Introducing a Speaker

A good introduction gets a speaker off to a strong start.

          The role of the introducer is to arouse the listeners’ interest so they will direct their attention to the speaker and the topic.

          By mentioning specific interests you can create an atmosphere which makes the audience more receptive and the speaker more stimulated and focused.        

The five best tips when introducing a speaker to an audience

* Get some facts

          Before the event ask the speaker to supply some background notes about themselves.

          Use these notes to prepare your introduction, and ensure you get the facts correct.  

          Tell the speaker, well in advance of the event, how much time is available for the talk, who the audience will be and the numbers you are expecting.

* Be seen and heard

          On the day go to the front so you can be seen and heard by all the audience

          Use a microphone if necessary.

          Remind the speaker and the audience how much time is available for the speech.

* Be brief

          Keep your introduction short.

          Refrain from ‘stealing’ any of the content of the speaker’s speech or giving your views on the speaker’s topic.

* Why this speaker?

          Tell the audience why the speaker is qualified to speak on the subject.

          Mention the speaker’s background and qualifications.

* Lead the applause

          Your last task before you sit down is to repeat the speaker’s name clearly and to lead the applause to welcome them.

-Geoffrey Moss (mossassociates.co.nz)

“Energy and enthusiasm are contagious.”

Source: “Persuasive Ways. ‘Tricks of the trade’ to get your ideas across”. First published by  Moss Associates Ltd., New Zealand and in Chinese by the Shanghai People’s Publishing House, the Singapore Institute of Management, Kogan Page Ltd, U.K and in Hungarian by Bagolyvar Konyvkiado.  Also published as the “Secrets of Persuasion” by Cengage Learning Asia and as an e-book and sold by Amazon.com.