by Tom Gloria, Sargent-at-Arms, ISC WestWinds

The person who says, "You don’t have to make a speech, all you have to do is introduce the speaker," is guilty of a gross understatement.  No speech is more mutilated than the speech of introduction.

The word, introduce, derives from the Latin words, intro -- to the inside, and ducere -- to lead and ought to lead us to the inside of the topic sufficiently to make us want to hear it discussed.  It should bring the audience and speaker together, and establish a friendly atmosphere.  You may want to try the following tips to help your next introduction flow smoothly:

® Thoroughly prepare what you are going to say.  Gather the facts: the subject of the speaker’s talk, their qualifications to speak on that subject, their name, and the title of the speech.

® Follow the T-I-S formula. T=topic, I=importance, and S=speaker.  1) Start your introduction with the title of the speaker’s talk. 2) Bridge over the area between the topic and the particular interests of the group.
3) List the speakers’ qualifications as they relate to the topic and, finally, give their name distinctly and clearly.

® Be enthusiastic and sincere.  Rather than saying how happy you are, try to be genuinely pleasant making your introduction.  Try to bring your introduction to a climax at the end when you announce the speaker’s name.  Remember the words, "pause," "part," and "punch."  Pause just before the name is given; part the first and last names so that the audience clearly understands the speaker’s name; and finally, punch out the name with vigor.

There is plenty of room in this formula for using your imagination.  Try to keep it sounding spontaneous and conversational, not memorized.
Proper preparation will ensure that you say the right thing at the right time.
 

This article appeared in ISC WestWinds March, 2000 issue and is repeated here with permission of the editor.