LinkedIn·Monday, 24 August 2026·2d ago
If you script only one thing, script the intro. Never wing your introduction. Look at Marques Brownlee. “Hey, what’s up guys? MKBHD here”…
Clo Willaerts
Corporate Trainer & Keynote Speaker | Digital Marketing Strategy, Leadership Development | 25+ years guiding marketing executives through exponential tech change
If you script only one thing, script the intro.
Never wing your introduction.
Look at Marques Brownlee. “Hey, what’s up guys? MKBHD here” became part of his brand. He has even talked about how he deliberately shortened and refined his intro over time.
You don't need a catchphrase. But you do need to know how you are going to start.
Because the first 10 seconds have a lot of work to do:
➛ Get people's attention
➛ Tell them what this is about
➛ Give them a reason to keep listening
➛ Establish your tone and credibility
This is especially true on stage.
I see speakers spend hours preparing their slides and then walk on stage and improvise the first 60 seconds.
Don't.
Know your first sentence. Know your first story. Know how you're going to get into the subject.
Once you're rolling, you can improvise.
But don't improvise the bit that gets you rolling.
♥ 5
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