The speaker’s INTRODUCTION, in person or virtually, is important!
It is an integral part of a presentation.
It is the presenter’s responsibility to write it.
The emcee should read it as if they wrote it.
Too often, that person will grab your bio from the internet and edit it for introducing you. Usually it has nothing to do with the topic you’ll be presenting. No one cares how many kids you have, where you vacation, or the high school you attended.
This is a “Speaking Opportunity!” for the emcee and a moment for them to shine. Providing them a great, relevant introduction, will do that!
People attending events are “Investing:”
Time.
Sometimes money.
Opportunity cost. They could be doing a number of different things rather than attending your talk.
They are entitled to know why you have been given the opportunity to speak on the topic. That’s why your credentials that must be delivered prior to the talk.
The INTRODUCTION sets the stage for your presentation and should answer three questions:
WHY this subject?
Describe why the topic is important to the audience.
Example: “The Fear of Public Speaking holds many back from reaching their potential.”
WHY this speaker?
Do not be modest. This is where you state your credibility: Years in your industry, degrees, special awards, book titles, etc.
It is better for the person doing the introducing to say great things about you. It you related those same accomplishments, it could come across as bragging and turn the audience off.
Example: “Our speaker’s books are purchased internationally and receive rave reviews.”
WHY now?
Reasons the topic is important to the audience.
Example: * “Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities! If you have this fear, or just want to be a better presenter, our speaker has a message for you.”
A great Introduction will increase the attentiveness of the audience because it will convince them you are an EXPERT on the topic.
Guidelines: Prepare it the way it should be delivered, including:
Sending your introduction to the emcee immediately after being awarded the speaking gig and before they’ve invested time and effort writing one.
Making BOLD – words to be emphasized and
places to P-A-U-S-E.
Stressing the importance of the Introduction by directing them to this link: https://nosweatpublicspeaking.com/your-introduction-is-not/
Following up they received it and asking if there are any questions.
If the meeting is in person, bringing a copy with you to the event.
If it is a virtual meeting, having it quickly available to email to one of the attendees should the person chosen to introduce you doesn’t show up or passes on delivering it.
Do that, and your presentation will be absolutely, positively – NO SWEAT!
An Example of one of my INTRODUCTIONS is HERE.
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About the AuthorFred E. Miller is a speaker, an international coach, and the author of the books,“NO SWEAT Public Speaking!” and“NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”
Businesses, Individuals, and Organizations hire him because they want to improve their Networking, Public Speaking, andPresentation Skills.
They do this because they know:"Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities."
They also know:We perceive really great speakers to be Experts. We like to work with Experts.
He shows them how to: Develop, Practice, and Deliver Fantastic Presentations! with – NO SWEAT!
Services:
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Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.
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