Dear Mr. Scott, my company’s awards banquet is scheduled for October, and I have

been asked to introduce the keynote speaker. I have never done this before, and I

do not want to embarrass myself before the Board and all my colleagues. Can you

give me some guidance please? G.

Congratulations, G! Being singled out for an important role in these activities certainly

suggest that someone recognizes your potential and is giving you an opportunity to shine.

The purpose of an introduction is to put the audience in a receptive frame of mind and to

create an air of high expectation for the speaker. Unfortunately, on too many occasions we have heard introductions that does just the opposite!

A particularly useful technique is the T.I.S.N method, where the acronym means:

T – topic

I  –  interest

S – speaker

N – name.

Topic

Let me begin with the obvious. It is very important for us to state the title of the presentation to our audience. Adults learn by adding to what they already know, so the title gives them a frame of reference to absorb the information they are about to receive. Valuable time has been lost with many an audience spending the first 5 minutes trying to figure out to what they are expected to listen. Remember, your role is to maximize the speakers’ receptivity.

Interest

You are required to share in no uncertain terms, why this topic will be of interest to this

audience at this time. I have found this to be the most overlooked aspect of any introduction.

At my Rotary Club luncheon some time ago, my colleague shared in a very amusing way, an in-flight incident while returning to Jamaica, where his neighbour asked him to complete his immigration forms. This was a very interesting story and quite appropriate, as the guest speaker was none other than the top man at JAMAL! This certainly held the audience’s interest and set the stage for a very interesting speech.

Speaker

After sharing why the topic is of interest, we must then establish the credibility of

the speaker. In doing this, ensure that you have the CV well in advance of the function

and rewrite as necessary. Rewriting is often very important as the best introductions are

usually no more than 2 to 3 minutes long. So, what do you do when the high profile

speaker sends you 6 pages of personal information? Focus on the information

that helps to establish the speaker’s credibility with the audience.

In most situations, humour is quite appropriate and is an excellent opportunity to

establish a bond with the audience even before the speaker approaches the lectern.

One caution however: make sure that you clear it with the speaker, in order not to

offend. Once I had the opportunity to introduce a speaker that had “purple and

white coursing through his veins”. I said, “our guest speaker today, spent seven

years at that very well known institution downtown, home to over a thousand

young men…. no, it is not the penitentiary of which I speak, but K.C., Kingston

College…. the principal difference I am told, is that the penitentiary is home

to TWO thousand young men…” It worked, but I made sure to gain permission

to poke fun at his alma mater.

Name

If the speaker’s name is know and printed on the programme, I much prefer

the approach of repeating the speaker’s name a few times during the introduction,

so by the time we say, “help me to welcome Dr./Mr./Mrs. So and So…” your audience

is mentally repeating the name with you! Remember also, that it is your role to begin the

applause, leading the audience and extending your welcome to the speaker.

Remember, its not about you, its about the audience. Resist the temptation to

develop  “a love affair” with the microphone, but recognize your duty to the audience,

as your role will heighten their enjoyment and appreciation of the presentation.

A properly executed introduction adds class to even the most humble of

gatherings. Practice often and practice well.

Robert C. Scott, Distinguished Toastmaster(DTM), is a Past Toastmasters International Territorial Council Governor for the Caribbean. Send your questions on public speaking to robertcgscott@yahoo.com.