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How to Memorably Introduce Another Speaker

• Deborah Grayson Riegel

What to say to get your audience’s attention.

As a professional speaker and facilitator for over 20 years, I’ve been introduced more than a thousand times, by countless meeting planners, conference organizers, and team leaders. Nevertheless, most of the introductions have fallen into one of four categories:

• Deborah Grayson Riegel is a professional speaker and facilitator, as well as a communication and presentation skills coach. She teaches leadership communication at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and has taught for Wharton Business School, Columbia Business School’s Women in Leadership Program, and Peking University’s International MBA Program. She is the author of Overcoming Overthinking: 36 Ways to Tame Anxiety for Work, School, and Life and the best-selling Go To Help: 31 Strategies to Offer, Ask for, and Accept Help .

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How to Introduce a Guest Speaker (with Examples)

May 25, 2023

Introducing a guest speaker is an important responsibility that sets the stage for their presentation and creates an atmosphere of anticipation. A well-crafted introduction not only provides essential information about the speaker but also captivates the audience and builds excitement. In this article, we will explore the art of how to introduce a guest speaker and how to craft a brilliant script for introducing a guest speaker.

From the best way to introduce a speaker to example speeches and tips for making a memorable impact, we will equip you with the tools to deliver introductions that engage, entertain, and leave a lasting impression.

What Is the Best Way to Introduce a Speaker?

Introducing a speaker effectively requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some key elements to keep in mind for how to introduce a guest speaker successfully.

1. Research and gather information.

Before introducing the guest speaker, conduct thorough research to gather relevant information about their background, achievements, and expertise. This will help you create an introduction that is both personalized and impactful.

2. Establish credibility.

Highlight the speaker’s credentials and accomplishments to establish their credibility in the eyes of the audience. Share their relevant experience, expertise, and any notable achievements that are relevant to the topic of their presentation.

3. Create a connection.

Find a compelling way to establish a connection between both the speaker and the audience. This can be through shared interests, experiences, or values. For example, if you’re introducing a guest speaker at your university who happens to be an alumnus of your school, make sure you draw attention to that in your introduction. Creating a relatable connection helps the audience connect with the speaker right from the start.

4. Build anticipation.

Engage the audience’s curiosity by giving a glimpse of what the speaker will later cover in their presentation. Tease key points, intriguing anecdotes, or unique perspectives that the audience can look forward to during the talk. This builds anticipation and captures attention for the following presentation.

5. Keep it concise and engaging.

Aim for a concise, but also interesting, introduction. Use short, direct sentences that convey information clearly. In addition, avoid lengthy biographies or unnecessary details that may lose the audience’s interest. Finally, craft your words carefully to maintain a lively and engaging tone.

How to Use AI to Practice Introducing a Guest Speaker

When it comes time to practice your guest speaker introduction speech, Yoodli , an AI-powered communication coach, becomes your invaluable practice partner. With Yoodli’s cutting-edge technology and generative AI , you can rehearse and refine your introduction in a virtual, judgement-free environment. Its personalized feedback helps you fine-tune your tone, pacing, and overall delivery, ensuring that you make a powerful impact when introducing a guest speaker.

Furthermore, Yoodli automatically generates a transcription of your speech, analyzing it for keywords. This means you can get a sense of how your audience might interpret your speech’s overall message and main points. With Yoodli’s assistance, you can gain confidence, practice your high income skills (like your storytelling skills, for example) and create an introduction that captivates as well as energizes the audience.

Examples of How to Introduce a Guest Speaker

To illustrate the power of a great guest speaker introduction, let’s take a look at an example of how to introduce a guest speaker.

Example of a general introduction for a guest speaker

Good morning, all! Today, we have the privilege of being in the presence of a true visionary and leader in the field of environmental sustainability. Our guest speaker has dedicated her career to finding innovative solutions for a greener and more sustainable future. [Speaker’s name], the CEO of [organization/company name], has successfully spearheaded numerous initiatives that have had a profound impact on our environment. Under her leadership, the company has revolutionized the way we approach sustainability challenges, pushing boundaries and inspiring change. With over two decades of experience in environmental engineering, [Speaker’s name] has been at the forefront of designing groundbreaking technologies and implementing sustainable practices in industries ranging from renewable energy to waste management. Her expertise has earned her international recognition and multiple prestigious awards. But it’s not just her professional achievements that make her special. [Speaker’s name] is a passionate advocate for educating the next generation on the importance of environmental stewardship. Her engaging speaking style and ability to connect with audiences of all backgrounds make her an inspiration to many. Today, [Speaker’s name] will be sharing her insights on how we can create a more sustainable future through innovation and collaboration. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and empowered to take action. Please join me in giving a warm welcome to the exceptional [Speaker’s name]!

This example highlights the speaker’s credentials, builds a connection, creates anticipation, and sets the stage for an engaging and informative presentation.

Example of a personal anecdote for a guest speaker introduction

“Picture this: It was a sunny afternoon in the heart of our city, and I found myself walking through the bustling streets, surrounded by the sound of honking cars and the hum of conversation. Amidst the chaos, I stumbled upon a small park nestled between towering buildings — a hidden oasis of greenery and serenity.

As I entered the park, I noticed a group of children huddled around a captivating woman who stood in front of a majestic oak tree. It was none other than our esteemed guest speaker, [Speaker’s name]. She was engaging the children in a lively discussion about the wonders of nature and the importance of preserving our environment.

What struck me most was the way [Speaker’s name] effortlessly connected with these young minds, sparking their curiosity and inspiring them to take action. I watched as she shared stories of her own childhood adventures exploring forests, climbing trees, and discovering the beauty of our natural world.

In that moment, I realized the profound impact [Speaker’s name] had on these children: instilling a deep love and respect for the environment. Her passion was contagious, and it reminded me of the power we all possess to make a difference, no matter how small.

From that day forward, I became an avid follower of [Speaker’s name]’s work. Her commitment to environmental stewardship and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life is truly remarkable. Today, we have the incredible honor of welcoming her to this stage to share her insights and inspire us all to join the movement for a greener and more sustainable future.

Please finally join me in giving a warm welcome to the extraordinary [Speaker’s name]!”

What Do You Say First When Introducing a Guest Speaker?

The first few sentences of a guest speaker introduction are crucial in capturing the audience’s attention and setting the tone for the entire introduction. Here are some effective opening lines to consider adding to your script when introducing a guest speaking.

1. Engage listeners with a thought-provoking question.

Start with a thought-provoking question related to the speaker’s topic or expertise. This immediately grabs the audience’s attention and, what’s more, encourages them to actively participate in the introduction. For example: “Have you ever wondered how a single individual can make a significant impact on global environmental issues?”

2. Begin with a captivating anecdote or story.

Introduce the speaker by sharing a captivating anecdote or story that relates to their work or accomplishments. This narrative approach instantly draws the audience in and also builds an emotional connection.

3. Use a powerful quote.

Start with a powerful quote that encapsulates the essence of the speaker’s message or expertise. Quotes are attention-grabbing and can also convey a sense of authority and relevance. For example: “As Albert Einstein once said, ‘We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.'” You can find some powerful quotes from the best motivational speeches , too.

4. Make a bold statement.

Begin your script to introduce your guest speaker with a bold and impactful statement that immediately captures the audience’s attention. This statement should be concise yet intriguing, sparking curiosity as well as setting the stage for the speaker’s presentation. Attention getters are perfect for this. For example: “Today, you’re about to witness a groundbreaking approach to tackling one of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change.”

Remember, the opening lines of your script to introduce a guest speaker are the gateway to engaging the audience and setting the stage for a memorable presentation. Choose an approach that aligns with the speaker’s personality as well as the event’s atmosphere, and don’t be afraid to be creative and captivating.

The Main Takeaway

Giving an introduction for a guest speaker is an art that requires careful planning, research, and an understanding of the audience’s expectations. By following the principles discussed in this article and using examples as inspiration, you can deliver introductions that engage, entertain, and leave a lasting impression. Remember, the goal is to set the stage for the speaker’s presentation and create a sense of excitement and anticipation.

So, go ahead, embrace the power of a well-crafted introduction, and make every guest speaker’s presence an unforgettable experience for your audience.

Start practicing with Yoodli.

Getting better at speaking is getting easier. Record or upload a speech and let our AI Speech Coach analyze your speaking and give you feedback.

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How to Write and Deliver an Engaging Guest Speaker Introduction

Last Updated: July 3, 2024 Fact Checked

Sample Speeches

Writing the introduction, delivering the speech, expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Deb DiSandro and by wikiHow staff writer, Ali Garbacz, B.A. . Deb DiSandro is the Owner of Speak Up On Purpose, an organization dedicated to improving and teaching public speaking. Deb has over 30 years of experience as a national speaker and has presented at the Erma Bombeck Writer’s Conference and the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. She was awarded the National Speakers Association Member of the Year 2007 and has been published in Writer's Digest, Daily Herald, Women's Day, and Better Homes & Gardens. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,204,411 times.

Introducing a guest speaker is quite an honor. As the introducer, you get the audience excited about the talk they’re about to hear and play a crucial role in connecting the speaker to their audience on a more human level. Writing the perfect introduction speech requires some research and rehearsal on your part, but rest assured that you’ll be left with a speech that’ll leave your audience wanting more. Keep reading for our complete guide to writing the best introduction speech. Also, take a look at the samples we’ve included to get help you get started.

Things You Should Know

• Establish the guest speaker’s credibility by mentioning notable achievements and experiences that relate to the topic of their speech.
• Share a quick anecdote or surprising fact about the guest speaker to paint a picture of their personality and character.
• Get the audience excited for the upcoming presentation with a short sentence stating what the guest speaker will be talking about.
• Wait until the very end to introduce the guest speaker by their full name and title.

Researching the Speaker

• When the speaker provides an introduction for you, use it. Read it over a few times and don’t hesitate to ask them for any clarification if you need it.

• For example, if the speech is about encouraging young girls to learn computer programming, don’t spend time explaining how the speaker can teach these skills to adults.
• Additionally, if the audience is mostly people who work in the education field rather than computer programming, avoid using a lot of jargon specific to computer programming so the audience can follow along better.

• Another method is to ask the speaker for their resume. Use this to pick out their most notable achievements to help establish their credibility.
• A good introduction goes beyond just reciting the speaker’s personal history. However, noting their most relevant and impressive achievements will help establish them as an authoritative figure to the audience.

• Always get the speaker’s permission before using these details. If you need to use this information, have an explanation ready as to why it’s important to your introduction.

• Be careful if you’re using pieces from another speech since it is copyrighted material and can’t be used without the speaker’s permission. Talk directly to the speaker about using these portions, or rephrase the section in your own words.

• “Many don’t know that John Doe originally went to school for law, but ended up choosing psychology instead. Just like many of you, he didn’t have much of an idea of where his life would take him. Little did he know that his legal studies would actually help him to become one of the most renowned therapists we know today.”

• Avoid using overly casual language to refer to the speaker, such as “guy,” “girl,” or “kid.” Instead, use “person,” “woman,” or “man.”

• “Jane’s passion for creative writing goes back to her high school days where she began the draft for her very first novel at the age of 15. By the time she was entering her sophomore year of college at 19 years old, she had already published her first book.”
• “John has received recognition and praise from some of the largest Fortune 500 companies for his dedication to creating curriculums to help strengthen teamwork in the workplace. He’s received multiple awards for his work and has even gone on to write a book sharing his unique insights and perspective.”

• “Jane will tell you exactly how you can manifest every single one of your goals by making just five simple changes in your daily life.”
• “John is here today to share the secret to maximizing your savings so you can live freely without ever having to worry about finances again.”

• “John and I met a few years back and immediately bonded over the struggle of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I’m sure many of us can relate to this.”
• “Jane’s book on navigating childcare in our current economy struck me at a very deep level. I’ve never read such relatable and honest words, and her work has given me comfort and reassurance during these unpredictable times.”

• For example, you might say, “John Smith’s story working in the lumber industry inspired me to go out and build a cabinet. Unsurprisingly, it fell apart within five minutes of being built. I went back to him, and he was sure to reassure me that it’s a practice that requires much patience.”

• “Please join me in welcoming Dr. John Smith!”
• “Here to discuss her newest book, “How to Live a Happier Life,” please give a warm welcome to Jane Doe.”
• “Here to share his unique perspective on the current political climate, please welcome Professor John Doe.”

• Also, practice using a friendly and relaxed tone when you give your speech to avoid coming off as super stiff and nervous.
• To overcome stage fright , recite the introduction while looking in a mirror. Once you feel comfortable, rehearse it in front of family and friends.

• For example, “Good evening. My name is Alex Brown, and I’m the organizer of this event.”
• If everyone in the audience is familiar with you, there’s no need to introduce yourself.

• Get the speaker’s approval of the introduction you’ve written. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Forget about cliches such as “This person needs no introduction.” Instead, focus on making your introduction unique and descriptive. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Ask the speaker to revise a provided introduction if you don’t feel that it’s right for the audience they’ll be presenting to. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.dacdb.com/Rotary/Accounts/5110/Downloads/30398/how-to-introduce-a-speaker.pdf
• ↑ https://www.press.umich.edu/pdf/9780472035090-unit1.pdf
• ↑ http://canuwrite.com/speech_introduce.php
• ↑ http://www.write-out-loud.com/introduction-speech.html
• ↑ https://hbr.org/2016/10/how-to-memorably-introduce-another-speaker
• ↑ https://westsidetoastmasters.com/resources/talk_your_way/ch15.html
• ↑ https://publicwords.com/2011/11/26/how-to-introduce-a-speaker-the-art-of-giving-and-receiving-a-great-introduction/
• ↑ http://www.publicwords.com/2011/11/26/how-to-introduce-a-speaker-the-art-of-giving-and-receiving-a-great-introduction/

About This Article

Before introducing your guest speaker, introduce yourself in case there are people in the audience who don't know you. Then talk about the speaker’s background and qualifications, and give the audience a high-level overview of what they might learn from the presentation. See if you can include a short, personal anecdote about the speaker, like "I read their book and really loved it," for example. Try to keep your introduction to less than 3 minutes, and finish it by welcoming your speaker and telling the audience their name. For more advice on introducing a guest speaker, including how to research them in advance, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Introducing a Speaker Sample Script

Many people get asked to introduce a speaker at an event and have no idea how to do it. In this quick guide, we give you several different frameworks that you can use, as well as plenty of sample scripts and explain the questions you must ask both your speaker and your client before you start.

Key Points of  a Great Speaker Introduction

A Biography is not an Introduction

• Grab the audiences attention
• Establish the importance of the Topic
• Establish the credibility of the Speaker
• Outline “What’s in it for Them”
• Say the Speakers name last

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Why do we introduce a speaker or performer.

