Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Research the speaker
• Part 2 of 3: Writing the introduction
• Part 3 of 3: Giving the introduction
• Tips

Introductions can make or break a speaker's speech. Guest speakers depend on you to give them an enthusiastic welcome that prompts the audience to pay attention. A good introduction requires research into the background of the speaker. Write your introduction to explain how the audience will benefit from listening to the guest speaker. By memorizing the introduction and conveying it with enthusiasm, you can make every guest speaker sound great.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Research the speaker

1. Ask the guest speaker what they want you to say. Often the speaker will have an introduction ready for you. Even if they don't, they can provide you with information that you can use. If the guest speaker is not available, talk to people who know him or her, such as mutual acquaintances or colleagues.
   • If the speaker provides you with an introduction, use it.
2. Try to identify what topic the speaker will be addressing. Make a survey about the focus of the speech's speech. The speaker or event organizers may be able to tell you more. This way you can sharpen your introduction so that you introduce the topic of the speaker. Your introduction should convey exactly what the audience can expect.
   • For example, you found out that the talk is about encouraging young girls to learn to code. So don't spend time explaining how the speaker can teach these skills to adults.
3. Look for biographical information about the speaker. Search online for the speaker's credentials. News articles, interviews and websites linked to the speaker provide this information. Type in the speaker's name in a search engine and find information related to the speech. Often you will find unique facts that fit your introduction.
   • For example, a professor's biography on the university's website may inform you that "X is using her scientific research to identify ten new bird species."
   • News articles and interviews can also provide useful basic information, such as "X spent the last summer building schools in Africa."
4. Do not provide sensitive or embarrassing information without permission. Remember that your introduction is to promote the speaker. Matters such as legal problems, health problems or family issues are complicated. They take time and create a negative image. It is not appropriate to introduce criticisms or negative comments that others have made about the speaker. It's also not a good idea to talk about their family.
   • Always ask for permission from the speaker before using this data. Be able to explain why it is important to your introduction.
5. Look for other talks the speaker has given. When you find a speech, pay attention to the introduction. Search for any information about the speaker that you can use. Read the speech and select the well-written parts. Use these parts to improve your own introduction.
   • Incidentally, don't use your guest's speech to write your introduction. Perhaps this time the speaker is giving a different speech, thus creating false expectations in the audience.
6. Include a surprising detail in your introduction, if appropriate. You may come across a detail that defines the speaker's character, but is relatively unknown. The detail may also be something that is shared between you and the speaker. A good surprising detail does not detract from the focus of the speech. In many cases, it can be used to make the audience laugh or appreciate the speaker's humanity.
   • For example, you met the speaker while working at a dog adoption center. Introduce this connection at the beginning of the speech. Conclude with the statement, "I know X will inspire you to get along better with your students - and your dog."
7. Fully master the pronunciation of the speaker's name. Make sure to look up the correct pronunciation. You may find it online. If this doesn't work, contact the speaker, someone who knows the speaker well, or the event organizer. An incorrect statement makes your introduction unprofessional. It is painful and detrimental to the credibility of both yourself and the speaker.
8. Find out what special titles the speaker has. It is professional to designate the speaker with his / her correct title and this gives him / her more credibility. Refer to a physician if Dr. X. Refer to a judge as Judge X. The speaker may have titles you do not recognize, such as Sir or Lady for someone knighted by the British Queen.
   • Again, the speaker can tell you how to introduce him or her. This information can also be found online or obtained from other people.

