Before introducing each team member, briefly explain their role or contribution to the project or presentation. This gives the audience an understanding of their relevance and expertise.

Group presentations are also a breeze with the help of Venngage. Our in-editor collaboration tools allow you to edit presentations side by side in real-time. That way, you can seamlessly hare your design with the team for input and make sure everyone is on track. 

Maintain enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is contagious! Keep the energy levels up throughout your introduction, conveying a positive and upbeat tone. A vibrant and welcoming atmosphere sets the stage for an exciting presentation and keeps the audience eager to hear more.

Before you think about how to present a topic, think about how to design impactful slides that can leave a lasting impression on the audience. Here are 120+ presentation ideas , design tips, and examples to help you create an awesome slide deck for your next presentation.

Captivating your audience from the get-go is the key to a successful presentation. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or a novice taking the stage for the first time, the opening of your presentation sets the tone for the entire talk. 

So, let’s get ready to dive into the 15 most creative ways to start a presentation. I promise you these presentation introduction ideas will captivate your audience, leaving them hanging on your every word.

Grab-attention immediately

Ask a thought-provoking question.

Get the audience’s wheels turning by throwing them a thought-provoking question right out of the gate. Make them ponder, wonder and engage their critical thinking muscles from the very start.

Share a surprising statistic or fact

Brace yourself for some wide eyes and dropped jaws! Open your presentation with a jaw-dropping statistic or a mind-blowing fact that’s directly related to your topic. Nothing captures attention like a good ol’ dose of shock and awe.

presentation introduce agenda

State a bold statement or challenge

Ready to shake things up? Kick off with a bold and daring statement that sets the stage for your presentation’s epic journey. Boldness has a way of making ears perk up and eyes widen in anticipation!

Engage with a poll or interactive activity

Turn the audience from passive listeners to active participants by kicking off with a fun poll or interactive activity. Get them on their feet, or rather — their fingertips, right from the start!

Venngage’s user-friendly drag-and-drop editor allows you to easily transform your slides into an interactive presentation . Create clickable buttons or navigation elements within your presentation to guide your audience to different sections or external resources. 

Enhance engagement by incorporating videos or audio clips directly into your presentation. Venngage supports video and audio embedding, which can add depth to your content.

presentation introduce agenda

Begin with an opening phrase that captures attention

Use opening phrases that can help you create a strong connection with your audience and make them eager to hear more about what you have to say. Remember to be confident, enthusiastic and authentic in your delivery to maximize the impact of your presentation.

Here are some effective presentation starting words and phrases that can help you grab your audience’s attention and set the stage for a captivating presentation:

  • “Imagine…”
  • “Picture this…”
  • “Did you know that…”
  • “Have you ever wondered…”
  • “In this presentation, we’ll explore…”
  • “Let’s dive right in and discover…”
  • “I’m excited to share with you…”
  • “I have a confession to make…”
  • “I want to start by telling you a story…”
  • “Before we begin, let’s consider…”
  • “Have you ever faced the challenge of…”
  • “We all know that…”
  • “This is a topic close to my heart because…”
  • “Over the next [minutes/hours], we’ll cover…”
  • “I invite you to journey with me through…”

Build connection and credibility

Begin with a personal connection .

Share a real-life experience or a special connection to the topic at hand. This simple act of opening up creates an instant bond with the audience, turning them into your biggest cheerleaders.

Having the team share their personal experiences is also a good group presentation introduction approach. Team members can share their own stories that are related to the topic to create an emotional connection with your audience. 

presentation introduce agenda

Tell a relevant story

Start your presentation with a riveting story that hooks your audience and relates to your main message. Stories have a magical way of captivating hearts and minds. Organize your slides in a clear and sequential manner and use visuals that complement your narrative and evoke emotions to engage the audience.

With Venngage, you have access to a vast library of high-quality and captivating stock photography, offering thousands of options to enrich your presentations. The best part? It’s entirely free! Elevate your visual storytelling with stunning images that complement your content, captivate your audience and add a professional touch to your presentation. 

Venngage Stock Photo Library

Use a powerful quote

Sometimes, all you need is some wise words to work wonders. Begin with a powerful quote from a legendary figure that perfectly fits your presentation’s theme — a dose of inspiration sets the stage for an epic journey.

Build anticipation

Provide a brief outline.

Here’s a good introduction for presentation example if you’re giving a speech at a conference. For longer presentations or conferences with multiple speakers especially, providing an outline helps the audience stay focused on the key takeaways. That way, you can better manage your time and ensure that you cover all the key points without rushing or running out of time.

Pose a problem and offer a solution

A great idea on how to start a business presentation is to start by presenting a problem and offering a well-thought-out solution. By addressing their pain points and showcasing your solution, you’ll capture their interest and set the stage for a compelling and successful presentation.

Back up your solution with data, research, or case studies that demonstrate its effectiveness. This can also be a good reporting introduction example that adds credibility to your proposal.

Preparing a pitch deck can be a daunting task but fret not. This guide on the 30+ best pitch deck tips and examples has everything you need to bring on new business partners and win new client contracts. Alternatively, you can also get started by customizing one of our professional pitch deck templates for free. 

presentation introduce agenda

Incite curiosity in the audience

Utilize visuals or props.

Capture your audience’s gaze by whipping out captivating visuals or props that add an exciting touch to your subject. A well-placed prop or a stunning visual can make your presentation pop like a fireworks show!

That said, you maybe wondering — how can I make my presentation more attractive.  A well-designed presentation background instantly captures the audience’s attention and creates a positive first impression. Here are 15 presentation background examples to keep the audience awake to help you get inspired. 

Use humor or wit

Sprinkle some humor and wit to spice things up. Cracking a clever joke or throwing in a witty remark can break the ice and create a positively charged atmosphere. If you’re cracking your head on how to start a group presentation, humor is a great way to start a presentation speech. 

Get your team members involved in the fun to create a collaborative and enjoyable experience for everyone. Laughter is the perfect way to break the ice and set a positive tone for your presentation!

presentation introduce agenda

Invoke emotion

Get those heartstrings tugging! Start with a heartfelt story or example that stirs up emotions and connects with your audience on a personal level. Emotion is the secret sauce to a memorable presentation.

Aside from getting creative with your introduction, a well-crafted and creative presentation can boost your confidence as a presenter. Browse our catalog of creative presentation templates and get started right away!

Use a dramatic pause

A great group presentation example is to start with a powerful moment of silence, like a magician about to reveal their greatest trick. After introducing your team, allow a brief moment of silence. Hold the pause for a few seconds, making it feel deliberate and purposeful. This builds anticipation and curiosity among the audience.

Pique their interest

Share a fun fact or anecdote.

Time for a little fun and games! Kick-off with a lighthearted or fascinating fact that’ll make the audience go, “Wow, really? Tell me more!” A sprinkle of amusement sets the stage for an entertaining ride.

While an introduction for a presentation sets the tone for your speech, a good slide complements your spoken words, helping the audience better understand and remember your message. Check out these 12 best presentation software for 2023 that can aid your next presentation. 

presentation introduce agenda

The opening moments of a presentation can make or break your entire talk. It’s your chance to grab your audience’s attention, set the tone, and lay the foundation for a successful presentation. However, there are some common pitfalls that speakers often fall into when starting their presentations. 

Starting with Apologies

It might be tempting to start with a preemptive apology, especially if you’re feeling nervous or unsure about your presentation. However, beginning with unnecessary apologies or self-deprecating remarks sets a negative tone right from the start. Instead of exuding confidence and credibility, you’re unintentionally undermining yourself and your message. 

Reading from Slides

One of the most common blunders in the opening of a PowerPoint presentation is reading directly from your slides or script. While it’s crucial to have a well-structured outline, reciting word-for-word can lead to disengagement and boredom among your audience. Maintain eye contact and connect with your listeners as you speak. Your slides should complement your words, not replace them.

presentation introduce agenda

Overwhelming with Information

In the excitement to impress, some presenters bombard their audience with too much information right at the beginning.

Instead of overloading the audience with a sea of data, statistics or technical details that can quickly lead to confusion and disinterest, visualize your data with the help of Venngage. Choose an infographic template that best suits the type of data you want to visualize. Venngage offers a variety of pre-designed templates for charts, graphs, infographics and more.

Venngage Infographics Templates

Ignoring the Audience

It’s easy to get caught up in the content and forget about the people in front of you. Don’t overlook the importance of acknowledging the audience and building a connection with them. Greet them warmly, make eye contact and maintain body language to show genuine interest in their presence. Engage the audience early on by asking a show of hands question or encourage audience participation. 

Lack of Clarity

Your audience should know exactly what to expect from your presentation. Starting with a vague or unclear opening leaves them guessing about the purpose and direction of your talk. Clearly communicate the topic and objectives of your presentation right from the beginning. This sets the stage for a focused and coherent message that resonates with your audience.

Simplicity makes it easier for the audience to understand and retain the information presented. Check out our gallery of simple presentation templates to keep your opening concise and relevant. 

presentation introduce agenda

Skipping the Hook

The opening of your presentation is the perfect opportunity to hook your audience’s attention and keep them engaged. However, some presenters overlook this crucial aspect and dive straight into the content without any intrigue. Craft an attention-grabbing hook that sparks curiosity, poses a thought-provoking question or shares an interesting fact. A compelling opening is like the key that unlocks your audience’s receptivity to the rest of your presentation.

Now that you’ve got the gist of how to introduce a presentation, further brush up your speech with these tips on how to make a persuasive presentation and how to improve your presentation skills to create an engaging presentation . 

presentation introduce agenda

How can I overcome nervousness at the beginning of a presentation?

To overcome nervousness at the beginning of a presentation, take deep breaths, practice beforehand, and focus on connecting with your audience rather than worrying about yourself.

How long should the opening of a presentation be?

The opening of a presentation should typically be brief, lasting around 1 to 3 minutes, to grab the audience’s attention and set the tone for the rest of the talk.

Should I memorize my presentation’s opening lines?

While it’s helpful to know your opening lines, it’s better to understand the key points and flow naturally to maintain authenticity and flexibility during the presentation.

Should I use slides during the opening of my presentation?

Using slides sparingly during the opening can enhance the message, but avoid overwhelming the audience with too much information early on.

How do I transition smoothly from the opening to the main content of my presentation?

Transition smoothly from the opening to the main content by providing a clear and concise outline of what’s to come, signaling the shift and maintaining a logical flow between topics.

Just as a captivating opening draws your audience in, creating a well-crafted presentation closing has the power to leave a lasting impression. Wrap up in style with these 10 ways to end a presentation .

Presenting virtually? Check out these tips on how to ace your next online presentation . 

Captivating your audience from the very beginning is crucial for a successful presentation. The first few moments of your talk can set the tone and determine whether your audience remains engaged throughout or loses interest. 

Start with a compelling opening that grabs their attention. You can use a thought-provoking question, a surprising statistic or a powerful quote to pique their curiosity. Alternatively, storytelling can be a potent tool to draw them into your narrative. It’s essential to establish a personal connection early on, whether by sharing a relatable experience or expressing empathy towards their needs and interests.

Lastly, be mindful of your body language and vocal delivery. A confident and engaging speaker can captivate an audience, so make eye contact, use appropriate gestures and vary your tone to convey passion and sincerity.

In conclusion, captivating your audience from the very beginning requires thoughtful preparation, engaging content and a confident delivery. With Venngage’s customizable templates, you can adapt your presentation to suit the preferences and interests of your specific audience, ensuring maximum engagement. Go on and get started today!

WHITNEY D. WALTER

PowerPoint Agendas

PowerPoint Agenda Slide: What It Is & Easy Ways to Make One

Whitney D. Walter

If you’ve been creating Microsoft PowerPoint presentations for a while, you already know the benefits of starting with a good agenda.

As a presenter, it allows you to take control of the conversation from the very beginning. You’ll also have the ability to eliminate audience distractions by clarifying the meeting objective and pointing out when the audience can be expected to participate. This allows them to pay  more  attention to what you’re saying and  less  to when you’re going to answer certain questions.

In fact,  according to Entrepreneur , meetings without effective agendas are simply  time-wasters.  When your audience doesn’t know what to expect they’ll be more likely to interrupt with questions and that’s a quick way to lose control.

Whether you’re presenting to clients, students, or colleagues starting a presentation with a solid agenda is always a good idea.

So, I’m sharing three types of PowerPoint agenda slides you can start creating today. I’ll also share the skill level needed for each and best practices for when each one is most effective.

Check them out and let me know which one you plan to use in the comments!

Visual Roadmap Agenda Slide

What is an agenda slide in powerpoint.

When you’re creating a PowerPoint presentation, it’s extremely important to have an agenda slide. An agenda slide in PowerPoint is the first slide of your presentation.

This is the slide that tells your audience what you’re going to be talking about. It tells the audience what they are going to see and in what order. It is basically an outline of your presentation.

As a presentation creator, this can be a great slide to create when drafting a presentation. It can help to keep your presentation focused and on track.

By including an agenda slide, you’re helping your audience to follow along and understand the overall structure of your presentation. It also gives the appearance of a more professional presentation.

How do you create an agenda slide?

Hyperlinked table of contents agenda slide.

Skill Level:  Beginner

What it’s good for:  This is ideal for presentations to leaders, executives, and similar “no-frills” types of audiences. This type of agenda provides clear, easy-to-follow navigation and is perfect for presentations of all kinds.

How it’s Done:

  • Create a simple numbered or bulleted list of agenda points to be included at the beginning of your presentation.
  • NOTE: This can be a list of each slide’s actual title, key takeaways, general concept(s) each slide covers. If you choose to focus on key takeaways or concepts, try to keep your descriptions clear and concise. Use the  5/5/5 rule  as a guide, if needed.
  • Highlight the text of your first agenda item.
  • Right-click on the highlighted text and click  Hyperlink.
  • Select  Place in This Document  and  select the corresponding slide  within your presentation.
  • Click  OK.
  • Repeat steps 2 through 5 for each item on the agenda.

Zoom Section Links Agenda Slide(for PowerPoint 2016 and later)

Skill Level:  Beginner/Intermediate

What it’s good for:  This works well for presentations with clearly defined sections and allows you to bounce between the topics when necessary.

How it’s Done: 

  • Once your PowerPoint is complete, navigate over to the slide preview panel on the left side of the screen and  click on the space  between the two slides where you want your first section to start. (Wherever you click, the section will include all slides that follow unless there is another section later in the presentation, then it will include all slides up until that point.) A line will appear to show where your new section begins.
  • Navigate to the  Home  tab at the top of the screen and click on  Section,  then  Add Section.
  • Give the section a name.
  • NOTE: At this point, I like to create a slide that simply says the section name. It allows you to create more uniform section images later.
  • Click away from the section and it will automatically save.
  • Repeat steps 1 through 5 for any additional sections you wish to include.
  • Once all sections are complete, insert a new blank slide for your agenda.
  • Navigate to the  Insert  tab at the top of the screen and  click the drop-down menu next to Zoom  then click  Section Zoom.
  • Select the sections you wish to include and click  Insert.
  • The section images will automatically be added in a cascaded stack on the slide. Click away from the images and then click each one to drag and drop to the correct placement on the slide.

Skill Level:  Advanced

What it’s good for:  This is great for presentations geared towards interns, new hires, or presentations that focus on steps within a process or system.

  • Create a simple bulleted list of the sections to be included in your presentation.
  • With your text box selected, navigate to the  Home  tab at the top of the screen and click  Convert to SmartArt  and choose from the dropdown menu.
  • Once you select one of the options, a new menu will appear at the top of the screen. You can use this menu to preview other styles. I recommend selecting from the Process section. Some of my favorite types of SmartArt for this are Basic Process, Picture Accent Process, Alternating Flow, Basic Timeline, Basic Chevron Process, Vertical Chevron List, and Upward Arrow.
  • Depending on the chart you choose, you may also have additional space to include more details about each part of the presentation.
  • Adjust the shape colors, size, and style to match your presentation.
  • Additionally, you may want to link each step in the process to a section or slide. To create a linked shape,  right-click the shape  and click  Hyperlink.  Select  Place in This Document , choose the appropriate slide and then click  OK.

Is there an agenda template in PowerPoint?

If you’re looking for agenda slide templates, you might be wondering if PowerPoint has any available in the “Templates” section of the program.

Unfortunately, there’s not an standard agenda slide template in PowerPoint. However, you can reverse engineer your entire presentation if you start with an agenda before creating the rest of your slides.

With the PowerPoint Designer you can use the basic agenda slide template to automatically create each slide based on your agenda chosen items. Even better, the Designer incorporates design elements to make your slide and agenda items pop.

Save time and give it a try on your next presentation.

You might also be interested in: How to Track Changes in PowerPoint

Now you’ve mastered the basics when it comes to the often-overlooked PowerPoint agenda slide. If you are used to incorporating a basic agenda in your presentations then it’s time to up-level with hyperlinks! I’d love to know how you’re currently using agendas and which of these recommendations you plan to try. Comment below and let me know.

And remember, whether you add in an agenda that sweet and simple or something more advanced, simply making a habit of providing an overview of the presentation’s keys areas is good practice.

If you found these tips useful, download the free PDF so that you can follow the step-by-step instructions next time you’re creating a presentation. Request the free PDF download below!

Otherwise,  click here  to check out the rest of the PowerPoint Efficiency collection.