There are many reasons why we have someone else introduce a speaker or an act rather than them just coming out on stage and beginning their presentation or performance. Understanding these is an important part of the process of crafting a great introduction. Here are some of the reasons…

• It shows respect for the speaker
• It settles the audience down and gets them focussed on the stage.
• Alternatively, it can hype the audience up and get them excited about what they are going to experience
• It gives a chance for the Production crew to correct the sound levels, lights and be ready with any audio/visual cues.
• It lets the audience know who this person is before they start, in case there is no printed program.
• It can link the content or the message of the speaker to the theme of the event.
• It can emphasise why this message is important to the group and why they should listen
• It can show why this person is qualified to speak about the topic and share their insights
• It can allow the speaker to get straight into the meat of their presentation

So, as you can see there is a lot going on behind even the simplest of introductions!

Before you start writing a Speaker Introduction!

Before you start writing an introduction, find out, does the speaker have a prepared Introduction?

If the person presenting is a professional speaker, e.g this is what they do for a living, they should have a standard introduction already prepared for you or better still, an introduction they have prepared specifically for this event. They will understand the importance of the introduction and how it can help them and their presentation succeed.

In reality however, not all professional speakers will provide you with a prepared introduction and most other non professional speakers will not provide one at all. They may not even be aware that they can do this.

What you will get in most situations is a Biography, which is not an Introduction and shouldn’t be read out “as is!” This is one mistake many people make. We will show you later in the article how to convert a Bio into an Introduction.

If you do get an introduction, either supplied by the booker, the client or the speaker themselves, use it as written. Don’t attempt to improve it. The only time to do this is if you see some glaring error or you really need to cut some time off, but you are going to find most provided introductions are carefully crafted and most will be quite succinct.

If you do add anything, say it before you start the provided introduction and then end on their words.

Speaking of time … if a Speaker does provide you a long winded introduction or insists that a video highlights package is run before they come on stage, make sure this is included in their presentation time!

I normally start timing a speaker after I leave the stage and they have started, but if they insist on a really long one or play a 5 minute video first, that should be part of their allocated time.

There is a bit of a trend for having a video play before they actually come on. It really is part of the presentation..

Notice, I have been referring to provided Introductions. These are not Biographies!

Often you will be provided with a Biography of the Speaker. The Client has probably recieved this from the Speaker or copied it from their website and it was useful to them in selecting the Speaker for the engagement. But these are seldom useful as Speaker Introductions.

A Biography, like a CV that you put together to help you obtain a job,  lists all your Qualifications, Achievements, Career Highlights, Publications, Awards etc.

But your audience doesn’t really need to know all this! They don’t really care. They want to essentially know just three things.

• Is this Topic important?
• Is the Speaker qualified to talk about the Topic?
• What’s in it for them?

Don’t fall into the trap of just reading out a long Biography that you are given.  We will show you later in the article how to quickly craft a strong Speaker Introduction.

It’s always a good idea if you can check directly with the speaker that the topic of their speech is unchanged.

Many speakers get booked many months before their presentations. In the case of large international events this may even be a year or so prior! In some cases a speech Topic or Title may change. The speaker may in fact have a totally different theme or presentation to what’s printed in the Agenda or in the notes provided.

If you craft a wonderful Introduction, touching on the theme or the importance of the speech, it helps if it’s in alignment.

Two strategies

Firstly, you should if at all possible talk to your speakers before you introduce them. There are many reasons for this, that we have discussed here. During this conversation you can check that the title and topic is much the same.

Secondly, if the Speaker has a Powerpoint Presentation to accompanies the speech you can usually see the first slide. This should alert you to the fact of a change early on. You will either see this when they are setting up on stage or you may be able t see it at the Audio Visual Desk if it is being controlled by the AV Team.

If you see there is an obvious change you can then find out more and alter accordingly.

Questions for Your Client

We already have a specific  training that covers all the questions you should ask your client before an event, but here are a few that specifically relate to the introduction.

• What is the purpose of the whole meeting?
• What is the purpose of this speech?
• Why did you choose this speaker?
• Will I be provided with a Biography or a set Introduction?

The answers to these questions should provide you with a fairly solid base to work from, especially if you are going to follow the Introducing a Speaker Sample Script outlined below.

Speaker Introduction Framework 1

Here is a very solid framework to start with that I have used for many years.

I was taught this by Ron Tachhi who was a very successful speaker and then ran a large Speaker Bureau in Australia. His was based on a framework taught in the Toastmasters Training. (I should point out, I have modified the order of the 4 points as I feel it has much more impact done this way.)

The Speaker Introduction has 4 parts that address a different question in turn.

1/ Why this Subject?

Why is this subject important?  This allows you to start with a bang – to pose a question, state an alarming fact, interesting insight or staggering statistic.

What you are trying to do here is to grab the audiences attention, stop them thinking about the previous presentation or even just to look up from their phone where they have been checking their email.

It can be as short as just a sentence or perhaps two or three to frame the topic.

“Did you know that there are more Shopping Malls in America than there are High Schools?”

“What do you think is the most common cause of death of children under 5 years worldwide?”

“A quick show of hands … Who here believes that  (XXXXXX)  is the biggest issue facing our industry at the moment?”

2/ Why this Speaker?

Next you need to establish the credibility of the speaker. This is where you mention some of the highlights taken from their Biography. Choose the most significant ones and importantly, the ones that relate most to the topic and theme.

You are positioning the speaker as the best person give insights and solutions to the subject.

3/ Why this Audience?

You now build a link between the Subject and the Audience. How does this subject effect them directly.

“You guys are leaders in our community … “

“These changes to the legislation and going to impact you more than most …”

“If you expect to earn more next year …”

4/ Why Now?

Why is it great to be learning this now?

What is the benefit to them?

What are they going to get out of it?

Why should they pay attention right now?

In Sales terms.. you heard about the pain, now here is the solution!

What’s in it for them!

You are picking up the momentum and building a little excitement.

“In the next 30 minutes you will learn …”

“Let’s get some inside secrets from someone who …”

Combining these 4 Parts together has a nice flow to it and it builds up to a strong finish.

Speaker Name Last

It’s usually better to end with the persons Name as the last thing you say.

If you were introducing me for instance you could say ….

“Would you please welcome to the stage, Timothy Hyde , the founder of ExpertMC.com.”

It’s far better to say …

“Would you please welcome to the stage, the founder of ExpertMC.com,  Timothy Hyde ”

Length of Introduction

Depending on the circumstances you should really try and keep a Speakers introduction short and tight.

You can pack a lot into just 2 minutes!

Speaker Introduction Framework 2

There’s another element that you can add into any introduction and that is a more personal touch. This requires that you can contact the speaker before the event or at least have a few words with them on the day.

What you try and find out is some personal anecdote or connection that you weave into the speaker introduction.

It might be a connection to the group, the venue or the cause. It could be where they live, where they were born or where they are travelling to next. Hobbies and Sports Teams they follow are great ones, and I quite often ask … “what’s the essential album you like to listen to on a long car trip?”

As you can see these questions go beyond the normal level of formal introductions and add something a bit special. It also allows a bit of humour.

If you are introducing a number of speakers at one event you can use this technique with each one. After the first couple of introductions the audience will be expecting to hear it each time and it becomes a great “running gag.”

Should I stay or Should I go?

The other question I get asked a lot is “Should I give the speaker introduction and then leave the stage or should I give the introduction and then wait for the speaker to get to the lectern / centre stage and then leave?

My feeling on this is you should wait at the lectern and there are a number of reasons for this.

I like to control the audience focus!

If I walk off before the speaker comes on, the audience don’t know where to look.

I like to give the Speaker Introduction and gesture towards where they are coming from. Once they are onstage and moving to the centre, everyone will be looking at them. I then move slightly to the side but wait for them. Once they nearly get to the speaking position I extend my hand in welcome, shake hands and then leave the stage.

However, I don’t completely leave. Speakers sometimes are nervous, they might drop their notes, fumble with the control button for the slides etc. I’m close enough that I can respond if needed. Once they start I can then proceed completely offstage.

Final Thought on Introducing a Speaker

One of the joys of being an MC is that you get to meet and work with some amazing speakers.

Over the years I’ve introduced – famous Sportsmen, Entrepreneurs, Explorers, Prime Ministers, Astronauts, Inventors, life changing Surgeons and many more.

And every time you witness a great speech, that you introduced well, you can think to yourself … “I helped make that a success!”

Timothy Hyde

Widely acknowledged as one of Australia's busiest & best MC's and a global authority on the MC Industry, Timothy Hyde shares his expertise and insights into this fascinating Professional Speaking niche via this site and a dynamic YouTube channel. His best selling book The ExpertMC Toolkit and Resource Manual has helped thousands of people worldwide improve their Emcee skills and in many cases, start earning a living by taking on the role.

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Introduce a guest speaker speech sample

This page contains a sample introduction speech template for introducing a guest speaker or key note speaker for an event, banquet, conference, lecture and more. It also contains tips for how to write an introduction speech and techniques for delivering introductory remarks.

Sample introduction speech

Ladies and gentlemen, I am (say your name) and I am the (say your title in relations to why you're introducing the speaker, for example, you are president of an organization). I am so pleased to be with you tonight and to have the chance to introduce our guest speaker, (say speakers name). He / She is the (say speaker's positions in relations to why they're speaking). He / She has been one of the main proponents of this program for several years, and it a true stand out in this field. He / She has a great understanding of the program and a great appreciation of what it takes to truly make (state theme or topic of event or conference) continue on a path of progress, and a remarkable vision of the future of (State topic). Besides that, He / She (Add a few interesting personal notes here. Mention if the person was the first to do something, if they have published anything, have held impressive positions, done impressive things, etc. Use the speaker's bio or ask them or their staff for this information). Finally, he / she is also just a fascinating person and we're all in for a treat today. Without further ado, please join me in welcoming (name of speaker).

Tips for introducing a guest speaker

1. Don't talk too long. Keep your introduction to between 45 seconds to 3 minutes. 2. Bios are a great place to get information. Almost all speakers will have a bio online or the event planner may have a copy of their bio. You can also search their name online for other interesting tidbits about them, but do not to include something that may be controversial or potentially embarassing to them, unless you ask them first. 3. Ask the speaker what he or she would like you to say in their introduction. If they are very high-profile and hard to speak with personally, ask their staff or administrative assistant for information. 4. If possible, find out what the speaker plans to focus on in advance, so you don't imply they will be speaking about one thing when they will actually talk about something else. 5. If it is a professional forum, do not talk about the guest speaker's family unless you ask them first. 6. Try to find transcripts of other speeches they have done online. Often the introductory remarks will be included and you can use them to frame your own remarks.

Did you like this sample speech template for introducing a guest speaker or key note speaker? Since you were interested in this introductory speech, chances are you will like the following topics as well: Itroductory letter for Conference or Event and Anecdotes for speakers .

More information : We hope this page was helpful and provided you with some information about How to introduce a guest speaker sample template . Check out our main page for more articles here Can U Write .

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• Toastmasters →

How to Introduce a Speaker: 8 Steps to a Perfect Introduction

Have you ever noticed the energy in the room after a powerful introduction of the speaker?  

Knowing how to introduce a speaker can establish a great starting point for the presenter and boost the audience's enthusiasm for the speaker and the topic.

An introduction that lacks passion and is full of cliche biographical details and exaggerations fails to create momentum.

Hence, a presenter must introduce their speaker in the best way possible. It is your responsibility as the host, MC (master of ceremonies) , or presenter to establish the speaker's credibility through a carefully written and skillfully executed introduction.

Fortunately, crafting a well-thought-out introduction isn't difficult.

 Furthermore, it gets progressively easier as you flex your presenter skills , and soon, you might be able to roll a smooth introduction off the tip of your tongue. But first, here are some steps to guide you.

8 Essential Steps of Introducing a Speaker 

These tips will help you to understand how to give an engaging speaker introduction that will captivate your audience. 

1. Make the Introduction Engaging 

The speaker is important, but the audience is equally important and is an even higher priority. The audience needs to have a reason to listen to the speaker.

They need to understand why the speaker is the authority and why their words are worth their time. The presenter's introductory approach significantly impacts the audience's decision to look up and pay attention or zone out.

Why should your audience be excited if you, the host, are not excited to introduce your guest speaker?

The MC is primarily responsible for drawing in the audience and piquing their interest in the speaker. Therefore, the use of clichéd sentences is one thing you, as an MC, should entirely avoid doing.

"Good day" and "My guest speaker needs no introduction" are all uninteresting and outdated sentences.

Also, you should actively introduce and personalize the speaker instead of just reading their biography.

Try to bring them closer to the audience and topic. Remember that for most audience members, that speaker is just a name in the event program. Making the speaker more relatable may help pique their interest.

Ideally, the introduction shouldn't be more than three minutes. Try to grab the audience's attention in the first 30 seconds . Even if the presenter is a well-known figure like Elon Musk or Bill Gates, the audience will begin to droop if the MC fails to keep them engaged.

Furthermore, you need to make the introduction of the guest speaker as simple as possible and in easy-to-understand language , even if the presentation is technical. Let the guest speaker handle the technical part.

2. Do Your Research About the Speaker

This is crucial when preparing to introduce a speaker or host an event. If you haven't researched the speaker(s), you'll be left with woefully little to speak on.

You may be stuck repeating the short bio or a few achievements you've gleaned from the program. Not only would this irritate the audience, but it may also affect the speaker's confidence.

If you are an MC and you are going to introduce a guest speaker, you should know why the speaker is speaking, be aware of the event's purpose, the organizers' goals, and the guest speaker's qualifications.

Most significantly, you should know how the audience will benefit from the presentation. When you can respond to most general inquiries about the speaker, you have already completed the first step in creating a good introduction.

Usually, you can find enough information on your speaker online.

However, if you require additional information not offered online, you could contact the speaker and find out what they want to be highlighted. The guest speaker may even give you a prepared introduction.

3. Practice the Introduction

It may seem like introducing a speaker is something you can muddle through if you have a good memory, but that's not enough. There are fine details that require practice and polishing to deliver an excellent introduction.

Here's an example. Some speakers may have unique names that might be difficult to pronounce for those unfamiliar with the pronunciation .

Saying it wrong can be disrespectful at least and offensive at most. Practicing your introduction will allow you to rehearse the pronunciation till you can say it easily.

You owe it to the person you are introducing and your audience to make your brief introduction engaging. Make it seem like a great honor to present this speaker. You'll need to practice consistently to do all this while sounding natural.

4. Maintain Confidence and Positive Body Language

As one of the oldest forms of communication, body language still serves us today. Your body language is half of your introduction.

If your body language while introducing a guest speaker is not confident and engaging enough, you'll come across as nervous and jittery and distract the audience from your words.

Speak informally , as you would to friends. A smile might also be an inviting sign of warmth to the audience. 

While you don't necessarily need to tell jokes when presenting a speaker, you must feel at ease on the podium and come across as confident. You should captivate the listener with your tone , language, and speaking style.

