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Kathryn Janicek

Polling with Purpose: Engage With Your Audience Immediately with this Introduction

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How Beginning Your Presentation With An Audience Poll Sets You Up For Success

 

For a powerful executive presentation that connects with and is remembered by your audience, you have to engage with everyone in the room (whether physical or virtual) within the first few minutes of your talk. 

 

Whether you’re presenting in a virtual conference panel or physically in front of the board of your company, that engagement is crucial to your success. You have several options for this type of presentation introductory strategy — a simple yet effective choice is taking a poll.

 

Why Conducting A Poll Will Amp Up Your Introduction

 

At JPG, we teach our clients the importance of having this “cognitive anchor” at the beginning of our presentations or somewhere within — no matter what kind of presentations they are. A “cognitive anchor” refers to the anchoring effect, which is when an audience relies heavily on the first information they receive to make a judgment or decision (such as whether or not to trust and/or listen to you while you’re speaking). 

 

Studies show that audiences decide whether or not to fully participate (pay attention) to a presentation within the first 10 seconds of listening. So, if you start strong, chances are your audience will stay with you for your entire talk. One way to win this strong start is to engage your audience immediately. 

How Polling Your Audience Draws Them In

 

Starting your presentation with something simple, such as a “How many of you had to drive in this morning?” connects your audience to you and what you’re about to present to them immediately. Polling stops them from multitasking, encourages participation, and makes your presentation more interactive. 

Polling your audience gets you two huge wins as a speaker immediately.

 

  • It prompts the audience (when in a physical room) to look around the space and see what the majority answer is. 
  • People connect with one another — those in the front row turn around, folks in the back look beside them — it gets everyone curious about the baseline answer that the poll questioned.
  • It gives you context for whatever you’re about to speak on next.
  • It gives you an entry point to engage more with an audience member later on in your talk. 

 

After you get these wins, you need to use them. When you ask for the “show of hands” — follow that up with sharing with the audience what you’re seeing and what you’re learning about them. Give them the context that you’ll use to appeal to them more.

Using Your Introduction To Tailor Your Talk To Your Audience

 

A simple question might seem surface-level, but it gives you valuable insight into the mindset of your audience, which is vital for your success as a speaker. You can go a level deeper if the question starts off the topic of your presentation. 

 

Recently, JPG coached an executive to take part in a roundtable panel to discuss the current state of the construction industry. 

 

When asked what artificial intelligence innovations or tools his company is looking at investing in and implementing, he turned to the audience with a question: “How many pages of documentation do you think you generate for a 400-foot high-rise job? Show of hands if you think it’s at least 500,000.” 

 

The majority of hands in the room went up. 

 

He then increased the question to 1 million, then 2 million, then 3 million. With each raise, more and more hands went down until only a few were left held high. 

 

The answer was 3.2 million. 

 

He used this audience poll not just as context for the audience, but as knowledge for himself so that he could accurately frame and inflect his vocal tone on what he said next not only about the automation tools that his company is considering and why, but how tools like this could potentially impact the entire industry — including everyone in the room. 

 

That audience poll gave him an “in” to the rest of his talk and, in the process, grabbed the attention of everyone in the room.

 

This is exactly how you need to approach not only audience engagement but also the first few precious minutes of any talk you give. 

 

Master Audience Engagement with Janicek Performance Group

Executive Presentation Coaching can help with Strategy

 

When used intentionally, polling isn’t just a moment of audience interaction—it’s a strategic move that sets the tone for the rest of your talk. A well-timed poll captures attention, builds immediate rapport, and gives you real-time insight into your audience’s mindset. With the right coaching, you can turn this simple technique into one of your most effective communication tools.

 

At JPG, we can give you the skills to master this simple yet powerful tool.  We help professionals master tools like audience polling to deliver confident, relevant, and high-impact presentations — whether on stage or on screen.

 Key Preparations Before Your Big Speech or Presentation: Tips for Executives and Leaders

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Why Proper Preparation Sets the Stage for an Unforgettable Performance

As an executive or leader, your ability to deliver an impactful keynote or speech is often a reflection of your preparation. While the day of the event is crucial, the night before is just as important. 

Preparing for your speech in advance ensures you step onto the stage with confidence, fully ready to engage your audience.

