CHAMPION STRATEGIES – PUBLIC SPEAKING WORKSHOP – DECEMBER 5, 2021
Sample introduction speech
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am (say your name) and I am the (say your title in relations to why you’re introducing the speaker, for example, you are president of an organization). I am so pleased to be with you tonight and to have the chance to introduce our guest speaker, (say speakers name).
He / She is the (say speaker’s positions in relations to why they’re speaking). He / She has been one of the main proponents of this program for several years, and it a true stand out in this field. He / She has a great understanding of the program and a great appreciation of what it takes to truly make (state theme or topic of event or conference) continue on a path of progress, and a remarkable vision of the future of (State topic).
Besides that, He / She (Add a few interesting personal notes here. Mention if the person was the first to do something, if they have published anything, have held impressive positions, done impressive things, etc. Use the speaker’s bio or ask them or their staff for this information).
Finally, he / she is also just a fascinating person and we’re all in for a treat today. Without further ado, please join me in welcoming (name of speaker).
Tips for introducing a guest speaker
- Don’t talk too long. Keep your introduction to between 45 seconds to 3 minutes.
2. Bios are a great place to get information. Almost all speakers will have a bio online or the event planner may have a copy of their bio. You can also search their name online for other interesting tidbits about them, but do not to include something that may be controversial or potentially embarassing to them, unless you ask them first.
3. Ask the speaker what he or she would like you to say in their introduction. If they are very high-profile and hard to speak with personally, ask their staff or administrative assistant for information.
4. If possible, find out what the speaker plans to focus on in advance, so you don’t imply they will be speaking about one thing when they will actually talk about something else.
5. If it is a professional forum, do not talk about the guest speaker’s family unless you ask them first.
6. Try to find transcripts of other speeches they have done online. Often the introductory remarks will be included and you can use them to frame your own remarks.
On public speaking
When asked how he could be such an excellent public speaker, Winston Churchill told his secret to overcoming anxiety and not getting nervous about making speeches. “When I get up to speak, I always make a point of taking a good look around the audience. Then I say to myself, ‘What a lot of silly fools.’ And then I always feel better.”
Always keep your head high and say thank you when you are finished.