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Whitney is a recognized Professional Development Expert, professional speaker, and the founder of Harness Your Power. She holds a Master’s in Business Administration from Florida State University and a Microsoft PowerPoint Specialist certification. She has been featured in Yahoo Finance, AOL, Authority Magazine, Business Insider, Fox and more. Read more.

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Blog > Create an Agenda in PowerPoint + Free PowerPoint Template

Create an Agenda in PowerPoint + Free PowerPoint Template

08.29.21   •  #powerpoint #tips #templates.

An agenda is not only used for the structure of a PowerPoint presentation, but it also arouses the interest of your audience at the same time. With the help of PowerPoint, creating an agenda no longer takes long. In this blog post we will show you different ways to create an agenda. Finally, we also have various templates for an agenda for you to download.

Automatically generating Agenda in PowerPoint

change view

Manually creating Agenda in PowerPoint

Manual Agenda

Linking the Agenda with links

linking with link

Improve the design with SmartArts

Convert to SmartArt

Download free Agenda Template

all slides

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About the author.

presentation introduce agenda

Miriam Rapberger

Miriam supports SlideLizard in the area of marketing and design. There she uses her creativity for blog posts, among other things.

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Break-out-room.

In live online training, it is sometimes useful to divide the students into small groups for certain exercises, as it would be impossible to have conversations at the same time. Break-out-rooms are used so that people can talk to each other without disturbing the others. When the exercise is over, they are sent back to the main room.

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A vocalized pause means the pause when the silence between words is filled by the speaker with vocalizations like "um", "uh" and "er".

Declamation Speech

A declamation speech describes the re-giving of an important speech that has been given in the past. It is usually given with a lot of emotion and passion.

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How to Start a Presentation [+ Examples]

Published: September 13, 2023

The first step in mastering the art of delivering powerful presentations is understanding how to start a presentation properly.

how to start a presentation where a person holds mic

In this post, you'll discover strategies for crafting a solid presentation opening, designing an impactful opening slide, and delivering a memorable presentation.

→ Free Download: 10 PowerPoint Presentation Templates [Access Now]

Table of Contents

Why Your Presentation Opening Matters

How to start a presentation, opening slide examples, best practices for starting a presentation.

The opening of your presentation sets the tone for your entire session.

Within the first few minutes, most of your audience will decide whether they find your expertise, experience, and topic compelling enough to warrant their attention.

Think of it this way: Your opening is a preview of your presentation like a trailer is a preview of a movie. If the five-minute trailer isn’t engaging or impactful, why should the audience bother sitting through the half-hour movie?

Your opening shapes the expectations of your audience and entices them to stay engaged throughout the session.

And although you’ll still need to work to maintain their attention, getting it right from the start will spare you the challenge of re-engaging a disinterested audience right from the beginning of your presentation.

presentation introduce agenda

This opening statement is powerful because rather than lead with his “credentials” or “accolades,” as the audience most likely expects, he defies that expectation.

He creates a sense of intrigue that instantly piques the audience's curiosity and compels them to pay closer attention.

Infuse humor.

In Tom Thum's TedTalk titled Beatbox Brilliance , he sets a lighthearted tone by stepping on stage wearing oversized sunglasses and declaring, “My name is Tom, and I've come here today to come clean about what I do for money.”

As you might expect, this humorous approach not only elicits laughter but also surprises the audience, who are intrigued and pleasantly surprised at the tone he sets for the presentation.

Ask a question.

Graham Shaw's presentation titled “ Why people believe they can’t draw - and how to prove they can ” begins with, “Hi, I've got a question for you - how many people here would say they can draw?”

Seeing as this is a relatively lighthearted question that’s simple to answer, the audience responds immediately.

Now, what makes this a powerful opening technique is that Graham then goes on to say:

“When people say they can’t draw, I think it's more to do with beliefs rather than talent and ability. When you say you can’t draw, that’s just an illusion, and today I’d like to prove that to you.”

By immediately challenging a widely held belief among the audience and promising to debunk it during the presentation, he employs a powerful technique that keeps the audience fully engaged.

This approach makes the audience feel “invested” in the outcome of the presentation and curious as to whether he can back up his claim.

2. Tell your audience why they should be listening to you.

Getting your audience’s attention is just one part of the equation. Once you have it, you must also explain why they should “keep” listening to you. Here are some ways to do this:

Highlight relevant personal experience.

In Phil Waknell’s opening section, he talks about how he’s spent the last ten years helping conference speakers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs prepare and deliver powerful presentations .

This immediately signals to the audience that he’s someone worth listening to and positions him as a credible source of insights based on the wealth of experience he has gathered.

Highlight your expertise.

During the opening section of Dr. Lara Boyd’s presentation titled “ After watching this, your brain will not be the same ,” she says, “I’m Dr. Lara Boyd, and I’m a brain researcher here at the University of British Columbia.”

Sharing her credentials as a brain researcher is crucial to gaining her audience's trust — especially considering the technicality of her topic.

But even while creating presentations outside fields like brain research, sharing qualifications and credentials in your opening section can be a powerful technique.

This helps you position yourself as a credible authority and reinforcing your audience's confidence in your ability to deliver valuable information.

Tell your audience what’s in it for them.

In Mel Robbins’ opening section for her presentation titled “ How to stop screwing yourself over ,” she ends her introduction by saying:

“I’m here for you. I’m going to tell you everything I know in less than 18 minutes about how to get what you want.”

Although she started the section by highlighting her experiences and expertise, she went further by explicitly stating the benefits her audience can expect from her presentation.

Doing this is a great way to create a compelling reason for your audience to invest their time and attention and emphasize the value of the presentation you’re about to deliver.

3. Introduce your topic.

If your topic is relatively simple to grasp or your audience is particularly knowledgeable, introducing your topic can be as easy as “Today, I’m going to be talking to you about how we’ve built a six-figure software company in 6 months.”

However, if your topic is more complex or unfamiliar to the audience, you must do a bit more heavy lifting in your opening section.

For example, Sam Bern’s “ My philosophy for a happy life ” presentation discusses how he lives a happy life despite having Progeria disease.

However, because this condition might be unfamiliar to some audience members, he takes some time in his opening section to talk about the illness before delving into the meat of his presentation.

Similarly, if you’re presenting on a complex topic or to an audience that isn’t knowledgeable, it’s essential to consider this when crafting your opening section.

4. Leverage storytelling.

Stories can create immersive experiences that captivate the audience and convey a core message.

For example, in the opening section of Sam Bern's presentation, he tells a story about his struggles while trying to achieve his goal of becoming a drummer in his school marching band, despite living with Progeria disease.

This sets the tone for his entire presentation by conveying an inspiring message of fighting against and succeeding despite the odds.

Another great example is the opening section of Josh Kaufman’s presentation, titled “ The First 20 Hours — how to learn anything ,” where he tells a story about his experience as a time-strapped first-time parent.

This story enhances the presentation as Josh eventually shares that this experience triggered his interest in studying how to become an efficient learner.

Finally, Amy Morins’s presentation “ The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong ” is another excellent example of leveraging storytelling.

Amy starts her presentation with a thought-provoking story about observing a Facebook friend's seemingly perfect life.

She then highlights how such comparisons can lead to negative thought patterns and emphasizes the importance of cultivating mental resilience.

This relatable story not only resonates with her audience but also sets the stage for her message on building inner strength.

All these presentations are great examples that highlight how incorporating story-telling in your openings can be a powerful tool for creating memorable and impactful presentations.

Your presentation slides play a crucial role in determining the impact and effectiveness of your presentation.

In this section, you’ll find examples of 8 powerful opening slides across various use cases that not just support but enhance the presentation openings:

1. “ Blackboard is Getting an Upgrade ”

presentation introduce agenda

Although these are very different methods of injecting humor at the start of a presentation, they show how infusing humor can be a powerful tool for adding a touch of personality and creating a more enjoyable presentation for the audience.

4. Keep it short and sweet.

While it's important not to rush through the start of your presentation, keeping your opening concise is equally important. But remember, concise does not mean sacrificing substance; it simply means delivering information efficiently.

Essentially, you want an opening section that allows you to create a solid initial impression without losing the audience's interest.

So, how long should this opening secretion be?

Most successful presentation openings are under three minutes, and many are shorter, often clocking in at under one minute.

5. Embrace authenticity.

Contrary to popular belief, there isn't a specific personality that makes someone a better presenter. In fact, the most impactful presentations have been delivered by individuals with diverse characters.

Take, for instance, the contrasting styles of Tom Thum’s irreverent humor and animated mannerisms and Sam Bern, who adopts a relaxed and conversational approach. Despite their differences, both speakers have garnered millions of views for their talks.

So, rather than emulating or mimicking their presentations, the key takeaway is to embrace authenticity.

Allow your personality to shine through, lean on your strengths, and be human in your delivery.

Mastering the Art of Captivating Presentations

Starting a presentation is a skill that is as much an art as it is a science. Thankfully, it is also a skill that can be learned and honed.

By implementing the strategies in this guide and refining them through experience, you’ll become a master at delivering impactful presentations that command attention and leave a lasting impression.

All from the moment you step onto the stage.

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Creative Presentation Agenda Examples

Home > Presentation Ideas > Presentation Graphics >   Creative Presentation Agenda

Is your audience getting lost during your big presentation? The issue might be in the clarity of your presentation agenda. Learn 5 creative ways to provide a clear and memorable agenda to your presentation.

Why should you have an agenda slide?

This slide answers the first question that pops up in the minds of your audience, which is – “What is this presentation about?”

When you have a clear agenda, you not only tell them what your presentation is about, but also tell them how you will cover the topics. Your audience needs this assurance right up front to stay with you for the rest of your presentation.

An agenda helps your audience to orient their thoughts at the opening. It makes your message memorable. When you don’t have an agenda slide, you leave your audience clueless.

The most important attribute of a clear agenda slide:

As humans, we always want to know our location and position. It is wired to our survival instinct.  That is why big malls have maps, lifts have floor indicators and large parks have guides.

A good agenda slide serves as a guide post for your presentation. After you finish every point in the agenda, repeat the agenda slide to show your audience what is covered and what is left to be covered. Use your agenda slide to help your audience from getting lost in your sea of thoughts. Its also a great place to summarize the presentation. quickly.

Creative examples for Agenda:

Your agenda slide need not be dull and boring. Remember, the main objective of an agenda slide is to give your audience a big picture view. So, go ahead and be creative in using metaphors and analogies to orient them to your presentation. Here are some creative examples of presentation agenda.

Using a map to segment your presentation:

Presentation Agenda Map Image

We’ve seen some boring sales report presentations brought to life by creative contextualization of data. The example you see above, explains the global sales performance by continents. The slide gives a clear picture of the order in which the data will be presented and the logic behind the order.

Using a representative image to set the mood for the presentation:

PowerPoint Agenda Process Image

Unique Diagrams – Gears from CEO Pack

In this example, the gears not only give an overview of the three stage process, but also give the relative importance of each stage.

Using the actual picture of a product or process to orient the audience:

Product or Process Agenda Image

In this example, the presenter used the actual picture of the 4 bit counter to show how the content is chunked. This picture can serve as a memory hook for the rest of the presentation, as the presenter covers one segment after another.

Related: Interesting Ways to Open A Presentation

Using a metaphor to set the context:

Performance Presentation Image

Source: Concepts from PowerPoint Charts and Diagrams CEO pack

The presenter used the metaphor of an hour clock to take the audience through a timeline. The intelligent use of the image makes the audience understand how the various parts of the presentation are related.

Using symbols to reinforce the presentation agenda:

presentation introduce agenda

Source: PowerPoint Charts and Diagrams CEO pack

In this example, a traffic signal is used to highlight the importance of various tasks. Everyone knows the significance of the different colored lights in the signal. That common knowledge is transferred to the agenda slide to talk about the tasks that need to be stopped, continued and increased.

The above examples can set you thinking on how you can bring your agenda slides to life.

Caution in using an agenda:

To have an agenda and not to follow it in your presentation is seen as lack of professionalism. We’ve seen so many presenters make this mistake and leave the audience disappointed.

Remember, an agenda is a promise you make. By covering all the points in your presentation agenda, you fulfill that promise. It makes you look credible. You leave a strong cue in your audience’s mind that you have the discipline and commitment to follow through your promises.

Related: PowerPoint Tutorial for Agenda Folders

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How to Create the Perfect Meeting Agenda

  • Steven G. Rogelberg

presentation introduce agenda

It’s all about asking the right questions.

Agendas are an important first step for a successful meeting, but far too few leaders put enough thought into the ones they create. In fact, research has found that a large percentage of agendas are simply recycled meeting to meeting. So what can you do to create agendas that inspire, target the issues that need to be resolved, and leave attendees satisfied with the time spent in discussion together? Instead of listing agenda items as simple bullet points, reframe them as questions instead. This approach will make you more strategic, thinking critically about the meaning of a topic and what your ultimate outcome is. It will also make it easier to determine your invitation list (the people essential to answering the questions) and better informs when to actually end a meeting (when the questions have been answered to satisfaction). And if you can’t think of questions to ask, maybe you don’t need that meeting in the first place.

Read any book on running effective meetings and, chances are, one of the first recommendations is going to be to set an agenda. Managers are often led to believe that having a written plan is the key for an engaging and successful meeting. Sadly, it’s not that easy. Research has actually found little to no relationship between the presence of an agenda and attendees’ evaluation of meeting quality. What matters is not the agenda itself but the relevance and importance of what’s on it, and how the leader facilitates discussion of the agenda items.

presentation introduce agenda

  • SR Steven G. Rogelberg is the Chancellor’s Professor at the University of North Carolina Charlotte for distinguished national, international, and interdisciplinary contributions. He is the author of Glad We Met: The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings (Oxford University Press, 2024) and The Surprising Science of Meetings: How You Can Lead Your Team to Peak Performance (OUP, 2019) and. He writes and speaks about leadership, teams, meetings, and engagement. Follow him on LinkedIn or find more information at stevenrogelberg.com .

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How to Structure your Presentation, with Examples

August 3, 2018 - Dom Barnard

For many people the thought of delivering a presentation is a daunting task and brings about a  great deal of nerves . However, if you take some time to understand how effective presentations are structured and then apply this structure to your own presentation, you’ll appear much more confident and relaxed.

Here is our complete guide for structuring your presentation, with examples at the end of the article to demonstrate these points.

Why is structuring a presentation so important?

If you’ve ever sat through a great presentation, you’ll have left feeling either inspired or informed on a given topic. This isn’t because the speaker was the most knowledgeable or motivating person in the world. Instead, it’s because they know how to structure presentations – they have crafted their message in a logical and simple way that has allowed the audience can keep up with them and take away key messages.

Research has supported this, with studies showing that audiences retain structured information  40% more accurately  than unstructured information.

In fact, not only is structuring a presentation important for the benefit of the audience’s understanding, it’s also important for you as the speaker. A good structure helps you remain calm, stay on topic, and avoid any awkward silences.

What will affect your presentation structure?

Generally speaking, there is a natural flow that any decent presentation will follow which we will go into shortly. However, you should be aware that all presentation structures will be different in their own unique way and this will be due to a number of factors, including:

  • Whether you need to deliver any demonstrations
  • How  knowledgeable the audience  already is on the given subject
  • How much interaction you want from the audience
  • Any time constraints there are for your talk
  • What setting you are in
  • Your ability to use any kinds of visual assistance

Before choosing the presentation’s structure answer these questions first:

  • What is your presentation’s aim?
  • Who are the audience?
  • What are the main points your audience should remember afterwards?

When reading the points below, think critically about what things may cause your presentation structure to be slightly different. You can add in certain elements and add more focus to certain moments if that works better for your speech.

Good presentation structure is important for a presentation

What is the typical presentation structure?

This is the usual flow of a presentation, which covers all the vital sections and is a good starting point for yours. It allows your audience to easily follow along and sets out a solid structure you can add your content to.

1. Greet the audience and introduce yourself

Before you start delivering your talk, introduce yourself to the audience and clarify who you are and your relevant expertise. This does not need to be long or incredibly detailed, but will help build an immediate relationship between you and the audience. It gives you the chance to briefly clarify your expertise and why you are worth listening to. This will help establish your ethos so the audience will trust you more and think you’re credible.

Read our tips on  How to Start a Presentation Effectively

2. Introduction

In the introduction you need to explain the subject and purpose of your presentation whilst gaining the audience’s interest and confidence. It’s sometimes helpful to think of your introduction as funnel-shaped to help filter down your topic:

  • Introduce your general topic
  • Explain your topic area
  • State the issues/challenges in this area you will be exploring
  • State your presentation’s purpose – this is the basis of your presentation so ensure that you provide a statement explaining how the topic will be treated, for example, “I will argue that…” or maybe you will “compare”, “analyse”, “evaluate”, “describe” etc.
  • Provide a statement of what you’re hoping the outcome of the presentation will be, for example, “I’m hoping this will be provide you with…”
  • Show a preview of the organisation of your presentation

In this section also explain:

  • The length of the talk.
  • Signal whether you want audience interaction – some presenters prefer the audience to ask questions throughout whereas others allocate a specific section for this.
  • If it applies, inform the audience whether to take notes or whether you will be providing handouts.

The way you structure your introduction can depend on the amount of time you have been given to present: a  sales pitch  may consist of a quick presentation so you may begin with your conclusion and then provide the evidence. Conversely, a speaker presenting their idea for change in the world would be better suited to start with the evidence and then conclude what this means for the audience.

