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Introducing a Speaker
August 9th, 2012
by Bill Boyajian

Public speaking is a great way to let your leadership shine, if you have the interest and ability to do it well. Leaders are frequently asked to give speeches but often turn them down because — they say — they’re too busy. Truth be told, many simply fear the idea of addressing an audience. Few leaders enjoy public speaking, but those who do provide a tremendous edge in their communications skills and, therefore, their leadership. Let’s look at one form of public speaking this week:

Introducing a speaker. This is one of the classic examples of how to either impress or blow a significant leadership opportunity. Such introductions have to rate with some of the worst presentations of all time. You’ve heard them. People try to tell jokes and they fall on their face. They drone on and on about the speaker or the subject and practically give the speaker’s speech. They make a speech about themselves and forget why they’re even at the podium. Or they embarrass themselves by mispronouncing the speaker’s name, when they should have asked for the correct pronunciation, practiced it, and phonetically spelled it out in their notes. Bottom line: They’re unprepared and ignorant of what to do. Don’t be like that. Take the time to get it right and to practice what you’ll say without reading it word-for-word.

There is a simple format to follow when introducing someone. You need an opening, which includes an attention-getter for the audience and a very brief preview of what you’re going to say. Then, there’s a discussion section, which explains the credentials of the speaker, why the subject is important (especially to your audience), and why the timing is right to hear the speech. Then you have a conclusion, which is a very quick review followed by the formal introduction of the speaker. The last thing you say is really important: It’s the speaker’s name. And don’t blow the pronunciation.



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