Introducing A Speaker On Stage

Have you ever had the opportunity to introduce a speaker at a conference?

One of the Get Momentum members just recently had this big opportunity, and we talked about what makes a GREAT introduction and how to craft it.

NOTE:

We've all sat through BAD introductions, where someone just reads the speaker's resume and bio - that's printed in the schedule - ugh. Those kinds of introductions are painful for everyone, including the speaker!

The job of the introduction is to build some energy, create some anticipation and get everyone excited about what's going to happen next.

Think about it... what makes a great introduction is THE STORY. 

What I love is a great behind-the-scenes story... or the real scoop about an accomplishment that the speaker is too humble to share. If you have a personal story of how you met the speaker, that's the build up that everyone's hoping for...

TIPS To Craft A Great Introduction

• Think about the purpose of your introduction.
• You want the audience to sit up and take notice.
• Build a little intrigue.
• Tell a story that helps connect some dots from the audience members to the speaker.
• Set the speaker to come out smiling to a warm and friendly audience.

If You Are The Speaker

I don't like surprises when I'm about to go on stage. Years ago, I arrived to an to find a picture of me hula hooping as my headshot for the event poster!

It was playful, but NOT what I was expecting...

So here's what I do now. I created a webpage where event planners can download my bio AND an introduction for me they can read on stage. It's conversational, not a a list from my resume. It helps connect some dots between me and the audience.

And I also have a few headshots to choose from, so the event organizer doesn't have to find one. Everybody's happy.

Guess what? They love it! And so do I... knowing what someone is going to say let's me get right into my zone...

Are you introducing someone on stage? Write your advice or questions in the comment section below!