Below are key actions we coach our clients to take the night before a big speech to ensure they’re set up for success.

1. Visit the Venue Early

Getting to the venue the night before your speech is one of the most important things you can do to reduce uncertainty and boost your confidence. This simple act helps you familiarize yourself with the space, anticipate any challenges, and mentally prepare. 

Here’s what to focus on when you visit.

  • Stage Layout: How many steps are there to the stage? Where is the lectern placed? You may prefer the lectern to be removed to have more freedom of movement. If so, ask in advance for it to be cleared.

  • Monitors and Teleprompters: Know what kind of equipment is available to you for your script or slides. If there is a monitor, make sure you can see your slides without needing to turn around constantly. This ensures smooth transitions during your presentation and allows you to maintain eye contact with your audience. If there is a teleprompter, ensure that you are comfortable with its speed setting and practice beforehand if possible.

  • Lighting and Audio: Check how well-lit the stage is and the placement of microphones. Understand the acoustics of the room to avoid any surprises on the big day.

2. Arrive Early for Sound Check

Never underestimate the importance of a sound check. Although it may be optional, it’s a non-negotiable part of your preparation. 

Arriving early for the sound check gives you the opportunity to prepare in several ways.

  • Test Audio Equipment: Ensure the microphone works well, whether it’s a handheld or lavalier mic. Know how it feels and adjust it if necessary. For instance, if you prefer using your hands freely, check if a lavalier mic would work best for you.

  • Get Comfortable with the Mic: If you’re using a stick mic, practice holding it and getting accustomed to your movement and gestures. This helps you avoid any discomfort when you’re on stage. If you’ll be given a lavalier mic, make sure you’re wearing attire that has an appropriate collar or place to attach it.

  • Minimize the Unexpected: Testing the mic and sound system helps you avoid potential technical difficulties that could distract you during your speech.

3. Plan Your Performance

You might feel nervous or even experience anxiety before speaking, but preparation can help reduce these feelings. When you’re familiar with the environment, equipment, and technical aspects, you’re better equipped to focus on the delivery itself.

  • Mental Rehearsal: Visualize your performance as you review the venue and audio setup. Picture yourself confidently walking on stage, delivering your key messages, and engaging the audience.

  • Personal Routine: Consider any pre-speech rituals that help calm your nerves. Whether it’s a breathing exercise, a few minutes of meditation, or reviewing your notes, find what works for you and make it part of your preparation.

4. Don’t Rely on Last-Minute Rehearsals

While practicing your speech is essential, avoid cramming or stressing over last-minute rehearsals the night before. Instead, take time to relax and ensure you’re mentally and physically ready. A good night’s sleep is just as important as your final prep. Your brain needs rest to perform at its best. 

5. Prepare for the Unexpected

Finally, remember that no matter how well you prepare, things may not go as planned. And that’s okay. 

Leaders who excel are able to adapt and think on their feet — training with JPG professionals can help you develop this skill (this is another reason you need sleep, so you can think on your feet). If something goes wrong, whether it’s technical difficulties, a forgotten slide, or a question you weren’t prepared for, stay calm, keep your composure, and focus on delivering value to your audience.

Set the Stage for Success: What to Do the Night Before Your Big Speech 

The night before your big speech is an opportunity to set yourself up for success. By visiting the venue, conducting a sound check, mentally rehearsing, and ensuring your equipment is ready, you’ll reduce the potential for surprises and walk onto the stage ready to impress. 

With these strategies, you’ll be poised to deliver an exceptional performance, whether in front of 12 or 3,000 people. 

Are you ready to command the stage and transform your expertise to influence?

We’re here to help at JPG!

Adapting Your Communication: The Power of Listening and Learning in Every Room

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Master the art of reading the room and adjusting your communication style to inspire, engage, and lead with impact

As executive leaders, we communicate with teams, clients, partners, and sometimes even with ourselves, often shaping our leadership presence based on the environment we’re in.

How do we adapt to the ever-changing dynamics around us?

From my life experiences, I’ve learned a valuable lesson: the importance of watching and learning from the room you’re in and adapting your communications to reach the people inside that room.

When I was young, my family moved around a lot for my dad’s job. Boston, New Hampshire, Southern California, Salt Lake City, and back to the Chicago area. Every time we relocated, I was faced with the challenge of figuring out how to communicate in a new setting. How could I get along with new classmates, make new friends, and adapt to each school’s unique culture? Each region had different rules, and I had to constantly adjust my communication style to fit in and thrive.

