HOW TO INTRODUCE A SPEAKER (Podium Power)

 

The purpose of introduction serves two purposes

1.    It acts as a bridge, a transition from one part of a meeting to another, thus giving the audience time to make mental and emotional shift.

2.    It prepares people for the speaker, heightening their sense of openness and anticipation.

     When about to introduce a speaker, take note of the following. Your task is to introduce the speaker, not to take centre stage. The spotlight is on you only for the moment so that you can shine it where it belongs: the speaker.

Keep it brief. For informal gatherings 30 seconds is plenty. For larger events, aim for no longer than a minute , for a very formal gathering with a distinguished speaker, you may need to speak for two minutes.

•          Research

Talk to the speaker in advance of the event. Find out what he /she is talking about and why it is relevant to the audience. Get know much about the speaker himself, his experience, educational background, life, interest, and accomplishments and whatever makes the speaker an authority on the subject his speaking about. Rehearse the speaker’s name and  pronounce it well. If the speaker send you his written introduction use it to prepare your introduction, don’t read it verbatim.

•   PREPARE A 3 PART OUTLINE

A good introduction tells people why this speaker is talking about this subject at this event. The first part of your introduction should state a common problem or concern the audience shares

The second part briefly states how today’s speech will help them solve that problem or address the concern. It important to note that not all speeches are meant to solve a problem, so check every speech and know what type it is.

The third part of the speech is to establish the speaker’s credentials, thus reinforcing his aura of authority in the subject. This convinces the audience that he knows what h/she is talking about.

•          PERFORM

Walk to the podium with confidence. Arrange your notes and adjust the microphone. Take a breath. Look at the audience and smile.

Speak your introduction. Conclude with the speaker’s name, which is her/his cue to  come forward.

Wait at the podium until the speaker arrives. Shake his /her hand and step back from the podium, handing it over symbolically to the speaker.

Source: Podium Power by Chris Witts, PHD