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How to Introduce a Speaker

f all the facets of public speaking,
introductions are probably the most abused. This
is because we fail to determine the objective,
the purpose and the desired result.

How seldom do we hear an introduction which is
really not much more than a partial biography,
uninteresting, without structure, stumbled
through, essentially, merely going through the
motions?

Who cares whether the speaker was born 1961 in
Plompton, that he went to grammar school, high
school and university, that he married a class
mate, has four children, a VW Polo, a bulldog,
and moved to Dublin in 1991? So they are going to
speak on "The future of our forests in Africa".

Exaggeration? â€" Perhaps. But not too far from the
truth. It recalls all the boring ritual of the
average introduction.

What is our duty when introducing the speaker?

Obviously, to increase the interest, attention
and anticipation of the audience. It is only a
courtesy to the speaker to condition the audience
to a pleased, happy anticipation and ensure
attention.

What is a good introduction?

It consists of several things:

With a few rare exceptions, a good introduction
should not go over two or three minutes. Don't
hog the limited time of the speaker.

There should always be an "introduction of the
introduction." Perhaps this is only a single
sentence of an attention-compelling nature. An
introduction is a short speech and should follow
the rules for good speech making. Some apropos
side remarks or comments might further increase
the mood and anticipation if it is lightly
humorous and in good taste.

The body of the introduction should raise the
importance of the timeliness of the subject to be
discussed. This is to increase the interest of
the "so what" members of the audience. A short
statement about the speaker should follow,
restricted as far as possible to their
accomplishments.

Up to this point, the title of the talk, the
business or professional connection, or the title
of the speaker and their name, have not been
given. The conclusion of the introduction
consists of these three:

title of speech
title of speaker
the speaker's name

in that order. The last words spoken are the name
of the speaker.

All of this in three minutes? Yes. It takes some
doing, but it is your duty. Try it and you will
be surprised at the good reception it will get.

Rare indeed is the person who can give a good
introduction if they are called upon only in the
last few minutes before the speech. An
introduction needs preparation, thought and
ingenuity. The introducer needs to know the title
of the speech, the slant the speaker will take,
some pertinent facts about them, and the type of
audience they will be addressing.

When you are the introducer, pay close attention
to everything that happens prior to your part in
the programme. Often events occur that throw into
your lap a comment or bit of humour which, if
grasped, establishes the easy liaison and happy
anticipation which is priceless background for
the speaker.

What about introducing more than one speaker at
the same meeting?

If that is your task, pay close attention to what
the first speaker says. Use your ingenuity, and
as they finish, comment upon their speech. Pick
out some statement or thought you can refer to,
and in a logical or humorous way, connect their
speech with the one which is to follow. Use such
remarks as the "introduction to the introduction"
for the next speaker.

In making an introduction it is your duty not to
bore the audience. It is your duty to increase
your audience attention and anticipation. Try it
next time. Condition the audience as you
introduce the speaker.
About the Author
Vince Stevenson is one of England's greatest
speaking enthusiasts, having competed for and won
many prestigious competitions. Vince is involved
with speaking at many levels and has just
finished his year as District President of the
South-Eastern District of the Association of
Speakers Clubs having been involved in its
educational development for many years. Vince is
a founder and lead trainer at the College of
Public Speaking.