So it is your turn to introduce the speaker before your next meeting. Here are some pointers to make sure you create a warm welcome:
Prepare:
- Ask the speaker for information well ahead of time. They may provide you with a bio or even a prepared introduction. Read it ahead of time and edit it for those points that will be of interest to your audience.
- Write a short script. This is one of the very few presentations that you should script, and then stick to the script, rather than just “winging it.”
- Plan to provide two or three short facts about the speaker and why they have been asked to speak.
- Share your own experience with the speaker – perhaps you have heard them speak before, or you know firsthand of their expertise.
- Build them up, but don’t oversell them. This makes it difficult for the speaker to live up to the introduction.
- Rehearse – out loud. Be sure you rehearse your introduction out loud a few times, so that ultimately you will be able to say the introduction with ease.
- Check to be sure you are saying the person’s name correctly, and that you have your facts right.
Deliver the introduction:
- Smile. You may feel nervous, but put on a welcoming smile anyway.
- Speak up. Slow down slightly, and speak slowly and clearly so everyone can catch your announcement.
- Say the person’s name clearly. If you are not sure how to say it, be sure to ask and practice if you need to.
- Be brief. If you spend too much time on the intro, you are eating up the speaker’s time, and possibly stealing their thunder.
- Connect with eye contact. Connect first with one person, and then move your eye contact slowly from one person to the next.
- Save the speaker’s name until last. The speaker’s name is usually recognized as the signal for him or her to rise and come forward. Don’t embarrass him or her by giving it before you are ready for him or her.
- Remain facing the audience until you have finished saying the name, then quickly turn to the speaker in welcome and start the applause. Your enthusiasm will spread to others.
After the presentation:
- Be prepared to thank the speaker after he or she has finished, and if appropriate, offer a few positive comments on the presentation.
Learn to make a gracious introduction—so your speakers feel welcome and can do their very best.