A general rule is that the first 30 seconds of a talk or presentation is when an audience's opinion of the speaker is mainly formed. You can start those thirty seconds off right by having a solid introduction and the correct body language. 

5. Establish the Speaker's Qualifications

Consider why the audience would want to attend the seminar or presentation. Did the audience come for the guest speaker? Or did they come to the event because of the topic of the presentation? 

Most of the time, the topic of the presentation draws the audience to the seminar. However, there are instances where the whole event is focused on one speaker.

In such a case, many audience members may be more interested in the speaker than in the event. You need to ensure you're aware of the audience's goals.

No matter the situation, you need to be able to assure the audience that the speaker has the qualifications to provide input on the topic.

You can do that by expanding on the experience and achievements of the speaker. Also, add details of what the audience can expect to learn or discover to increase their interest.

Let's use an illustration to clarify further. Imagine a symposium on artificial intelligence, and Andrew G, a computer scientist and businessman specializing in machine learning and AI, is the main speaker.

You need to share Andrew's qualifications and experience to assure the audience that he has the knowledge to teach them.

To satisfy your audience, a great way to introduce Andrew G would be to mention his books on AI and his research.

 What unique perspective does he have to share, and how does that align with the event's purpose or the organization? You can even share a quote from his writings if you so choose.

All these will help the audience understand that the guest speaker is an authority on the subject. They may also realize that the guest speaker has different and unconventional ideas to share about the topic. 

6. Keep It Brief

Your introduction shouldn't include a lengthy rundown of the speaker's successes, honors, and experiences. The audience can find a list of some of these in the program handouts . Additionally, it shouldn't be a presentation synopsis. 

Don't pile on flattery. Overly effusive compliments about the speaker can give rise to unreasonable expectations. So keep it simple and realistic.

The host should reveal nothing that might embarrass or distract the audience from the speaker's presentation. Always keep in mind that the guest speaker—not the MC—is what the audience is there to hear. 

7. Get to Know the Speaker

If you aren't enthusiastic about introducing the guest speaker, you won't be able to hold the audience's attention. 

You may get to know the guest speaker better by introducing yourself and interacting with them before the event. There are differences between learning about someone online and meeting them in person.

Some of the details you learn by interacting with the speaker can make them more personable to you and, therefore, easier to introduce.

Not only that, it will impress the speaker if they're so welcome. The speaker would be confident that the audience and the event planners were genuinely interested in his speech and viewpoint.

You can first find out more about the speaker online to discuss things you may have in common. Also, you can chat about the topic of the presentation with them.

Not only can this help you better introduce the speaker, but you might even make an acquaintance, if not a friend.

8. TIS Formula

A good introduction should excite the audience about listening to the guest speaker. Interestingly, successful introducers apply a formula while introducing the guest speaker. It's called the TIS formula.

What is TIS? Let's have a look! 

T: stands for Topic

I: stands for Important

S: stands for Speaker

To apply this formula, you must include these three crucial inquiries in your introduction:

What's the topic?

Why is this topic significant to the audience?

What qualifies the speaker to give this speech?

By considering these three questions and making them a structure of your introduction, you can increase the speaker's credibility and give the audience a reason to listen . 

We are confident that if you follow the above guidelines and consistently practice, you won't ever need to inquire how to introduce a presenter again.

Now, let's now address what you should steer clear of when introducing a speaker.

9. POETTS Formula for Toastmasters

If you're introducing someone in a Toastmasters meeting , then use the POETTS formula.

P  – Project Title of the speech

O  – Objectives of the speech (you may call upon the evaluator to read this out)

E – evaluator : who is the evaluator of this speech

T  – Time allocated for the speech

T – Title of the speech to be given

S – Speaker’s introduction

Using this formula helps the Toastmaster of the Day to be consistent when introducing every speaker.

Things to Avoid While Introducing a Speaker

Here are some things you should always try to avoid when introducing a speaker. 

Never joke around. There are no situations that permit comedy in an introduction speech. Plus, it can draw attention from the speaker to yourself, which is never the goal. Especially never mention anything that can cause embarrassment to the speaker.

The introduction shouldn't appear as though you are reading the speaker's resume or biography. It shouldn't be an overstatement of his accomplishments, either.

Don't use a cliché. Statements like "This woman needs no introduction," or other clichés sound wordy or awkward. If the speaker needed no introduction, you wouldn't have a role in that event.

If you have personal or professional links with the speaker, keep them to yourself because the audience will interpret them as the introducer's prejudiced viewpoint.

Keep the introduction to no more than three minutes . Make it as brief as you can. Lengthy introductions sound like speeches and can reduce the audience's enthusiasm for the speaker.

During the introduction, keep your eyes on the audience rather than the speaker. Additionally, avoid seeming like you are reciting the introduction off a paper. Observe the crowd and make eye contact . Just before the introduction is through, turn to face the speaker.

Do not—absolutely do not—mispronounce the speaker's name. Not only is it disrespectful, but it could hurt your credibility and reputation as an introducer or host. 

Give the audience a sneak peek of what they will learn and why they should pay attention without giving away too much about the guest speaker.

The introducer shouldn't try to overshadow the speaker by drawing attention to themselves. Remember, you are an introducer, not a celebrity or a star.

Conclusion: How to Introduce a Speaker

Knowing how to introduce a keynote speaker isn't rocket science. The role of an introducer is to simultaneously engage the guest speaker and audience while conveying to both parties that they are welcome at the event.

Just keep it straightforward and sincere, and be confident. Keep in mind that dull introductions are lengthy. Nobody shows up to an event to hear the introducer ramble. Follow the steps above, and you'll become a master of introductions in no time.

You might also like: How to Introduce Yourself in a Presentation with 6 Terrific Tips

Guest Speaker Introduction: How to Prepare, Write and Deliver

Introducing a guest speaker is more than just a routine task. It’s an important step for both the audience and the speaker. For the audience, a good introduction sets the stage, providing context and sparking interest in what the speaker has to say. It helps them understand why they should listen and what they can expect to learn.

For speakers, a thoughtful introduction acts as a warm-up, giving them credibility and a connection with the audience. It’s a way of showing respect and appreciation for their expertise and the effort they’ve put into their presentation.

I’ll be sharing some practical tips on how to introduce a guest speaker effectively. Whether it’s a formal event or a more casual setting, the right introduction can make a big difference in how the speaker’s message is received. So, let’s get started on learning how to make every introduction clear, concise, and engaging.

Introducing a guest speaker.

I once heard a guest speaker’s introduction that was longer than the speech. At first, I was amused because the person assigned to introduce the guest speaker was introduced for about 11 minutes.

He greeted everyone on the stage. He made some comments about the dignitaries who seemed to love the spotlight focused on them. The last time I saw something similar was at a conference of barangay officials.

At first, he read the curriculum vitae word for word. He mentioned every award and degree earned. It was evident that the speaker stayed in school longer than any of us.

Then, he shared stories of how he met the speaker, his first impressions, and the common values they hold. I counted that he mentioned “finally” seven times to signal that he was about to call the speaker.

“Without further ado, let us welcome my idol, the one and only, the honorable…”

It was not the longest introduction I have seen, but nine minutes is a long time to introduce a speaker.

When I was in college, I realized that the more insecure the speaker is, the longer the introduction becomes.

For example, the President of the Philippines is often introduced only with “Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the Republic of the Philippines.” The more dignified the person is, the shorter the introduction is.

I am not suggesting that introducing a speaker is not important. An excellent introduction by the guest speaker establishes rapport and trust, and it helps the audience understand why they must stay and listen.

You can write an excellent introduction to the guest speaker. It is easier than most people imagined. You can learn patterns and ways of delivery.

And I will share with you some tips that you will not find elsewhere as I am going to speak based on experience.

Jef Menguin

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How to Introduce a Speaker: 16 Essential Tips for Success

And yet, speech introductions are critical to the success of a speech.

While a strong speech opening is vital, nothing helps establish a speaker’s credibility more than a carefully-crafted and well-delivered introduction.

This article gives you a series of practical tips for how to introduce a speaker to position them with the best possible chance to succeed.

1. Answer three core questions.

When you are introducing a speaker, your primary goal is to prepare the audience and get them excited for what they are about to hear.

To do this, you must answer these three core questions:

What is the topic?

Why is this topic important for this audience?

Why is the speaker qualified to deliver this talk?

By addressing these three questions, you’ve given the audience a motivation for listening (the topic is important to them), and you’ve reinforced the speaker’s credibility.

2. Prepare and practice adequately.

“ While a strong speech opening is vital, nothing helps establish a speaker’s credibility more than a carefully-crafted and well-delivered introduction. ”

At all costs, avoid thoughts such as “Oh, I don’t need to prepare… I’m just introducing a speaker.”

Thoughts like that lead to stumbling, bumbling, off-the-cuff introductions which undermine your credibility and the credibility of the speaker.

You should write out (and edit) the full introduction, check it with the speaker, and practice it several times .

3. Memorize it, or minimize your notes.

Try to memorize the introduction; speaking without notes will add to your authority, and the audience will put more weight in your recommendation (that is, to listen to this speaker).

If you are unable to memorize the entire introduction, then use as few notes as you can. Be sure you can you deliver the last sentence of your introduction without notes as this will maximize momentum for the speaker.

4. Be positive and enthusiastic.

The audience takes cues from you. If you seem disinterested, they will be disinterested. If you are (genuinely) positive and enthusiastic, they will be too. Your choice of words, voice, gestures, and facial expressions should all convey enthusiasm.

So, how do you ensure you are enthusiastic?

5. Get to know the speaker.

It is difficult to get the audience excited about the speaker if you aren’t excited yourself.

If the speaker is previously unknown to you — for example, suppose you’ve volunteered to introduce speakers at a large industry event — your introduction may lack sincerity. So, get to know the speaker. Google them. Talk with them. Ask others about them. Research the speaker and their expertise until you are excited by the opportunity to introduce them.

6. Eliminate pronunciation blunders.

A sure way to undermine your own credibility and that of the speaker is to mispronounce their name, the title of their presentation, or any other key terms.

Luckily, this is easily avoided through practice and by confirming the correct pronunciation with the speaker well before the presentation. (Don’t wait until you are delivering the introduction to ask them — this looks amateurish.)

“ A sure way to undermine your own credibility and that of the speaker is to mispronounce their name, the title of their presentation, or any other key terms. ”

7. Be accurate.

Being accurate is as important as correct pronunciation, perhaps more so. Make sure you know the precise years, facts, or details.

If you make factual errors, many speakers will feel an irresistible compulsion to correct you. This is a lousy way for them to begin their speech, and will almost certainly kill their momentum.

8. Don’t alter the speech title.

Many speakers craft their presentation title very carefully, and the words matter to them. The title may be a phrase they want the audience to remember, it may reflect language used on accompanying slides, or it may be a humorous play on words.

Don’t change it under any circumstances. (And, of course, know how to pronounce it.)

9.Should you attempt humor?

In most circumstances , no. Your objective is to get the audience excited about the topic and the speaker, and this is not the time to tell humorous anecdotes about the speaker. Save those for a roast!

There are exceptions (as there are to all public speaking advice), and you’ll have to use your judgment. If this speech is part of a longer event, and the preceding talk has been particularly sad or low on energy, then it may help to lift the spirits of the audience. If you need to do this, do it early in your introduction, and then move on to the more thought-provoking content leading to your climax.

10. Don’t give an outline of the speech.

I was once introduced by someone who had seen a longer presentation I gave on the same topic two years prior. Not only did they ignore the introduction I had written for them, but they gave a detailed outline of my whole talk, including which parts were their favorites! Unfortunately, my outline had changed substantially, and they had created unreasonable expectations and sabotaged my talk.

Avoid undermining the speaker by giving too many details about the speech, telling anecdotes from their speech, or making promises about details in their presentation. It is the speaker’s job to decide how and when they reveal their outline. Keep your introduction at a high level, unless they have specifically asked you to do otherwise.

11. Stick to relevant expertise of the speaker.

One very common mistake is to recite a lengthy list of biographical details (education, awards, former job titles, publications, etc.) which may or may not be relevant to the topic being presented. This is especially common at academic conferences.

For example, avoid introductions such as:

Our speaker grew up in Seattle and graduated at the top of her mechanical engineering class at Carnegie Mellon University. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree from Duke University, and a Ph.D.  in Computer Science from Harvard. She is a member of the Automotive Engineers Association, and a two-time recipient of the Stone Award for Distinguished Linguistics Research. She was previously the Director of Research at Hasbro, and is currently the CEO for the Miami Dolphins. Her talk today is entitled “How to Build Authentic Shaker Furniture.”

A much better introduction would touch on how many years the speaker had been building shaker furniture, whether she had been trained or self-taught, and that she had written a book on this topic.

Okay, maybe that example was a bit extreme. But, even if the speaker has a lengthy list of biographical details that are related to her talk, there’s no need to recite them all. Pick a small number (about three) that are most relevant — usually the most recent details.

Why not give all the details?

12. Don’t overdo it.

Long introductions filled with biographical details are bad for two main reasons:

• Long introductions are boring. Nobody attends an event to listen to the introducer go on and on.
• Long introductions are pompous. Reciting dozens of professional accolades gives the impression that the speaker cares only about himself and his ego.

Keep your introduction just long enough to accomplish your goals: [1] what’s the topic, [2] why does it matter, and [3] why is the speaker credible?

“ Keep your introduction just long enough to accomplish your goals: [1] what’s the topic, [2] why does it matter, and [3] why is the speaker credible? ”

I’m a big fan of short introductions in just about all situations. Sixty or ninety seconds is usually ample time. For really long presentations (e.g. keynote addresses lasting an hour or more), then two or three minutes may be warranted.

13. Avoid cliches.

How many times have you heard: “ This speaker needs no introduction… ” ? While the speaker may indeed be well-known to the audience, nearly every speech benefits from a brief introduction.

14. Avoid exaggerated hype.

Your introduction should get the audience excited about the presentation, but don’t take it too far.

For example, it is reasonable to claim that the presentation will help the audience solve a business problem, save time, or understand the complexities of tax policy.

But, it doesn’t help anyone to claim that “ this presentation will solve all your problems “, or that it is “ the best presentation you’ll ever hear “, or even that “ you’ll be amazed by what you are about to hear “. Lofty expectations will actually have a detrimental effect, because the audience will feel challenged to prove you wrong.

15. Build to a climax.

Your vocal delivery (strength and volume) should build toward the end of your introduction. (Keep it reasonable… there’s no need to yell.) By doing so, the audience will be compelled to welcome the speaker with loud applause.

One effective way to do this is to end with the speaker’s name and explicitly encourage applause:

Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming our guest speaker, Donna Primeau!

16. Ensure a smooth transition.

Know where the speaker will be as you speak your last words so that you can turn in that direction to greet them.

