How to Introduce a Speaker
Why a speech of
Introduction?
The introductory remarks by which a
speaker is presented to his/her audience are an important aspect of public
speaking. Listeners will be a more perceptive and appreciative audience if
they understand what the speaker is undertaking. One function of the
introduction is to establish the proper "mental set" so the group
will know what to look for.
A good introduction contributes to
the speaker's authority by making it clear that he or she speaks from special
preparation, knowledge or experience.
What Should the
Introducer Say?
Speeches of introduction should not
be flat or stereotyped. They should be graceful, witty and fun... fun to hear
and fun to give. Here is a set of guidelines that will serve as a handy system
in organizing the facts that have been collected about the speaker. It is the
T-I-S formula, as presented by Dale Carnegie in his book, EFFECTIVE SPEAKING.
- T stands for TOPIC. Start you
introduction by giving the exact title of the speakers talk.
- I stands for IMPORTANCE. In this
step you bridge over the area between the topic and the particular
interest of the group.
- S stands for SPEAKER. Here you
list the speaker's outstanding qualifications, particularly those that
related to his/her topic. Finally, you give the speaker's name distinctly
and clearly.
From this point you can use your
imagination. Tying the formula to the information that you have gathered, take
no more than 30-45 seconds to introduce the speaker. Make it short, and make
it count.
Summarized from When You are the
Introducer (Toastmasters 1167E)
Sample
Introductions
Example One:
Our speaker today is Patricia Nelson. Ms. Nelson is the Librarian at the
Business Link : Business Service Centre. In her job she deals with small
business owners and those thinking of starting a business to help them find
the information they need to start or run their businesses. In her spare time
she has served as a Board Member with Edmonton Community Network, and as a
volunteer trainer teaching people how to use the Internet and create web
pages.
Based on her knowledge, enthusiasm and experience she is eminently
qualified to speak to us today about Business Resources on the Internet.
Ladies and Gentleman, please welcome, Patricia Nelson.
Example two:
We are delighted to have a very special person with us today to give us a
presentation. Jeff Singh is a Professional Engineer, a graduate of the
University of Alberta. He received his M.B.A. from Harvard in 1995. Upon
graduation from the University of Alberta, Mr. Singh worked for the Alberta
Energy Department as an energy supply analyst. He then moved on to a position
with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers as a policy analyst
involved with negotiating royalty rates with the provincial government.
Following that Mr. Singh has worked with Amoco Oil in numerous locations
around the globe. He has worked on several international committees analyzing
petroleum production and supply trends and forecasts.
We are delighted to have Mr. Singh with us today to present his findings
about royalty payment options in various countries and world forecasts for
supply and demand in the coming decade.
Please help me welcome Jeff Singh.