Ladies
and Gentlemen...
Dear
Associate,
Recently
I was asked to give an introduction for a local speaker. The
lady I replaced quickly gave me her notes she typed up the
previous night. I read and reread the introduction and decided
on some edits.
Why?
Because
I wanted to introduce him in my voice using my language, tone
and energy. I didn't want to sound like I was reading prepared
notes. I wanted my passion and authenticity to come through.
This is critically important to connect the audience with
the speaker—and the speaker with the audience.
For
example, if you were speaking and I introduced you with:
"Most
of us if not all have probably visited Mount Soledad. And
who can ever miss the cross on top of Veteran's Memorial?
Tonight we will hear John Doe tell us more about the issues
surrounding this cross.
"John
Doe, as a native San Diegan is very passionate about anything
related to the place he calls home. His speech is entitled
It's Time to Remove the Cross from Mount Soledad. I
am honored to introduce not only a San Diegan, but a colleague
of mine, Mr. John Doe."
Would
that be okay? Or would this be better:
"Why
was there so much time and media coverage spent on the Mount
Soledad Cross? Why was there so much debate? Native San Diegan
John Doe gives a spirited talk titled It's Time to Remove
the Cross from Mount Soledad. Let's give a warm welcome
for John Doe."
I'd
pick the latter introduction over the former. The former is
good, but the latter is more intriguing and hints of controversy.
It's pithier and sets up what seems like a one-sided debate
without spilling the beans or using filler words.
Now
if you were asked to give an impromptu introduction, here
are some ideas for you to peruse:
1)
Setting the proper tone. If the speaker you're introducing
has a serious message and she follows someone who had them
falling in the aisles laughing, you have to bridge the gap.
You have to transition everyone from humorous to serious.
You lead the audience from the place the previous speaker
ended, to the place where the next speaker wants to begin.
2)
Creating interest. It's important to bring the audience
in. Ask yourself why this topic, why now, and why this speaker?
How will they benefit from hearing this speech? And please,
no drawn-out biographies.
3)
Establishing credibility. Has the speaker authored a book?
Is there a bold phrase he's known for? Does he have a brand?
Or is she just plain controversial? Let the audience know
what the speaker has done by acknowledging a few accomplishments.
4)
Weaving in the title. Which may or may not be necessary.
If you're introducing at a Rotary Club, a corporate presentation,
a "how to" seminar or a breakout session—a
compelling title cements the audience with your speaker's
talk.
But
if your speaker is a celebrity, a well-known entertainer,
a politician, an industry leader or a wealthy business owner—they
may not want their title in the introduction. They may want
to switch gears and go into a different direction completely.
Speakers
who are at the top of their game read their audience and know
if they should stay on the same road or take a detour.
5)
Reading a default introduction. Some speakers want you
to read their printed introduction found on their website.
And they don't allow for edits. This is ideal because it keeps
everyone happy. How much feeling and emotion you add to their
introduction is your choice.
And
now a few tips prior to, and after the introduction:
Watch
the speaker approach the platform, step back, lead the applause,
shake their hand, acknowledge her and then disappear into
the ethers. These steps happen smoothly and instantaneously
as if you were taking in a deep breath.
Afterwards
(if you're introducing the next speaker) stand and lead the
applause, shake the speaker's hand and continue applauding
as the speaker leaves the platform. Compliment the talk and
offer praise on behalf of the audience.
In
the rare event the speaker has dumbfounded the audience, you
must regain control. It's your job to reset the tone and create
community by bringing everyone back together. Using humor
is one fail-safe approach. Avoid sarcastic humor, as you'd
want to protect your reputation and integrity.
When
you can introduce a speaker, bridge any gaps, and set the
stage for the next speaker: you will become highly valuable
and in-demand among your speaking peers.
Warm
Regards,
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