Keep in mind that the main aim of the introduction is to grab the audience’s attention and connect with them.

3. The main body of your talk

The main body of your talk needs to meet the promises you made in the introduction. Depending on the nature of your presentation, clearly segment the different topics you will be discussing, and then work your way through them one at a time – it’s important for everything to be organised logically for the audience to fully understand. There are many different ways to organise your main points, such as, by priority, theme, chronologically etc.

  • Main points should be addressed one by one with supporting evidence and examples.
  • Before moving on to the next point you should provide a mini-summary.
  • Links should be clearly stated between ideas and you must make it clear when you’re moving onto the next point.
  • Allow time for people to take relevant notes and stick to the topics you have prepared beforehand rather than straying too far off topic.

When planning your presentation write a list of main points you want to make and ask yourself “What I am telling the audience? What should they understand from this?” refining your answers this way will help you produce clear messages.

4. Conclusion

In presentations the conclusion is frequently underdeveloped and lacks purpose which is a shame as it’s the best place to reinforce your messages. Typically, your presentation has a specific goal – that could be to convert a number of the audience members into customers, lead to a certain number of enquiries to make people knowledgeable on specific key points, or to motivate them towards a shared goal.

Regardless of what that goal is, be sure to summarise your main points and their implications. This clarifies the overall purpose of your talk and reinforces your reason for being there.

Follow these steps:

  • Signal that it’s nearly the end of your presentation, for example, “As we wrap up/as we wind down the talk…”
  • Restate the topic and purpose of your presentation – “In this speech I wanted to compare…”
  • Summarise the main points, including their implications and conclusions
  • Indicate what is next/a call to action/a thought-provoking takeaway
  • Move on to the last section

5. Thank the audience and invite questions

Conclude your talk by thanking the audience for their time and invite them to  ask any questions  they may have. As mentioned earlier, personal circumstances will affect the structure of your presentation.

Many presenters prefer to make the Q&A session the key part of their talk and try to speed through the main body of the presentation. This is totally fine, but it is still best to focus on delivering some sort of initial presentation to set the tone and topics for discussion in the Q&A.

Questions being asked after a presentation

Other common presentation structures

The above was a description of a basic presentation, here are some more specific presentation layouts:

Demonstration

Use the demonstration structure when you have something useful to show. This is usually used when you want to show how a product works. Steve Jobs frequently used this technique in his presentations.

  • Explain why the product is valuable.
  • Describe why the product is necessary.
  • Explain what problems it can solve for the audience.
  • Demonstrate the product  to support what you’ve been saying.
  • Make suggestions of other things it can do to make the audience curious.

Problem-solution

This structure is particularly useful in persuading the audience.

  • Briefly frame the issue.
  • Go into the issue in detail showing why it ‘s such a problem. Use logos and pathos for this – the logical and emotional appeals.
  • Provide the solution and explain why this would also help the audience.
  • Call to action – something you want the audience to do which is straightforward and pertinent to the solution.

Storytelling

As well as incorporating  stories in your presentation , you can organise your whole presentation as a story. There are lots of different type of story structures you can use – a popular choice is the monomyth – the hero’s journey. In a monomyth, a hero goes on a difficult journey or takes on a challenge – they move from the familiar into the unknown. After facing obstacles and ultimately succeeding the hero returns home, transformed and with newfound wisdom.

Storytelling for Business Success  webinar , where well-know storyteller Javier Bernad shares strategies for crafting compelling narratives.

Another popular choice for using a story to structure your presentation is in media ras (in the middle of thing). In this type of story you launch right into the action by providing a snippet/teaser of what’s happening and then you start explaining the events that led to that event. This is engaging because you’re starting your story at the most exciting part which will make the audience curious – they’ll want to know how you got there.

  • Great storytelling: Examples from Alibaba Founder, Jack Ma

Remaining method

The remaining method structure is good for situations where you’re presenting your perspective on a controversial topic which has split people’s opinions.

  • Go into the issue in detail showing why it’s such a problem – use logos and pathos.
  • Rebut your opponents’ solutions  – explain why their solutions could be useful because the audience will see this as fair and will therefore think you’re trustworthy, and then explain why you think these solutions are not valid.
  • After you’ve presented all the alternatives provide your solution, the remaining solution. This is very persuasive because it looks like the winning idea, especially with the audience believing that you’re fair and trustworthy.

Transitions

When delivering presentations it’s important for your words and ideas to flow so your audience can understand how everything links together and why it’s all relevant. This can be done  using speech transitions  which are words and phrases that allow you to smoothly move from one point to another so that your speech flows and your presentation is unified.

Transitions can be one word, a phrase or a full sentence – there are many different forms, here are some examples:

Moving from the introduction to the first point

Signify to the audience that you will now begin discussing the first main point:

  • Now that you’re aware of the overview, let’s begin with…
  • First, let’s begin with…
  • I will first cover…
  • My first point covers…
  • To get started, let’s look at…

Shifting between similar points

Move from one point to a similar one:

  • In the same way…
  • Likewise…
  • Equally…
  • This is similar to…
  • Similarly…

Internal summaries

Internal summarising consists of summarising before moving on to the next point. You must inform the audience:

  • What part of the presentation you covered – “In the first part of this speech we’ve covered…”
  • What the key points were – “Precisely how…”
  • How this links in with the overall presentation – “So that’s the context…”
  • What you’re moving on to – “Now I’d like to move on to the second part of presentation which looks at…”

Physical movement

You can move your body and your standing location when you transition to another point. The audience find it easier to follow your presentation and movement will increase their interest.

A common technique for incorporating movement into your presentation is to:

  • Start your introduction by standing in the centre of the stage.
  • For your first point you stand on the left side of the stage.
  • You discuss your second point from the centre again.
  • You stand on the right side of the stage for your third point.
  • The conclusion occurs in the centre.

Key slides for your presentation

Slides are a useful tool for most presentations: they can greatly assist in the delivery of your message and help the audience follow along with what you are saying. Key slides include:

  • An intro slide outlining your ideas
  • A  summary slide  with core points to remember
  • High quality image slides to supplement what you are saying

There are some presenters who choose not to use slides at all, though this is more of a rarity. Slides can be a powerful tool if used properly, but the problem is that many fail to do just that. Here are some golden rules to follow when using slides in a presentation:

  • Don’t over fill them  – your slides are there to assist your speech, rather than be the focal point. They should have as little information as possible, to avoid distracting people from your talk.
  • A picture says a thousand words  – instead of filling a slide with text, instead, focus on one or two images or diagrams to help support and explain the point you are discussing at that time.
  • Make them readable  – depending on the size of your audience, some may not be able to see small text or images, so make everything large enough to fill the space.
  • Don’t rush through slides  – give the audience enough time to digest each slide.

Guy Kawasaki, an entrepreneur and author, suggests that slideshows should follow a  10-20-30 rule :

  • There should be a maximum of 10 slides – people rarely remember more than one concept afterwards so there’s no point overwhelming them with unnecessary information.
  • The presentation should last no longer than 20 minutes as this will leave time for questions and discussion.
  • The font size should be a minimum of 30pt because the audience reads faster than you talk so less information on the slides means that there is less chance of the audience being distracted.

Here are some additional resources for slide design:

  • 7 design tips for effective, beautiful PowerPoint presentations
  • 11 design tips for beautiful presentations
  • 10 tips on how to make slides that communicate your idea

Group Presentations

Group presentations are structured in the same way as presentations with one speaker but usually require more rehearsal and practices.  Clean transitioning between speakers  is very important in producing a presentation that flows well. One way of doing this consists of:

  • Briefly recap on what you covered in your section: “So that was a brief introduction on what health anxiety is and how it can affect somebody”
  • Introduce the next speaker in the team and explain what they will discuss: “Now Elnaz will talk about the prevalence of health anxiety.”
  • Then end by looking at the next speaker, gesturing towards them and saying their name: “Elnaz”.
  • The next speaker should acknowledge this with a quick: “Thank you Joe.”

From this example you can see how the different sections of the presentations link which makes it easier for the audience to follow and remain engaged.

Example of great presentation structure and delivery

Having examples of great presentations will help inspire your own structures, here are a few such examples, each unique and inspiring in their own way.

How Google Works – by Eric Schmidt

This presentation by ex-Google CEO  Eric Schmidt  demonstrates some of the most important lessons he and his team have learnt with regards to working with some of the most talented individuals they hired. The simplistic yet cohesive style of all of the slides is something to be appreciated. They are relatively straightforward, yet add power and clarity to the narrative of the presentation.

Start with why – by Simon Sinek

Since being released in 2009, this presentation has been viewed almost four million times all around the world. The message itself is very powerful, however, it’s not an idea that hasn’t been heard before. What makes this presentation so powerful is the simple message he is getting across, and the straightforward and understandable manner in which he delivers it. Also note that he doesn’t use any slides, just a whiteboard where he creates a simple diagram of his opinion.

The Wisdom of a Third Grade Dropout – by Rick Rigsby

Here’s an example of a presentation given by a relatively unknown individual looking to inspire the next generation of graduates. Rick’s presentation is unique in many ways compared to the two above. Notably, he uses no visual prompts and includes a great deal of humour.

However, what is similar is the structure he uses. He first introduces his message that the wisest man he knew was a third-grade dropout. He then proceeds to deliver his main body of argument, and in the end, concludes with his message. This powerful speech keeps the viewer engaged throughout, through a mixture of heart-warming sentiment, powerful life advice and engaging humour.

As you can see from the examples above, and as it has been expressed throughout, a great presentation structure means analysing the core message of your presentation. Decide on a key message you want to impart the audience with, and then craft an engaging way of delivering it.

By preparing a solid structure, and  practising your talk  beforehand, you can walk into the presentation with confidence and deliver a meaningful message to an interested audience.

It’s important for a presentation to be well-structured so it can have the most impact on your audience. An unstructured presentation can be difficult to follow and even frustrating to listen to. The heart of your speech are your main points supported by evidence and your transitions should assist the movement between points and clarify how everything is linked.

Research suggests that the audience remember the first and last things you say so your introduction and conclusion are vital for reinforcing your points. Essentially, ensure you spend the time structuring your presentation and addressing all of the sections.

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The Best Board Meeting Agenda Guide [With Examples & Sample Agendas]

This Blog will help you understand the dynamics of a Board Meeting Agenda and why you must incorporate one. It will help you effectively outline the topics and items to be discussed and addressed during a board meeting. The presentation serves as a guide to keep the meeting focused and ensure that all necessary topics are covered within the allotted time frame.

The Best Board Meeting Agenda Guide [With Examples & Sample Agendas]

You might have had a meeting that went completely off. It might be overly prolonged and had numerous off-topic discussions. It has happened with most professionals at some point in their lives. As far as organizations are concerned, they make all their big decisions in board meetings. So, setting them up is critical to be as effective and productive as possible. A well-planned board meeting agenda is the foundation of any successful meeting, and creating one is a highly responsible task. 

You should have a simple and stress-free procedure for this. You can keep the business moving forward and efficiently plan, arrange, and structure the upcoming board of directors meeting with the help of an effective board meeting agenda template.

Read on to learn how to write a meeting agenda and see some amazing meeting agenda templates from SlideUpLift.

What Is A Meeting Agenda?

Describes What Is A Meeting Agenda

The first and foremost step is to know what is a meeting agenda. An agenda is a list of subjects or points of discussion scheduled for consideration by the board of directors of a firm during a meeting. It helps guarantee that the meeting is effective and productive by outlining the agenda and order of business. 

The corporate secretary and board chair drafts the agenda for a board meeting. It includes details regarding the impending meeting, such as the date, time, attendees, organization mission, goals, reports, and other information. A well-written agenda will motivate all group members to contribute to reporting and decision-making. 

An agenda establishes clear expectations before and during the meeting. It enables participants to prepare effectively, optimize their time, ensure timely alignment on subjects, and provide a structured approach to flexible problem-solving.

An agenda for a meeting usually includes a wide range of topics. They are as follows: reviewing committee and board reports, endorsing financial matters, and doing strategic brainstorming.

Benefits Of An Effective Meeting Agenda

For board meetings to be fruitful, an agenda must be well-crafted. It guarantees that all critical topics are covered, encourages participation, and offers structure. A well-crafted agenda guarantees a better knowledge of the issues at hand by outlining the meeting’s objectives and enabling participants to plan. 

In addition, it fulfills the function of a legal document by recording discussions and decisions. It is beneficial in creating precise minutes of meetings. An efficient agenda also benefits in establishing the conclusion time, preventing meetings from lasting longer than necessary.

What To Include In Your Meeting Agenda?

This image shows what to include in your meeting agenda

Depending on the objectives, you can follow the regular order or vary things regarding the board meeting agenda. However, the following format is the most used:

  • Make an order call

Modifications to the schedule

Acceptance of the minutes of the meeting.

  • Old business
  • New business

Announcements/other business

Make an order call..

Every board meeting starts with a call to order, during which the chairman reads the introductory and vision statements . The corporate secretary logs the meeting time in the minutes and then discusses the following items on the agenda. Call to order is the most formal item on the board meeting agenda.

The board now suggests revisions to the agenda, which they subsequently submit to a vote. The meeting will proceed when the corporate secretary notes the conclusion.

The written record of a meeting, known as the minutes, is an excellent way to inform absent board members of decisions and provides legal defense for an organization in the event of legal action. The majority of states legally require the board to maintain meeting minutes. A meeting agenda template with integrated transcription tools makes taking and approving minutes easier to manage.

It’s also a fantastic approach to monitor the advancement of both your company’s short- and long-term objectives. Before deciding on the minutes of the previous meeting, the board will discuss the specifics of reporting on new and old business. 

The executive director and finance departments provide the reports during board sessions. Usually, the executive director presents the initial report. It includes urgent concerns, subjects that need board approval, and advancements toward strategic objectives. The financial director’s report can demonstrate its fiscal aspect by drawing on the prior report.

This report’s material typically relates to the income statement, balance sheet, and budget. The board development committee reports quarterly or annually, with the most information about recruiting new board members, while the executive and financial directors report at each meeting.

Old Business

Board members will evaluate recent and previous action items during the old business debate. They couldn’t agree on a recommendation that now has fresh information that could influence the outcome; in this case, discussing the old business in your board meeting agenda can significantly help.

New Business

Both planned and unforeseen new business agenda items can be on the meeting agenda:

A scheduled new business includes subjects the board members had previously decided to cover during the current meeting. A new business item is an impromptu suggestion made by board members during the conference.

The board chairman should use this opportunity to introduce new members and give a sneak peek at upcoming initiatives. Board members can submit themes for the following meeting during this item on the agenda.

It concludes the agenda items. The board chairman extended his gratitude to everybody. In addition, the chairman announces the time and date of the next board meeting, which the secretary noted in the meeting minutes.

How to Write a Meeting Agenda?

You can use these steps to help you draft an agenda for a meeting:

1. State the purpose of the meeting:

Starting with your goal will help you ensure that everyone in the meeting understands its purpose and that every action you want to take will help you reach your goal. Setting a goal for the meeting can encourage people to pay close attention to the crucial points during the conference.

2. Request feedback from the attendees:

Get feedback from your attendees in advance to ensure that the meeting fulfills their needs and maintains their interest. You can invite them to ask any questions about the subjects or take up any recommendations they may have. After receiving a list of recommendations from the attendees, you can go over them and decide which to implement in your agenda.

3. Make a list of the questions you would like to ask:

Knowing the purpose of the meeting can help you construct a list of questions for it. After that, you can go over the topics you wish to cover. Some agendas list topics as phrases, like “rental equipment.” By framing each topic as a question, you can clarify what the agenda items are for. With these prompts, you can be sure to generate dialogue and gather all the information required for each agenda item.

4. Establish each task’s objective:

It is a great practice to ensure that every activity you complete in a meeting has a clear objective. These objectives could be to give advice, solicit input, or make a decision. As you go through your schedule, take note of the purpose behind each assignment. This stage will let meeting attendees realize when to decide and when you need their opinion.

5. Determine how much time you’ll devote to each assignment:

Thanks to this section of the agenda, you will have enough time to cover every item on your agenda. It also helps the participants fit their questions and comments into the given time frame. You can make the most of your time by allocating additional time for issues you think will take longer to discuss or arranging for more important topics to be covered sooner in the conversation.

Suppose a large number of team members are attending the meeting. Consider setting time limits for specific themes to facilitate discussion, promote prompt decision-making , and maintain the meeting’s agenda.

6. Include supporting documentation:

Documents that are attached to the agenda items can aid in the participants’ understanding of the subject. Additionally, you can save participants time who would otherwise have to look for these papers on their personal computers. Besides, it facilitates your job as the meeting’s facilitator.

7. Define the leader of each issue:

In meetings, the leaders typically take the lead. Still, the team members occasionally do so while the leaders watch over them. You can designate subjects in advance to those who fit the bill. It ensures that everyone is ready for their assigned tasks and keeps the meeting on track.

8. Conclude every gathering with a review:

Allowing time for a review after each meeting can assist participants in better understanding the decisions they made and the information they discussed. It enables them to take any necessary action following the meeting. You and the other meeting attendees should also consider responding to questions about what went well and what needs improvement during this evaluation.