Etiquette dictates that you should wait for them to come to you (e.g. on the stage, or at the lectern) and then shake hands before you leave. Shaking hands is a symbolic gesture that indicates you are “handing the floor” to them.

Occasionally, the speaker may have a special entrance planned. (e.g. entrance music, a staged stunt, something with a prop) Make sure you ask the speaker about this, and do whatever you can to support them in a successful entrance.

Your Thoughts?

What tips can you share for great introductions?

What introduction blunders drive you crazy?

How long should introductions be?

Please share your thoughts in the article comments .

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54 comments.

On point 15, your readers might like to see some video illustrations on how to get ‘clap on the name’ wrong http://bit.ly/caqRG0 and how the get it right http://bit.ly/9FAWlz

There’s also more on how to use this technique in Chapter 10 of my book ‘Lend Me Your Ears: All You Need to Know about Making Speeches and Presentations’ http://amzn.to/9C3nqx

to introduce a speaker the person should have a confident voice, also have the thorough knowledge about the person whom he is introducing

I hope you are planning a follow up article on how to thank a speaker after their presentation. This transition can either keep their momentum going or sap the life right out of an excellent talk. The same person who did the introduction should be prepared to pick up on some of the key points and reinforce the message by making it relevant to the crowd.

Oh, and one more thing. I’d like to see your thoughts on the art of handling Q&A sessions after a talk. These can be highly educational, dreadfully boring, or outright disasters!

How about this? Leading the Perfect Q&A

Andrew, thanks for writing about this often-overlooked aspect of public speaking! As one of those people whose name is frequently mispronounced, I will underline #6. I once had an introducer who introduced me several years in a row at the same event and NEVER got my name right, even after I pronounced it for her many times. Sometimes I just had to re-introduce myself.

The only tip I would add is to ask the speaker if they have a written intro they’d like you to use. I use a humorous intro now, specifically to avoid the boring bio/credential nonsense, and if I’m on top of my game, I actually remember to e-mail it to my introducer in advance of the event. 😉

Great one there Lisa,I also had similar challenge and I didn’t take it easy at all after the event when my fans wanted to mention my name to just applaud me for my wonderful speech. I think it is good some of we speakers at times do the introduction by ourselves to help the game.

Andrew, an important topic that coaches like me spend a surprising amount of time working on with speakers. Getting the introduction right means that a speaker is properly built up for that particular audience. The speaker then has credibility before starting and doesn’t have to brag about herself. I particularly appreciate your point about avoiding humor. I’ve seen far too many VPs of Marketing try to tell a silly story about spilling something on the tie of the presenter, or something equally trivial, and get lost in their own cleverness rather than put the focus on the speaker, where it belongs. One further tip: a presenter should shake the hand of the speaker after the intro as the speaker is moving to the stage. That helps ground the speaker, and makes a visual connection with the speaker for the audience. And one last thought. We often write and produce video introductions for speakers precisely to control the uncertainty that all too often means a bad introduction, despite all the effort expended.

Great tips. I would also add: Make sure you give the audience the #1 reason why they should really want to hear from this speaker.

great i love your point really its important point.

Once again…excellent! This is what I want to let each member in my Toastmaster clubs to learn to do because they generally say something comical or try to make up something or they will read a 1/2 page bio the speaker has given them and it always truns out to be awkard, borig and ineffective.

I generally ask the speaker to send a 2-3 sentence bio of him/her self and to make it relevent his/her speech, but they generally do not do what is asked because they want to put everything down or nothing at all because they seem to think they are not worthy of a good valid intro.

Also many have a tendency to say “without furter ado, after an invalid introduction which tends to drives me crazy.

(Please rest asured, I am not a polished speaker it is just that I am always learning and also impart my learing to the clubs I am in.)

Great info from you as always and this will be my next speech at my TM clubs!

Thank you so very much!

Patricia Cotton

Two things that are subliminal but will make the speaker appear in a power position is 1) have them come to the podium or lectern from the audience right or stage left. It adds to the first words they speak. 2) Make sure the speaker knows who will accept the lectern from them and where they are sitting. Again, shift control at the lectern with a hand shake. This closes the authority of the speaker strongly and leaves energy in the room for the next speaker or meeting closer.

Thanks. Never thought about so many things whenever introduced speaker. I usually learn in advance how the speaker likes to project himself and include it in my introduction.

A brief comment from Denmark. Introductions seem to be very cultural. In Denmark audiences tend to dislike lengthy introductions. We have something called the Jante Law – meaning you should not stand out – this in turn means you would avoid making the speaker shine too much. Actually Danes in general are terrible at introducing each other. Often in ordinary encounters between people – it does not happen at all.

Write your own introduction and hand it to the person introducing you. Never leave this to chance. Make sure this person has good delivery skills. The introduction is your warm-up act.

great! regarding #5 you could send him/her an email upfront asking about his/her greatest passion in life. once you have this information you can involve the audience right from the start by asking them: “who of you loves kite surfing?” 😉

And never ever use the worn out & meaningless phrase, “without further ado.”

Thanks for this great article. It will definitively help me in the Master of Ceremony role in a Toastmaster meeting.

My comment is on item 11 ‘Stick to relevant expertise of the speaker’. While it is good to keep all comments short in public speaking, for this part especially in Africa and Nigeria particularly, speakers are more motivated to have their achievements reeled out during the introduction stage. Their achievements here are in areas of educational attainments, qualifications and key positions held. If it is too brief like one minute that you suggested, it will not be exciting at all in this environment. The Speaker will feel that you do not acknowledge is achievements. I think there is environmental difference as to what the audience and the speaker expect. I have attended conferences outside Nigeria, and I saw where speakers were introduced say moderately for about 5 minutes.

Thank you for a job well done

The same is the case in India too where most of the speakers like to be introduced vividly and grandly. Hope they read this useful article and modify their expectations..

What a great article. This can make a huge impact to get the audience excited about the speaker or not.

Thanks for the article – very informative. I would make my number 1 item, REMEMBER, IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU!

Afer reading this article, I was very surprised. I attend many conferences, lectures, and speeches, in my profession. In almost all cases, the introduction odf the speaker has included the part of step number 11 that one is suppose to NOT do. That said, it never has seemed to uninterest the audiences. I enjoyed this article and look forward to more.

I agree, Dianne. It is extremely common for introductions to be very lengthy and include numerous non-relevant details. Still, that does not make it right.

i actually stumbled onto this page as a speaker who was asked “how should i introduce you”. This was very helpful for focusing on what to write and what information is important at that moment. thanks

Andrew, I’ve never seen the topic covered so well, and I’ve been a toastmaster for many years. Great job! My question is if the speaker gives you an intro, do you just present it as given? I’ve had an emcee take my carefully crafted intro and paraphrase every sentence. Boy, was that annoying!

Yes, a paraphrased intro can be frustrating.

If the speaker gives you a prepared intro, and it follows all of the advice in the article, then I would probably present it as given.

If the prepared intro violates one or more of the guidelines, or if it didn’t feel quite right for some reason, I’d chat with the speaker about finding the right “fit” to both fit their talk, and the event as a whole. Occasionally, there are strategically placed keywords or phrases in a prepared intro that are part of the speaker’s presentation message or brand, and they would be upset if they were changed. On the other hand, sometimes the intro can be modified. As I said, talk to the speaker and work it out ahead of time.

The same exact teaching from Dale Carnegie, that means it is proven. 🙂

Andrew, Great post covering all the main points about how to introduce a speaker. What I’d ask you, is what would you recommend for a first timer? 16 points can be a bit intimidating. For me, I think over the speakers we’ve had at our public speaking club, and the two most important lessons from your list are (1) be enthusiastic and (2) build to a climax (so everyone knows its over). If I’ve got a rookie, giving it a go for the first time, what directions would you give them to make their introductions crisp?

If you are just starting with speech introductions and the entire set of advice is too daunting, my recommendation is to start with the very first point and answer the three core questions:

Andrew, Regarding transition and “shake hands before your leave”, is it ok for introducer to sit or stand behind or to the side of speaker when he/she leaves? I’ve seen introducers do this and it is a distraction because they are visible and don’t sit still. Why not require introducer to sit in front row as a rule unless there is a dais with honorees, etc.? Is there a rule on this?

I wouldn’t say there’s any strict rule (every situation is different), but a reasonable guideline is “Don’t detract from the speaker in any way.” This would forbid things like “sitting behind them and distracting the audience.”

I will introduce our guest speaker during our organization’s coronation night. My questions: 1. Do I have to shake his hand before and after his speech? 2. After introducing him, do I have to leave him at the lectern and sit on my assigned sit or stand behind him while he talks?

I really like the tips, but can’t really tell if your misspelling of the word gaffe is intended to be humorous–a gaff is a hook used by fishermen. And it is a gaffe to use incorrect terminology such as gaff for gaffe. (smiley-face here)

You caught me… it was unintentional (but very ironic). I’ve updated to replace the word with “blunder”.

Great post! Informative and to the point. I would like to ask what a speaker should do if the person who introduces him or her makes a mistake in his or her name? Thus, if the name of a speaker was not pronounced correctly, should the speaker correct it or make a joke about it?Also, can anyone provide a link to an example of a proper introduction? Thank you.

Well said – I learned this 3 step approach when I was working for the Dale Carnegie organization and have used it for over 3 decades — it works people – it works – and they will remember you as much as the speaker.

By not preparing to introduce a speaker is like saying the speaker is not worth the time to get to know, which sends signals to the audience with the same message, why should they listen to someone whose introduces doesn’t event care about? Take the time, learn your speaker, highlight the importance and significance of that speaker and build up the speech for the audience to be WOW’d! This is great advice I need to share with our audience on the Speaking of Wealth Show (speakingofwealth.com) where we talk to several successful authors and publishers, along with writing tips and advice to better their skills, just like you. Thanks again for the blog!

Iam aboutto introduce my son on sunday at church for the speaker of the hour.

Thanks this article is very informative and guidingly useful in my incoming and future conferences and events.. God Bless..

I have found many impact full speeches had an impromptu(spontaneous) introduction as that had great relevance. Whats your take on that ?

i live in a university town and get to attend many lectures given by the famous and not so famous. i am always amazed and embarrassed by the lack of good introductions given to many of these guests. i cringe so often, and i wonder why few find it important to learn good speaking techniques in this area. keep up the good work and hopefully you can get the word out.

Dear Mr. Dlugan: Your report today is very timely as I am one of several Toastmasters coaching our future world leaders who in this case are top high school students who will, after several months of coaching, conduct the 13th Annual 4-DAY YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE held at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL, for about 90 to 100 top students from several states. As a long time Toastmaster who joined as a Toastmistress when accidentally attending a meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, back before Toastmasters had the good sense to admit females, my reason for joining had more to do with having an opportunity as a journalist to meet people from 9 different nations and all walks of life share their backgrounds and cultures while learning to better their communication skills. It took 29 years and a cause outside myself to spur me to make speeches so I might learn to better influence people to support issues I thought important. And having the opportunity to coach these outstanding youths who will soon be leading our country and the world in which our offspring and theirs will live is certainly one of them. As one of the major duties the teens we are coaching will have is to introduce themselves AND outstanding leaders in the fields on which the YLC is based: Leadership, Patriotism & Heritage, and Free Enterprise, your advice on how to give introductions is very timely and I am happy to share it with these youths, areaToastmasters and the M.O.W.W. members who are sponsoring the conference. Thank You so much. Respectfully, Gerry Coffey, Speaking Easy Toastmasters, Decatur, AL “If you have the ability, you have the responsibility” –author unknown

Gerry Coffey, CAJA: Court Appointed Juvenile Advocate Health Educator/Councilor/Past Global Media Liaison, IVU M.O.W.W. Deputy Director: YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE TEDx Huntsville 2015 Team http://www.all-creatures.org/cb/resume-20141202.pdferry Coffey

Great post, Andrew! In general, the importance of introductions is underrated. They are the first step into true engagement between speakers and participants. And writing the introductions help the moderator ‘get into the meeting’.

There’s one element I’d like to add to number 1, the three core questions: why is this speaker relevant at this moment in the meeting? This goes to the meeting design, and helping the participants see the logic in that. It may be for instance, that the first speaker showed there is a problem and that the second one adresses how to solve it.

That’s a good point. If there is an important relationship between speakers at an event, then a good introduction would highlight that relationship.

Excellent points . Thanks

Thank you Andrew. Since our goal is communication, the tips you have outlined help the person doing the introduction, the speaker, and the audience. I am teaching a Leadership Training Class, one of the sessions is “Introducing a Speaker.” I am using your article as a hand out, of course giving you credit and including this site, I hope you don’t mind. It is well written. Thank You; Steve Mann Pastor

Thanks Andrew. Great detail in this post. Regards, Dave

Do the same pointers work for non speaking introductions? I am an introducer for lots of different types of presenters – singing groups, worship leaders, drama groups, etc. Shoukd I follow the same points?

For the past years, I have made a lot of mistakes when introducing a speaker, but as I have learned these tips, I will do my best.

I find the instructions very educative, thanks.

Thankyou for your article i particularly appreciated you bringing out the concept of building to a climax and decreasing the importance and va-va-voom factor of the person introducing. Its not about me , its about the person I am calling up.

Also the reminder to be interested (truly or superficially) is normally forgotten.

Very well explained. All points covered from start to end

Introducing a speaker is easy, especially if you know the information regarding the person, It takes confidence, relax and enjoy the moment.

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#TuesdayTips Introducing a speaker well to your audience can set them up for a successful presentation. https://t.co/h6annoTnst — PitchVantage (@pitchvantage) Jul 12th, 2016

Your speaker introduction must be brief and concise; most people don’t like long introductions…. https://t.co/JU9iyO3psv — PSA_ProfSpeakersAU (@PSA_ProSpeakers) May 22nd, 2017

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4 Blog Links

Tyneside Speakers Club » How to Introduce a Speaker: 16 Essential Tips for Success — Dec 14th, 2010

Art of Presenter Introductions | Master Marketing from Marketing 24/7 — Sep 19th, 2011

Links We Love: Attending Conferences Like a Pro | CareerAdvisorDaily — Aug 14th, 2013

Links We Love: Attending Conferences Like a Pro | The Daily Muse — Aug 15th, 2013

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Tips and Examples for the Introduction of a Guest Speaker: How to Introduce a Guest Speaker

Introducing a guest speaker often feels like walking a tightrope. On one hand, you’re trying to encapsulate their vast experience in just a few sentences. On the other, you aim to spark your audience’s curiosity and enthusiasm for what’s to come.

My own journey from someone who would get butterflies at even the thought of public speaking to now helping others master the art of confident communication has allowed me to collect valuable insights along the way.

This piece is designed to share those nuggets of wisdom, providing proven tips and examples that will ensure your next guest introduction not only captures but also holds your audience’s attention from start to finish.

Buckle up for an engaging ride!