For my own career, I worked and went to college in Milwaukee, then moved to Champaign, then Lincoln, Memphis, Detroit, Minneapolis and then back to Chicago to work at WGN TV, WBBM Radio, and NBC Chicago. 

This experience taught me the power of adaptability, especially when it comes to communication.

Leadership isn’t just about talking; it’s about understanding the environment, listening to your team, and adjusting your approach to achieve the desired outcome. The world is constantly changing, and as leaders, we need to ensure our communication evolves just as quickly.

The Importance of Listening

One of the most significant skills in adapting your communication is listening. It’s not just about hearing words but understanding the message behind them. 

Whether in a team meeting, client discussion, or networking event, it’s crucial to listen actively. Understand the nuances of what’s being said, pick up on body language, and be aware of the overall tone in the room. These elements help you communicate more effectively by tailoring your approach to what’s actually needed in that moment.

In my own journey, moving from place to place, I learned quickly that communication styles weren’t universal. What worked in one environment didn’t always work in another. Understanding these differences helped me connect with others on a deeper level, and it’s the same in any leadership situation today.

Adapting Based on the Room

As a leader, how do you communicate in different settings? Do you adjust your tone and approach based on your audience or the atmosphere of the meeting?

I think back to my years of moving from school to school, learning how to adapt to the various social structures and dynamics in each place. Similarly, in the business world, each meeting or negotiation can require a slightly different communication style.

At Janicek Performance Group, we coach executives to understand their audience and adjust their communication approach with different stakeholders. What works when addressing a team may differ from how you communicate with board members or investors.

This adaptability is key to ensuring your message resonates and engages your audience, no matter who they are.

How Can You Begin to Adapt Your Communication Today?

  1. Observe the Room: Take a moment to observe the dynamics in each room you enter. How is the energy? What’s the mood? What are people’s body language and facial expressions saying?

  2. Listen More Than You Speak: As leaders, we often feel compelled to speak and lead the conversation. But some of the best insights come from simply listening — understanding what others are saying and how they’re saying it.

  3. Adjust Your Approach: Whether you’re in a formal boardroom or an informal brainstorming session, be ready to adjust your tone, pace, and language to better fit the environment. What might seem appropriate in one setting could come across as disconnected in another.

  4. Learn from Every Interaction: Every room is an opportunity to learn something new. Even if things don’t go as planned, there’s always something valuable to take away. Use those moments to refine your communication style.

In leadership, there’s no one-size-fits-all communication strategy. Just like I had to adapt to new environments as a child, we must continuously learn from the different settings we find ourselves in. By paying attention to our surroundings, listening more intently, and adjusting our approach, we can strengthen our ability to lead with influence and impact.

So, as you move through your day, ask yourself: How am I communicating in this room? Am I adapting to the situation, or am I defaulting to my usual style?

The key to effective leadership is not just about speaking clearly, it’s about understanding the context, listening to your team, and communicating in a way that builds trust and fosters growth. At JPG, we can help you learn and become a better leader — and listener. 

Understand Your Audience: The Key to Authentic Leadership and Public Speaking

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Why Understanding Your Audience Shapes Your Executive Leadership Presence

The Most Important Connection Happens Before You Make a Decision 

With executive leadership, one of the most common mistakes is assuming we know what our audience needs without really understanding their day-to-day challenges. 

It is easy to make decisions from a distance, thinking we know what works, but that approach often lacks the depth needed to truly connect.

Why Leaders Must Understand Their Audience 

You will be more successful as a leader if you take the time to deeply understand your audience. Their needs, challenges, and what truly drives them. When you immerse yourself in their world, your message becomes more relevant and impactful.

Imagine the difference between saying:

 “They are struggling,” versus saying, 

“I spent time with them. I listened to their stories. They are fighting hard and need real solutions. Let me tell you about one specific example…” 

The latter does not just sound better, it resonates because it is grounded in reality. Your audience will see that you are not just speaking from a distance, you are advocating from within their world. This work can be done with training and care for your audience; our team is here to help.

