What's a better way to start a conference talk than "Uh... okay, so I guess it's time to get started?"

I'm giving my first conference talk at CONNECT.TECH 2019 in Atlanta, GA next week, and I am excited!

Over the past few months, I've spent a lot of time studying the subject, fine tuning my slides, and working through the talk itself. But there is one thing that is hanging me up: the kick-off.

I have seen a bunch of talks at different conferences, and it seems like the default "start" is a diffusing question or statement like: "Alright, so I guess I'll begin."

There has got to be a better way!

What are some of the great talk kick-offs that you've heard? What do you like and what do you dislike? How would you start your tech talk?