If you find yourself making your fair share of presentations for your company or business, there is a good chance you may also be called upon to introduce another speaker – maybe at short notice.
Don’t panic! If you know your way around a presentation, you can make a great introduction. Essentially, you’re being asked to deliver a very short speech. Many of the same fundamentals that apply to a presentation apply to an introduction, with a few special points to keep in mind.
How Long Is Too Long?
When making an introduction, it’s important to remember that brief is best. After all, the audience is there to hear a speaker, not an introduction. Your goal is to set the stage in a speedy manner while getting across three important points:
Subject – What is your speaker going to address?
Interest – What makes this subject important to your audience?
Speaker – Who is your speaker?
Serve Your Speaker
Your speaker may have their own ideas regarding the kind of intro that will work best for them. Always share thoughts with your speaker and accommodate their ideas. If you feel like you can enhance or refine the intro they are suggesting, speak up! But, always honor their wishes.
Gentlemen, Start Your Engines
When it comes to introductions, don’t forget, you are performing too. Just because you aren’t making a presentation doesn’t mean you’re off the hook! In fact, a great introduction can create a lot of anticipation and momentum for a PowerPoint presentation. A brief, focused, compelling introduction can push a good presentation into the realm of greatness!
The Ol’ Ed McMahon
When it comes to the end of your introduction – when you are actually welcoming your speaker to the stage – there are a few points to remember. First, you are welcoming your speaker. Think of yourself as a great host introducing a new guest to party-goers at a fabulous fete! When you say your speaker’s name, emphasize their last name, and say it louder than their first name. This will create a natural rise in your voice, anticipating the speaker’s arrival. Think about the way Ed McMahon used to introduce Johnny Carson – “Heeeeeere’s Johnny!” Done correctly, it almost sounds like a drum roll followed by a cymbal splash. Obviously, this example is a bit over-the-top, but you get the point. Also, remember the way that Ed would turn toward Carson extending his arm? This is a great, natural gesture of welcoming, and by focusing your attention on the speaker, you’ll focus the audience’s attention as well.
A good introduction – like a good presentation – requires preparation and practice. Volunteer the next time the opportunity presents itself. Soon you’ll be sending off your speakers with a style all your own.
Now, let’s get ready to ruuuuummmble!
