A speaker introduction serves as a bridge between the presenter and the audience, building anticipation and establishing the speaker’s credibility. A well-crafted introduction frames the value of the upcoming talk and captures the audience’s attention from the outset.
Gather Key Information About the Speaker
Before you can write a compelling introduction, you must gather specific details about the speaker. The most immediate detail is the speaker’s full name and its correct pronunciation. The surest way to get this right is to ask the speaker directly, which also shows a level of respect and professionalism.
Request a professional biography, but recognize that your role is not to recite it verbatim. Instead, scan it for two or three accomplishments or experiences that are most relevant to the subject matter and the interests of the audience. A pre-event questionnaire or a brief phone call can be useful for this, allowing you to ask targeted questions about their expertise and what they hope the audience will take away from their presentation.
It is also important to understand the core message of the speaker’s talk. Ask the speaker for a summary of their presentation or the main points they will cover. This allows you to accurately frame the topic and its importance to the audience, ensuring your introduction complements their message rather than preempting it.
Structure Your Introduction
A proven framework can help you organize your thoughts and ensure you cover the necessary points without rambling. The goal is to be concise yet impactful, delivering a complete introduction in roughly 60 to 90 seconds.
The Hook
Begin by grabbing the audience’s attention with a compelling opening. This could be a thought-provoking question, a surprising statistic, or a brief, relevant anecdote that connects to the speaker’s topic. For instance, if introducing a technology expert, you might ask, “Have you ever wondered how artificial intelligence will shape our daily lives in the next five years?”. This hook should immediately make the audience feel the presentation is relevant to them.
The Speaker’s Credentials and Relevance
After capturing their attention, establish the speaker’s authority on the subject. Connect their experience to the audience’s needs, explaining how the speaker’s unique background gives them the insight to provide valuable information. This reinforces why they are the right person to speak on the topic.
The Topic’s Importance
With the speaker’s credibility established, briefly shift focus to the topic itself. Explain to the audience why this presentation is important and what they can expect to learn. Frame it in terms of the value they will receive, such as gaining a new skill, understanding a complex issue, or being inspired to take action.
The Formal Introduction and Hand-off
The final step is the formal introduction and the physical transition. Clearly and enthusiastically state the speaker’s name and the title of their presentation. Lead the applause as you announce their name to generate energy. Turn your body toward the stage entrance, using an open palm gesture to guide the audience’s focus, and maintain eye contact with the speaker as they approach.
Mastering Your Delivery
How you present the introduction is as important as what you say. Your performance sets the energy for the speaker’s presentation, so it is important to appear confident and enthusiastic. The best way to achieve this is practice.
Rehearse the introduction out loud multiple times until it feels natural and conversational. Use note cards with bullet points as a guide rather than reading from a full script. This allows you to maintain eye contact with various sections of the audience, creating a connection and drawing them in.
Your tone of voice and body language are important tools. Speak clearly and with genuine enthusiasm, letting your expression convey excitement for the upcoming talk. A warm smile and confident posture will help the audience feel more at ease and receptive to both you and the speaker who is to follow.
What to Avoid in Your Introduction
Certain mistakes can undermine an introduction and create an awkward start for the speaker. To ensure a smooth opening, avoid the following:
- Mispronouncing the speaker’s name, which can signal a lack of preparation and respect.
- Reading a long, dense biography filled with irrelevant details that can bore the audience.
- Using clichés like “a speaker who needs no introduction” or over-hyping them with phrases like “the world’s foremost expert.”
- Telling inside jokes that only a fraction of the audience will understand, as this can alienate others.
- Sharing long personal anecdotes about your relationship with the speaker.
- Giving your own opinions on the subject matter, which can take the focus away from the speaker.
Adapting Your Introduction for Different Events
The tone and content of your introduction should be tailored to the specific context of the event, as different settings call for different levels of formality.
For a formal corporate conference or an academic seminar, your introduction should maintain a professional tone. Emphasize the speaker’s credentials, professional achievements, and the direct relevance of their expertise. A clear and respectful presentation of their qualifications is more appropriate than personal anecdotes.
In a more informal setting, such as a community gathering, you can adopt a warmer and more personal tone. Here, a brief personal connection or a short, relevant story can help build rapport. For virtual events and webinars, keep the introduction extra concise to hold the attention of an online audience and be sure to state any technical instructions, such as how to submit questions.