How to Take Effective Minutes from Your Meeting Agenda

Minutes of board meetings are kept on file to help explain the choices made by the board. In the best-case scenario, minutes from board meetings assist in tracking and trending toward corporate goals or objectives and key results (OKRs), providing board members with future points of reference, and helping to clarify plans. 

Providing notes for future reference and thorough meeting minutes also reduces meeting boredom. They enable you to start your new meeting without spending much time reviewing past business. 

Usually, the secretary is in charge of taking notes. However, any team member will do the job. Effective note-takers should make sure to write down the following points in plain, concise language because it’s a crucial task:

  • A thorough and precise recording of the statements made
  • An evaluation of any conversation in conjunction with an actual context
  • Recall that meeting notes and minutes differ depending on how we utilize them. Minutes are usually a more official report from a meeting, whereas notes are a shorter type of informal recordkeeping. Ultimately, the most crucial thing is to record the conversation.

This Image Shows How to Take Effective Minutes from Your Meeting Agenda

How Members Can Take Notes During the Meeting

Below are a few tips on how members can make practical notes during a meeting:

1. Prepare ahead of time by making notes:

Take notes before the meeting to help you get organized and prepare any thoughts or ideas you may have. You’ll be more productive once the meeting begins and better understand the discussion topics. As the team leader or person responsible for presiding over the meeting, you can assist your team in getting ready by providing an agenda in advance and giving participants ample time to examine it. Facilitators should also take pre-meeting notes to clarify goals and talking points. To give structure, you can either base this on the things on the board meeting agenda or list some preliminary thoughts for the subjects you want to cover at your next meeting.

2. Decide on a uniform structure with your group:

If a team member needs to catch up on the daily update, they shouldn’t have to figure out new formats or how to read the meeting notes. To guarantee that your records maintain a consistent structure over extended periods, consider utilizing templates to standardize the format of your meeting notes.

3. Efficiently summarize by emphasizing key points:

Practical meeting notes should balance a concise synopsis of the proceedings with an exact written account of all discussed and decisions made. They should be composed in a style encouraging you to jot down your observations, take in knowledge, and consider concepts. 

Another technique to help you connect thoughts and themes across a variety of topics and stimulate creativity is mind mapping. It’s a graphic approach where supporting concepts radiate from the central themes or ideas. It is typically a suitable choice for learners who learn differently. When gathering insights from several meetings over time, mind maps can help identify recurring themes and how various topics relate. For instance, facilitators can plot ideas from your team and construct a collaborative mind map during brainstorming sessions.

4. Provide proper background:

Ensure you give context to help readers understand the reasoning behind your notes, judgments, and action items. To ensure that team members who were not there at the meeting don’t miss any crucial information, include supplementary material when appropriate or include a section devoted to pertinent resources.

5. Create action items from your notes:

Good meeting notes encourage action in addition to helping you maintain a record of the team’s talks. Your talks will only be fruitful if there are clear action items. Note specific action items and your part in completing them after each meeting. Be detailed – include:

  • Each action item’s next step.
  • The method to complete it.
  • The person who will carry it out.
  • The intended deadline. 

6. Utilize your memos during retrospectives:

You have compiled and synthesized your notes, identified the main ideas, and made action items. What took place next? What were the practical consequences of those action items? 

It will be tough to understand where you ended up if you never look back at where you started. Because of this, having a shared area where all participants are encouraged to contribute is beneficial for both synchronous and real-time communication and for developing scalable procedures that lead to long-term success.

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Tips for Creating a Better Meeting Agenda

To help you make the most of your agendas, let us begin with some of our most helpful tips on writing effective board meeting agendas:

  • As soon as possible, draft and distribute the agenda for your meeting. You should distribute your board meeting agenda at least one hour before. Everyone can now get ready for what’s about to happen. To make any necessary adjustments before the meeting, your team can also bring any questions or new things to your attention. In addition, your team members will find it much easier to concentrate during the meeting if they have had time to prepare adequately.
  • Provide a link to any relevant pre-reading resources beforehand. Instead of asking irrelevant questions that consume valuable time, everyone arriving at the meeting should prepare to advance the conversation.
  • Assign coordinators to every item on the agenda. Do you recall how it felt to be called upon in class without knowing the answer? We’re confident you don’t want to incite this awful sensation in your teammates. You can give the facilitator time to prepare for a summary of the topic, questions, and feedback by designating a facilitator for each agenda item before the meeting.
  • Sort and rank the items on your agenda. Make a distinction between the three types of agenda items: action items, conversation topics, and informational items. Giving each agenda item a clear purpose aids in helping your team members prioritize and grasp what matters most. Moreover, you should prioritize tasks based on importance, determining which items to address during the meeting and which to postpone if time runs out.
  • Track notes and action items during the meeting by using your agenda. In this manner, all meeting-related information is centrally located. There is a clear place to go for anyone with questions regarding choices or action items from the meeting.
  • Sort your agenda items into categories to create flow. You should draft a well-flowing board meeting agenda to maximize productivity. Make sure comparable products can build upon each other by batching them together. To ensure that everyone on your team has access to all the material before the conversation, for instance, list any informational things before the discussion items.
  • Make sure you give each item on your agenda enough time. Nobody will be upset if a meeting ends sooner than expected because keeping everyone longer than expected isn’t as enjoyable. Calculate the approximate time for each item on the agenda and add a few minutes to allow for wiggle room. It will make it easier for your group to stay on task and move on to the next topic when the allotted time is over.

By adhering to these best practices, You can ensure your board meeting agenda is a trustworthy tool that works before, during, and after your meeting.

Explore Our Collection: Agenda Slide PowerPoint Templates

Meeting Agenda Examples

Let’s examine the example agenda for a project kickoff meeting :

For everyone to know when it is their turn and how long they have to talk or deliver their presentation, each item has a timebox and a colleague allocated. For increased visibility and improved teamwork, the agenda is shared with all team members and includes pertinent files attached.

Professional settings often involve meetings with a distinct purpose and set of dynamics. Effective communication and teamwork are contingent upon your ability to customize your meeting agenda to the specific type of gathering you are hosting. These are a few typical meeting examples:

Agenda for a team meeting

What Is a Team Meeting Agenda Template?

Decision-making, brainstorming, and team development are all facilitated by team meetings. They can differ in length and frequency, but they are necessary to guarantee forward motion and alignment. Agendas for effective team meetings should have space for fresh, ad hoc issues and recurring items for frequent sessions. Monitoring the duties and actions delegated at the meeting is also essential. An agenda item for a 45-minute team meeting can include analytics, a round-table strategy, identifying roadblocks, and acknowledging the contributions of team members.

Sample Agenda for the daily scrum meetings

What is a Daily Scrum Meetings Agenda PowerPoint Template?

Stand-ups, often known as daily scrum meetings, are concentrated, short sessions to maintain team cohesion during a sprint. A summary of the previous day’s work, today’s goals, and sprint goal progress are usually discussed in these meetings. These meetings’ adaptability aids in keeping things moving forward and quickly resolving problems.

Sample Agenda for the project kickoff meeting

What Is A Project Kickoff Meeting PowerPoint Template

Cross-functional teams come together for project launch meetings to begin a new project . These sessions establish the project’s tone and align everyone’s expectations and goals. The agenda should cover the project brief, roles and duties, meeting rhythm, practical next steps, and a Q&A session to clear up any misunderstandings and ensure everyone agrees.

Agenda for a retrospective meeting

What Is A Retrospective Meeting PowerPoint Template

Retrospectives are meetings typically held after a project cycle or timeframe to reflect on a previous work period. Its primary goal is to inform team members about what went well and what didn’t. The entire team addresses a range of meeting issues during the meeting, such as obstacles that have affected their work and triumphs and problems. This procedure assists in pinpointing areas in need of development and formulating plans to deal with any issues. Meetings for reflection are essential for ongoing team development and guaranteeing improved results in upcoming work cycles.

Sample Agenda for one-on-one meetings

What is a One-On-One Meeting Agenda PowerPoint Template

Peer-to-peer, cross-level, or manager-direct report one-on-one meetings are all essential for discussing work tasks, obstacles, and career advancement. They serve as the cornerstone of trust development. These meetings should have a balanced agenda that includes themes like growth, motivation, communication, and work-related conversations. A weekly one-on-one could involve discussing obstacles, evaluating the week’s highs and lows, and asking about work-life balance.

Sample Agenda for a remote one-on-one meeting

What Is a Remote One-On-One Meeting PowerPoint Template

Remote one-on-one encounters require a slightly different approach, emphasizing rapport-building and unambiguous communication. These meetings benefit from a typical online agenda available to all attendees because there is no physical presence. Important topics can be assessing overall well-being, discussing current tasks, and attending to urgent issues or requests for help.

Agenda for skip-level meetings

What is a Skip-Level Meetings Agenda PowerPoint Template

Skip-level meetings allow cross-organizational connections between senior managers and staff members who are not directly reporting to them. These are the best forums for discussing general career development and giving senior leadership input. The agenda includes organizational improvement recommendations, corporate strategy and goals clarification, and individual professional aspirations.

Agenda for the leadership team meeting

What Is A Leadership Team Meeting Agenda PowerPoint Template

Leadership team meetings are essential for strategic decision-making and problem-solving at the highest levels of an organization. A productive meeting agenda might include personal updates, reviewing key metrics, sharing successes and insights, discussing important messages, addressing urgent issues, and allocating time for an open discussion or “hot seat” session focused on specific topics.

An agenda must be carefully created for every meeting, including team brainstorming sessions, performance reviews, all-hands meetings, and one-on-one conversations, to prevent wasting time and maintain focus. Using these sample board meeting agendas ensures that every meeting, regardless of format, significantly advances the company’s objectives and fosters cooperation and teamwork.

Meeting Agenda Templates from SlideUpLift

SlideUpLift is the best solution available to people and companies who want to improve the visual impact of their presentations. Acknowledging the vital function of captivating images in efficient communication, SlideUpLift provides a wide range of expertly designed PowerPoint templates , carefully selected to fit a variety of meeting agendas.

Business Agenda PowerPoint Template

What is a Business Agenda PowerPoint Template

The Business Agenda PowerPoint Template features a dynamic and visually engaging design. The main text is prominently placed at the center, surrounded by four vibrant rays extending to the left and four to the right. Each of these rays serves as a dedicated space for you to outline eight distinct agendas succinctly. Using colors adds vibrancy to the template, making it an eye-catching and effective tool for presenting a comprehensive business agenda. This versatile design ensures clarity and impact in communicating critical points during your presentations or meetings.

Meeting Agenda PowerPoint Template

What Is A Meeting Agenda PowerPoint Template

The Meeting Agenda Template provides a clean and organized layout for structuring your meeting content. The main topic of the meeting is written on the left side of the slide, surrounded by a semicircle featuring six agendas. Each icon describes specific meeting topics. This template combines simplicity and visual appeal, allowing you to effectively convey essential information while maintaining a professional and engaging presentation format. 

Board Meeting Agenda PowerPoint Template

What is a Board Meeting Agenda PowerPoint Template

The Board Meeting Agenda slide has a structured and straightforward layout, featuring five distinct agenda items: “About Company,” “Project Status,” “Team,” “Charts,” and “Portfolio.” Each agenda point has a dedicated space for you to provide detailed descriptions or critical talking points. These points are editable, and you can alter them according to your company’s needs. This template ensures a clear and organized presentation of crucial meeting topics, allowing you to efficiently communicate information related to the company overview, project status, team updates, charts or data insights, and portfolio highlights.

Meeting Agenda 3D template

What is a Meeting Agenda 3D PowerPoint Template

The Agenda 3D template introduces a unique and visually striking design for your presentation needs. The agendas are presented in a 3D flag-shaped figure, adding a dynamic element to your slides. The slide provides three distinct agenda headers with dedicated space below for detailed descriptions. This innovative design captures attention and offers a structured format for presenting key meeting topics or points of discussion.

New Employee Orientation Day Agenda PowerPoint Template

What is a New Employee Orientation Agenda Template

The New Employee Orientation Day Agenda PowerPoint template provides a structured and visually appealing framework for introducing new team members to the organization. Commencing with the foundational “Employee Orientation” session, the template employs a clear and concise format. Each agenda item is accompanied by designated times, facilitating a well-organized progression throughout the day. With a streamlined design accommodating up to six agenda items, this template ensures a smooth and engaging orientation day for new employees.

With the creative templates from SlideUpLift, users can improve their presentations by seamlessly combining form and function. These PowerPoint templates enhance every story with stunning visuals, whether creating captivating business agendas, coordinating smooth employee orientations, or exploring the subtleties of personnel management.

Establishing a strategic board agenda should be taken seriously because it will enable the organization to grow significantly. You should complete this critical task precisely because the outcome will determine the business’s performance. Conduct your meetings with confidence and trust. You can capture essential action items in one location and maintain focus and productivity in your meetings by utilizing the board meeting agenda template from SlideUpLift.

What is a Meeting Agenda?

A meeting agenda is a structured document outlining the topics, purpose, and order of discussion for a meeting. It serves as a guide to ensure a focused and productive gathering.

To write a board meeting agenda, define the purpose, list key topics, allocate time, and prioritize crucial items. Share the agenda in advance to ensure participants come prepared.

Why is a board meeting agenda important?

A board meeting agenda ensures clarity, sets expectations, and facilitates organized discussions, enhancing overall meeting effectiveness.

How can a well-crafted board meeting agenda enhance productivity?

A well-crafted board meeting agenda ensures focus, minimizes time wastage, and promotes efficient decision-making, contributing to overall meeting productivity.

Are there templates available for creating effective board meeting agendas?

Yes, SlideUpLift has a vast collection of templates to guide the creation of effective board meeting agendas, ensuring a structured and streamlined approach to governance.

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How to Present a Best Agenda of a Presentation or Speech

How to Present a Best Agenda of a Presentation or Speech

Most people won’t attend a meeting unless they know the agenda. I know I want, and when is the best time to introduce an agenda?  The most effective way is actually well before your presentation. You must have a strong opening  in your agenda and not commit any mistake in opening. Click four common mistakes in presentation  to handle your common mistakes.  

Your agenda needs to have the following contents:

Your agenda needs to have the purpose of the presentation.

What will be discussed.

  • Participants

Who will be participating.

How long will it last.

For most business meetings and presentations, make sure your audience has this agenda in writing before you present. For this article you saw the title and link of the article, before you decide to view it, indeed, that’s the agenda. You already know what topic I am discussing in this article, the learning object and the link of the article. If I started this article by saying: in this article I cover how to introduce an agenda, that would be redundant. I disclosing your attention and interest almost immediately. In most cases if your audience can see a written agenda before your presentation, then you don’t need to introduce it. You can simply refer to it during your presentation to help keep everyone on track. During the presentation, it’s always a good idea to briefly remind your audience about where are you going, this is where the teaser approach works well.

Teaser Approach

The goal of teaser is to build interest into upcoming agenda items. You do this by giving audience a little bit information that makes them want to know more. For example, you might say: We have some exciting news from our administrator of the academy, which I will share with you. Make sure your audience knows the overall agenda before you are giving a presentation. Provide them with key details in writing, then look for opportunities within presentation to tell your audience, what they have to look forward to. Use the teaser approach to keep your audience alert and interested.

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How to Organize Your Introduction for a Presentation [+ FREE Presentation Checklist]

May 1, 2018 | Business Professional English , Free Resource , Public Speaking & Presentations

How to Organize Your Introduction for a Presentation in English - Lesson

This lesson on how to organize your introduction for a presentation in English has been updated since its original posting in 2016 and a video has been added.

Getting ready to present in English? Here’s how to make sure your introduction for a presentation in English is successful.

But first… When you think about a presentation, I know you’re thinking about something like a TED video or a presentation at a conference. You’re thinking about a speech, with PowerPoint slides and a big audience.

But did you know we use the same skills when we share new information or ideas with our work colleagues? Or when we tell stories to our friends and family? The situation or speaking task may be different but we still use the same skills.

When presenting information or telling stories, we need to:

  • Capture a listener’s attention
  • Share information, ideas, or opinions
  • Give the important details
  • Make your information memorable
  • Get your audience (family, friends, colleagues or strangers) to agree, to take action, to change their mind, etc.

So today you’re going to learn how to take the first big step in your English presentation: how to start with a great introduction.

The introduction is the most important part of your presentation. It is the first impression you’ll make on your audience. It’s your first opportunity to get their attention. You want them to trust you and listen to you right away.

However, that first moment when you start to speak is often the hardest. Knowing how to best prepare and knowing what to say will help you feel confident and ready to say that first word and start your presentation in English.

Be sure to include these 5 things in your inroduction.

Lesson by Annemarie

How to Organize Your Introduction for a Presentation in English and Key Phrases to Use

Organize Your Introduction Correctly

Okay, first let’s focus on what you need to include in your English introduction. Think of this as your formula for a good introduction. Using this general outline for your introduction will help you prepare. It will also help your audience know who you are, why you’re an expert, and what to expect from your presentation.

Use this general outline for your next presentation:

  • Welcome your audience and introduce yourself
  • Capture their attention
  • Identify your number one goal or topic of presentation
  • Give a quick outline of your presentation
  • Provide instructions for how to ask questions (if appropriate for your situation)

Use Common Language to Make Your Introduction Easy to Understand

Great, now you have the general outline of an introduction for a speech or presentation in English. So let’s focus on some of the key expressions you can use for each step. This will help you think about what to say and how to say it so you can sound confident and prepared in your English presentation.

