by Gwynn Alcorn

Created on: April 26, 2009

How to Introduce the Guest Speaker

Mark Twain, one of America's most well-known lecturers, refused to let anyone introduce him. He walked onto the stage alone and introduced himself, rather than suffer a poor introduction to the audience.

Mark Twain was an exception. Most speakers need to be introduced well and Toastmasters International gives expert advice.

No matter how well known a speaker is to an audience, the speaker needs to be separated from the audience. An introduction aids in the separation. It is a brief ceremony marking the significance of the speaker's transition from being part of the group to stepping forth to lead its thinking.

You have already been honored by being chosen to do the introduction - it is your job to honor the speaker. If properly prepared and delivered, the introduction will help establish the group's mind set and make them more receptive to the speaker's address.

Even when a speaker is famous, the audience does not know the special reason the speaker has for giving his or her presentation, and it is imperative the audience be reminded of the speaker's special experience or expertise relating specifically to his address.

An introduction builds a bridge from where the thoughts of the group are now to where the speaker wants them to focus.

Give star billing to the speaker to produce an effective introduction. Do not be a scene stealer by trying to impress listeners with how clever or wise you are.

Dress for the occasion. Show your respect for the audience and the presenter by dressing well. A good rule of thumb is to dress twenty per cent better than the audience and ten per cent less well than the speaker.

Every sentence of your presentation should be directed to building the audience's anticipation for the speech to come.

Do not draw attention to yourself in any way.
All your energy should be focused on building the audience's expectation of a worthwhile presentation by this speaker.

To improve audience reception, know what the speaker will be talking about, but do not make a preliminary talk on the subject yourself. Your ultimate object is to tell the audience why they should want to listen to this speaker.

Atmosphere is imperative to ensure audience reception.
The listeners must be mentally prepared for the subject matter. So, if the mood in the room or hall is lighthearted - and the forthcoming speech is serious - make sure you assist the group to make the transition before the speaker comes onto the podium.

Regarding etiquette, find out the speaker's preference for his or her place on the stage. Wherever the speaker wants to start his talk - that is where you stand.
If the speaker wants to start his talk from behind the lectern, then you give the introduction from the lectern.

At the end of your introduction, lead the applause as the speaker walks on stage. Hold your place at the lectern until the speaker relieves you of that spot.
If there is a normal amount of applause, hand over your place at the lectern by smiling at the speaker and shaking his or her hand. If the applause is overwhelming, relinquish control of the podium by just fading backwards as the speaker takes charge.

As you exit the stage, never walk between the speaker and her audience. As the introducer, you have forged a special link between the speaker and the audience.
Do everything in your power to ensure that link is not broken, and you will have done your job well.

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