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Research the speaker to find important details like their achievements, books, and how they engage with audiences. This info helps create a personal introduction .
• Build a connection by showing why the speaker’s topic matters to the audience and sharing personal stories or anecdotes that relate to the topic.
• Keep your introduction of the guest speaker short and interesting. Use engaging questions or quotes to grab attention without taking it away from the speaker.
• Practice your introduction using smartphone AI tools to improve your delivery. Also, use body language like hand gestures and eye contact to connect with your audience better.
• Be confident but make sure not to overshadow your guest. Highlight their accomplishments briefly so everyone knows why they are worth listening to.

Researching the Speaker

Research the speaker and note significant achievements. Highlight the topic’s relevance to the audience and establish speaker expertise. Use a personal anecdote to build a connection.

Gather relevant information

I start by looking for key details about the guest speaker. I find out where they went to school, their major achievements , and any books or articles they’ve written. It’s crucial to understand what makes them an expert in their field .

This step helps me make the introduction personal and shows the audience why they should listen.

Next, I check social media profiles and watch previous talks given by the speaker. This gives me insight into how they engage with people and what topics excite them most. By doing this homework, I can highlight aspects of their work that align with our event’s theme or audience interests.

Gathering this information sets a strong foundation for a successful introduction of a guest speaker at an event.

Note significant achievements

After gathering relevant information about the speaker, it’s crucial to highlight their notable accomplishments and experiences. This can include awards they’ve received , influential projects they’ve worked on, or significant contributions to their field.

Incorporating these achievements into the introduction will help establish the speaker’s expertise and credibility with the audience. Sharing such accomplishments also reinforces why the audience should be interested in listening to what the speaker has to say, creating a sense of anticipation for their presentation.

Building a Connection

Building a connection involves highlighting the relevance of the topic to the audience and establishing the speaker’s expertise. Use a personal anecdote to create a meaningful connection with the audience.

Highlight topic relevance to the audience

Introducing a guest speaker is important because it sets the tone for their speech and gets the audience interested . It’s a chance to remind the audience why the topic is relevant to them, creating anticipation and engagement .

By establishing how the speaker’s expertise relates to the audience , you can capture their attention right from the start.

As short sentences that are easy to understand: Introducing a guest speaker matters as it shapes their speech and captivates listeners. It’s an opportunity to drive home why the topic is meaningful, making sure everyone feels involved.

Establish speaker’s expertise

To establish the speaker’s expertise, it’s crucial to highlight their notable achievements and qualifications . Emphasizing the speaker’s relevant experience in the field helps build credibility with the audience.

Sharing specific examples of their past successes or unique insights can further demonstrate their expertise on the topic . By providing this background information, the audience gains confidence in the speaker’s ability to deliver valuable and insightful content.

After connecting with the audience over topic relevance, turning our attention to establishing speaker’s expertise is important. Highlighting noteworthy accomplishments and experiences will help build trust with listeners, showcasing how well-versed and knowledgeable the speaker is on their subject matter.

Use a personal anecdote

I remember the time when I had to introduce a guest speaker at an event. It was nerve-wracking because I wanted it to be engaging and memorable for the audience. I chose to start with a personal anecdote that related to the speaker’s topic, which immediately caught everyone’s attention.

The connection established through this brief story made the introduction more relatable and set a positive tone for the rest of the event.

Introducing a guest speaker with a personal anecdote can effectively capture the audience’s interest and create a meaningful connection between them and the speaker. This approach keeps things engaging from the start, making your introduction stand out in their minds.

Crafting an Engaging Introduction

Crafting an engaging introduction is essential for captivating your audience’s attention and setting the stage for the guest speaker. It should be brief, thought-provoking, and avoid stealing the spotlight from the main event.

Keep it brief

When introducing a guest speaker, it’s important to keep the introduction brief. By doing so, you maintain the audience’s interest and respect the speaker’s time . Keep your introduction short and engaging, allowing the spotlight to remain on the speaker.

Keep it brief – Maintain a concise and impactful introduction that sets the stage for the speaker without taking too much attention away from them.

Avoid stealing the show

To introduce a guest speaker, keep the introduction brief and focused on the speaker. This ensures that you don’t overshadow them. Instead, use it to build anticipation for their speech , helping the audience connect with them even more.

By maintaining this balance, you set up the speaker for success and keep the spotlight where it belongs – on them.

Practice confident and engaging body language when delivering the introduction to exude excitement about the upcoming speech. Remember to always project enthusiasm for your esteemed guest , which sets an inviting tone for the audience as they eagerly wait to dive into what your speaker has to share.

Use a thought-provoking question, anecdote, or quote

Ever wonder how a simple but thought-provoking question or an engaging anecdote can instantly captivate your audience’s attention and set the tone for the speaker’s introduction? Think about a time when a powerful quote resonated with you, sparking intrigue and anticipation.

Crafting an introduction that includes these elements not only piques curiosity but also creates an instant connection between the speaker and the listeners, setting the stage for an impactful speech.

This personal touch establishes rapport and primes the audience to be receptive to the forthcoming message without overshadowing the guest speaker.

Delivering the Introduction

Deliver the introduction confidently, use engaging body language, and practice with a smartphone AI to ensure you make a lasting impact. For more tips on introducing a guest speaker, keep reading!

Practice with a smartphone AI

Use engaging body language.

Moving from practicing with a smartphone AI to using engaging body language is crucial. Engaging body language involves standing tall , making eye contact , and using hand gestures to emphasize important points.

It also includes moving around the stage or speaking area to maintain audience attention. Confident and open body language helps establish rapport with the audience and adds energy to the speaker’s introduction.

Incorporating natural movements such as smiles and nods can further connect with the audience, making them feel involved in the introduction process. A well-timed pause or change in voice tone can also captivate attention during the introduction.

Be confident and concise

When introducing a speaker, keep it brief and avoid stealing the show. Use engaging body language and practice with a smartphone AI to deliver confidently. Highlight key achievements of the guest speaker to establish credibility in your introduction.

Ryan Nelson is the founder of Speak2Impress, a platform dedicated to helping individuals master the art of public speaking. Despite having a crippling fear of public speaking for many years, Ryan overcame his anxiety through diligent practice and active participation in Toastmasters. Now residing in New York City, he is passionate about sharing his journey and techniques to empower others to speak with confidence and clarity.

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Introducing Speakers

• Don't steal the show by making the introduction too long (60 seconds or less is sufficient), or by speaking on a topic that is in no way related to the speaker.
• Briefly mention the topic the speaker is addressing, but don't reveal too much about his or her speech.
• Establish the speaker's authority and expertise . This information will help solidify with the audience the speaker's credibility as a subject matter expert.
• State the speaker's name and speech title.  Make sure the audience is formally introduced to the speaker and their speech.

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The impact of a strong speaker introduction.

Tell the audience who you are and why your words matter.

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How to Introduce a Guest Speaker + Templates

Guest speakers themselves aren’t the reason most people attend the event. They may be a bonus, but the audience is there for the main speaker. Which means learning how to introduce a guest speaker can surprise your audience in the best way.

It creates excitement and guests will be more engaged in the speech being given.

But it’s more than just announcing a string of accolades. While there are many methods you can use to introduce a guest speaker, we’ll teach you some of the best and why.

What you’ll learn about how to introduce a guest speaker:

• Preferences
• Personal info
• Applicable accolades

5 Steps for Introducing a Guest Speaker

Introducing a guest speaker can set the tone for their presentation and help the audience connect with their message. Here are five steps to ensure a smooth and impactful introduction:

1. Ask if they have any preferences

Before the event, check if the speaker has any preferences for their introduction, such as specific accolades they’d like highlighted or a particular topic they want emphasized. Some who speak for a living will have a specific way they’d like to be introduced.

It’s important that if they have a request, you understand why and if they’re firm on that boundary.

Because some speakers will use their introduction and play off of it during the opening of their speech. If that’s the case, you want to make sure to follow their guidance so you don’t throw them off their game right away. But keep in mind that in order to learn how to introduce a guest speaker, you don’t have to always follow what they say.

That’s why it’s good to know the reason for their specific introduction.

2. Give a personal tidbit

Make the speaker personable. Nobody wants to sit and learn from someone they can’t relate to in any way. The more the audience feels they know about the speaker, the more engaged they’ll be.

Start the introduction with a personal tidbit about the speaker to humanize them and make them relatable to the audience. This could be a fun fact, a shared interest, or a brief anecdote. If you know the speaker from somewhere, give a brief note of that background.

Since the audience is most likely there for the main speaker, drawing a connection can further help engagement.

3. Share applicable accolades

Highlight the speaker’s relevant accomplishments, credibility and credentials . This could include their professional background, relevant awards, or notable projects they’ve been involved in.

But remember, nobody wants a huge long list of all the amazing things someone has done. Many speakers have accomplished several things. The audience should know about the ones that will lend authority to their topic or to the main purpose of the event.

• What makes them the best person to speak on this topic?
• How long have they been in this field?
• Why did they agree to give this talk at this conference?

Answering some of these might point you in the right direction for which accolade to include.

4. Tell us what they’ll talk about

Of course, their topic will need to be introduced. Now, if you’re learning how to introduce a guest speaker, you might be gung-ho to list off the title of their presentation. However, some speakers prefer to have their title come after the introduction of their speech.

Make sure to ask before listing the title.

You can also introduce their topic in a way that doesn’t give the title or main topic away, either. By already sharing their accolades and experience, that can be enough. Or you can be vague and simply tell your audience that this guest speaker is here to “share their wisdom” with them.

5. Connect the speaker with the purpose of the event

Explain why the speaker is relevant to the event and how their expertise aligns with the event’s goals. This helps the audience see the value in listening to the speaker.

Much of this will already be done if you follow the steps above. That said, it’s important to make sure your audience knows that you vouch for this person and the reasons why, and also why you believe they’re a strong addition to the speaker line up at the event.

Your guest might not be the keynote speaker , but they do have value to add. Make sure your audience knows this!

BONUS: This should be common sense, but we find it important to note that if your guest has a name in which the pronunciation of it isn’t clear, ask them. Get a voice memo from them, not just an email or a text. And practice it. This is basic, being-a-good-person manners when introducing a guest speaker.

3 Guest Speaker Introduction Templates

If you need a hand, and want a template you can fill in, these are helpful. Just remember to add your own flare and follow the tips above to do your guest justice.

1. The Standard Introduction

“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome [Speaker’s Name]. [Speaker’s Name] is a [brief description of their professional background]. Today, they will be sharing their insights on [topic of their presentation]. Please join me in welcoming [Speaker’s Name].”

2. The Personal Touch

“Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone. It’s a pleasure to introduce [Speaker’s Name]. I had the opportunity to [personal experience with the speaker, if applicable]. Their expertise in [speaker’s field] is truly remarkable. Today, they will be enlightening us on [topic of their presentation]. Let’s give a warm welcome to [Speaker’s Name].”

3. The Interactive Introduction

“Hello, everyone! Are you ready to be inspired? Our next speaker is [Speaker’s Name]. Before we dive into their presentation, let’s have a quick show of hands. How many of you have [shared experience or interest related to the speaker’s topic]? Well, you’re in for a treat because [Speaker’s Name] is here to talk about [topic of their presentation]. Please join me in welcoming [Speaker’s Name].”

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How To Introduce A Speaker Like A boss (No-fail Format!)

Last Updated on May 24, 2024 by Lorna Barrow

I’m just asking …what would you do if you had to introduce a speaker, let’s say at your big Product Launch or your next PTA Special Meeting? Or introduce your boss at an event?

I’m asking because we all know the public speaking story. Yeah…the one where even at the thought of speaking in public, beyond shouting “ HELP! ” scares the “bejesus” out of you. 

So…would you run and hide? Or would you introduce the speaker like a boss? 

Let me answer that for you… I bet you would want to run and hide!  And here’s why…

I believe that the one big reason people don’t like to introduce the speaker is that your introduction can determine how comfortable the speaker feels about giving the speech. Depending on the occasion, that could be a colossal responsibility.

And to add to your discomfort, you are afraid of public speaking and you can’t find a good sample script you can copy (Ooops! I mean follow!) Moreover, you’re on your own, no “being a member of a team presentation ” to save you.

Now just study the rest of this post for your how to ace your next introduction.

We’ve all seen the introductions which are too long. There are those that are so boring, they have the poor speakers squirming in their seats. And let’s not forget those that go overboard, introducing speakers in such glowing terms, they begin to wonder if they should escape while they can. 

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Believe me, the only special occasion speech more important than the introduction is the Vote of Thanks.

So, what if I were to give you a practical format, for introducing the speaker that will help build your confidence even before you speak ? 

You can use this format successfully, even if:

•   introducing the speaker leaves you shaking
•  introducing a speaker is your favorite thing to do
• you have to introduce your boss to an audience at an event
•  you don’t know “how to introduce a speaker in church”
• You want to know “how to introduce a speaker in a seminar”

But I won’t leave you hanging there…

I will walk you though an introduction speech example using this formula. And to wrap it all up, I will share some things you should do and some you should avoid, so your introduction speech will be worth listening to.

I promise you,  if you consistently apply these, before you know it, you will be able to introduce a speaker like a boss!

And you won’t have to ask me “Lorna, how to introduce a speaker in church?” in that whispered voice, in case God hears you. 

A no-fail format you can use to introduce the speaker

This format is the basic one I teach and “Marie” has describe it as “an invaluable tool in her role as President of her church’s Women’s Committee.”

You can use this format to properly introduce a speaker at a graduation, a seminar, a conference a church function, etc and yes, even on zoom.

Here is a snapshot of the format:

Introduction

•  Attention-getter

Discussion/Body

• Discuss “why this speaker”
• Answer “why this topic?”
• Share “why this audience?”
• Be clear “why at this time?”
• Present the speaker

A worked example: 

Warning: In the following wor ked example, while Mr Bates actually exists, Mr Salters is purely the output of my sometimes overactive imagination. 

That aside, let’s go:

The Attention-Getter

The attention-getter should do exactly what it is meant to do – get the attention of your audience. It should make then sit up and want to hear more about the speaker. For example:

According to American Zoologist Marston Bates, “Research is the process of going up alleys to see if they are blind.” 

The Preview

This is a preview of what the topic is about and who the speaker is:

This evening, we will hear the latest findings of “T he Role of The Salt Shaker In Reducing Our Salt Intake and it’s no “up the alley” research. Our speaker, Mr Kosher C. Salters is an experienced filler of salt shakers and owner of no less than 60 such shakers. 

Discuss “Why This Speaker?”

This is where you share more about the speaker, especially why he or she is the right person to speak on the topic:

Mr Salters has just completed 3 years of research into how to place rice grains in a salt shaker cross way. His findings have been widely reported in many popular publications and have aroused the interest of large segments of the society.

Answer “Why This Topic?”