“The introduction is the most important part of your presentation. It is the first impression you’ll make on your audience. It’s your first opportunity to get their attention. You want them to trust you and listen to you right away.”

Welcome Your Audience & Introduction

It is polite to start with a warm welcome and to introduce yourself. Everyone in the audience will want to know who you are. Your introduction should include your name and job position or the reason you are an expert on your topic. The more the audience trusts you, the more they listen.

  • Welcome to [name of company or event]. My name is [name] and I am the [job title or background information].
  • Thank you for coming today. I’m [name] and I’m looking forward to talking with you today about [your topic].
  • Good morning/afternoon ladies and gentlemen. I’d like to quickly introduce myself. I am [name] from [company or position]. (formal)
  • On behalf of [name of company], I’d like to welcome you today. For those of you who don’t already know me, my name is [name] and I am [job title or background]. (formal)
  • Hi everyone. I’m [name and background]. I’m glad to be here with you today. Now let’s get started. (informal)

Capture Their Attention

For more information about how to best capture your audience’s attention and why, please see the next session below. However, here are a few good phrases to get you started.

  • Did you know that [insert an interesting fact or shocking statement]?
  • Have you ever heard that [insert interesting fact or shocking statement]?
  • Before I start, I’d like to share a quick story about [tell your story]…
  • I remember [tell your story, experience or memory]…
  • When I started preparing for this talk, I was reminded of [tell your story, share your quote or experience]…

Identify Your Goal or Topic of Presentation

At this stage, you want to be clear with your audience about your primary topic or goal. Do you want your audience to take action after your talk? Is it a topic everyone is curious about (or should be curious about)? This should be just one or two sentences and it should be very clear.

  • This morning I’d like to present our new [product or service].
  • Today I’d like to discuss…
  • Today I’d like to share with you…
  • What I want to share with you is…
  • My goal today is to help you understand…
  • During my talk this morning/afternoon, I’ll provide you with some background on [main topic] and why it is important to you.
  • I will present my findings on…
  • By the end of my presentation, I’d like for you to know…
  • I aim to prove to you / change your mind about…
  • I’d like to take this opportunity to talk about…
  • As you know, this morning/afternoon I’ll be discussing…

Outline Your Presentation

You may have heard this about presentations in English before:

First, tell me what you’re going to tell me. Then tell me. And finally, tell me what you told me.

It sounds crazy and weird, but it’s true. This is how we structure presentations in English. So today we’re focusing on the “First, tell me what you’re going to tell me” for your introduction. This means you should outline the key points or highlights of your topic.

This prepares your listens and helps to get their attention. It will also help them follow your presentation and stay focused. Here are some great phrases to help you do that.

  • First, I’m going to present… Then I’ll share with you… Finally, I’ll ask you to…
  • The next thing I’ll share with you is…
  • In the next section, I’ll show you…
  • Today I will be covering these 3 (or 5) key points…
  • In this presentation, we will discuss/evaluate…
  • By the end of this presentation, you’ll be able to…
  • My talk this morning is divided into [number] main sections… First, second, third… Finally…

On Asking Questions

You want to be sure to let you audience know when and how it is appropriate for them to ask you questions. For example, is the presentation informal and is it okay for someone to interrupt you with a question? Or do you prefer for everyone to wait until the end of the presentation to ask questions?

  • If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to interrupt me. I’m happy to answer any questions as we go along.
  • Feel free to ask any questions, however, I do ask that you wait until the end of the presentation to ask.
  • There will be plenty of time for questions at the end.
  • Are there any questions at this point? If not, we’ll keep going.
  • I would be happy to answer any questions you may have now.

Capture Your Audience’s Attention

Do you feel unsure about how to capture the attention of your audience? Don’t worry! Here are some common examples used in English-speaking culture for doing it perfectly!

Two of the most famous speakers in the English-speaking world are Steve Jobs and Oprah Winfrey. While Steve Jobs is no longer living, people still love to watch his speeches and presentations online. Oprah is so famous that no matter what she does, people are excited to see her and listen to her.

BUT, if you listen to a speech by Steve Jobs or Oprah Winfrey,  they still  work  to get your attention!

The don’t start with a list of numbers or data. They don’t begin with a common fact or with the title of the presentation. No – they do much more.

From the moment they start their speech, they want you to listen. And they find interesting ways to get your attention. In his most famous speeches, Steve Jobs often started with a personal story. And Oprah often starts with an inspiring quote, a motivational part of a poem, or a personal story.

These are all great ways to help your audience to listen to you immediately – whether your presentation is 3 minutes or 20 minutes.

Here’s how you can do it.

Like Steve Jobs or Oprah Winfrey, start with a:

  • Personal story or experience
  • Motivational quote or line from a poem or book
  • Joke (be careful with this – make sure it translates easily to everyone in the audience!)
  • Shocking, bold statement (Think of Steve Jobs’ quote: “ Stay hungry. Stay Foolish .”)
  • Rhetorical question ( =a question that you don’t want an answer to; the focus is to make someone think)

And finally, consider audience participation. Ask a question and get your audience to respond by raising hands.

Get the complete Presentations in English Series:

Part 1: How to Prepare for Your Presentation in English

Part 2: How to Start with a Great Introduction in Your Presentation

Part 3:  How to Organize Your Presentation in English

Part 4:  How to End Your Presentation Powerfully

As I mentioned in the video, I have two question for you today:

  • What is the best introduction you’ve ever heard? Have you watched a TED Talk or a presentation on YouTube with a great introduction? Tell me about it. What do you think was great about the introduction?
  • What frightens you the most about preparing your introduction in a presentation? Share your concerns with me so I can help you overcome any challenges you have.

Be sure to share in the comments below to get feedback from me and to learn from others in the Confident English Community.

Have a great week! ~ Annemarie

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guest

Thank you, Annemarie. thanks for the generosity of sharing useful and systemative information and content.

Dharitri karjee

This is really a very informative message thank you.. And it’s help me a lot

yami

hi thank you for this It was helpful. You used simple english that i understood well.

Gassimu Zoker

How to start with a great presentation on composition

Anshika Abhay Thakur

Thankyou for the information . It was much helpful . I will definitely use this information in my presentation 🤗

Thang Sok

Hi, I am Thang Sok Do you have a Sample presentation?

Khadija

This was helpful but can you please tell me how to start a presentation in college because this is for work in a company. My presentation is on laboratory skills and all that

Anum

Its informative

Yasin Hamid

Thank you for this video! I’ve learned quite a lot and will want to use all these knowledge in presenting my thesis proposal in 2 months. About your question no. 2, I’d just like to share that the mere fact of presenting in front of many respected professionals makes me already nervous and shaky even if i have studied everything about my presentation. What do you think should i do to deal with my concern?

martineromy940

Could you give me advise, how to start learning English for beginner.How to prepare presentation on any topic and how to make interesting..

Pratik

Thank u so much for valuable advice. Definitely I will used this in my presentation!!

Farangiz

Thank you very much for these kind of useful advice. I hope my first presentation will be exciting for the audience.Your video is helping me again thanks a lot 😊

yumna

hi, i’m B.COM student and I have to prepare presentation about identifying business opportunities. How to start and an attractive attention to my audience.. Please Help me…

Nancy Tandui

very nise and educative piece of information thank you nancy nairobi kenya

kanishka mishra

i am starting a video speech shooting in night about a famouse person how do i start my speech with a good intro.

Kate

Hi again how do you do a introduction goodbye

kate

Hi i do not know what you are talking about

Annemarie

Hi Kate, I’m sorry to hear you’re not sure about the content. I recommend reviewing the video carefully if you haven’t already. Is there something specific you have a question about?

Tooba

thanks a lot for guiding in such an easier way.

Amit

Your write-up on introduction helped a lot, thank you Annemarie. I work for cross-geography team and greetings get lengthy as timezones are different e.g. “Good evening to those joining from US office and good morning to colleagues from India office”. I replaced that with “Thank you everyone for joining”. Is it okay?

Hi Amit, I’m so glad it was helpful. As for your greeting, both of your options are perfectly appropriate and friendly.

znb

How to introduce group members in online presentation?

Great question! I’d love to use that for a future Confident English lesson.

zarsha

its amazing. i can’t explain in wording. this material helping me a lot. i am so happy after use this website . its make easy for me preparing my presentation more interesting. i am thankful too u.

jinah

thanks! i use your materials to teach my students(clinets) how to prepare a presentation. is it ok to use them on my materials?

Matangi

Hi! I am a student from the USP from Tuvaluan and i take CEE45 so our assessment 2 is to prepared a group presentation and we presented in school. so need your help for how to start an attractive introduction to my teacher and my fellow students, they already kwow me.

Zainab

Thank you.. very helpful

Moataz Saleh

Very useful

Taha

It was very use Gul for or presentations

Gaman Aryal

Hi. I am a 1st year BIT student and I have to prepare a presentation on 3D Printing. how to start an attractive introduction to my teachers, when they already know about me? Can you please help me out? Thank you.

Andrew

I just took 1st place for my paper that I presented at an international students conference. I used a lot of your techniques to improve my speech and I have no words to say how grateful I am to you. Keep up the good work!

😲WOW!! That’s awesome, Andrew. 🙌Congratulations on your presentation. What a wonderful response to your hard work. I’d love to know what you presentation was about. And thank you for sharing your new here. I’m thrilled to know that my techniques were helpful to you.

The title of the presentation was “Handling burnout: A study regarding the the influence of job stressors over military and civilian personel”. I can sent you my paper through email if you would like to see it.

Hi Andrew, what a fascinating topic. And it’s interesting because I just had a newspaper reporter interview me about burnout as a small business owner. Must be a hot topic. 🙂 And sure, I’d love to see it.

Mariya

🔥❤ too goodd

Helia

Hello Annemarie, Thank you so much for one of the best content on the English presentation, I’ve seen. I have a question: Is it impolite or informal to start the presentation without a greeting? I’m asking this question because I’ve seen a lot of TEDTalks and in only a few of them, they greet the audience and in most of it, they quickly go to the “CAPTURING the ATTENTION” with numbers and pictures. I would be so thankful if you could answer this question as soon as possible, my presentation is so close. Best regards, Helia

Hi Helia, What a great question. It has definitely become more common to skip the greeting and go straight to capturing the attention of the audience and you’re right that we often see this in TED talks. I would say it’s best to know your audience and what might be expected. For example, at more formal, traditional conferences or lecture, it might be more appropriate to start with a welcome. I prefer to welcome/thank my audience quickly at the start when I give presentations. A welcome can be very brief, just one sentence, and then you can quickly go into …  Read more »

Vivek Shukla

Hi Annemarie I would like to thank you for giving such types of presentation skills but I have a question can you give me some idea about vote of thinks.

I’m glad the lessons are helpful to you. Could you clarify what you mean by ‘vote of thinks?’ I’m not sure I understand that.

Bello

Please can you give me some idea about vote of thanks

Could you clarify what you’re asking for, Bello?

Amrit

Thanks a lot

Glad it was helpful!

tadla

it is agood i learn alot from this english class

Radha Mohan

Hello.i would like to thank you for giving these beautiful tips to start a presentation.This article helped me a lot.

That’s great, Radha. Glad to hear it.

Mithun Kumar

Thanks for your article. It’s simply for interpersonal skill development.

You’re welcome, Mithun. Glad to know it was helpful.

Swetha

Hi Annemarie . Thank you so much for giving such helpful guildelines it’s really gonna help me

I’m glad it’s helpful, Swetha! 🙂

dawharu boro

thank you for help me

You’re very welcome!

Tom

Hi Anne Marie, i ‘m from Catalonia and i came across with your site only by chance and i think it’gonna be so helpful for me to pass the next test for c1 level. Several weeks ago i did some rehersals with my presentation and i was so nervous and terrified about what was expected from me.

Some tips in your youtube channel are so cool !!! Thank you.

Hi Tom, I’m thrilled you’ve found this site in your preparations for your English exam and am glad to know it’s helpful! Best of luck as you continue to prepare.

Fatima

Hi Annemarie Thanks it’s so useful to develop presentation skill. Fatima

You’re very welcome, Fatima! I’m glad it was helpful.

Dzmitry

Awesome, especially this simple and clear motto: “First, tell me what you’re going to tell me. Then tell me. And finally, tell me what you told me.” This three sentences exactly explain the content you need to create a memorable presentation.

Hi Dzmitry,

Yes, I’ve always loved that simple motto on how to do a presentation. 🙂 It’s so easy to remember and tells you exactly what to do.

Mahbub

hello I need to introduce myself to language center. i am going to learn Danish Language and i want to introduce myself to them and i am little bit nervous because my grammar is not good at that level.so will you please guide me how to introduce myself to them with an example. i did go through your examples but that is for professionals and i am just a student (Graduate). I don’t have any experience . Please guide me how to do it.

Navin Shivram SS

I was in a confused state about starting a conversation and proceeding in it but when I read the guidelines you mentioned above I became confident. thank you for your innumerable ………….

Salma

Thank you so much…… it’s an excellent topic, and it helped me a lot

I’m so glad this was helpful to you! Thank you for sharing.

rebecca

hi annemarie i have a few questions about a speech i have to make a englishi speech of what i want to become can you help me?

Hi Rebecca,

Thank you for the question. I have several lessons on the topic of presentations in English . However, for personal assistance with English or presentations, I only do that through my one-on-one classes .

Shalini Tripathi

thank you so much…… it’s really helpful for me….

You’re very welcome, Shalini.

Mohammed Zaid ameen

Thanks its really nice to develop the presentation skills

Awesome. I’m glad it was helpful to you, Mohammed.

dinesh dhakar

I have to give a demo on one of your programs next week. I would like you to check my self introduction – Good afternoon everyone and thank you for all of your presence. Before we get into the session I would like to quickly introduce myself. My name is Dinesh . I am working as a Pharmaceutical sale and promotion of the brands for Arrient Healthcare. I am in this filed for the past ten years. Before becoming trainer I worked as a medical representatives for different pharma company . I am highly interested in learning from people and …  Read more »

Monica

Please ignore my previous comment. Yea the demo was a success. So hereafter I will say”I have been in this field for the past four years. Actually I worked for different consultancies so I didn’t include an article there.

Monica

I have to give a demo on one of your programs next week. I would like you to check my self introduction – Good afternoon everyone and thank you for all of your presence. Before we get into the session I would like to quickly introduce myself. My name is Monica. I am working as a Soft Skill Trainer at Synergy School of Business Skills. I am in this filed for the past four years. Before becoming trainer I worked as a Recruiter for different job consultancy. I am highly interested in learning from people and I think teaching/training is …  Read more »

Thank you for sharing your example! One note: “I am in this field for the past four years.” –> Don’t forget, when we’re talking about something that started in the past and continues to now, we use the present perfect. How might you change this sentence to fix the grammar?

Also, we want to add an article to, “… I worked as a recruiter for [a] different job consultancy.”

I wish you much success in your demo this week! Best, Annemarie

Yea the demo was a success! So hereafter I will say”I have been for the past four years. Actually I worked for different consultancies.

Fadia

I like it but I think capturing their attention is the most difficult part in preparing a presentation. From my little experience, I used to talk about something out of the scope of the presentation in order to grasp their attention. For example, I had a presentation about medical terminology and its parts (suffix, prefix —). So I provided example which is Ultra Violet then I talked about the ultraviolet in the sun and Vitamin D deficiency. They liked the talk because it is very important to them and by this topic I captured their attention more and more.

Hello Fadia, I’m sorry I’m so late in responding to your comment! I agree with you: capturing attention is very challenging to do. It requires understanding your audience, knowing what is important to them, and how to connect with them. In English-speaking culture, we often connect by telling a story or showing we understand a problem the audience has. I think you’re exactly right to talk about something that is maybe “off topic” or out of the scope of the presentation, as you said, to get their attention first. It sounds like you did a great job in your experience!! …  Read more »

sonam

hi there it was great going through your enlightening presentation skills however i would be even more delighted if you put some quotes for various PPT’s which will give us an instant ideas during the adhoc PPT like myself…just a suggestion.

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How to Present a Meeting Agenda The Right Way [+ Free Sample Templates]

Learn how to turn around unproductive meetings successfully by incorporating meeting agendas. Streamline your meeting prep using these tips, best practices, and free sample agenda templates.

Meetings

An inside look at the meeting ground rules used internally by Fellow.app, the top-rated meeting productivity software company.

After almost two years of working from home, online meetings, and new workplace dynamics, we’re pretty certain you’ve had your fair share of meetings. 9 out of 10 people daydream in the middle of meetings , but if you count as that 1 person who doesn’t, we congratulate you. But, more likely than not, much of the time you spend in meetings could be better spent elsewhere. 

This trend of unproductive meetings (which costs the US business $37 billion ) is something that we’ve all experienced, as meetings either run on for too long, stray off course, or are just completely pointless. Yet, in the midst of all of these negative statistics, there are several that show the true power of meetings. For example, the impact of a good meeting can last up to 2.5 years later .

One of the best ways to ensure that your meeting falls into this ‘good’ category is to create a detailed agenda beforehand. Although this seems incredibly simple, it’s been proven that agendas can decrease the amount of time spent in meetings by up to 80% . With clear points to hit and a path that all employees can follow along with, they help everyone get through meetings more efficiently.

In this article, we’ll be discussing the following:

What types of meetings need a meeting agenda?

Meeting agenda template tips.

