We’ve all been there: listening to someone totally botch our introduction to an audience. Now is a time to revisit your approach to your speaker introduction and how you support your introducer. Here are tips compiled (by speaker Jeff Davidson)over the years from various masters:
Recognize that a good introduction must both set the stage and put the audience at ease. A bad introduction can diminish your impact.
When writing up your introduction, include your speech title, who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and why you are qualified. Be accurate and make sure that your name is the last word that the audience hears before you go on.
Keep your introduction short — one minute, or approximately two paragraphs, is more than enough. Let your actual presentation speak loudest about your abilities.
Help your introducer by employing a large point size on a 6x9 inch index card (which stays rigid). At the top include the message: “Dear Introducer: your role today is crucial and will set the stage for my opening lines. Please be upbeat and affirming.People won’t likely recall what you say, but they’ll remember how you said it.”
Nod, gesture, or otherwise thanks the introducer as you approach the stage or lectern.
Start strong and be brilliant!
The Coach suggests . . . bring an extra copy of your intro in case the introducer cannot find his/her copy.
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