Don’t take for granted that everyone in the audience knows why a topic is so important that you had to invite someone to speak on it. So it’s at this point that you tell them why:

As you are aware, the reduction in the national intake of salt, by any means possible, has been a topic of intense national debate. This is especially so, since the Minister with the portfolio for salt discovered that Lot’s wife, who looked like his own wife, was turned into a pillar of salt, when she “looked back.”

Share “Why This Audience?”

This is the part that is missing from most introductions. If you remember, introductions are a 2-way street but in most formal introductions it’s inclined to go just one way. Therefore, what you’re actually doing here is introducing the audience to the speaker:

We in the audience, consisting mainly of parents, cooks and suckers of salt, are anxious to learn as much as we can about any new and exciting salt research, especially if it can help us shake our salt habits.

Be Clear About “Why At This Time?”

It really helps the speaker to be reminded that his or her topic is important and timely to a particular group of people:

Salt and the salt shaker have always been exciting topics. With our up-coming annual conference, and our president taking part in a radio show called “Looking Back” , she is paranoid that she could suffer the same fate as Lot’s wife.

Now you pull it all together, just before you present the speaker, by giving your audience a review or summary of all that you have said before:

Here to give us some specific suggestion on how to reduce our salt intake is one of the country’s foremost collector and filler of salt shakers.  His subject is important to us in many areas of our lives and his research could help us shake the salt habit very quickly…

Present The Speaker

And then you present the speaker with a flourish!  This is when you display the most enthusiasm in the whole speech. Your audience must hear it in your voice and see it in your body language:

Ladies and Gentleman, the Owner and Filler of Salt Shakers and now Researcher…MR KOSHER C. SALTERS!

NB: Just remember…when you deliver your speech, you do not read out the headings, I just included them to help you.

Now here are some equally important tips.

Some “DOs” of Introducing the speaker

• Remember the purpose of your speech. Your purpose is to introduce the speaker to the audience AND the audience to the speaker.
• Use your introduction to prepare the audience for the type of speech which will follow. For example, if the speech is on hurricane preparedness, use your introduction to settle the audience into a serious mood.
• Know your speech well – but don’t learn it by heart! Because you’re introducing the speaker, the audience will believe that you know him well, so you have to sound natural. Apart from that, you are the bridge between him and the audience.
• Get a bio from the speaker however well you think you know her. In addition, do double-check key facts on the day of the event. Nothing threatens a guest speaker’s cool like having to correct information before she gets into her speech..
• Include only information that is relevant to the topic of the speaker , however much details she gives you. For example, who she is married to or the name of her dog is not relevant to her speech on open heart surgery.
• Remember, the introduction speech is like any other speech – it must have an opening, a body and a conclusion. No preamble…pre-ramble…beg-me-to-stop…kinda thing! Most of all,  please don’t forget the body language, vocal variety, eye contact and all the other support communication symbols which enhance your delivery.
• Keep your introduction short – 5 minutes, maximum. YES! I’ve had the unfortunate opportunity to listen to an introduction which was longer than the speech it was introducing! No lie.

Some “DONTs” when you introduce the speaker

You MUST not…you hear me…you must not…

• Use your introduction to go off on a tangent or to show how well you know the speaker. This is not the time to reminisce about how you had to show the speaker how to blow up a balloon.
• Give the speaker’s speech for him. This happens when you have some knowledge of or interest in the topic and unwittingly (or maliciously!) feel you have to demonstrate how much you know during the introduction.
• Build up the speaker’s skill as a speaker. Very often, people are chosen to speak because of their knowledge on a topic. Therefore, they may have difficulty living up to “excellent speaking ability”.
• Use humor unless you are very sure it is appropriate and the speaker can handle it. Joking about the time the speaker had too much to drink and accepted a bribe to take off his clothes, is a story for the bar.
• Forget the speaker’s name. Yes! It happens in these types of speeches. And while you’re at it, don’t mispronounce it either. Write it several times, say it aloud 11 times, do whatever it takes to stick it in your head.
• Save the Speaker’s name for last! Unless you intend to present the speaker as a surprise, don’t wait until the end of the speech to call his name. Your role when you introduce a speaker is to make the speaker’s name familiar to the audience, not hide it. Chances are, the audience might have read it on the program or in the newspaper, anyhow!

Your next “introduce a speaker” steps…

So there you have it! A no-fail format for introducing a speaker, complete with a worked example!

And just to make sure it’s truly fail proof, I threw in some “dos” and some “dont’s” for good measure.

Being able to introduce a speaker in a way which makes him or her feel comfortable and confident to present their speech, is probably one of the most rewarding speaking opportunities you can have. It’s right up there with the Vote of Thanks.

So whether you’re now starting on your speaking journey or you’re somewhere down the path, use this information to really improve your next introduction.

And don’t forget that when you master how to introduce the speaker, you have taken one more step towards reducing  your fear of public speaking and will be demonstrating great confidence before you speak.

So please take the information and the format and use them to introduce your next speaker…like a BOSS!

To your hot introductions…

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Lorna Barrow

Lorna Barrow is a Business Breakthrough Specialist, an unfiltered Transformational Speaker, a Writer, a Coach and a self-confessed Small Business Junkie. She recognises that small businesses are unique and when it comes to helping you and your business make that BIG breakthrough, she's all in for you!

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How to Introduce a Speaker: 8 Essential Steps

by Rob Biesenbach | Presentation/Speech Tips

Having been there myself, I really feel for the speaker who suffers a bad introduction—one that’s uninspired, poorly written and carelessly delivered.

If you ever find yourself with this responsibility, here is how to introduce a speaker the proper way. (First, though, check out these three great tips on  How Not to Introduce a Speaker .)

1. Make Your Intro Short

My rule of thumb is that the introduction should be no longer than the speech itself. I’m being facetious, but I’ve seen my share of intros that make me wonder if the actual featured speaker is ever going to get a turn at the podium.

So how long should the intro be? I don’t have a hard-and-fast rule, but as with any communication it should be as long as it needs to be to serve its purpose—no more and no less.

That may be a minute or three minutes. In general, though, shorter is safer.

2. Do Your Research

If it’s a professional speaker you’re introducing, chances are she already has a ready-made intro for you to use.

I provide a pre-written intro to organizations that hire me. I always make clear that they’re free to use it as a starting point or to use it in its entirety. Either way is fine with me.

So check for that first. Otherwise, go online and find out what you can. You could reach out to the speaker herself and ask what she’d like to see highlighted.

3. Pique the Audience’s Interest

If you’re having trouble boiling things down, keep in mind that you’re not there to give the speaker’s entire life story. There’s probably a bio in the program for that.

Instead, your job is to provide enough of a glimpse that will make the audience sit up and want to know more.

4. Provide Context

Part of your job is to provide the necessary context for your audience.

Why was the speaker chosen to speak at this event? What’s the valuable perspective he’s been asked to provide and how does that fit in with either the event’s theme or the organization’s mission?

5. Make it Personal

Ideally, the introducer has some personal connection either to the speaker or the topic. More realistically, intro duties are assigned to someone, either randomly or by virtue of that person’s position in the organization.

If you’re not familiar with the speaker, go back to your research and see if you can find an answer to the question, “I’m really excited to hear this presentation because …”

6. Tell a Story

I’ve said it many times: nothing beats a well-told story. Stories trump facts and data . And a person’s job titles and awards are just that—data.

Not a natural-born storyteller? Here’s a cheat for you: if your speaker is prominent enough, you might find others have already told his story—in the media, on blogs and elsewhere.

Look for any anecdotes you can use, and cite the source if it’s an important one. As in, “Forbes called our speaker a wunderkind. When he was just seven years old …”

What if the speaker you’re introducing isn’t a high-profile figure? Read through what you can find, even if it’s an online bio or LinkedIn profile. Is there some small detail that captures your imagination? Focus on that. If you’re intrigued, it’s likely your audience will be, too.

7. Practice, Practice, Practice

Far too often it’s obvious that the introducer is reading the intro for the very first time at the podium. The unsurprising result is a sloppy and lackluster introduction.

Lack of preparation is disrespectful to the speaker and to the audience. So do everyone the courtesy of practicing the intro a few times before the event.

And for god’s sake, confirm the pronunciation of the speaker’s name! (This one really hits close to home.)

8. Seek Professional Help

People hire speechwriters all the time, so there’s no reason you shouldn’t consider a professional writer to help you pen a winning intro. Especially if you’re introducing a major figure.

I’ve written intros for VIPs like Tony Blair and Tim Geithner. The people who hired me were very grateful and remarked that they got a lot of positive feedback, from the audience and the speakers themselves.

In fact, one VIP we talked to ahead of time specifically requested that we not simply read his bio.

Not Enough Time to Do It Right?

If you don’t have time for this kind of preparation, if you see your duties as a chore or you treat the introduction like a perfunctory gesture, please, do us all a favor: pass the intro duties to someone who will put in the necessary work.

Your speaker deserves it and, most of all, your audience deserves it.

Photo Credit: SpunkyMonQy via Compfight cc

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Everything You Need to Know About Introducing a Speaker

Hrideep barot.

• Presentation

Introducing a speaker is an art, a blend of etiquette and eloquence, a choreography of words and respect. It’s the crucial bridge between an audience eagerly waiting to absorb knowledge and the speaker about to impart it. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about introducing a speaker with finesse and impact. Whether you’re the host of a grand conference, a school assembly, or even a family gathering, these insights will help you set the stage for a successful speech. Let’s dive into the art of introductions.

What Are the key points to Include when Introducing a Speaker?

Speaker’s name and title:  .

Clearly stating the speaker’s name and professional title is essential as it provides immediate identification. This introduction is often the first impression, so ensure you pronounce their name correctly. Use the full title and any honorifics if applicable, which enhances their credibility. For instance, “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Dr. Sarah Williams, a renowned climate scientist who holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science.”

Relevance:  

Explaining the speaker’s relevance is crucial. This is your opportunity to set the context. You can touch on the event’s main theme and why this speaker was chosen to address it. “Dr. Williams’ expertise is invaluable to us today as we are gathered to discuss climate change, an issue of global concern. Her insights will provide a fresh perspective on the topic.”

Brief Background: 

When providing a brief background, focus on key milestones in the speaker’s career or life. It helps the audience connect with the speaker as a person and not just as a presenter. “Dr. Williams’ journey in climate science began as a passionate environmentalist. She earned her Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Stanford University and has since contributed significantly to this field.”

Topic and Objective:  

It’s important to give the audience a preview of what to expect. Mention the main topic and the specific goals of the presentation. “Today, she will delve into the impact of climate change on coastal regions. Her objective is to present actionable solutions that can help us adapt to these challenges.”

Engaging Anecdote:  

A personal or professional anecdote adds a human touch to the introduction. Sharing a story about the speaker’s journey or a moment of inspiration can captivate the audience’s attention. “One memorable incident from Dr. Williams’ career was when she spent several months in the Arctic, facing extreme conditions to gather crucial data. Her unwavering dedication was truly inspiring.”

Credibility Boosters:  

Highlighting awards, publications, and recognitions helps establish the speaker’s credibility. Mention the significance of these achievements and how they contribute to their expertise. “Dr. Williams’ remarkable contributions have not gone unnoticed. She received the Nobel Prize in Environmental Science in 2020, recognizing her outstanding work.”

Audience Connection:

Relate the speaker’s expertise to the audience’s interests or current challenges. This connection makes the introduction more engaging. “Considering the pressing challenges posed by climate change, Dr. Williams’ insights will provide us with valuable knowledge to make informed decisions and contribute to a sustainable future.”

Upcoming Events or Acknowledgments:  

If there are any upcoming events or achievements on the horizon, share them. It builds excitement and anticipation. “Dr. Williams is preparing to launch her latest book on climate resilience next month, and it has already generated substantial anticipation in academic and environmental circles.”

End with a Warm Welcome:  

Conclude the introduction with a warm welcome. Encourage the audience to join you in showing appreciation for the speaker’s presence. “Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that we invite Dr. Sarah Williams to the stage. Please join me in giving her a warm welcome and showing our gratitude for sharing her expertise with us.”

Brief Pause:  

After introducing the speaker, a brief pause is essential. It allows the audience to applaud and transitions smoothly to the speaker’s presentation. This moment of pause adds a touch of professionalism to the introduction and keeps the event flowing seamlessly.

Incorporating these elaborations will make the speaker’s introduction not only informative but also engaging, setting the stage for a successful presentation.

How do you properly Introduce a speaker?

Establish a Personal Connection:

Building a personal connection with the audience begins with you. Share an anecdote or personal observation that relates to the speaker or the event. This could be a moment when you first learned about the speaker’s work, met them, or experienced the impact of their expertise. It creates an immediate bond with the audience, making the introduction more relatable and engaging.

Highlight Shared Values:

Emphasizing shared values between the speaker, the event, and the audience is a powerful way to foster unity. Consider mentioning common values, such as a commitment to education, innovation, or social change, and how the speaker embodies these values. It signals alignment, fostering a sense of shared purpose and goals.

Interactive Elements:

To make the introduction memorable, consider incorporating interactive elements. For instance, you might pose a thought-provoking question about the speaker’s topic and ask the audience to reflect on it. Alternatively, you could conduct a brief activity that serves as a teaser for the presentation. This interactivity not only engages the audience but also sets the tone for active participation throughout the event.

Emphasize the Speaker’s Enthusiasm:

Express the speaker’s genuine enthusiasm for their topic and their eagerness to share it with the audience. You can mention how passionate they are about their subject matter and how their enthusiasm is bound to be infectious. This approach creates an optimistic atmosphere from the very beginning.

Audience’s Role:

Outline the audience’s role in the presentation. Explain what they can expect from the speaker and how their participation can enhance the experience. Encourage active listening and interaction by specifying ways in which the audience can engage with the speaker, such as asking questions or sharing their thoughts.

Visual Aids:

Visual aids can be a valuable addition to the introduction. These aids should be relevant to the speaker or their topic and can range from impactful images to significant props. Visual elements enhance the introduction by providing a visual focus for the audience, making it more engaging and memorable.

Comparisons and Metaphors:

Utilize creative language to draw comparisons or metaphors that vividly illustrate the speaker’s significance. For example, you could liken the speaker to a guiding star in the field, someone who lights the way with their insights. Using such metaphors adds a creative and memorable dimension to the introduction, making it unique and thought-provoking.

Unique Contributions:

Highlight the speaker’s unique contributions to their field. Explain how their work stands out and the innovative approaches or ideas they’ve brought. This sets them apart from others and demonstrates the value of their insights.

Current Relevance:

Connect the speaker’s topic to current events or trends. Explain how their insights are particularly pertinent in the present moment. You can touch on ongoing discussions, recent developments, or issues of concern that align with the speaker’s area of expertise. This contextualization enhances the introduction’s timeliness and its connection to real-world issues.