  • How do you present an agenda depending on the meeting type? 

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Quite simply, all of them. Meeting agendas ensure that every meeting you attend is as efficient as possible. Instead of beating around the bush, the structured format that an agenda provides will allow you to more easily navigate through the points that you have to cover.

Whether it be a daily, departmental, one-on-one, or brainstorming meeting, you should always prepare an agenda ahead of time. Agendas help people understand why they’re actually attending the meeting, making sure they don’t walk into it with a frustrated outlook or assuming it could’ve just been an email.

Additionally, if the topic requires input from others (like status updates), detailing this in an agenda ahead of time will ensure that your team members have time to prepare what they’re going to say. After doing that, there will be fewer pauses in your meetings, helping them to flow naturally through the discussion points that you’ve chosen. 

If you’re looking to have productive meetings every single time, making the most of meeting agendas is the best way to improve. Utilizing them more often will help team members feel less frustrated and have more structured discussions. 

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Before we dive into all of the different meeting agendas that you could use for various meeting types, we’ll cover some tips that you can carry forward. These are basic components and ideas that you can integrate into your meeting depending on its purpose. 

For example, a team meeting agenda with the entire team won’t have the same agenda items as a one-on-one. However, they both use simple agenda concepts, making these tips a great set of ideas to keep in mind. Typically, you want to include the following things on the agenda:

  • Purpose of meeting: At the top of every single meeting agenda should be a clear statement of what you want to achieve in that meeting. Do not mince your words; keep it short and sweet. 
  • Attendees: Make sure to list who is invited to the meeting near the top of the agenda. This will help put into perspective why the meeting is happening, who’s involved in a particular project, and what other people your team can contact for more information. Be sure to include who the meeting leader is.
  • Main themes: Only a few words are required here. You’ll want to write down the general meeting theme (planning, HR, budget, etc.).
  • Outline of points to cover: Moving down the meeting agenda, an attendee should be able to see exactly what points you’ll be discussing in the meeting. You can build these from the action items of a previous meeting if needed. This will help your team members  prepare ahead of time and get all of them on the same page with the discussion topic.
  • Action items: Upon closing your meeting, you should outline the goals that the team aims to achieve. These should reflect the meeting goals and demonstrate what people have to do going forward to accomplish the goals you’ve set out.
  • Bonus items: To take your meeting from good to great, include any additional documents people are going to need. Include your presentation, if you have one, and any other links, graphs, articles, or documents.

These elements are the main things that you’ll come across on a sample agenda. While some agendas don’t include all of them, the majority will contain a balance of these items. Depending on the meeting structure and the agenda items you want to cover, you can change the actual agenda you send out.

In general, we also recommend that you:

  • Host your meetings online : 76% of those that began using online technology for their meetings saw an increase in productivity . If you’re not already using an online platform, you could be wasting time commuting to meetings and causing a more lengthy discussion. By using a meeting template in a tool like Fellow , you can take your meetings to the next level with AI generated meeting summaries, collaborative note-taking, and assignable action items.
  • Include a post-meeting survey summary : This gives your team members the ability to provide feedback. Over time, you can use this feedback to improve performance in meetings, making your meeting process more streamlined.
  • Send meeting notes to everyone: When using an online meeting application like Fellow, you’ll have the option to take meeting notes within the actual meeting, then send the document directly to everyone that attended with just the click of a button. This set of notes ensures that everyone knows what key decisions were made in the meeting. They’ll also have a location to quickly address anything that came up in the meeting.

Now that you know all about creating a meeting agenda, let’s jump into meeting agenda templates that you can follow.

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How to present an agenda for different meeting types

Moving through all the different meeting agenda templates, we’ll be demonstrating samples that you can use in your next meeting for the following:

Team meetings

One-on-ones, executive meetings, weekly meetings.

Let’s break these down further.

A team meeting agenda template can range widely, reflecting the fact that there are many different types of teams and structures out there. That being said, an effective team meeting agenda will always have:

  • A main goal or purpose 
  • Agenda bullet points
  • Decisions that need to be made
  • Next steps towards achieving goals

Here’s a sample team meeting agenda:

{{team-meeting="/blog-inserts"}}

The best way to get to know your team and to ensure they’re not overworked is through one-on-one meetings . In these meetings, you should:

  • Talk about your employee’s work week
  • Review their priorities
  • Comment around their recent work to motivate them
  • Provide feedback on their performance if needed

Here’s a sample one-on-one agenda from to use:

{{one-on-one="/blog-inserts-4"}}

Gathering the most important individuals in the company, your executive members , means that you don’t want to waste time. Whether it be the head of departments or a board meeting agenda template, make sure your team meeting is as effective as possible. Keep it short and sweet, covering the following agenda items:

  • A review of the current projects in each department
  • Customer or market changes
  • Recent wins
  • Current cross-team priorities
  • Any problems that need to be overcome
  • Action items for the future (suggest agenda items for personal team meetings)

Facilitating these meetings swiftly will ensure that your business isn’t wasting money on meetings that run on too long. Here’s an example executive meeting template:

{{executive-weekly-team-meeting="/blog-inserts"}}

Weekly meetings are one of the best ways to ensure that your team meets regularly. These will ensure that every team member is on the right track, and that your team members’ satisfaction remains high, with no one suffering under too much work.

A typical weekly team meeting agenda includes:

  • Updates about team members’ progress
  • Celebrate team wins 
  • Goal review and overall progress
  • Priorities and action items for the upcoming week

This is an effective agenda, filled with useful agenda topics and discussion topics. Moving through weekly team meetings will help your team stay on top of their projects at a high level.

Here’s a weekly meeting agenda that you can use:

{{weekly-meeting="/blog-inserts-7"}}

Streamline your next meeting with an agenda

Whether you like them or not, meetings play a critical role in running a business — and they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. That being said, it's always best to prepare ahead of time to make sure everyone has a positive experience. The best way to avoid unproductive meetings is to create an effective agenda that you can send out to all your meeting participants.

From these meeting agenda templates, you’ll be able to find a structure that works for you. Having an agenda helps key decisions, conversations, and discussions that happen in your meetings become as effective as possible. 

With agendas, meeting participants will be able to enter with clear expectations, participate effectively during the meeting, and ultimately decide what needs to be done after the meeting concludes.

Don't let unproductive meetings slow you down

See the impact of fewer, shorter meetings, increased accountability, and enhanced productivity with Fellow.

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ZIPDO GUIDES

Run Introduction Meetings: Tips, Agenda Examples & Tools

Conduct an introduction meeting by clearly setting the agenda, introducing all the participants, facilitating productive conversations, and establishing future objectives.

Picture of Jannik Lindner

  • Steps in this Guide: 5
  • Updated: April 10, 2024

presentation introduce agenda

An introduction meeting is a formal or informal gathering that typically occurs at the beginning of a business relationship or project, allowing key stakeholders to meet and become acquainted with one another. The purpose of the meeting is to establish rapport, set expectations, outline goals and objectives, and begin to build a foundation for successful collaboration. Introduction meetings can help to clarify roles and responsibilities, address any initial concerns, and lay the groundwork for effective communication and teamwork moving forward.

What Are The Benefits Of This Meeting?

For Managers: An Introduction Meeting for a manager provides several benefits, including establishing rapport and trust with new team members, setting clear expectations and goals, identifying potential challenges or concerns early on, and laying the foundation for effective communication and teamwork. This meeting also allows the manager to convey their leadership style, values, and vision, which can help align team members towards common objectives and foster a positive work culture. Overall, a well-executed Introduction Meeting can create a strong foundation for successful collaboration and productivity within the team.

For Employees: An Introduction Meeting for an employee is beneficial as it helps them to integrate into the new work environment, understand the company culture, meet key colleagues, learn about the organization's values and goals, and gain a clearer understanding of their role and responsibilities within the company. This initial meeting provides a great opportunity for the employee to feel welcomed, supported, and excited about their new position, ultimately contributing to their overall job satisfaction and performance.

For Businesses: An Introduction Meeting for a business serves as an opportunity to establish a personal connection with potential clients or partners, laying the foundation for a successful professional relationship. This meeting allows both parties to introduce themselves, establish mutual understanding, and build trust. It provides a platform to discuss the business’s products or services, goals, and values, setting the stage for potential collaboration or future opportunities. Additionally, an Introduction Meeting can help identify common interests, align expectations, and create a favorable first impression that can lead to fruitful business partnerships or sales opportunities.

How To Run The Introduction Meeting As A Manager: Step-By-Step

Next, we will share our step-by-step guidelines for running a Introduction Meeting:

Step 1: Identify Meeting Objectives

Step 2: prepare meeting agenda, step 3: compile relevant documentation, step 4: communicate details to attendees, step 5: prepare logistics and materials.

During the meeting, our SMART objectives are to discuss Q2 financial performance, propose cost-saving initiatives to increase profitability by 10% within 6 months, assign responsibilities for implementation, and set a follow-up meeting to review progress in 4 weeks.

Creating a detailed meeting agenda is critical for ensuring all topics are covered efficiently. It should prioritize important discussion points, assign leaders for each topic, and help maintain focus and timing.

presentation introduce agenda

Thanks to ZipDo, you can create a new meeting culture in your team and increase productivity. You have all information about past and upcoming meetings in one central location and can ensure that all your team members have access to the content.

Prior to the meeting, ensure all necessary documents, data, and resources are gathered. This includes reports, analysis, proposals, or any reference materials essential for decision-making and discussion. Having these materials readily available will help streamline the meeting and ensure everyone is informed.

Sending the meeting agenda, objectives, and relevant documentation to all attendees in advance is crucial for ensuring productivity and engagement. It allows participants to prepare, understand their role, gather insights, and set a positive tone for the meeting.

In addition to organizing meeting logistics such as location and technology setup, ensure all required materials are available for presentations. Confirm the room is properly arranged and all IT resources, including video conferencing and presentation tools, are functional prior to the meeting.

Questions To Ask As The Leader Of The Meeting:

  • 1. What are your goals and objectives within this team or organization? 2. Can you tell us about your background and experience? 3. What do you see as your strengths and areas for growth? 4. How do you prefer to communicate and receive feedback? 5. What are your expectations for this role and for working with the team? 6. Is there anything specific you would like to accomplish during your time here? 7. What support or resources do you feel you need to succeed? 8. How do you approach problem-solving and decision-making? 9. Are there any concerns or challenges you foresee that we should address? 10. How can we best leverage your skills and expertise within the team?

Questions To Ask As An Employee:

  • 1. What are the organization's goals and objectives? 2. Can you provide more information about my role and responsibilities? 3. How will my performance be evaluated? 4. What are the key projects or initiatives I will be working on? 5. Who are my team members and how do we collaborate? 6. What are the company's core values and culture? 7. Are there opportunities for professional development and growth? 8. How does communication flow within the organization? 9. What tools and resources will I have access to in order to perform my job effectively? 10. Are there any immediate priorities or tasks I should focus on?

Exemplary Template

Introduction Meeting Agenda:

1. Welcome and Introductions (5 minutes) 2. Purpose of the Meeting (5 minutes) 3. Agenda Review (5 minutes) 4. Roles and Responsibilities (10 minutes) 5. Next Steps and Action Items (5 minutes)

Software Tools For Managers & Employees To Facilitate Introduction Meetings

Software facilitates Introduction Meetings by providing tools for easy scheduling, agenda planning, real-time collaboration, and document sharing. Leaders can efficiently communicate key information while employees can engage actively through virtual platforms, ensuring a smooth and effective kick-off to new projects or initiatives.

Our Recommendations:

  • Meeting Management Software : A software that can help you organize your meeting workflow
  • Meeting Agenda Software : A software that helps you to collaboratively create meeting agendas
  • Meeting Note Software : Software that allows you to create notes during meetings
  • Meeting Minutes Software : Create and share Meeting Minutes with your team.

It is crucial for organizations to conduct effective introduction meetings to set the tone for successful collaborations. By following the tips, utilizing the agenda examples, and leveraging the tools discussed in this blog post, businesses can ensure their introduction meetings are productive and engaging. Investing time and effort in planning and executing these meetings can lead to stronger team cohesion, increased productivity, and ultimately, positive outcomes for the organization.

The purpose of this meeting is to establish a mutual understanding and outline the objectives and goals of our partnership/project.

We expect you to introduce yourself, your work, share your ideas, thoughts, and provide feedback about the task/project at hand.

This meeting will be attended by key team members, decision-makers, and stakeholders who will be directly involved with the project/task.

If the agenda of the meeting requires it, yes, you might be asked to do a presentation. However, you will be informed about this ahead of time.

Typically, the meeting should not exceed an hour, depending on the agenda. However, it's best to allocate some extra time for questions, feedback, and open discussions.

Step-by-Step: Run Introduction Meetings: Tips, Agenda Examples & Tools

Frantically Speaking

Should a Presentation Have an Agenda?

Hrideep barot.

  • Presentation

should a presentation have an agenda

During our college placements, each organization gave an introductory presentation of how their organization worked – their products, goals, and vision.  

Though we loved getting to know about the company, we were more interested in the interview process and the perks.

While a few companies gave us an overview of the presentation in their first two slides, most of them presented an hour-long presentation about its goals and mission and then explained the interview process.

Either way, we got a general idea in the end. But when the presentation’s agenda was discussed at first, it gave us a general overview during those few minutes.

And that’s what we’ll be discussing in this post.

Should a presentation have an agenda or a table of contents? Yes, mainly because it helps get a brief summary of the topics covered. It’s like a dry run for the main part of your presentation. Only if your presentation is extremely short or less in terms of information can you avoid including an agenda.

Here’s a quick rundown of why a presentation should have an agenda slide.

What is an Agenda or Table of Contents in a Presentation?

What is an Agenda or Table of Contents in a Presentation?

Before getting to know the ‘why’ of having an agenda slide, let’s find out ‘what’ exactly an agenda slide is. 

Your agenda slide is a slide consisting of a list of contents covered in your presentation. It tells the audience what to expect by the end of the presentation.

With this, the audience can quickly skim through the contents and understand the areas covered. 

Let me ask you a quick question.

How often have you watched videos without looking at the duration?

You involuntarily check the title of the video and the video length before playing it, right?

In a way, that itself is an agenda as it gave you an idea of how long you need to watch to get value out of it. The same applies to a presentation.

Why It’s Important to Have an Agenda?

Once I attended a talk by a prominent personality in my college. Thinking it might go on for a couple of minutes or at the most an hour, I sat among the audience.

While the first few minutes were informative, the next 3 hours were repetitive and boring. And mind you, it went on for three whole hours.

I had to reschedule my plans that day. If only the speaker had included an agenda slide in his presentation.

This is what happens when you don’t explain the agenda. I sat there waiting for the next valuable information every second, which never really happened.

So, let’s see why it’s important to have an agenda here.

The Audience Will Know What to Expect

Adding an agenda slide will let your audience know the value provided during the presentation.

It helps direct their thoughts and keep them informed.

It Helps Structure your Presentation

While it not only helps the audience, having agenda slide will help you manage time and structure your presentation accordingly.

Including an agenda slide is perfectly fine, but If you’re finding it hard to manage time during your speech or cover the topics mentioned in your agenda, check out the 11 Steps to Help you Keep Time During your Presentation written by us!

What is The Most Effective Way to Introduce Your Agenda?

Some presenters straight away go to the agenda slide and explain the contents.

But a few explain the agenda verbally without the slide after compelling introduction.

So, how often have you come across speakers who don’t do both?

There are presenters who do not give a gist of their presentation and keep the audience hanging till the end.

That’s not an effective way to present either. Your audience is present to gain value and you need to tell them what they’re getting from your presentation.

Though not all presentation settings need an agenda slide, it’s essential for some.

Let’s see more about it and the most effective way to introduce your agenda here.

1. Know if you Really Need an Agenda Slide

Not all presentations require an agenda slide. If you’re presenting a story, you don’t need an agenda slide.

Business and other formal presentations should have this slide.

If you’re conducting a Q&A session in the end, mentioning it in your agenda slide can help your audience.

Know when to include it in your presentation.

2. Start with a Powerful Hook

Instead of going to the agenda slide straightaway, draw your audience by adding a compelling hook and pique their interest.

Start your introduction with a fact, story, statistics, or an intriguing line.

If you’re unsure how to start your speech, check out our article on 15 Powerful Speech Opening Lines (And How to Create Your Own)

3 . Explain the Agenda Slide

Once you’ve added the hook, you can either explain your agenda slide verbally or give a brief outline of the contents on the slide.

This part of your speech should be crisp and brief. Never explain in-depth of the slide or keep it lengthy.

You might lose your audience in the very beginning doing so.

How to Create an Agenda Slide?

Agenda slides with plain pointers on white background looks drab. To make it more interesting, follow the steps:

Keep it audience centered. Instead of writing topics you will be covering, write about your audiences’ pain points and how you’re going to solve them.

Get creative and unleash your design skills. Come up with a gorgeous slide with transition effects and stunning images.

Write a good copy and summarize each point in a single line. Don’t make the texts too robotic, humanize the texts. Keep it relatable to the audience.

Let’s take a look at the below agenda slide here.

agenda slide

I’ve created a basic slide using PowerPoint. It’s super simple easy to grasp for people.

I have used the “Shapes” tool under the “Insert” tab to create circles and line arrows.

You can change the background as you see fit. You can add or delete any of the sections as per your speech.

