Introductions should be graceful, witty and fun—fun to hear and fun to give. The following guide-lines will help you organize an introduction for a speaker.
- Give star billing to the speaker. Don’t be a scene stealer. Direct the group’s attention to the speaker.
- Know what the speaker will be talking about and plan your introduction around that topic. Don’t make a preliminary talk of your own.
- Emphasize to the audience the speaker’s expertise and experience in the topic.
- Set the mood for the speaker and the speech.
- Be brief! Introductions should be 30 to 45 seconds so make every word count.
Reprinted from the Toastmasters manual When You’re The Introducer.