End with an Anticipation-Building Statement:

Conclude the introduction with a statement that sparks curiosity and anticipation. Offer a tantalizing glimpse of a fascinating aspect of the speaker’s presentation without revealing too much. This leaves the audience eager to hear more, ensuring that they are actively engaged from the outset.

By implementing these elaborations, your introduction of a speaker will not only inform but also captivate the audience, setting the stage for a dynamic and interactive presentation.

What is the best line to Introduce Someone?

– the captivating teaser:.

The art of public speaking often begins with intrigue. A captivating teaser serves as the literary equivalent of a magician’s opening act. Just as a magician engages the audience with an exciting trick, you, as the introducer, can engage your audience’s curiosity with a teaser. In this approach, you introduce the speaker by offering a tantalizing tidbit of information or a thought-provoking question. This stirs curiosity and sets the stage for the exciting content the speaker is about to deliver.

Imagine you’re introducing a renowned historian, Dr. Eleanor Bennett. To captivate your audience, you could begin with a teaser: “Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to embark on a journey through time with a historian whose research unveiled hidden secrets of the past. Do you know what connects Cleopatra’s makeup and the fall of the Roman Empire? Get ready to be amazed!”

– The Enthusiastic Acclaim:

A burst of enthusiasm can work like magic in the world of introductions. This approach is akin to a standing ovation before the play even starts. The enthusiastic acclaim is about expressing your genuine admiration and excitement for the speaker. You highlight their exceptional qualities and achievements, essentially “pumping up” the audience before the main event. The speaker is welcomed with an energetic and fervent introduction, making them feel appreciated and valued.

Suppose you’re introducing an Olympic gold medalist, such as Michael Johnson. In this case, an enthusiastic acclaim could sound like: “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s not every day that we have the honor of welcoming a true legend. The man we’re about to introduce has not only redefined the world of athletics but has inspired generations. Please join me in an ecstatic round of applause for the phenomenal Michael Johnson!”

-The Relatable Remark:

Laughter and relatability are fantastic tools for capturing your audience’s attention. Starting with a relatable and light-hearted remark can help create an instant connection. Your remark can be humorous, touching, or a simple observation that the audience can connect with. By sharing a moment of common experience or offering a humorous insight, you create an immediate bond with the audience. It’s like sharing a knowing smile before diving into the main presentation.

For instance, if you’re introducing a speaker on the topic of work-life balance, you could start with a relatable remark: “Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve all been there, juggling our work commitments with our personal lives. Sometimes, it feels like trying to catch a falling star. Our next speaker is here to shed light on this universal challenge, and perhaps, to help us finally catch that elusive star.”

-The Empathetic Connection:

Imagine an introduction that tugs at the heartstrings of your audience, one that makes them feel understood and appreciated. The empathetic connection does just that. This approach is about crafting an introduction that emotionally connects the audience to the speaker. You share a relatable experience or challenge that the speaker and the audience have in common, fostering a deep sense of unity and understanding.

Suppose you’re introducing a mental health advocate, someone who has been through personal struggles. Your empathetic connection could be: “Ladies and gentlemen, many of us have faced moments of darkness in our lives, times when hope seemed distant. Our next speaker, John Parker, understands this all too well. He’s not just a mental health advocate; he’s someone who’s walked through the shadows and emerged with a message of hope that he’s here to share.”

By using these four distinct introduction styles, you can engage your audience and set the stage for a captivating presentation. Each approach creates a unique atmosphere, drawing the audience into the world of the speaker and making their message all the more impactful.

How to not Introduce a Speaker?

Monotone monologue:.

One surefire way to not introduce a speaker is to deliver a monotonous, uninspiring monologue. In this scenario, you step up to the podium and begin a long, tedious speech about the speaker’s credentials, achievements, and perhaps even their childhood stories. The audience is left in a daze, struggling to maintain focus. A monotone monologue can quickly drain any enthusiasm from the room, making it the antithesis of an engaging introduction.

Exaggerated Hyperbole:

While genuine enthusiasm is essential, exaggerating the speaker’s qualities to a comical extent is a definite no-go. Introducing a speaker as the “greatest genius of all time” or the “most extraordinary person to ever walk the Earth” can be perceived as insincere and over the top. It not only fails to make the speaker look good but also makes you, the introducer, appear insincere and inauthentic.

Lack of Preparation:

An introduction riddled with mistakes, mispronunciations, and a general lack of preparation can be a significant blunder. It’s akin to showing up unprepared for a critical presentation. Fumbling over the speaker’s name, stumbling through a disorganized introduction, or not providing essential context can leave a negative impression on the audience and the speaker. It reflects a lack of professionalism and care.

Inappropriate Humor:

Incorporating humor can be a valuable tool in an introduction. However, using inappropriate or offensive humor can quickly backfire. Cracking jokes that touch on sensitive topics, offensive stereotypes, or embarrassing personal anecdotes about the speaker can lead to awkwardness and discomfort. It’s crucial to choose humor carefully and ensure it aligns with the event’s tone and values.

Excessive Length:

Going on and on in the introduction without a clear endpoint is another pitfall to avoid. An overly lengthy introduction can be tiresome for the audience, delaying the main presentation and sapping their enthusiasm. It’s essential to keep introductions concise and to the point, saving detailed biographies and extended storytelling for more appropriate moments.

Overlooking the Audience:

Neglecting to connect with the audience is a common mistake. Some introducers focus solely on the speaker, providing a one-sided introduction that doesn’t engage the listeners. The audience’s role in the introduction is just as critical. Ignoring their presence and not addressing their interests can lead to a lack of engagement.

Scripted Formality:

Reading a pre-written introduction verbatim can strip away authenticity. It can make you sound robotic and disconnected from the audience. While preparation is vital, it’s equally important to maintain a conversational and engaging tone. Rigidly adhering to a script without adapting to the audience’s energy and needs can hinder a successful introduction.

Inadequate Research:

A lack of research about the speaker, event, or audience can lead to a subpar introduction. Providing inaccurate or irrelevant information can not only confuse the audience but also undermine the credibility of the introducer. It’s crucial to thoroughly research the speaker and align the introduction with the context of the event.

These are some of the pitfalls to avoid when introducing a speaker. By steering clear of these missteps, you can ensure that the introduction serves its purpose, setting a positive tone for the presentation and engaging the audience effectively.

How long should a Speaker’s Introduction Be?

The length of a speaker’s introduction is a subtle yet crucial aspect of any event. It’s akin to the opening scene of a movie, setting the tone and expectations for what follows. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to determining the perfect length. Instead, it’s a delicate dance influenced by various factors. The nature of the event plays a pivotal role, as grand galas and corporate gatherings might warrant more extensive introductions, while casual gatherings among friends require shorter, more relaxed ones. The audience’s familiarity with the speaker is another key consideration; well-known figures may benefit from shorter introductions, whereas lesser-known speakers may require more context. The relevance to the event’s theme, adherence to the schedule, and respecting the speaker’s preferences all contribute to finding that sweet spot. Above all, it’s about engaging the audience while respecting their time and maintaining their curiosity—a true art form in event planning.

Introducing a speaker in different settings:

A) introducing a speaker at an event:.

Introducing a speaker at an event is a multifaceted task that sets the stage for a successful presentation. In a formal setting, such as a corporate conference or an awards ceremony, the introduction should be distinguished and eloquent. It must incorporate the speaker’s credentials, accolades, and the relevance of their topic to the event. It’s also an opportunity to infuse the audience with anticipation and convey the significance of the upcoming speech. Striking a balance between professionalism and engagement is key, ensuring the audience is both informed and excited.

Introducing A speaker at a group Event

B) Introducing a Speaker at Church:

Introducing a speaker at a church event carries a distinct tone of reverence and spirituality. The introduction should align with the themes and values of the congregation, reflecting the spiritual significance of the gathering. It may include a brief background on the speaker, emphasizing their connection to the faith or community. Sharing personal anecdotes that highlight the speaker’s dedication to their faith can resonate deeply with the congregation. This type of introduction is not just about qualifications but also the shared spiritual journey, making it a heartfelt and spiritually uplifting experience.

C) Introducing a Speaker at Graduation:

Introducing a speaker at a graduation ceremony is a momentous task, marking the culmination of academic achievements. The introduction should emphasize the speaker’s connection to the graduates, potentially an alumnus, respected faculty member, or renowned figure in the academic world. It’s an opportunity to inspire the graduates and instill a sense of pride in their accomplishments. The introduction typically includes highlights of the speaker’s distinguished career or contributions to the field. It sets the stage for a motivational and memorable address, encapsulating the hopes and aspirations of the graduating class.

D) Introducing a Speaker in a Zoom Meeting:

Introducing a speaker in a virtual setting, such as a Zoom meeting, requires adaptability and conciseness. Given the digital platform’s unique dynamics, the introduction should be brief, focusing on the speaker’s qualifications and the topic’s relevance to the online audience. In a virtual environment, it’s essential to maintain engagement and capture attention swiftly. Including a fun fact or a relatable connection can also add a personal touch to the introduction, combating the potential for distractions in the online realm.

Each setting demands a tailored approach, considering the audience’s expectations, the formality of the event, and the unique nuances of the context. Adhering to these distinctions ensures that the speaker is introduced effectively and in a manner that resonates with the audience.

Introducing a Speaker sample Script:

Ladies and gentlemen, we are honored to introduce our next speaker. This individual needs no grand introduction, but we’ll certainly provide one deserving of their stature.

Allow us to present [Speaker’s Full Name], a visionary in their own right, whose accomplishments have left an indelible mark on [relevant field]. With a career spanning [number of years], they have achieved remarkable success in areas from [mention key areas], making them an indisputable authority in their domain.

[Speaker’s Name] has a track record that speaks for itself, having [specific accomplishments or awards] that exemplify their dedication to excellence. Their contributions have touched the lives of countless individuals, and today, we have the privilege of benefiting from their insights and wisdom.

But [Speaker’s Name] isn’t just a luminary in their professional sphere; they are also a compassionate soul dedicated to [mention any social or humanitarian causes they support]. This commitment reflects their character, making them not only a leader but also a role model for all of us.

Today, [Speaker’s Name] will delve into the [mention topic], shedding light on a subject that holds the power to transform our perspectives and actions. Their objective is clear: to inspire, to educate, and to spark change. It’s a mission that aligns seamlessly with our event’s theme of [mention the event’s theme].

So, fasten your seatbelts, ladies and gentlemen, for we’re about to embark on a journey of insight and enlightenment. Please join me in extending the warmest welcome to [Speaker’s Full Name].

Conclusion:

In conclusion, introducing a speaker is an art. Whether you’re introducing someone at a grand event, in a spiritual setting, at a graduation ceremony, or even virtually through a Zoom meeting, the principles of a captivating introduction remain the same. A well-crafted introduction engages the audience’s curiosity, evokes empathy, and fosters enthusiasm. It should be of an appropriate length, striking the balance between being informative and keeping the audience’s interest intact. Lastly, the sample script provided serves as a guideline, demonstrating how you can encapsulate the essence of the speaker while building anticipation. Always personalize your introductions, ensuring they reflect the tone and objectives of the event. Mastering the art of introducing a speaker can be a valuable skill that enriches every audience’s experience.

To learn more about effective introductions or even delivering speeches and presentations as a whole you can reach out to us here.

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How to Introduce a Speaker in the Right Way? 11 Tips for Successful Speaker Introduction

A good speaker introduction is very crucial to ensure effective presentations and speeches. So many speeches than anyone could imagine have been doomed to failure by a simple bad introduction. And what everyone expected to be a moment of kindling the fire of enthusiasm in the audience turns out to be a brain freeze outbreak. 

Or worse than that, end up saying an unnecessary joke that will not only hurt the speaker but also the meeting itself. It goes without saying, a good speaker introduction will aid the success of the speaker as well as the event.

Another Article that might be of Interest: 7 Basic Elements of Public Speaking & 8 Key Tips for Effective Speech Delivery

11 Key Tips to Introduce a Speaker in the Right Way

1.    answer three core questions.

When the introduction gives valuable information on these three things, then the audience will be more than motivated to listen to the speaker. Of course, the topic of the day is of great importance to the audience, and giving the speaker the credibility he deserves will definitely work in your favor.

Although in some instances a little humor may be permitted, the introduction should NEVER denigrate the speaker. Whether it’s for fun or not. The whole idea of the speech introduction is to make the speaker lovable to the audience and help them desire to hear what he has to say. 

2.    Rehearse as Many Times as Possible

3.    engage with the speaker and know them better.

You cannot get the audience to be excited about a speaker you are not excited about them yourself. Your introduction will lack the sincerity it requires if the speaking is unknown to you. In that case, google information about the speaker or talk to them about their expertise until you have sufficient information to make the introduction exciting. 

4.    Avoid Altering the Speech Title

5.    accuracy is key.

Just as it is important to have correct punctuation, ensure you also have the facts right. This means that any information you give during the introduction should be flawless.

Note that many speakers will feel the need to correct you if you make any factual errors during the introduction. A lousy introduction is more likely to kill the speaker’s momentum and this is not what we want.

6.    Never Give an Outline of the Speaker’s Speech

Giving an outline of the speaker’s speech is the last thing you should ever do when giving an introduction. This will not only give the audience unreasonable expectations but also end up sabotaging the whole speech. 

7.    Stick Only to Relevant Details About the Speaker

There’s is no need to recite everything. Just pick the most relevant information and the most recent details. That would be enough.

8.    Do not Overdo the Introduction

The introduction should be just long enough to accomplish the designated goals. Long introductions can be very boring and will kill the audience’s morale even before the speaker starts off. 

Let the introduction cover just the key things such as; the topic of the day, why the topic matters, and the credibility of the speaker. 

9.    Avoid Using Clichés

While in some cases the speaker may be well known to the audience, a brief introduction will go a long way into preparing the audience for the speech.

10. No need for Exaggerated Hype

11. ensure there’s a smooth transition.

The handshake is an etiquette gesture that indicates ‘handing the floor’ to another person. In case the speaker has something else in mind about their entrance, make sure you communicate to aid the success of the whole thing.

Credible Examples

Now that you have everything you on how to best introduce a speaker here are a few examples that you can check out for further clarification;

How to Introduce a Guest Speaker. https://www.wikihow.com/Introduce-a-Guest-Speaker

How to Introduce a Speaker: 16 Essential Tips for Success

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The Art of Introducing a Speaker

A good introduction informs and intrigues but doesn't need to be remembered..

Updated September 16, 2023 | Reviewed by Vanessa Lancaster

• A curious feature of effective speeches of introduction is that they are self-eliminating.
• A good introduction makes the case for the speaker’s ethos and expertise.
• A good introducer cultivates a generous and unselfish attitude.

Co-authored by Barbara Tannenbaum

Let thy speech be better than silence, or be silent. – Dionysius of Halicarnassus

Students of persuasive speech learn a skill, a craft, and an art. Contents come and go; speaking effectively is an enduring asset to anyone relying on communication to make a living. This essay is a short introduction to the art of introducing a speaker.