Here, the first section is the “introduction.” The next comes the “problem” section where you’ll be addressing the pain points on the topic. The third section is “solution” where you give your take on the topic.

And lastly, you let the audience know that there will be a QnA session and you’ll be answering all their questions in the end and not in between your speech.

If you’re preparing slides for a business meeting, add the duration above the line arrows to be more precise to your audience.

You can use any shapes and tools to prepare one. All in all, it should convey what your speech is about in a single deck.

Types of Agenda Slide To Include in a Presentation

presentation agenda slide

While there are different ways to design your agenda slides, they convey the same thing.

You can design your own agenda slide and make it attractive.

You can also position your agenda slide vertically, horizontally, add time-frames, or add focus points.

It can be any template. But, ensure you explain the agenda and stick to it during your presentation.

Examples of Agenda Slides

Example 1: Here, the slide is super simple with minimalist design which is easy to quickly glance and understand. It’s vertically aligned where the content is displayed step-by-step which makes it easier for the audience to know the flow of the presentation.

presentation agenda example 1

Example 2: This is another simple agenda slide with six actions presented during the session. It follows a horizontal structure. Within just six steps, your audience will know what to expect during your presentation. It’s easy to understand with minimal text.

presentation agenda example 2

Example 3: This is a highlight slide where the top five highlights of your speech can be displayed. You can keep it structured or highlight the key elements of your speech here. Displaying the key elements is also a good strategy. It helps the audience get what they’re looking for.

presentation agenda example 3

Example 4: Until and unless it’s a formal business meeting, the duration of the topics is not included. But this is another type of agenda slide used during presentations. If you’re a keynote speaker presenting for the first half of the session, you might want to include this slide to let your audience know about the session.

presentation agenda example 4

If you want to know more about agenda template designs, here are the 30 Best PowerPoint Agenda Slide Template Designs to include in your next presentation.

Another crucial thing to keep in mind – deliver what you mentioned.

You might deceive your audience if you don’t deliver what you promised in your agenda slide.

Presenters, either include too much content in the table of contents and fail to time their presentation to cover all the areas or include too little content and over-deliver without covering the primary topics.

Keeping your presentation crisp that covers all the topics specified in the agenda will do the tricks.

Concluding Thoughts

Without agenda slides, you will leave the audience clueless or they might wander off in a web of thoughts if they don’t get what they came for.

Providing value to your listeners is crucial and a quick break up of the presentation helps the audience know what they are offered.

It’s a great way to carry forward your presentation in formal settings.

Hrideep Barot

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Home Blog Presentation Ideas About Me Slides: How to Introduce Yourself in a Presentation

About Me Slides: How to Introduce Yourself in a Presentation

presentation introduce agenda

From conference talks to client demos, it’s always essential to include an About Me slide in any presentation you are giving. Introducing yourself early into the presentation helps build a better rapport with the audience.

You can start with several fun facts about me slide to break the ice or go for a more formal professional bio to explain your background and what makes you qualified to talk about the topic at hand. At any rate, your goal is to get the audience on your side by revealing some of your personality. 

How to Introduce Yourself in a Presentation: 4 Approaches 

It’s a good practice to include self-introduction slides at the beginning of your presentation. If you are looking to answer how to introduce yourself professionally, typically somewhere after the title, opening slide , and the main agenda. However, the presentation structure will be somewhat different depending on whether you are presenting to a new audience or a group of people familiar with (e.g., your team, clients, or business partners). 

Here are four about me slide ideas you can try out, plus an About me template you can use to present yourself in a presentation. 

presentation introduce agenda

1. Mention Your Name and Affiliations

Start with the introduction basics. State your name, company, title/position, and several quick facts about who you are and what you do. Even if you present to a familiar audience, a brief recap is always welcome. 

To keep things a bit more engaging, consider adding some lesser-known facts about yourself. For example:

  • Your interests 
  • Recent accomplishments
  • Testimonial/quote from a team member 
  • Fun nicknames you got 

The above can be nice ice breakers for less formal team presentations, project updates, or catch-ups with clients. 

Here are several unique About Me examples you can try out:

For a client case study presentation : 

“Hi, I’m Lynda, Chief Customer Success Specialist with Acme Corp. (Also, someone you thought was a chatbot for the first few encounters)

47 NPS | 15% Churn Rate | 40% repeat purchase rate”

For a team after-action review presentation :

Mike, Project Manager at Cool Project

(aka Maximizer)

Personal Project stats:

387 Slack messages answered

56 cups of coffee consumed

Project profit gross margin: $1.2 million 

2. Work On Your Elevator Pitch 

One of the best ways to introduce yourself in a presentation is to share a punchy elevator pitch. This works extra well if you are presenting to a new audience. 

An elevator pitch is a concise statement (1-2 sentences) that summarizes your unique strengths, skills, and abilities and explains how these can benefit your listener. 

It’s nice to have one ready for your presentations and networking in general since it helps you immediately connect with new people and communicate your value. 

Writing a solid elevator pitch may require several attempts and iterations. But the sooner you start — the faster you’ll arrive at the best formula! 

To get your creative juices flowing, here are several elevator pitch ideas you can incorporate in an introduction slide about yourself. 

For professionals: 

“Certified Salesforce Administrator, data visualization specialist, and analytics for top SaaS brands. I help businesses make more sense of their data to drive better outcomes”.

For a mentor :

“Adjunct professor of creative writing at Columbia University, published author, former lifestyle editor at Esquire, the New York Times. I can teach you how to find, shape, pitch, and publish stories for web & print.”

For a student: 

“Third-year Marine Biology student at Denver State Uni. Volunteer at Lake Life Protection NGO, climate change activist, looking to expand my research about water conservation”.

3. Answer Popular Questions or Assumptions 

If you are a frequent presenter , chances are you get asked a lot of the same “About Me questions” after your speeches and during the networking bits. So why not address a roaster of these in your About Me slide? Select 4-5 most common questions and list them as quick FAQs on your slide deck. 

4. Focus on Telling a Story 

Strong introductions are personable. They are meant to offer a sneak-peak into your personality and the passion behind your work. That’s why for less formal presentations, you can (and should!) start with a short personal story. 

Remember: reliability is important to “click” with your audience. 

For instance, neuroscience research of political ads recently found that ads featuring real people performed better than those with genetic stock footage. Among viewers, emotional engagement and memory encoding (recall) increased dramatically when political ads showed relatable people. 

The same holds true for commerce. In 2015, GE launched a viral “What’s the Matter With Owen?” video ad series to attract more young talent to the company. The clips featured a relatable protagonist, struggling to explain what his work at GE entails e.g. that the company isn’t building railroads, but actually does some very innovative pilots. Many engineers related to the promo and work applications to GE shoot up by 800% ! 

As the above examples show, a good relatable story can go a long way. So think about how you can make a PowerPoint presentation about yourself more representative of who you really are as a person. 

How to Give a Presentation About Yourself: 4 Fool-Proof Tips

On other occasions, you may be asked to give a full-length “about me” presentation. Typically, this is the case during a second interview, onboarding , or if you are in attending a training program or workshop where everyone needs to present themselves and their work. 

Obviously, you’ll need more than one good about me slide in this case. So here’s how to prepare a superb presentation about me. 

What to Put in a Presentation About Yourself?

The audience will expect to learn a mix of personal and professional facts about you. Thus, it’s a good idea to include the following information: 

  • Your name, contact info, website , social media handles, digital portfolio .
  • Short bio or some interesting snippets. 
  • Career timeline (if applicable).
  • Main achievements (preferably quantifiable).
  • Education, special training.
  • Digital badging awards , accolades, and other types of recognition.
  • Something more personal — an interest, hobby, aspiration. 

The above mix of items will change a bit, depending on whether you are giving an interview presentation about yourself or introduce yourself post-hiring. For example, in some cases a dedicated bio slide may be useful, but other times focusing on main achievements and goals can be better.

That being said, let’s take a closer look at how to organize the above information in a memorable presentation. 

P.S. Grab an about me slide template to make the design process easier! 

presentation introduce agenda

1. Create a List of “Facts About Me”

The easiest way to answer the “tell me about yourself” question is by having an array of facts you can easily fetch from your brain. 

When it comes to a full-length about me presentation , it’s best to have a longer list ready. To keep your brainstorming process productive, organize all your ideas in the following buckets: 

  • Key skills (soft and hard)
  • Educational accolades, training
  • Accomplishments and other “bragging rights”
  • Personal tidbits (a.k.a. fun facts ) 

Once you have a list, it gets easier to build a series of slides around it. 

2. Think Like Your Audience 

Most likely you’d be asked to make a presentation about yourself by a recruiter. There’s a good reason why many ask this — they want to determine if you are a good “cultural fit” for their organization. 

After all, 33% of people quit within the first 3 months of accepting a new job. Among these:

  • 43% of employees quit because their day-to-day role was different than what they were told it would be during the hiring process.
  • 32% cite company culture as a factor for leaving within the first three months. 

About me presentations often serve as an extra “filter” helping both parties ensure that they are on the same page expectations- and work style-wise. Thus, when you prepare your slide deck, do some background company research. Then try to align the presentation with it by matching the company tone, communication style, and cultural values. 

3. Include Testimonials and Recommendations

Use the voice of others to back up the claims you are making in your presentation. After all, trumping your own horn is what you are expected to do in such a presentation. But the voices of others can strengthen the claims you are personally making. 

Depending on your role and industry, try to sprinkle some of the following testimonials: 

  • LinkedIn recommendations
  • Quotes from personal or professional references
  • Social media comments 
  • Data metrics of your performance
  • Funny assessments from your colleagues/friends 

The above not just strengthen your narrative, but also help the audience learn some extras about you and your background. Testimonial slides can be of help for this purpose.

4. Include a Case Study 

One of the best ways to illustrate who you are is to show what you are best in. Remember, an about me presentation often needs to “soft sell” your qualifications, experience, and personality. 

One of the best ways to do that is to showcase how you can feel in a specific need and solve issues the business is facing. 

So if you have the timeframe, use some of the ending slides to deliver a quick case study. You can present: 

  • Short retrospective of a past successful project
  • Before-after transformations you’ve achieved 
  • Spotlight of the main accomplishments within the previous role 
  • Main customer results obtained
  • Specific solution delivered by you (or the team you’ve worked with) 

Ending your presentation on such a high note will leave the audience positively impressed and wondering what results you could achieve for them.

To Conclude 

It’s easy to feel stumped when you are asked to talk about yourself. Because there are so many things you could mention (but not necessarily should). At the same time, you don’t want to make your introduction sound like a bragging context. So always think from the position of your audience. Do the facts you choose to share benefit them in any way? If yes, place them confidently on your About Me slides! 

1. Personal Self Introduction PowerPoint Template

presentation introduce agenda

Use This Template

2. Self Introduction PowerPoint Template

presentation introduce agenda

3. Meet the Team PowerPoint Template Slides

presentation introduce agenda

4. Introduce Company Profile PowerPoint Template

presentation introduce agenda

5. Modern 1-Page Resume Template for PowerPoint

presentation introduce agenda

6. Modern Resume Presentation Template

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Introduce Yourself, Introduction, Presentation Ideas Filed under Presentation Ideas

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What the New Overtime Rule Means for Workers

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One of the basic principles of the American workplace is that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay. Simply put, every worker’s time has value. A cornerstone of that promise is the  Fair Labor Standards Act ’s (FLSA) requirement that when most workers work more than 40 hours in a week, they get paid more. The  Department of Labor ’s new overtime regulation is restoring and extending this promise for millions more lower-paid salaried workers in the U.S.

Overtime protections have been a critical part of the FLSA since 1938 and were established to protect workers from exploitation and to benefit workers, their families and our communities. Strong overtime protections help build America’s middle class and ensure that workers are not overworked and underpaid.

Some workers are specifically exempt from the FLSA’s minimum wage and overtime protections, including bona fide executive, administrative or professional employees. This exemption, typically referred to as the “EAP” exemption, applies when: 

1. An employee is paid a salary,  

2. The salary is not less than a minimum salary threshold amount, and 

3. The employee primarily performs executive, administrative or professional duties.

While the department increased the minimum salary required for the EAP exemption from overtime pay every 5 to 9 years between 1938 and 1975, long periods between increases to the salary requirement after 1975 have caused an erosion of the real value of the salary threshold, lessening its effectiveness in helping to identify exempt EAP employees.

The department’s new overtime rule was developed based on almost 30 listening sessions across the country and the final rule was issued after reviewing over 33,000 written comments. We heard from a wide variety of members of the public who shared valuable insights to help us develop this Administration’s overtime rule, including from workers who told us: “I would love the opportunity to...be compensated for time worked beyond 40 hours, or alternately be given a raise,” and “I make around $40,000 a year and most week[s] work well over 40 hours (likely in the 45-50 range). This rule change would benefit me greatly and ensure that my time is paid for!” and “Please, I would love to be paid for the extra hours I work!”

The department’s final rule, which will go into effect on July 1, 2024, will increase the standard salary level that helps define and delimit which salaried workers are entitled to overtime pay protections under the FLSA. 

Starting July 1, most salaried workers who earn less than $844 per week will become eligible for overtime pay under the final rule. And on Jan. 1, 2025, most salaried workers who make less than $1,128 per week will become eligible for overtime pay. As these changes occur, job duties will continue to determine overtime exemption status for most salaried employees.

Who will become eligible for overtime pay under the final rule? Currently most salaried workers earning less than $684/week. Starting July 1, 2024, most salaried workers earning less than $844/week. Starting Jan. 1, 2025, most salaried workers earning less than $1,128/week. Starting July 1, 2027, the eligibility thresholds will be updated every three years, based on current wage data. DOL.gov/OT

The rule will also increase the total annual compensation requirement for highly compensated employees (who are not entitled to overtime pay under the FLSA if certain requirements are met) from $107,432 per year to $132,964 per year on July 1, 2024, and then set it equal to $151,164 per year on Jan. 1, 2025.

Starting July 1, 2027, these earnings thresholds will be updated every three years so they keep pace with changes in worker salaries, ensuring that employers can adapt more easily because they’ll know when salary updates will happen and how they’ll be calculated.

The final rule will restore and extend the right to overtime pay to many salaried workers, including workers who historically were entitled to overtime pay under the FLSA because of their lower pay or the type of work they performed. 

We urge workers and employers to visit  our website to learn more about the final rule.

Jessica Looman is the administrator for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division. Follow the Wage and Hour Division on Twitter at  @WHD_DOL  and  LinkedIn .  Editor's note: This blog was edited to correct a typo (changing "administrator" to "administrative.")

  • Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
  • Fair Labor Standards Act
  • overtime rule

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Meeting Minutes

February 2, 2024

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

Introduction and welcome of the inspector general, presentation from the public defender’s office, presentation from the re-entry community, quarterly and annual report, sdob 2024 priorities, tasks, and benchmarks, amend sdob rules of order 1.14, future agenda items, general public comment, adjournment.

Meeting called to order at 2:10 pm. Pledge of Allegiance. Announcement on remote public comment.

PRESENT: Afuhaamango, Brookter, Nguyen, Soo, Wechter, Acting Secretary Leung NOT PRESENT: Carrion, Palmer

Motion to excuse Member Palmer by Member Brookter, seconded by Member Afuhaamango. Motion unanimously approved.

A quorum of the Board was present.

Motion to approve the Minutes from the January 5, 2024, regular meeting by Member Brookter, seconded by Member Afuhaamango.

PUBLIC COMMENT : None.

Vote to adopt the minutes of January 5, 2024: AYES: Afuhaamango, Brookter, Nguyen, Soo, Wechter NAYS: None Motion passes and approved unanimously. Minutes of January 5, 2024, are adopted.

The Board welcomed Terry Wiley, Inspector General from the Office of the Inspector General wherein IG Wiley introduced himself to the Board and the public.

Line item continued.

Cedric Akbar, Executive Director of Positive Directions Equals Change, Inc., spoke on services and programs his agency offers, city departments, told his personal story, and what services he feels are necessary upon re-entry.

Maggie Rivera, intensive re-entry case manager, told us her story and why she does what she does for reentry of formerly incarcerated individuals.

Joanna Hernandez, service provider at the Latino Task Force, and mother of an incarcerated individual, spoke of lack of services in the jails and advocates for rehabilitation.

Dakota Rose Austin, a trans parolee, spoke about her experience in the jails and lack of services for trans population in the jails and reentry programs.

Joshua Jacobo, service provider at the county jail, spoke of the reopening of the annex and lack of services in the jails, and limiting services.

Greta Garcia, with Reset Justice Collaborative for BACR in SF, voices frustration with the lack of rehabilitation services and programs, human rights violations in the jails, and hiring culturally unresponsive individuals.

Comments and questions from Member Afuhaamango, Member Nguyen, Member Wechter, Member Brookter, and President Soo.

PUBLIC COMMENT : Silvie Pagan, intensive case manager with Community Work West, and works with the Nova Violence Alliance Project, said there are concerns and challenges doing the work. Asks to support Latinos in reentry. She and Jose Gomez, who is also part of the Nova project will be starting a Latino program. Wants to see more programs to help them thrive and stop recidivism.

Bianca Sanchez, with Bay Area Community Resources, program manager for the Roadmap to Peace Initiative, sees less access for community partners to go inside the jails and provide services to incarcerated individuals. Wants to know what the plan is to collaborate with the community to be part of the reentry process and plans, plans for community partners to go in (the jails) and provide services and programs. They want to provide effective intervention treatments and rehabilitation services to break the cycles of incarceration.

