From the very first moment you step out in front of your audience to begin your presentation, you have, on the average, between one and two minutes at the most to set the tone of your presentation. Many say you have even less time to capture their attention, motivate and hold it. You and I both have sat through more than one meeting, briefing, or presentation of some kind in our lifetime, where the speakers, were just plain dull and really boring. We obviously had a hard time just staying awake during it, let alone focusing our attention to what was being said. What the speaker failed to do was motivate us enough to stay awake and listen.
Lets take a quick glance at some reasons that can happen.
Unknowingly, the first thing many presenters do right off the bat wrong, is with their voice. Yes their voice. The quickest way known to make your audience unmotivated, and start dropping off like files, is to use a semi-monotone voice in the same pitch and speed. I think the next best way is hiding behind the podium, never looking up while reading, and using the same monotone voice, glancing up only occasionally, as if checking to see if anyone is still there listening to them. Finally, assuming everyone listening to you understands everything you're are presenting.