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Public Speaking » Introductions » Fourteen Introduction Tips
Fourteen Introduction Tips
by Speaking Tips | December 22, 2003
A good introduction should capture the audience's attention, bring them together
as a group and motivate them to listen attentively to the speaker. Here are
fourteen tips to help you do just that.
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Identify yourself by name and title, unless this has already been
earlier. Remember, the speaker also needs to know who you are.
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Know the speaker's name and how to pronounce it. If it is an
unusual name, help the audience learn it.
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Know the speaker's title or position.
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Be brief. Aim for between one and three minutes. Five minutes is too long.
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Do not read the introduction. It will sound flat, unenthusiastic and
convey the impression that you are unfamiliar with the subject. It is
acceptable to bring notes to the lectern but keep them inconspicuous.
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Smile and be enthusiastic in tone, gesture and choice of words.
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Know enough about the subject to sound knowledgeable.
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Announce the speech title as given to you by the speaker. If you
have any questions about it, ask the speaker before the
introduction. Many speakers select specific titles for a reason or
for a pun. If the speaker is not using a title, make sure that your
description matches the speaker's.
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Introductions are no place to use slides, overheads or
presentation software.
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Anecdotes are good but should pertain to the subject and be in
harmony with the mood of the presentation. Avoid using canned jokes.
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If the credentials of the speaker are so outstanding that they
must be shared with the audience or if there are publications the
audience will want to know about, insert them in the program or
prepare a separate commemorative handout.
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Never use the old cliche that the speaker needs no introduction.
If the introduction ties the speaker to the audience and the topic
then each introduction is unique, plus there is always something new
about every speaker.
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You are the catalyst, not the performer. Do not try to upstage
the speaker with your knowledge of the subject. Do not dwell on your
relationship with the speaker, even (or perhaps especially) if they
are your boss, relative or significant other.
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Introduction of a panel of speakers is the same except the
introducer needs to describe the structure and format of the panel
(speaking order, length of time) and the various points of view and
perspectives of the panelists. The introduction of the individual
panelists can be done two ways: All at once or individually as the
panel program progresses. Most audiences prefer a handout with the
panelists' credentials so they can refer to it as the panel
progresses.
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