Problem vs. Solution: a great way to start a presentation

The beginning of any presentation is critical—it’s your opportunity to grab the audience’s attention and persuade them to stay engaged throughout.

Often, we fail in these first few moments because we assume our topic is universally important or interesting (it rarely is), or that people will immediately understand why they should listen.

Other times, we waste the opening because we don’t know how to start. One effective approach is to focus on the problem your presentation addresses. Even when we think our presentation isn’t about solving a problem, it always is.

Launching a start-up? Your product or service solves a specific issue (e.g., your innovative water bottle is lightweight, durable, and keeps drinks cold for 20 hours, unlike anything else on the market). Presenting underwhelming sales figures? The problem is clear, and your presentation is about bridging the gap and improving future sales. Managing a change initiative? You’re solving inefficiencies or improving processes.

The key is to start by clearly defining the problem and presenting your solution. Don’t shy away from detailing the issue—just like a doctor who describes your symptoms accurately, it reassures the audience that you understand their challenges and are qualified to offer a solution.

The more effectively you articulate the problem and its impact on your audience, the more invested they’ll be in listening to your solution. But remember to stay honest and realistic—there’s no need to exaggerate a problem to make your solution seem more important. Audiences can see through hyperbole.

For example, describing current toothbrushes as the cause of all modern woes would be absurd and unnecessary. Instead, focus on practicality and relevance. When you address a real problem with a concrete, useful solution, your audience will understand the value of what you're offering—and they’ll be much more likely to follow your message.

Starting your presentation this way ensures you capture attention and build trust and interest from the very first moment.