Here are 5 ways JPG coaches leaders to deepen their understanding of their audience:

  1. Spend Time with them: Regularly engage with your audience to understand their perspectives firsthand. Giving a keynote? Show up early. Talk to people and call them out during your presentation.
  2. Listen Actively: Go beyond surface-level feedback by asking insightful questions and truly listening to responses.
  3. Adapt Your Strategy: Use what you learn to shape your approach and create more tailored, impactful solutions.
  4. Communicate from Experience: Share stories and insights gained from your direct interactions to build credibility and trust.
  5. Follow Up with Action: Show your commitment by addressing the challenges you witnessed.

Ready to connect more deeply with your audience? Discover how JPG’s coaching can transform the way you lead, starting with who you’re leading.

You do not need to have all the answers; you need the right questions 

The call to action for leaders is simple: challenge yourself to go beyond assumptions. 

Connect with your audience in a meaningful way. 

Show that you care enough to immerse yourself in their reality. 

Your leadership will transform into influence when rooted in experience, not just theory.

At Janicek Performance Group, we specialize in training leaders to accelerate growth, command attention, and drive innovation through impactful communication. If you’re ready to refine your presence, project confidence, and take control of your message, reach out today to learn how we can help.

Why Your Inner Voice Shapes Your Executive Leadership Presence

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The most important conversation happens before you ever open your mouth

Before I consult anyone on how to transform from expert to influential leader, I ask one simple question:

What are you saying to yourself?

Before you ever speak to a team, an audience, or even a loved one, you’re already communicating. With yourself.

Some days, your inner voice builds you up: “You’ve got this.”
Other days? It picks you apart: “Don’t mess this up,” or, “You’re totally going to mess this up.”

It’s subtle. It’s persistent. And it’s shaping every interaction you have.

Here’s the truth: You have power over that voice. But like any habit, it takes awareness, intention, and daily practice.

Why Mindset Matters More Than You Think

I often share Stanford research with my clients. It finds that simply shifting your mindset can improve your health, decrease stress, and help you bounce back from life’s biggest challenges.

This isn’t fluff. It’s neuroscience.

And it applies directly to executive leadership communication.
Because if you don’t believe in what you’re saying, or in yourself, your audience won’t either.

Before we talk about strategy, storytelling, or how to “win the room,” we have to address the dialogue happening inside the room of your mind. That’s what sets the tone for everything else.

What Does Your Inner Voice Sound Like Today?

I hear it all the time from executives, physicians, and high-performers I coach:

  • “I know my stuff, but I second-guess myself before I speak.”
  • “I want to sound confident, but I keep thinking I’m not good enough.”
  • “I feel like I have to prove myself before I’ve even opened my mouth.”

Sound familiar?

This inner dialogue doesn’t make you a weak leader. It makes you a human one.

But if we don’t recognize and recalibrate it, that voice will undermine your presence before you ever say a single word.

5 Ways to Shift Your Inner Dialogue and Strengthen Your Presence

Want to turn your inner critic into your inner coach? Start with these small, practical shifts:

1. Name It to Tame It – Identify Your Inner Dialog

Notice what your inner voice is saying, without judgment.
Is it helping you lead or making you shrink?

Try this: At the start of your day or before a big meeting, jot down one thing your inner voice is telling you. Then ask: Would I say this to a colleague I respect?

2. Reframe Self-Talk into Self-Coaching

Instead of: “Don’t mess this up.”
Try: “You’ve prepared for this. You’ve got tools. Focus on what matters.”

Your tone of voice to yourself matters just as much as your tone of voice to others.

3. Set a Pre-Talk Mantra

Before you walk into a room or deliver a message, use a grounding phrase.

Examples:

  • “I don’t need to be perfect. I need to be present.”
  • “I have something valuable to say.”
  • “This moment is not about me. It’s about the people I serve.”

4. Record, Review, Reflect

Record yourself speaking in low-pressure moments (like casual presentations or Zoom calls). Watch it back. Not for critique, but for patterns.

Notice how your inner voice might have shaped your delivery. Did you hold back? Did your tone drop? Did you rush?

5. Build Your Evidence File

Keep a digital or physical folder of positive feedback, wins, and “you crushed it” moments. Read it before high-stakes conversations.

Confidence doesn’t come from hype. It comes from proof.
And you have more proof than your inner critic gives you credit for.