In his Rhetoric , Aristotle (see 2021 for a recent edition) taught that speakers must take care to convey their ethos or have it conveyed by an introducer. Ethos refers to a speaker’s good qualities and qualifications, the characteristics that make an audience want to listen. Cialdini (2021) and other social psychologists have noted the relevance of true and perceived expertise. Reasonably, listeners are more inclined to be persuaded by an expert than what today’s students call “a random person.”

Effective speakers have mastered different types of speech, from a simple presentation of a concept or an idea to persuasive appeals designed to change an audience’s beliefs or behaviors to ceremonial speeches such as toasts, eulogies, or speeches of acknowledgment and gratitude as heard during award events.

Speeches given to introduce a speaker are hybrids. They are part of a ceremonial protocol, but they also must deliver content and put the audience in a receptive and generous frame of mind. A skillful introducer connects the topic to the speaker (ethos, expertise) and then the speaker to the audience. With these two linkages in place, the speaker can focus on connecting the topic to the audience to achieve persuasion .

A curious feature of effective speeches of introduction is that they are self-eliminating. The introducer’s task is to set the stage and then get out of the way. This is a thankless job – although most speakers will ritualistically thank the introducer for the kind words. Because of this whiff of superfluity, it is hard to motivate learners to invest the effort to master this fine and underrated art. “Why bother,” they might ask, “if no one else bothers?”

With this attitude, the stage for disaster is set. The introducer is poised to commit one or more of three grave errors. They might dismiss the exercise and give a lukewarm, vapid, or unkind presentation; they might end up talking about themselves; or they might preview the speaker’s topic to the point that there is little left to say. Either mistake is, to use Christopher Hitchens’s apt phrase, cringe-making.

If the first window into the world of good introductions is to consider – and avoid – tactics that make things go wrong, there is some positive advice to put learners on the right track. Most importantly, the introducer must research both the speaker and the topic. Yet, it would be fatal to read out to the audience a speaker’s bio, complete with appointments, awards, and accolades from the government of Uzbekistan.

A face-to-face meeting with the speaker can provide more engaging and vivid material than a search of records. Such a meeting may yield, for example, insights into the speaker’s mood and style. The speaker has the opportunity to tell the introducer what they want the audience to know and, more critically, what they prefer not to be said. A personal meeting is also an opportunity for the introducer and the speaker to reflect on common experiences or memories, material that can be woven into an introduction to make it personal and compelling.

A meeting is also an opportunity for the introducer to ensure they will pronounce the speaker’s name correctly, that is, the way the speaker prefers it. Choosing among options, including titles, pre- and suffixes, nicknames, and pronouns, is delicate. Hitting the right level of formality depends on the context and the speaker’s sensitivities. Bias easily creeps in. According to one report, men, but not women, are more likely to use first names when introducing professional women than men (Duma et al., 2019).

An effective introduction speech is brief, much like a good blog post. Again, an example of how things can go badly is illustrative. We (Barbara and Joachim, not “Barb” and “Joe”) recall a speech by a university president to introduce a Nobel Laureate. The president was known for his penchant to introduce speakers as his good friends. With the Nobel Laureate, he got so carried away that he foreshadowed many of his points of content. “As the president has already told you . . .” the speaker was then compelled to note repeatedly. The president had basked in reflected glory (Cialdini et al., 1976) and he had stolen the speaker's thunder and light. Some of us cringed.

Aside from using the tactics that constitute the skill of effective speaking, the introducer does well being specific and sincere, being positive and generous without fawning, and remembering that the decisive human connection is between the main speaker and the audience. Alas, the best remembered speeches of introduction are the bad ones. Why then should anyone agree to give such a speech? The answer is that it is great practice for the real thing.

A caveat may be observed. If you have perfected the art of introducing a speaker, you run the risk of making the speaker look bad. A bad impression left by the speaker may also reflect poorly on you, the introducer. Keeping it brief will mitigate this risk. The socially intelligent creature might detect an opportunity here. If you introduce someone whose arguments you find issue with, you may strive to deliver a most excellent introduction. The audience might then remember you instead of the halfwit you introduced.

Barbara Tannenbaum is a distinguished faculty member at Brown University who has taught courses on persuasive communication for many years.

Aristotle (2021). The art of rhetoric . Translated by Robert C. Bartlett. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.

Cialdini, R. B. (2021). Influence, new and expanded: The psychology of persuasion . New York: NY: HarperCollins.

Cialdini, R. B., Borden, R. J., Thorne, A., Walker, M. R., Freeman, S., & Sloan, L. R. (1976). Basking in reflected glory: Three (football) field studies. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 34 (3), 366–375.

Duma, N., Durani, U., Woods, C. B., Fonkoua, L. A. K., Cook, J. M., & Wee, C. (2019). Evaluating unconscious bias: Speaker introductions at an international oncology conference. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 37 (36), 3538-3546.

Tannenbaum, B. I. (2023). Adoption is not second best. TEDx presentation at Brown University. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTVdaT8HgAk

Joachim I. Krueger, Ph.D. , is a social psychologist at Brown University who believes that rational thinking and socially responsible behavior are attainable goals.

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12+ Speech Examples That Worked — And What We Can Learn From Them

• The Speaker Lab
• July 5, 2024

Table of Contents

Delving into speech examples can unlock the power of your voice and ideas. You’ll learn reasons for crafting speeches, ranging from persuasion to education. Plus, we’ll show you how to make yours hit home with structure, storytelling, and rhetorical tricks. Explore iconic historical speeches for inspiration and break down modern ones to see what works today. Plus, learn strategies to present confidently to different audiences and situations. From leveraging visual aids effectively to tailoring your message just right, this piece covers it all.

Understanding the Purpose of Speeches

At its core, every speech serves a purpose. This might be to persuade, inform, entertain, or inspire. But why does this matter? Knowing your speech’s goal shapes everything, from the words you choose to how you deliver them.

Crafting Your Speech for Impact

To create a memorable speech, start with structure. A solid framework guides your audience through your message without losing them along the way. Next up is storytelling—our brains are wired to love stories because they help us understand complex ideas easily. And don’t forget about rhetorical devices; tools like repetition and metaphor can make your message stick.

An effective speech isn’t just about what you say but also how you say it. Varying your tone keeps listeners engaged while making eye contact helps build trust and connection.

Famous Speech Examples

The power of speeches in shaping history cannot be overstated. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech is a masterclass in using vivid imagery and anaphora to appeal emotionally and intellectually. Meanwhile, Winston Churchill’s “We Shall Fight on the Beaches” showcases how determination and resilience can rally nations during tough times.

These examples teach us that great speeches combine substance with style, making their messages unforgettable long after they’re delivered.

Analyzing Modern Speech Examples

In today’s digital age, speeches still have significant impact. Take Malala Yousafzai’s impassioned pleas for education rights or Steve Jobs’ commencement address at Stanford University urging graduates to stay hungry for knowledge.

Analyzing these modern classics reveals key ingredients: authenticity resonates deeply with audiences; simplicity makes even complex topics accessible; and personal anecdotes ensure relatability. This trio is worth remembering when crafting your next presentation.

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Every speech is a journey where you’re the captain, and your audience are the explorers. To make sure it’s a trip worth remembering, focus on structuring your content effectively, weaving engaging stories into your narrative, and employing rhetorical devices that stick.

Structuring Your Content for Clarity

The backbone of any impactful speech lies in its structure . Think of it as constructing a building; without a solid foundation and framework, everything else crumbles. Start with an attention-grabbing opening to hook your listeners right off the bat. Next comes the body of your speech. This is where you delve deep into your main points, supporting them with evidence or fleshing them our with anecdotes. Lastly, end with a powerful conclusion that not only summarizes key takeaways but also leaves your audience pondering long after they’ve left the room.

A well-structured speech ensures clarity and makes it easier for audiences to follow along without getting lost in jargon or complex ideas. For more insights on crafting clear messages, check out our guide on structuring speeches here .

Engaging Storytelling That Resonates

We’re hardwired to love stories—they evoke emotions and create connections better than any other form of communication. Incorporating personal experiences or relevant anecdotes within your speech can transform abstract concepts into tangible realities for your listeners. This doesn’t just help them understand but also remember what you’ve said long after the applause dies down.

To master storytelling techniques that captivate, check out this podcast episode here .

Using Rhetorical Devices Effectively

Rhetorical devices are like spices—they can turn bland content into something flavorful that sticks. For example, repetition reinforces important points in your speech; analogies help explain complex topics simply by comparing them to familiar things; and questions engage audiences directly, making them active participants rather than passive listeners. So don’t shy away from sprinkling these elements throughout your presentation.

Famous Speech Examples Throughout History

When we talk about speeches that have left a mark, it’s like diving into a treasure trove of history’s most pivotal moments. These aren’t just words; they’re the voice of change, courage, and inspiration.

Speech Examples with Powerful Purpose

Some speeches have enough power behind them to move mountains. Take Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech, for example. It wasn’t just about sharing an idea; it was about rallying a nation towards equality and justice. Or consider Winston Churchill’s “We Shall Fight on the Beaches” speech urging resilience during World War II’s darkest hours. Each word chosen had purpose, shaping content to stir hearts and minds.

Speech Examples with Compelling Structure

Crafting something memorable starts with knowing your core message inside out, then supporting that message with facts and anecdotes to illustrate your point. Structure is key; opening strong grabs attention while closing on an thoughtful note leaves your audience thinking long after you’ve stepped down from the podium.

Rhetorical devices aren’t old school tricks but rather essential tools in your arsenal. Imagine delivering lines as compelling as those found in John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address , where rhythmic patterns and strategic repetition emphasize his vision for America—truly captivating.

When we think about speeches that have grabbed headlines and hearts in recent years, a few key examples spring to mind. These modern orations offer rich lessons for anyone looking to make an impact through public speaking.

Speech Examples with a Target Audience

Today’s memorable speeches don’t just happen by accident. They’re meticulously crafted with the audience in mind. Take for example Malala Yousafzai’s Nobel Prize acceptance speech . She used her personal story as a powerful tool to engage and inspire her audience. By sharing her experiences, she made abstract issues like education rights tangible and urgent.

To craft your speech for impact, start by identifying the core message you want to convey. Then think about how you can connect this message with your audience on an emotional level. Use stories from your own life or others’ lives as Yousafzai did; doing so lets people see themselves in your narrative.

Delivering Your Speech Confidently

The best content can fall flat without confident delivery. Watching Susan Cain’s TED talk on the power of introverts, we see how calm presence combined with passionate storytelling captures attention even if you’re not naturally extroverted.

Practice is key here but so is believing in what you’re saying. Find that driving belief before stepping onto any stage or platform because confidence comes from conviction first and foremost.

Adapting Your Speech to Different Audiences

Imagine stepping up to the podium, your heart racing. You’ve prepared a killer speech, but as you scan the room, you realize not everyone will receive it in the same way. This is where adapting your speech to different audiences becomes crucial.

Crafting Content That Resonates

To make sure your message hits home, tailor it to who’s listening. For example, if you’re speaking at a tech conference, dive deep into specifics and latest trends that excite a tech-savvy crowd. But if it’s a community event with people from all walks of life, keep technical jargon at bay and focus on more universal themes.

The key is knowing what matters most to your audience. A great place for insights is through forums or social media groups related to your topic or industry. Engaging directly with these communities can give you an edge by understanding their interests and concerns better.

The Art of Style Flexibility

Your delivery style should shift as much as your content does depending on whom you’re addressing. For corporate executives? Be concise and authoritative; they appreciate getting straight to the point because time is money for them. Here are some top presentation tips that might help sharpen those skills.

When engaging younger audiences or speaking in less formal settings like workshops or meetups, your approach is going to be different. In cases like these, focus on storytelling techniques instead of brevity. Using anecdotes and analogies can be incredibly effective in making complex ideas relatable and memorable for these audiences.

Making Adjustments on the Fly

Sometimes despite all preparations things don’t go according plan. Maybe jokes fall flat or technical details lose people’s interest. That’s why being observant of audience body language and facial expressions is so important. Depending on the cues you’re getting, you should be ready to adjust course mid-presentation.

This adaptability not only saves potentially sinking speeches but also endears speakers to their listeners, showing they care about the experience of receiving the message. Remember, no two audiences are alike. Every group brings its unique set of challenges and opportunities. By fine-tuning your approach in each setting, you’ll be able to connect deeply across a broad spectrum of situations, leaving a lasting impression every time.

Utilizing Visual Aids in Speeches

Visual aids have the power to make your speech more memorable. However, poorly used visual aids might mean you’re remembered for the wrong reason. Let’s talk about how to make your speeches stand out with some well-placed visuals.

The Importance of Visual Aids

Visual aids do more than just break up the monotony; they can help drive your point home. For instance, when you present data or statistics, showing a graph can make those numbers stick better in your audience’s mind than simply hearing them could ever do. This is because our brains process visuals faster than text or speech.

If you’re interested in adding visual aids to your speech, other examples include props, slides, maps, and videos, just to name a few. Consider what will work best in light of your presentation and your resources.

Tips for Effective Use of Visual Aids

To get started on the right foot, keep these pointers in mind:

• KISS (Keep It Simple, Speaker): A cluttered slide distracts more than it informs. Stick to one main idea per visual aid.
• Cohesion Is Key: Your visuals—think fonts, colors, pictures, and themes—should match your message style and tone. For instance, you wouldn’t choose silly pictures for a formal presentation.
• Audience Engagement: Polls or interactive elements not only hold attention but also provide instant feedback from your listeners. Poll Everywhere offers an easy way to incorporate live polls into presentations.

Incorporating effective visual aids isn’t just throwing pictures onto slides. It requires thoughtfulness and strategy to enhance understanding and retention among audiences. This is where theory meets practice. Now go turn that next presentation into something spectacularly vivid!

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FAQs on Speech Examples

What are the 3 main types of speeches.

The three big ones are informative, persuasive, and special occasion. Each serves its own unique goal.

How do you start a speech example?

Kick off with a hook: ask a question, share an interesting fact, or tell a quick story to grab attention.

How do you create a speech?

Pick your main idea, outline key points, add stories or stats for support, and wrap it up neatly at the end.

How do you make a speech sample?

Draft it around one clear message. Mix in personal anecdotes or relevant quotes to spice things up and connect better.

Diving into speech examples shines a light on the art of communication. From crafting speeches with purpose to using storytelling and rhetorical devices, these techniques let you connect more deeply with your audience. To see effective techniques at work, simply analyze historic and modern speeches that resonate.

Before the big day, practice your delivery to boost your confidence. Adapting to different audiences ensures your message lands right. And don’t forget, visual aids can truly enhance understanding.

So start shaping your ideas with clarity and conviction today! Let these insights guide you in making every word count.

• Last Updated: July 3, 2024

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