Victoria Reminick, senior case manager for the Roadmap to Peace through Bay Area Community Resource, has not seen referrals coming in from Nuevos Destinos program, which provides monolingual Spanish speakers with services they need, such as case managers and trauma informed care; in an effort to stop recidivism and help improve racial equity for the LatinX population. Asked for consideration to continue funding these programs.

Araceli Garcia Murcia, senior case manager with Reset Justice Collaborative, works with and advocates for at risk youth from 14yo-26yo. Spoke of the treatment of monolingual individuals, who lack resources for mental health. Basic needs are not being met inside the jail system, including prenatal programs. Did work for pretrial and had 250-300 caseloads that were fentanyl cases.

Jose Hernandez, program director for Central American Resource Center’s Second Chance Youth Program and tattoo removal clinic. Works with youths between 14yo and 20yo, for prevention, reentry work, and aftercare. The majority of the population in the annex are LatinX, which is a seismic life hazard. It is not the fault of these specific groups but a failed institution. Racial profiling practices continue.

BREAK : 3:17 pm to 3:25 pm

The Board received notice that Vice President Carrion was unable to attend today’s meeting. Motion to excuse Vice President Carrion by Member Brookter, seconded by Member Afuhaamango. Motion approved unanimously.

Open discussion by President Soo.

Discussion on the Annual Report by Member Wechter, President Soo, Member Brookter, and Member Afuhaamango.

Discussion moved to Q4 report.

Motion by Member Wechter to attach the minutes to the Q4 report. No second. Motion is moot.

Discussion on Q4 report by President Soo.

Motion to approve the Q4 report with the added language that minutes and video are available on the website by Member Brookter, seconded by Member Afuhaamango.

Vote to approve the Q4 report with the added language that the minutes and videos are available on the website: AYES: Afuhaamango, Brookter, Nguyen, Soo NAYS: Wechter Motion is approved by majority vote. The Q4 report with the additional language is approved.

Continued discussion on the Annual Report by Member Afuhaamango, President Soo, and Member Wechter.

Motion to approve the Annual Report with the amended language and with the minutes attached by Member Wechter. No second. Motion is moot.

Motion to approve the Annual Report with the amendment of January 2023 to “President Jayson Wechter presented job descriptions, and salaries from other jurisdictions”, and that the minutes and video are available on the website by Member Brookter, seconded by Member Afuhaamango.

PUBLIC COMMENT : Terry Fill, stated not to waste everybody’s time.

Vote to approve the Annual Report with the amended language: AYES: Afuhaamango, Brookter, Nguyen, Soo, Wechter NAYS: None Motion is approved unanimously. The Annual Report with the amended language is approved.

Open discussion by President Soo, Member Afuhaamango, Member Brookter, Member Wechter, and Member Nguyen.

Change the year from 2023 to 2024 on the report is noted.

Motion to accept the Priorities, Tasks, and Benchmarks with the additional request from Member Wechter of “report on litigation against the Sheriff’s Office, types of lawsuits, settlements, and adverse judgments” by Member Brookter, seconded by Member Afuhaamango.

PUBLIC COMMENT : Terry Fill, the Board’s priority is responsibility and critical thinking.

Joanna Hernandez asks about budget and paying 8420’s which are connected to visiting – visitors, including children.

Maggie Rivera, works in custody, 8420’s are the rehabilitation staff who are civilians. Also known as “a deputy without a badge.” People are fearful of the 8420 staff to help programs maneuver through the jail system.

Vote on the motion to approve the Priorities, Tasks, and Benchmarks with the added request by Member Wechter: AYES: Afuhaamango, Brookter, Nguyen, Soo, Wechter NAYS: None Motion is approved unanimously. The 2024 Priorities, Tasks, and Benchmarks is approved.

Open discussion by President Soo, Member Wechter, Member Brookter, Member Afuhaamango, and Member Nguyen.

Motion to change the request to 12 calendar days prior to the meeting by Member Wechter, seconded by Member Afuhaamango.

Vote on motion to change the request to 12 calendar days prior to the meeting: AYES: Afuhaamango, Wechter NAYS: Brookter, Nguyen, Soo Having no quorum of votes, the motion does not pass.

Motion to change the request to 15 calendar days prior to the meeting by Member Brookter, seconded by President Soo. Vote on motion to change the request to 15 calendar days prior to the meeting: AYES: Brookter, Nguyen, Soo NAYS: Afuhaamango, Wechter Having no quorum of votes, the motion does not pass.

Motion to continue this line item to the next meeting by President Soo, seconded by Member Brookter. Vote on motion to continue this line item: AYES; Afuhaamango, Brookter, Nguyen, Soo, Wechter NAYS: None Motion passes. Agenda line item is continued to the next meeting.

Member Afuhaamango wants to discuss the rehiring of Scott New, the former deputy that was responsible for the fight club scandal and costly settlements.

Comments by President Soo.

SFSO Counsel, Margaret Baumgartner, responded that this was a personnel matter and cannot be discussed in public. Questions asked: What administrative investigations actions, criminal investigation actions, and Fifth Amendment rights were conducted in the past and how they are conducted now. Is there a procedure for recertification of deputies? Has it been used? How many times?

Joanna Hernandez, parent of an incarcerated individual, runs a support group called Family’s Understanding the System where they all have loved ones in jail. They are mothers, grandparents, wives, etc. The rehiring of the fight club scandal was the scariest thing to wake up to. Asked that meetings are moved to the community.

Terry Fill, he doesn’t care who we are, where you come from, the skies don’t care, what matters is what you do. In order to be happy, you need to do the right things. Nothing’s free. You will have to pay for what you do. There is no escape, nowhere to hide anymore.

All those in favor voted AYE. No NAYS.

Meeting was adjourned at 4:40 pm.

Dan Leung Legal Assistant Sheriff’s Department Oversight Board

Full video recording may be accessed at: https://sanfrancisco.granicus.com/player/clip/45328?view_id=223&redirect=true&h=e05637d457cbda08caa65d42be78ec00  

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Article Contents

Introduction, case report, conflict of interest statement, ethical approval.

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Unusual initial presentation of prostate adenocarcinoma with inguinal lymph nodes metastases: a case report

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Maja Sofronievska Glavinov, Rubens Jovanovic, Venjamin Majstorov, Jovo Burneski, Andrej Nikolovski, Unusual initial presentation of prostate adenocarcinoma with inguinal lymph nodes metastases: a case report, Oxford Medical Case Reports , Volume 2024, Issue 4, April 2024, omae027, https://doi.org/10.1093/omcr/omae027

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The presence of lymph node metastases in prostate adenocarcinoma is a poor prognostic sign, and mortality rates are often high. Inguinal lymph node metastases are an unusual presentation of advanced disease, and they can be easily misinterpreted with other diseases. We present a case of a 63-year-old patient with no previous symptoms and signs of prostate disorder with a right-sided inguinal lump and abdominal pain. The CT scan showed right inguinal and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. Elevated PSA serum levels, digital rectal examination, and skeletal scintigraphy with 99mTc-MDP favored the diagnosis of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. Since the patient denied prostate biopsy, a dissection of the right inguinal nodes was performed. Histopathological findings confirmed metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. The treatment was hormonal and bisphosphonate therapy, with objective posttreatment improvement. Based on this case, it can be concluded that inguinal and generalized lymphadenopathy are potential initial manifestations of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma in male patients.

Prostate adenocarcinoma is the most common cancer in men, with the highest incidence rate in eight decades. It is usually clinically diagnosed through symptoms and routine total PSA serum level measurements, but in some cases, patients may not present with symptoms or signs of the disease. The local spread of prostate adenocarcinoma follows extra-capsular spread to adjacent structures such as the seminal vesicles and/or the bladder. The presence of lymph node metastases is a poor prognostic sign, and mortality rates are often higher in those with nodal involvement [ 1 ].

The incidence of enlarged non-regional lymph nodes in patients presenting with prostate adenocarcinoma is the highest of the medial external iliac (obturator) nodes (75%), followed by nodes in the para-aortic region (26%) and anterior internal iliac region (24%). The incidence of enlarged lymph nodes in the lateral external iliac group is 18%, and the incidence of inguinal lymph node involvement is 9% [ 2 ]. This unique lymphatic spread of prostate carcinoma can be explained by the involvement of the rectum below the dentate line, which can be the source of metastasis to inguinal lymph nodes [ 3 ].

Inguinal adenopathy is most often the result of sexually transmitted diseases, non-venereal infections, and malignancies (lymphoma, melanoma, genital) [ 4 ]. Generalized lymphadenopathy with no urinary symptoms can be misinterpreted as malignant lymphoma [ 1 , 5 ].

We present a case of a 63-year-old patient with no symptoms and signs of prostate disorder presenting with right-side inguinal lymphadenopathy as the first and unusual presentation of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma.

A 63-year-old patient with diffuse abdominal pain and a lump in the right groin was admitted to the digestive surgery ward. The groin lump was present for one month before hospital admission and abdominal pain was sudden and a reason for emergency assessment. He never had urinary problems, never visited a urologist before, and had a negative family history of cancer. The patient has never had surgery on either the abdomen or the right groin. Biochemical analyses of blood and urine were performed, which showed an elevation in the CRP value (10 mg/l) and serum tumor marker assessment showed an increase in CEA (5.87 ng/ml) and total serum PSA (>400 ng/ml). Findings from the physical examination included a hard, immobile mass in the inguinal region and a soft, painful abdominal wall when deeply compressed. The digital-rectal examination showed hardening of the prostate, especially the right lobe, and the absence of sulci, but the patient declined prostate biopsy. An enhanced CT scan of the abdomen showed generalized lymphadenopathy with enlarged retroperitoneal, para-aortic, para-caval, mesenteric, peripancreatic, iliac, and especially right-sided inguinal lymph nodes ( Fig. 1 ).

(A) Enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis, axial view, showing right inguinal lymphadenopathy (arrow). (B) Coronal view of the enhanced CT scan of the abdomen showing retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy (arrow).

( A ) Enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis, axial view, showing right inguinal lymphadenopathy (arrow). ( B ) Coronal view of the enhanced CT scan of the abdomen showing retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy (arrow).

Skeletal scintigraphy with 99mTc-MDP showed multiple focal pathological accumulations of the radiotracer in the frontoparietal left and parietal calvaria, in the right zygomatic bone, in both clavicles, in the central diaphysis of the left humerus, in the left scapula, in the 5 th , 6 th and 9 th ribs from left hemithorax, in 7 th , 8 th and 9 th ribs from right hemithorax, in Th-8, Th-11 and L-3 vertebrae, sacroiliac left, in left iliac bone in the crista anterior, in the right and left ischial bones and in the distal meta diaphysis of the right femur ( Fig. 2 ).

Skeletal scintigraphy with 99mTc-MDP showing bone metastases (marked dark with concentrated radiotracer).

Skeletal scintigraphy with 99mTc-MDP showing bone metastases (marked dark with concentrated radiotracer).

A surgical dissection of the right inguinal lymph nodes was performed to establish the final diagnosis. Histopathological analysis revealed a metastasis of prostate adenocarcinoma in the right inguinal lymph nodes ( Fig. 3 ). According to the TNM classification, the patient was in stage IVb (T3N1M1b).

(A) Hematoxylin-eosin stain of lymph node metastasis. (B) Immunohistochemical staining positivity for PSA. (C) Immunohistochemical staining positivity for PAP.

( A ) Hematoxylin-eosin stain of lymph node metastasis. ( B ) Immunohistochemical staining positivity for PSA. ( C ) Immunohistochemical staining positivity for PAP.

The patient underwent treatment by an oncologist with hormonal and bisphosphonate therapy (Goserelin 10.8 mg once daily, Bicalutamide 50 mg once daily, and Zoledronic acid 4 mg once monthly) immediately after surgery discharge. Three weeks after oncological treatment, total PSA serum levels decreased to 43 ng/ml and 5 ng/ml after two months. Post radiation the patient expressed lower urinary symptoms of dribbling and hesitancy, which were treated with alpha one blocker and after two weeks the symptoms were improved. The patient’s oncological treatment is ongoing, and an enhanced abdominal CT scan is the further follow-up after 6 and 12 months, and skeletal scintigraphy after 12 months.

In the case presented, right-side inguinal node enlargement with retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy, including the absence of lower urinary tract symptoms, is the uncommon initial presentation of advanced prostate cancer. The manifestation of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma is seldom associated with metastases to soft tissue or non-regional lymph nodes [ 1 ].

The first of three common lymphatic routes of prostate cancer spread is through the lateral route to the obturator nodes (the medial chain of the external iliac) and the middle and lateral chains of the external iliac nodes. The second-line spread is the internal iliac (hypogastric) route. Seldom lymphatic drainage can also occur along an anterior way via nodes located anterior to the urinary bladder and a presacral course anterior to the sacrum and the coccyx [ 6 ].

The literature assessment was performed to find similar cases of this unusual presentation of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. Using the keywords ‘prostate adenocarcinoma,’ ‘inguinal lymphadenopathy,’ and ‘initial presentation,’ an advanced search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Medline revealed six reports in English ( Table 1 ). In two published cases, there was a bilateral inguinal metastatic lymphadenopathy [ 7 , 8 ], and two of the published cases had isolated left inguinal node metastases [ 4 , 9 ]. Lower urinary tract symptoms are not obliged in all cases of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. Some patients complain of mild obstructive symptoms [ 7 ] and frequency [ 8 , 9 ] or do not initially present any lower urinary tract symptoms [ 5 , 10 ]. Besides urinary symptoms assessment, measuring total PSA serum levels and digital rectal examination remains a ‘gold standard’ in diagnosing prostate adenocarcinoma. In similar reported cases the total PSA serum levels were not equally significantly raised; some patients have had a ‘grey zone’ PSA [ 10 ] and others have had extremely elevated PSA [ 5 , 8 ] as did the patient in this case report.

Literature review of reported cases of inguinal lymphadenopathy as initial presentation in prostate adenocarcinoma

LUTS—lower urinary symptoms; PSA -prostate specific antigen.

Inguinal metastases in prostate adenocarcinoma are unusual initial presentations of metastatic disease, suggesting poor prognosis in which early detection is a favorable factor in patient survival.

The reported case is significant and emphasizes the importance of a thorough clinical search in elderly male patients by a complete physical examination, including palpation of the inguinal region and measuring serum PSA levels. Prostate adenocarcinoma can be initially presented only with inguinal lymphadenopathy in adult male patients that can be easily misinterpreted with other conditions.

No conflict of interest.

The publishing of the case report was approved by the Ethical Board of the institution where the patient was referred.

A written consent of participation and publishing was obtained from the patient.

Andrej Nikolovski (AN), Department of Visceral Surgery, University Surgery Hospital ‘St. Naum Ohridski’, 11 Oktomvri 53, Skopje 1000, North Macedonia. E-mail: [email protected] ; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5286-3532 .

Dattani   SMT , Yamada   ML , Dhoot   NM , Ghazala   G , Levene   A , Somsundaram   R . Metastatic prostate cancer presenting as incidental pelvic lymphadenopathy—a report of three cases with literature review . Radiol Case Rep   2022 ; 17 : 2247 – 52 .

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Paño   B , Sebastià   C , Buñesch   L , Mestres   J , Salvador   R , Macías   NG . et al.    Pathways of lymphatic spread in male urogenital pelvic malignancies . Radiographics   2011 ; 31 : 135 – 60 .

Jackson   ASN , Sohaib   SA , Staffurth   JN , Huddart   RA , Parker   CC , Horwich   A . et al.    Distribution of lymph nodes in men with prostatic adenocarcinoma and lymphadenopathy at presentation: a retrospective radiological review and implications for prostate and pelvis radiotherapy . Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol)   2006 ; 18 : 109 – 16 .

Shah   VA , Rixey   A , Dusing   R . Prostate cancer metastases to inguinal lymph nodes detected by attenuation-corrected 11 C-acetate PET/CT . J Nucl Med Technol   2016 ; 44 : 46 – 8 .

Elsaqa   M , Sharafeldeen   M , Elabbady   A . Metastatic prostate cancer presenting with bilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy . Clin Genitourin Cancer   2019 ; 17 : e1185 – 7 .

Tunio   M , Hashmi   A , Raza   SS . Metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma presenting with bilateral inguinal adenopathy . J Surg Pak   2011 ; 16 : 85 – 7 .

Doreswamy   K , Karthikeyan   VS , Nagabhushana   M , Shankaranand   B . Prostatic adenocarcinoma presenting as isolated inguinal lymphadenopathy . BMJ Case Rep   2015 ; 2015 : bcr2015210825 .

Slavis   SA , Golji   H , Miller   JB . Re: carcinoma of the prostate presenting as inguinal adenopathy . Cleve Clin J Med   1990 ; 57 : 97 – 7 .

Huang   E , Teh   BS , Mody   DR , Carpenter   LS , Butler   EB . Prostate adenocarcinoma presenting with inguinal lymphadenopathy . Urology   2003 ; 61 : 463 .

Rosa   M , Chopra   HK , Sahoo   S . Fine needle aspiration biopsy diagnosis of metastatic prostate carcinoma to inguinal lymph node . Diagn Cytopathol   2007 ; 35 : 565 – 7 .

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