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Starting and closure of a presentation

case study
New answer on Mar 11, 2021
6 Answers
1.4 k Views
Anonymous A asked on Mar 09, 2021

Hello,

How should we start a presentation? Like what all greetings can be used apart from the cliche words like good afternoon (as the presentation is happening afternoon).Is it necessary to introduce myself before giving a presentation. And what to say after you have come to an end of the presentation like "the forum is open for your thoughts".

Please could you share something creative to open and close a presentation so that the interviewer finds it attractive and not boring.

Regards

(edited)

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Torben
Expert
replied on Mar 09, 2021
Volkswagen Consulting| Your Automotive and Mobility Expert | Inhouse Consulting | China

Hi there,

when in an interview situation it is always a good idea to prented like you are the representative of the respective consulting firm (so yes, introduce yourself!) and you're presenting to the client. By doing that, you can show that you're already identifiying yourself with the firm! Nevertheless, here are a couple of suggestions you might find useful:

Beginning:

  • Dear board (of directors)
  • Hello everyone

End:

  • We're happy to take potential questions now
  • ... and that being said, looking forward to a discussion now
  • My team and I are happy to answer any questions you might have

Definitely a topic I wouldnt overthink honestly, but a good way to be memorable by putting yourself in the shoes of a consultant of that firm.

Let me know what you think.

Best,

Torben

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Denis
Expert
updated an answer on Mar 09, 2021
Goldman Sachs Investment Banker NYC | Ex-Bain 5 yrs| MBA Chicago Booth | Passed > 13 MBB > 20 IB interviews

Make sure that when you present YOU have the attention, NOT YOUR SLIDES. Slides, texts, graphs etc are all just a tool to help YOU bring a MESSAGE across.

Be natural and professional. Quickly introduce your self, speak in a natural manner, not robotic, focus on the key messages per slide, dont go into the nitty gritty, leave that for follow-up questions.

In the end, make sure you express gratitude for the attention and time and that you are excited to deep-dive into potential questions.

Most important: READ THE HUMAN BEINGS sitting in front of you - you present not to a stellar being or metaphysical entity, you present to them. Read their faces, gestures, questions, intonation etc.

Sidenote: I am always amazed to see MDs, Partners present and engage clients, they are just crazy good at that, always nice to observe.

(edited)

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Clara
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Mar 10, 2021
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Haven´t thought of this!

Honestly, furthermore, I don´t think you should dedicate too much time to think about it, since as long as you don´t do something terrible, it won´t have a difference.

Ensure the focus is on you and that you have everyone´s attention to begin with, and finish thanking them and opening the floor to questions.

Hope it helps!

Cheers,

Clara

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Ian
Expert
Content Creator
updated an answer on Mar 09, 2021
#1 BCG coach | MBB | Tier 2 | Digital, Tech, Platinion | 100% personal success rate (8/8) | 95% candidate success rate

Hi there,

Unique question! Haven't seen this one yet.

In general, you need to intro 1) With a brief background on yourself and 2) With a quick summary of what will be discussed today.

In terms of closing, you need to summarize the main points of your presentation. Then, provide a positive/uplifting final note that gets viewer excited about the main implications or things they can do as a result.

That, or you can be cheesy and come up with a line like "Good afternoon, good evening, and goodnight"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-J6t66hHGck

^I'm kidding. If you didn't catch the drift, I'm saying please don't have a "go to" opening/closing. It will sound forced, cheesy, tacky, and disingenuine.

(edited)

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Gaurav
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Mar 09, 2021
Ex-Mckinsey|Certified Career Coach |Placed 500+ candidates at MBB & other consultancies

Hi there,

It`s an interesting question!

This usually depends on the purpose of the presentation. But I would recommend introducing yourself first.
As to the presentation, it is better to always try to adhere to clearer and minimal visual support, not to overdo it with graphics and text, as they are really difficult to read. If you need to convey to the audience one important message or idea, then it is better to minimize the information.

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GB

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Raj
Expert
Content Creator
replied on Mar 11, 2021
FREE 15MIN CONSULTATION | #1 Strategy& / OW coach | >70 5* reviews |90% offers ⇨ prep-success.super.site | MENA, DE, UK

Tailor this depending on your audience. It's always a good idea to be semi-formal at the start and chat casually before diving into presentation.

Before opening even one slide, set the scene of what you are going to speak about and why it matters.

At the end, recap what you spoke about, highlight again why it is important and talk about what comes next. Ideally at the end, the atmosphere has transitioned to be more conversational and to explore topics in your presentation more informally

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