Knowing how to introduce a speaker is crucial to the success of any speech. The speaker’s introduction can either get the audience excited or give them a reason to listen to the speech. There are many ways to introduce a speaker. In-person, you can meet them before the event and ask them questions. If you don’t know them personally, you can also use LinkedIn or ask a friend to introduce them to you.
Avoid using sensitive or embarrassing information.
For most beginners, the main question when hosting is how to introduce a speaker in any setting? When introducing a speaker, don’t mention their past problems or embarrassing experiences. A biography is generally found on the event website or printed promotional material and should be read in silence. The introduction should be more relevant to the event and topic under discussion. Check that the issue is still relevant, as well as the speaker’s name, job title, and pronunciation. Using personal information is inappropriate, but it can be a way to build rapport and gain the audience’s attention.
When introducing a speaker, use their title, qualifications, and a short biography. This establishes credibility and conveys the speaker’s expertise and value to the audience. It may also be wise to begin with a statistic, controversial statement, or question to pique the audience’s interest. However, avoid using sensitive or embarrassing information, which might lead to problems. For a more memorable introduction, ask the speaker for suggestions.
Avoid using cliches
The best way to start a speech is to start with an interesting fact. People tend to forget a speaker if they repeatedly hear the exact old phrase. In addition to being boring, cliches make you sound unoriginal, which makes you lose credibility. These phrases have become overused and often have multiple meanings. To avoid falling into the trap of using cliches, you should avoid introducing a speaker in any setting.
One example is to mention the speaker’s research on ten new species of birds. The introduction should not contain sensitive information, such as health problems or legal troubles. Although it is tempting to make mention of these issues, they only occupy valuable time and create a bad image. Moreover, you should not talk about the speaker’s family, as this could make a negative impression on the minds of your audience.
Wait for the speaker to come to you.
If you’re introducing the speaker, you should remember that the spotlight is on you, not the speaker. Don’t go on a tangent and try to talk about things unrelated to the talk. Stick to the main point and avoid hedger bets, which only create a negative atmosphere and a question mark over your authority. If you’re giving an introduction to an eminent person, wait until the speaker comes to you before introducing them.
During the introduction, ensure you’re accurate and have the speaker approve it before going to the audience. The opening is a critical part of the presentation and can shape the audience’s perception of the speaker. Moreover, it’s important to remember that it’s your job to introduce the speaker so that people will look forward to hearing what they have to say.
