When you present, your audience usually sizes you up before you even utter a word — so it's critical to make a positive first impression. Start by communicating ahead of time. Send a thoughtfully written agenda with a concise but telling subject line — and be explicit about what the audience will get out of it. Once they're in the room, match your disposition to your presentation. For your content to ring true, do you need to come across as passionate? Humbled by the challenges ahead? If you're announcing a layoff: be somber, not happy. If your talk is upbeat, chat with individuals as the group gathers. No matter what tone you're trying to establish, be available and sincere.
Source: Today's Management Tip was adapted from the HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations.