A compelling introduction isn’t filler—it’s strategy. In the first 15 seconds, your audience decides if you’re worth listening to. A strong hook builds trust, not just attention. Whether it’s a stat, story, or question, your opening must do more than begin—it must lead. For busy, rational minds, your intro is your credibility in action. Miss it, and you spend the rest of your talk earning what you could’ve owned from the start.

You have just 21 seconds to make a lasting impression. How will you use them to craft a powerful introduction that captivates your audience? In this first post of our series, we'll show you the most common and ineffective introductions you need to avoid to build credibility and trust from the very start.