The Opening Line I've Used for 30+ Years (And Why It Still Works)
"I don't have all the answers." That's how I start every presentation. Have done for 30 + years. Here's the backstory: When I did my first seminar after selling my business, I noticed something: too many speakers had an "I know it all" style. Great content. But the delivery felt... off. So I thought: How can I be strong but also disarming? I landed on this opening: "Hello, my name's Peter Thomson. I'm delighted to share tried and tested ideas with you today. But before we start, there's one thing I need to tell you: I don't have all the answers." People told me it made them relax. It felt honest. Authentic. Years later, I learned WHY it worked: Professor Robert Cialdini (Influence: Science and Practice) identified it as a persuasion principle: admit a failing. The idea: Tell people what you CAN'T do before you tell them what you CAN do. Not weakness. Authenticity + authority. Your challenge: Think about your next presentation, pitch, or client conversation. What's ONE thing you could admit upfront that would make you more relatable? Drop it in the comments