You Don’t Need to Be Perfect. You Need to Be Present.

This isn’t about checking a box or fitting into some outdated mold of what a “leader” should look or sound like.

It’s about showing up grounded, intentional, human.
As the leader, colleague, parent, or partner you want to be.

So the next time you prepare for a presentation, a hard conversation, or a meeting that matters, start here:

Ask yourself,
“What am I saying to myself?”

Because your inner voice is speaking first.
And the world is listening.

At Janicek Performance Group, we specialize in training leaders to accelerate growth, command attention, and drive innovation through impactful communication. If you’re ready to transform from expert to influential leader, refine your presence, project confidence, and take control of your message, reach out today to learn how we can help.

A Body Language Secret For Leaders

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Executive Presence Starts with Awareness, Not Perfection

Before you say a single word, your audience is already forming an opinion.

It starts with your body.
And most often, it starts with your hands.

I’ve coached thousands of executives, emerging leaders, and high-stakes speakers. And there’s one pattern I see over and over, especially in moments that matter most:

We bring our hands up.
Right in front of our chest. Guarding our core. Clutching a pointer. Fidgeting with a ring. Folding them tightly in front of us like armor.

Why does this happen?

Public speaking, even in a boardroom, not a ballroom, triggers a primal instinct to protect ourselves.

You’re exposed. You’re hoping to be liked. You’re working hard to sound smart, credible, in control.
You want to be seen, but you’re also subconsciously protecting yourself from being judged.

That protective posture makes perfect sense. But here’s the thing:

The message your body sends might be undermining the message you’re trying to deliver.

When your hands are clutched close to your chest, your audience sees hesitation.
When your gestures are tight or overly rehearsed, they see nervousness.
When your body looks guarded, they feel your insecurity even if your words say otherwise.

And when you’re leading the room, that’s not the impression you want to leave behind.

Want to Lead with More Confidence? Start with Your Body.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about intentionality.
You’ve already done the hard work. Developing the strategy, refining the data, preparing the message.

Now let your presence support the power of your words.

Here are five simple ways to align your body language with your message:

1. Lower Your Hands

Let your arms rest naturally at your sides or loosely in front of you. This signals confidence, calm, and openness.

When in doubt, start with hands at your side and use purposeful, intentional gestures to reinforce your words. Avoid the “T-Rex” position (hands clutched just below your neck) or the “fig leaf” (hands locked low in front of your body). Both restrict your energy and your message.

2. Ground Yourself

Before you speak, take a beat.
Feel your feet planted.
Breathe.
A grounded posture, shoulders back, spine tall, projects stability and authority. It also calms your nervous system and centers your attention.

3. Use Open Gestures

When you gesture, open your palms. Let your movements be natural, not scripted.
This creates connection. It communicates transparency and authenticity. Two of the most important traits in any leader.

4. Practice With Intention

Record yourself. Watch with the sound off.
Where are your hands? What is your body language saying without your voice?

Self-awareness is the first step toward transformation.

5. Remember This: You Are Enough

You don’t need to overcompensate with grand gestures or constant movement.
Your message is strong. Your presence matters. And you don’t need to earn the right to be in the room. You already belong there.

Let your body reflect the confidence you’ve already earned.

Confidence is Contagious. So is Nervous Energy.

If your body language is broadcasting self-doubt, the room will feel it.

But when you ground yourself, when you own your presence, people don’t just hear you.
They trust you. They believe you. They follow you.

This is the power of executive presence.
And it starts long before you ever open your mouth.

At Janicek Performance Group, we specialize in training leaders to accelerate growth, command attention, and drive innovation through impactful communication. If you’re ready to refine your presence, project confidence, and take control of your message, reach out today to learn how we can help.

Strategic Clarity: How the Rule of 3 Powers Executive Leadership

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Stop overwhelming. Start influencing. Why three key messages are the secret to commanding any conversation.

You know too much.

That’s not a dig. It’s a compliment. You’re an expert. You’ve spent years mastering your field, solving complex problems, and navigating high-stakes moments.

And that expertise?
It can actually trip you up when you’re trying to connect, influence, or lead.

Because what matters to you doesn’t always matter to them.

Whether it’s a boardroom, a performance review, a keynote, or a media interview, you can’t take people on a tour of everything you know.
You have to simplify. Sharpen. Prioritize.

