Welcome Traffic Toastmasters History Meeting Information Speaking Roles Agenda Speaking Tips Other Resources Frequently Asked Questions Toastmaster Events Contact Us		<< back to speaking tips Introducing the Speaker The introductory remarks by which a speaker is presented to his audience are an important aspect of public speaking. Introductions typically are so bad that one of America's greatest lecturers, Mark Twain, refused to let anyone introduce him; he simply walked on the stage alone and introduced himself. There are, however, important reasons a speaker ought to be introduced; and there are guidelines for both the speaker and the introducer that should be honored. Why a Speech of Introduction? Why should a speaker be introduced to an audience that already knows him well? There are several reasons, each of which is important: (1) No matter how fully a speaker is a member of the group - well acquainted, well liked, well known - when he speaks, he separates himself from the listeners. He takes on a unique function. He stands and talks, while they sit and listen. If for no other reason, there should be an introduction of him as a brief ritual or ceremony marking the significance of his transition from being in the group to stepping forth in front to lead its thinking. (2) The listeners will be a more receptive and appreciative if they understand what the speaker is undertaking. If his project is to clarify an idea, that is quite different than if he is trying to persuade them to accept his point of view. One function of the introduction is to establish the proper "mental set," so the group will know what to look for. (3) Even when the speaker is well known, the audience might not know what special reason he has for speaking about his chosen topic, or about his special experience or expertness concerning it. A good introduction contributes to the speaker's authority by making it clear that he speaks from special preparation, knowledge, or experience. (4) Whatever is happening in the meeting before a speaker is introduced - whether a preceding speech, a Table Topics discussion, a brief social talk, or something else - the atmosphere relates to what has been occurring, not what will occur. A function of the speech of introduction is to "build a bridge" from where the thoughts of the groups are at the moment to where the speaker wants them to be. Thus, the introducer might say, "We have been engaged in serious discussion (or whatever); now I invite your attention to something quite new and different. Henry Jones will speak to us about…" What the Speaker Should Contribute The speaker should make a positive and definite contribution toward the successful accomplishment of the speech by which he will be introduced. Too often, from a false sense of modesty, the speaker contributes negatively by insisting that how he is introduced is "not important." He tells his introducer, "Say whatever you please, or don't say anything at all if you prefer. They all know me anyway." If the functions of the speech of introduction are to be achieved, the speaker should help his introducer in these ways: (1) Take it for granted that the introduction will be important and that it should be well and carefully done. Contribute to his attitude toward the job that he is undertaking by showing your appreciation. He is going to work to help you: thank him for it. (2) Tell him what you think ought to be said in introducing you. The question of modesty should not be considered. You do not want him o claim that you are especially brilliant, unusually successful, or uniquely wise. The last thing he should say is that you are a "good speaker." Any of these attributes that you possess will be evident from your speech. You should not allow false modesty to prevent you from saying to him: "I am going to talk about government bonds as a personal investment, and I intend to analyze them from an accountant's point of view. It will be helpful if you explain to the group when you introduce me that I have had such-and-such experience as an accountant." Other information about you might be far more significant for a different topic or occasion; but when you rise to speak it will be helpful to you if your listeners are already informed that you can speak as an accountant with real authority. This you want them to know; so this is what you should suggest to your introducer. Don't fail to take this opportunity to be helped an making a good speech by a lame statement that "Any kind of introduction, or none at all, will be good enough." (3) Answer all questions he asks you about your general background; but caution him not to present a lot of data about you that might sound impressive but that would have no special relevance to your particular speech. This other information would be used more effectively to introduce your competence in relation to other topics for other speeches. What the Introducer Should Say Speeches of introduction need not be flat, dull, or stereotyped. They can be graceful, witty, fun to give, and fun to hear. They should adhere strictly to these guidelines: (1) Your function is to give star billing to the speaker, not to seize it for yourself. You should strive to find new and interesting ways to prevent your speaker. You may use an appropriate joke or genial remarks. But whatever you are tempted to try to impress your listeners with how clever or wise you are, resist. Every sentence you utter should be directed to fulfilling on of the four functions of the speech of introduction. Direct the attention of the group swiftly and surely to the speaker and his subject. (2) Find out in advance what the speaker plans to talk about. When you have this information, do not steal his thunder by making a preliminary talk of your own on the same subject. For example, if your speaker is to present an accountant's viewpoint on taxation, and if you happen to be a better tax accountant than he is, use this fact to help him, not hinder or undermine him. You might say, "As an accountant myself, I realize the importance of Bill's subject, and, like the rest of you, I'm eager to hear what he has to say about it." If you are burning with desire to present your own ideas, repress it! Don't make his speech for him. (3) Make it evident to the listeners that the speaker has a basis for the speech he plans to make. If he is a careless and ill-informed speaker, it is not your responsibility to cover up for his lack of preparation by telling lies to the listeners. You can say something like, "Bill, as you know, is s grocer, and I don't know what knowledge he has about chemistry. But we soon will know about this, for the topic he has chosen for this talk is, 'The Structure of Amino-Acids.'" Generally, of course, the speaker will have prepared - perhaps in part by selection of a subject related to his own background; perhaps by special reading or other inquiry of facts. Don't go into detail about his special knowledge, for he will do this; but indicate to the listeners precisely what you and he agree beforehand would be helpful for them to know about his expertise or preparation. (4) Note the general mood or atmosphere of the occasion. Perhaps it is inappropriate for the speech that is about to be presented. If there has been a hilarious speech of entertainment, and the member you are about to introduce is going to speak about the need to support cancer research, you should help him by trying to quiet the group and turn its attention toward the seriousness of the forthcoming talk. This is a challenge every introducer should welcome, for it will test his own speech skills and thereby help develop them. Don't talk about cancer- your speaker will do that. You could say to the group, "We have all had a good time listening to Al's account of the upset beehive. We know some aspects of that situation were probably more serious than he indicated. We know, too, that there are many upsets in life that don't turn out well for anyone. Life has its tragedies to match its comedies. Our next speaker is a man who recently spent more time in the hospital than any of us would like to contemplate. And he left there something very precious to him. He left a deep sense of gratitude to doctors and nurses who helped when help was desperately needed. This is why we all will be particularly interested as we turn now to a subject very different from the last. Hal Smith will speak to us about research in the causes and cure of cancer." (5) Whatever you do, whatever you say, be brief! You might neglect or forget something that perhaps ought to be said; but no omission can be as bad as over-loquacity. If you tell a joke, make it swift and to the point. If the listeners appreciate your wit and applaud it, don't let it go to your head. One minute should be the absolute limit' half that much time could be enough. Use the time wisely to accomplish the functions that have been described. Make your introduction count; and. Above all, make it short. By preparing well you can say a lot in a few words. Then stop. Knowing how to create and deliver an effective speech helps you to project a positive image of yourself and your organization. Use these Seven Tips as a valuable tool to help you achieve your goals. Toastmasters International is the world's leading organization devoted to public speaking, interpersonal communications and leadership training. This piece is from materials received in a new member's welcome pack.
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