Part 2 of 3: Writing the introduction

1. Make the introduction less than three minutes long. Don't forget you're there to introduce the guest speaker. Your introduction may not take over the event. A few short paragraphs are enough as a backdrop. This is enough time to state the speaker's background and arouse the audience's interest.
2. Explain the speaker's qualifications. One purpose of the introduction is to explain why the speaker was asked to give a speech. Relevant references apply here. Emphasize some of the speaker's expertise on the topic. Examples of qualifications are published works, work experience and success stories. Demonstrate that the speaker is an authority, but keep qualifications short and relevant.
   • For example, if the speaker is going to give a talk about improving teamwork, state that the speaker has changed the work environment in several Fortune 500 companies.
   • However, avoid mentioning degrees, awards, or work experience in Fortune 500 companies when the talk is about knitting.
3. Tell the audience what they can learn by listening. Your job is to get the public's interest. You do this by making it clear to the audience that they can learn a lot from the speech. The explanation must be relevant to the event. For example, if the speech is about public speaking, then the audience wants to know what they can learn from it.
   • For example, you could say, "X will prove today that anyone can give a charismatic speech and that a little bit of nervousness isn't always bad."
4. Provide a short personal anecdote if you have one. Chances are you were chosen to give the introduction because you know the guest speaker. You don't have to know the speaker very well to do this. Since the speaker and their words have been addressed to you personally, the audience will notice. They will relate to you and will be happy to listen to the speech.
   • You could mention something like, “20 years ago I met a man who challenged me to do better. He has become a good friend. "
   • You can also share a short anecdote, such as "I heard X speak in Leiden and what he said touched me," or "Dr. X shared his ideas with me this morning and I guarantee you will love them. "
5. Avoid humor as much as possible. Humorous anecdotes take time and are often embarrassing or unrelated to the speech. Sometimes they can work. You will have to carefully consider whether and how you are going to use humor. In some cases, such as after a sad or tiring event, the audience needs a moment of joy.
   • For example, you could say something like, "John Smith inspired me to get started and build a desk. It collapsed within five minutes. But I listened to his speech again and learned so much that I was eventually able to start my own agency business. "
6. Introduce the speaker's name at the end. The last line is considered the applause line. Make your speech work towards that. This is the time when the audience should show enthusiasm for the speaker. It is the only part of the speech where you mention the speaker's name and title.
   • For example, you could say something like, "Please give a warm round to Dr. X!'
   • You can also include the title of the speech, if necessary. This is useful during large events when people have come from different locations or have been listening to different speakers.
7. Read your introduction out loud. Done When you have finished writing your introduction, read it to yourself. Judge how it sounds. The tone must be appropriate for the location. Make changes by omitting any unnecessary details or words that don't seem to fit. In addition, it is wise to time yourself. A good introduction sounds smooth without dragging on.
   • Think about how you would react to the introduction if you were in the audience.

Part 3 of 3: Giving the introduction

1. Practice the introduction. A good introduction needs preparation. Take time to rehearse before you are ready to go.Having to rely on notes during a speech is disruptive to the audience. Instead, make sure you know the words and can say them effortlessly. An introduction should sound fluid and energetic. You can practice the introduction in a variety of ways, such as by recording yourself or by reading it to someone else.
   • When stage fright is a problem, read the introduction to yourself while standing in front of the mirror. As soon as you feel relaxed about it, you can start rehearsing for family and friends.
   • Recording your introduction is an easy way to hear yourself speak. Listen to the recording again and pay attention to all the parts that you can improve.
2. Practice the introduction in moderation before taking to the stage. When you wait for your moment, you may plan to repeat the introduction again. A few rehearsals are acceptable. However, don't exhaust yourself with lots of rehearsals and stamping work. Be confident because you know you have practiced enough and are enthusiastic about the guest speaker. This will prevent your introduction from being read aloud.
3. Introduce yourself at the beginning. The mention of your name and title is useful if someone in the room does not know you. Keep this line short so you can continue with the rest of the introduction. Remember that you are preparing the stage for the guest speaker, so there is no need for a lengthy explanation of who you are. If someone introduced you beforehand, you can skip this part.
   • Say, "Good evening. My name is Alex Brown and I am the organizer of this event. "
   • When everyone knows you, such as a teacher introducing a guest speaker to a group of students, you don't have to.
4. Show enthusiasm during your introduction. Since you have been practicing, you are ready to give the introduction with enthusiasm. Keep the energy level high. Stand up straight. Increase the energy level as you work towards the introduction by conveying just a little more volume and authority. Think about how you as an audience want the introduction to sound. You want to be inspired to pay attention to the guest speaker.
5. Speak loud and clear. Many speakers get nervous or over-enthusiastic. They rush through their speech, making them unintelligible. Slow yourself down. This ensures that every part of your introduction can be heard in the audience. You will notice that every word stands out and you can project your voice to the back of the room.
6. Ring in the applause. When you have come to the end of your introduction, you stop. Say your last line forcefully. Be the first to applaud. As the introducer, you clear the stage for the guest speaker. The audience will follow you, and nothing is worse for a guest speaker than uninspired applause.
7. Orient yourself towards the speaker as he gets closer. Turn your body towards that person. Your feet should point towards the speaker and your gaze should be on each other. Give the guest speaker a big, genuine smile. Stay where you are and keep applauding until the speaker is next to you.
8. Shake the speaker's hand. Shaking hands is a positive gesture. The public sees it. This is a human greeting that emphasizes the bond between you and the speaker. Stay focused on the speaker until he or she is on the platform with you. Give him or her a handshake and then confidently leave the stage.

Tips

• Forget clichés such as "This person needs no introduction." Instead, focus on creating a unique and descriptive introduction.