The Rule of 3: Limit Yourself to Three Key Messages

If there’s one rule I teach every executive I coach, it’s this:
Always walk into every conversation with three key messages.

That’s it.
The brain can only hold on to so much. Studies show that people retain information best when it’s delivered in threes. Go beyond that, and you risk losing them.

Why Three Key Messages Work

When you prepare three specific messages:
✔️ You stay focused, no matter how the conversation pivots
✔️ You give your audience something they’ll actually remember
✔️ You walk in with clarity and walk out with influence

No matter the moment, the Rule of 3 delivers clarity when it counts most. Whether you’re: 

  • Delivering feedback to your team

  • Pitching a big idea to leadership

  • Sitting down for a high-stakes interview

Three is your anchor. It’s your edge. It’s your control.

How to Use The Rule of 3 for Executive Leadership 

Before any important conversation, ask yourself:
What are the 3 most important things this person needs to hear right now?

Not what you want to say.
Not what you find interesting.
What they need.

Write them down. Practice them out loud. Be ready to pivot to any of the three depending on the moment.

Want More Influence? Start with Three.

You don’t need to be the loudest in the room.
You need to be the clearest.

Simplify your message.
Say less, and say it better.
And always come prepared with three.

Need help finding your three?


At Janicek Performance Group, that’s what we do. Let’s discuss how to sharpen your message and show up as the leader people remember.

Stop the Bad Habit That’s Quietly Undermining Your Leadership Presence 

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Why “Lip Smack” Might Be Drowning Out Your Message

You’re presenting in front of your team.
You’ve nailed the strategy, the vision, the data.
But something is pulling the room’s focus—something small, barely noticeable, but persistent.

You finish a sentence… pause… smack.
Then another sentence… smack.

You may not even hear it. But your audience does.

It’s called lip smack—and once it’s present, it can chip away at your credibility, presence, and the power of your message.

At Janicek Performance Group, we work with high-performing executive leaders across industries, and this is one of the most common speaking habits we encounter in presentations, team meetings, earnings calls, media interviews, and keynotes. It’s subtle. It’s unintentional. And it’s absolutely fixable.

What Is Lip Smack—and Why Does It Happen?

Lip smack is the sound made when your lips part quickly—usually right before you speak again. 

Lip smacking often shows up in these in-between spaces:

  • After completing a sentence

  • When transitioning to a new thought

  • During moments of hesitation or silence

Why Do We Lip Smack? 

1. Nervous Energy at Work 

When we’re nervous, our bodies and minds look for small ways to self-soothe. For some, it’s pacing. For others, it’s filler words. Lip smack is often a way to “reset” and buy time before speaking again.

2. Dehydration in Disguise 

If you’re even mildly dehydrated, your mouth produces less saliva—making it harder to speak comfortably. You may find yourself subconsciously trying to generate saliva between thoughts, and that motion creates the sound.

3. A Hidden Habit That Sticks 

The more you speak in high-pressure environments, the more likely certain habits will creep in—especially if you’re not reviewing footage or receiving regular feedback. Lip smack is one of those habits that often goes undetected… until it’s pointed out.

Why It Matters in High-Stakes Communication

You may be thinking: It’s just a small sound—why does it matter?

Because presence is made up of moments.And in leadership communication, small distractions can have big consequences.

We want your audience focused on:

  • Your vision
  • Your authority.
  • Your clarity.
  • Your call to action.

 

Not on a repeated sound that breaks the rhythm of your message or distracts from the gravity of your words.

In a world where every second of attention matters, lip smack can create unnecessary friction—especially in boardrooms, virtual meetings, or during keynotes that are being recorded or livestreamed.

So, What’s the Fix to Lip Smacking?

The good news? This isn’t about being perfect.
You don’t need to sound like a robot or erase your personality.

This is about showing up with presence and intention.

 

Here’s what we recommend:

1. Build Awareness

Watch a recording of your next presentation. Do you hear the lip smack? If so, notice when it shows up. Is it between thoughts? After a question? During transitions?

Awareness alone often reduces the habit significantly.

2. Hydrate

It sounds simple, but increasing your water intake leading up to (and during) speaking engagements can make a huge difference.

