The introduction is where your audience forms their first impression about you. Although it is only a small part of your entire presentation, it is here that you can either grab your audience or totally turn them off. It should have 5 things:

1. An "attention getter". Never assume the audience is ready to listen to what you have to say. It's your job to focus their attention on you and your subject.

2. Give the audience a reason to listen. WII-FM -- what's in it for me !

3. Get your audience in the proper frame of mind, IE. serious, joking, entertaining.

4. Establishes the speakers credentials.

5. Tell the audience the central idea. One of the worst things you can do is to keep your audience guessing about what it is you're trying to say.

Special Notes
If you are going to speak to a new group, write your own introduction !
Make it short and to the point. This is the first time the audience gets to hear anything about you, so make sure you make a good impression.

Send it typewritten and double spaced ahead of time to the person who will read it. Ask that it be read, as is.

Introductions should also include:
● How to pronounce your name
● Name and title
● Your qualifications
● How the speech can benefit the audience
● Why you have been asked to speak
● Please join me in welcoming...

How to introduce others.

● Talk to the speaker beforehand to see what he or she wants used in the introduction. He/she may already have an introduction written out.

● Get all the background information about the speaker.

● Construct your introduction just like a mini speech, with a beginning, body and closing.

● Stay away from the joke filled introduction unless the speaker is giving a humorous speech or you know the audience well.

● Try to memorize as much of the introduction as possible.

● Pause long enough to get the audiences attention, then speak with energy and warmth.

● Don't give the speakers speech.

● End with a nice touch like, "Please join me in welcoming..."and then lead the applause.
● Wait for the speaker to arrive, shake hands and leave to the side.

Introduction Form

Speakers Name Our speaker today is
____________________________________________
(Get the pronunciation correct.)

Topic _____________________________is talking on

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

Credentials/Why _____________________________________________
the audience should
listen. _____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

Personal
Information _____________________________________________
as needed. _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________

Title The title of his/her speech is:___________________
_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

Please join me in welcoming _____________________________________

(Lead the applause and shake hands with the speaker.)