Opening and Ending with a Bang: Make Your Presentation Memorable
By the TrainingCourseMaterial.com Team
Want your presentation to stand out? Start and end with a bang. Great communicators—from keynote speakers to TV hosts—use this strategy to command attention and leave a lasting impression.
What Does “Bang” Mean?
It’s a memorable opener or closer. Something bold. A quote. A story. A rhetorical question. A visual. A short anecdote. These tactics create immediate rapport and signal professionalism.
“You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.”
Opening with a Bang
Here are some proven techniques you can adapt:
- Attention-Grabbing Claim: Start with a punchy line—“This process could save our team $1 million.”
- Hypothetical Question: “Imagine your biggest client just called—what would you say?”
- Parable: A short story with a message tied to your main point.
- Common Memory: Tap into shared nostalgia—“Do you remember your first team meeting?”
- Mystery Angle: Present a puzzle or a clue and connect it to your content.
- Audience Involvement: Ask a participant to demonstrate or share something.
- Theatrical Cue: Use a small prop, sketch, or an unexpected visual to surprise your audience.
Ending with a Bang
Don’t fizzle out. Wrap up with purpose. Reinforce your key message or inspire action. Consider one of these:
- Circle back to your opener—a full-circle moment builds closure.
- Share a powerful takeaway phrase or memorable quote.
- Use a strong visual or gesture to reinforce your final point.
- Call for a specific action—“Starting Monday, we try this together.”
Practical Experience
One workshop participant opened with a personal failure story. It got laughs and instantly built trust. Another trainer ended by showing a single image that summed up the entire session—everyone remembered it weeks later.
Why It Works
According to Stanford research, people are 22 times more likely to remember a fact when it’s wrapped in a story. Rhetorical tools like questions and metaphors trigger attention and deeper cognitive processing.
🎤 Free Presentation Skills Self-Assessment
Want to evaluate your delivery style and how you present yourself? Try our free self-assessment to gain quick insights.
📘 Presenting With Impact – Instant Download Training Package
Give your team the tools to open strong, close with confidence, and deliver memorable presentations. Includes trainer guides, slides, workbooks, and real-world activities.
Reviewed and fact-checked by the TrainingCourseMaterial.com editorial team on . Originally published September 2021.
