Introducing a Guest Speaker at a function

Nearly everyone will be called upon at some time to introduce a speaker. Every speaker deserves a thoughtful and helpful introduction. The best introductions are two-way. You introduce the speaker to the audience and the audience to the speaker, establishing a common bond between them, a basis of mutual views and interest.

Mini Speech
An introduction is a mini speech – less than a minute which contains all the elements of a full speech.

Opening
It has an opening that grabs the audience’s attention and makes them aware of the importance of the upcoming subject.

Body
It has a body explaining:
• Why this subject?
• Why this speaker?
• Why this audience?
• Why at this time?

Conclusion
It has a conclusion which in this case allows the speaker to begin his or her own presentation. Your introduction should tell the audience about the expertise of the speaker and give relevant background information. You should set the mood of the audience for this particular speech, an especially challenging task if there is a marked change from the mood of the preceding talk.

While covering these points, be careful not to give the speaker’s speech. Allusions to the topic will arouse audience interest without taking away from the speaker’s impact. Build expectation and end your introduction when interest peaks. Weave the speaker’s name into the introduction as much as possible (unless it is a surprise name the audience will recognise), so the audience will clearly relate this speaker
with this topic. Above all, don’t overdo it. Say what needs to be said and then sit down.

Obviously, an introduction requires almost as much preparation as a full speech:

• You will need to contact the speaker in advance and discuss the relevant information about speech and speaker.
• Make an outline of your introduction and rehearse it.

Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. Good preparation will clearly show, and both the audience and the audience will appreciate it.

Remember that you are the intermediary between the speaker and the audience. When you have completed your introduction, smile and bring the speaker on with applause. Wait until the speaker arrives at the lectern and greet him or her before returning to your seat.