3. Breathe and Pause Intentionally

Often, lip smack is a filler. Instead, try this: complete your sentence and simply pause.
Let the silence do some of the work. It builds drama. It shows control. It signals leadership.

Final Thought

Your voice is one of your most powerful leadership tools.
And when used intentionally, it builds trust, drives decisions, and inspires action.

Lip smack doesn’t define you.
But when it’s present, it can dilute your message.

The best part? Once you’re aware of it, it’s entirely within your control. 

A small shift—big impact.

At Janicek Performance Group, we see this all the time—even among the most seasoned executive leaders. Lip smack is subtle, unintentional, and surprisingly common in high-stakes settings like presentations, earnings calls, and media interviews.

Why Your Opening Line Matters More Than You Think

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The First 10 Seconds Define Whether Your Presentation is a Success

When we think about delivering a powerful presentation or speaking in high-stakes leadership moments, we often focus on the content itself—the facts, the data, the story. But at Janicek Performance Group, we coach leaders to understand that how you start is just as important as what you say.

Whether you’re presenting to a boardroom, a conference audience, or the media, your opening line sets the tone for everything that follows. It’s not just a nice-to-have—it’s the anchor of your executive presence.

The Most Underrated Moment of Your Presentation

Recently, during a coaching session, one of our clients delivered a strong presentation. Her body language was excellent. Steady posture, intentional gestures, no pacing or fidgeting. She looked confident and composed. That’s a big win.

But she opened with:

“So I joined…”

It immediately fell flat. The strength of her message—and her leadership—deserved more.

This is where many speakers miss an opportunity. They start casually, almost apologetically. But in professional speaking environments , we don’t have time to warm up our message. The first few seconds matter most.

The Science Behind First Impressions

 Your audience decides whether to fully engage in the first 7 to 10 seconds. We emphasize this in every coaching session.

 

Research shows that these initial moments create a cognitive anchor that’s difficult to shift later. If you start strong, your audience is more likely to perceive your entire presentation as compelling—even if you stumble later.

The “cognitive anchor” refers to the anchoring effect, a psychological phenomenon where people rely heavily on the first piece of information they receive when making decisions or forming judgments.

How to Make Your First Line Unforgettable 

Your presentation’s opening line should:

  • Command immediate attention
  • Establish your authority and credibility 
  • Show that you’re prepared and present
  • Signal: I’m in control. I know why I’m here. And you should listen.

A line like “So I joined…” doesn’t do any of that. 

But what if she said:

“When I received the five-page expectations document for this role, I realized immediately the weight of the responsibility—and the opportunity.”

Now that sets the stage.

Why You Should Memorize Your Presentation Opening 

We don’t recommend memorizing your entire presentation—but your opening lines? That’s different. You want to internalize those first two sentences so deeply that no matter what happens—tech glitches, nerves, interruptions—you’re grounded and ready.

This is part of what we teach in our executive presence programs: how to lead with intention, anchor your message, and show up like the leader you are, even before you say your second sentence.

Four Tips to Hook Your Audience

1. Practice Until It’s Second Nature

Record yourself delivering your opening line. Do you sound confident or tentative? Is your tone matching your message? Practice until the words flow naturally.

2. Create a Pattern Interrupt

The best opening lines break patterns. They make the audience think, “This is different.” Consider starting with a surprising statistic, a provocative question, or a brief story that captures attention.

3. Tailor to Your Context

A board meeting requires a different opening than a keynote. Adjust your tone, pace, and content to match the environment while maintaining your authority.

4. Connect Before Content

Establish a connection with your audience in those first moments. Even a powerful message falls flat if the audience doesn’t feel you’re speaking to them specifically.

The Janicek Performance Group Approach to Executive Presence

If you’re a leader preparing for:

  • A keynote address
  • A media interview
  • A board presentation
  • Or a major internal announcement

Your opening line needs to match the magnitude of the moment. In our one-on-one coaching and group training programs, we build these moments with you. Together, we script, refine, and rehearse so you’re not just confident—you’re compelling.

Final Takeaway: Make Your First Line Count 

Your audience is forming an impression before you even begin. That first line? It’s not just filler. It’s your launchpad.

Make it intentional. Make it powerful. And above all—make it you.

If you’re ready to elevate your message and lead with executive presence, reach out to the team at Janicek Performance Group. We’re here to help you make every word count—starting with the very first one.