You have exactly 7 seconds from the time you step in front of your audience until your audience decides if they are going to listen to you. You have exactly 30 seconds before your audience determines if they are going to check-out or pay attention to the remained of your speech or presentation.

What does this mean to you as the speaker?

If you spend too much time on blaring pleasantries, you will loose your audience even before you get started.

Here are 6 tips to help you grab your audience's attention.

1. Be prepared

Before you step out in front of your audience, whether you are presenting from the stage or in front of a board room, you need to know exactly what your first words and actions are going to be. It's a good idea to script out your first sentence or two and have it memorized to the point you could say it in your sleep.

2. Be familiar with where you will be presenting

If at all possible visit the location of the presentation before it is your turn to speak. You want to be familiar and comfortable with your location. This helps to build confidence. If you project an air of confidence from the stage, your audience will have more faith in your knowledge and skills. If you are speak-ing from a stage or platform, practice walking onto the stage. Look for things like, will I be coming out from behind a curtain, do I have to walk up steps, will there be a hand rail, how big is the stage?