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

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