Public Speaking - How to Introduce Speakers

Many clubs and organizations rotate the important role of introducing other speakers at their meetings. If you are relatively inexperienced at public speaking this is a great opportunity to practice and build your confidence.

When introducing other speakers you are aiming to create a favorable environment for them to present. If the right words are chosen you can put the audience into a receptive mood to listen. On the other hand a poor choice can leave the audience bored and restless.

Introductions are as different as the individuals involved. In presenting public speakers, each requires a separate approach, in the same way each hole on a golf course is played a little differently from the other seventeen holes. Whether you get a high platform rating or a low golf score depends on the approach you choose.

The following tips will help you choose your approach to boost your platform score:

Plan Your Introductions

Introduction deserve more than impromptu fumbling. Learn about the speaker you are about to introduce. If you don't know the speaker, discover as much as you can about the speaker by getting to know them. Try to answer the following questions;

What is their area of expertise?

What subject are they speaking on?

What do others say about them?

What business line are they in?

Plan carefully how you are going to introduce them to their audience and you will put them and their audience in "sync" with each other.

Length of Your Introduction

Be brief like good literature -talk long enough to cover the details but be short enough to leave the audience wanting more. Your job is to build up the speaker not to give the speech or to make yourself the center of attention. A custom to keep in mind is that the more well known the speaker the shorter the introduction needs to be.

Keep It Simple and Sincere

Do not over complicate your introductory speech. By keeping it simple you will not confuse the audience. Mean what you say about the speaker; do not exaggerate the speaker's experience or ability. You have the opportunity to spur on the modest speaker with a few well chosen words.

Structure of the Introduction

A useful outline to use to structure your introduction is
- Opening remarks - start with an upbeat remark
- Biographical details about the speaker - who the speaker is?
- Topic of his speech - be brief - do not give the speech for him
- Thank the speaker and clearly pronounce his name

The introduction of guest speakers is a very important role. It can boost or detract from the audience's enjoyment of the speech. It is a great way to build your experience and confidence for your own public speaking. And if you enjoy the role introducing of speakers you could consider the more involved master of ceremonies role for further public speaking experience.



Article Source: Edward Hope @EzineArticles.com

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  • 7/10/2009 7:46 AM David Gabor wrote:
    Well done! There were several valuable suggestions that even the most experienced speakers would benefit from reading.

    We all have had our good and bad experiences. Your comments help to develop a plan going into the introduction. A powerful tool that I try to use in the beginning is to try to create a sentence or two that ties the program, the goal for the program and, where appropriate, a current event together.

    I think that Rick's story is great. When I did my opening statement in my first jury trial I used index cards. I put my index cards on the lectern and started to speak. The cards all slid off the lectern and onto the floor. I got on one knee and began to pick them up. All eyes in the courtroom were on me. The Judge leaned forward and seemed prepared to enjoy the situation. I thought to myself all those years of school wasted - I am dead! Then it occurred to me that I needed to do my job. So I said "boy was that dumb." All heads nodded in agreement. "I bet you were all surprised when the cards fell." All heads nodded. Then I said: "This isn't about me. This case is not about whether I dropped my notes. The case is about whether....." I did the entire opening on one knee and the case settled later that day. Why tell this story? Part because it is real and human and part because the jurors told me afterwards that I was very believable, human and that I broke down any barriers that they felt about lawyers.

    I am not suggesting that you do your introductions on one knee. I am recommending that, wherever appropriate, that you break down barriers so that the program is more effective.

    Posted by David Gabor
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