Speaking Tip: How to Make an Introduction

Speaking Tip: How to Make an Introduction by

So, you've been asked to introduce a speaker at next month's event, and you're wondering, "How could I possibly do that?" You've watched lots of other introductions, but now that it's your turn, it seems much more of a challenge than you realized.

Don't be put off by the uncertainty or your lack of practice. If you can remember a few simple guidelines, you can make an effective introduction, too. First, recognize that the introduction of a speaker is not about you -- it's about the speaker, and about the expectations you generate for her.

You do not need to wow the audience, in fact you should not. Don't take any attention away from the speaker; your role is to facilitate the speech, not make one of your own. As we note below, your speaking time should not be more than a minute or two.

Start by sitting down with the speaker before the speech, and get the basic information you need. That includes the speaker's name, the title of her speech, and a bit of background to the issue she plans to cover. You'll want some biographical information, as well. And, spend a few minutes practicing her name if it is difficult to pronounce.

When the time comes to make the introduction, tell the audience, with enthusiasm, that you're pleased to introduce the speaker, using her name and the title of her speech. Tell the audience why the information in her speech will be valuable, basing this opinion on your own experience, or on something well known to the audience. But, be quick. Your explanation should last no more than one minute.

Go on to tell the audience about the speaker"'s qualifications, and explain why she is uniquely qualified. Now you will use the information about the speaker that you collected in that earlier interview. Think, here, in terms of context. By context, I mean a framework within which we will think about the subject matter of the speech. Again, keep this to less than a minute.

By now, the audience should be receptive; members should have a clear idea of who they'll be listening to, and why her message is important to them.

At the same time, the speaker should feel welcome and confident. You've described her qualifications very positively, and developed a connection between her and the audience. She knows the audience has a reason to listen to her speech.

With a mental connection established, you can start to establish a physical connection. As you wrap up your introductory comments, make eye contact with the speaker, repeat her name, and the title of the speech.

That's her cue to come to the podium. You'll start the applause, wait there for her, shake hands, and then return to your seat as quietly as possible.

Summing up, introducing a speaker can be a manageable challenge. And you can meet that challenge by focusing on the speaker, not yourself, by establishing a link between the speaker and audience, and by smoothly getting the speaker to the lectern or podium.

Robert F. Abbott writes extensively about business communication, and his work includes the book, A Manager’s Guide to Newsletters: Communicating for Results. You can learn more at Speaking Tips on the Communicate-with-Confidence website.

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