{"id":7751,"date":"2022-05-02T14:01:41","date_gmt":"2022-05-02T14:01:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/?p=7751"},"modified":"2023-06-21T14:58:23","modified_gmt":"2023-06-21T14:58:23","slug":"how-to-introduce-a-guest-speaker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/how-to-introduce-a-guest-speaker\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Introduce a Guest Speaker In 4 Foolproof Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"

The audience is ready for a good evening, lights illuminate the podium, and you are introducing the next guest speaker to take the stage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seems simple, but <\/span>there is an art to making a great introduction<\/b> – and I have four tips to guide you. Join me!<\/span><\/p>\n

See Related:\u00a0What is a Guest Speaker – And How Can They Take Your Event to the Next Level?<\/a><\/p>\n

Quick reminder: what is a guest speaker?<\/b><\/h2>\n

To put it plainly, <\/span>guest speakers are people who are invited to speak at all sorts of events<\/b>. They are formally introduced by the master of ceremonies<\/a> and deliver ideas that are relevant to the interests of the people in attendance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let’s get started!<\/span><\/p>\n

Tip #1: You Are the Opening Act<\/b><\/h2>\n

What was the last concert or live comedy show you attended? Was there an<\/span> opening act<\/span><\/a>? In many ways, your introduction serves the same purpose:<\/span><\/p>\n

Ease the audience<\/b><\/h3>\n

Whether you are the first person onstage or are introducing<\/a> the closing speaker, <\/span>guests need time to adjust to a new presence.<\/b><\/p>\n

Give a word of praise to the presentation that preceded your introduction and share the importance of the speaker to come.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Professionals<\/span>Set the tone<\/b><\/h3>\n

Audiences look to the person onstage for communication on what to expect. Make your speaker’s life easier by warming guests up with an <\/span>authentic and approachable onstage presence<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Join guests with confidence and deliver your introduction like you are exchanging words with a good friend. The audience will relax and look forward to the speaker’s presentation<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cue the audience<\/b><\/h3>\n

As the person onstage, all eyes will be on you. Therefore, <\/span>the audience will look to you to guide their behavior.<\/b><\/p>\n

If it’s time to begin clapping for the guest speaker or motivational speaker<\/a> so they know to come onstage, then start the clapping. If ongoing<\/span> laughter<\/span><\/a> is causing your introduction to run too long, then you are a success for making a fantastic joke, but respectfully request that folks quiet down.<\/span><\/p>\n

A good introduction is like a roadmap<\/b><\/h4>\n

Think of it this way: you are like the cue cards at a<\/span>\u00a0live sitcom taping<\/span><\/a>… except you probably won’t want to instruct the audience to “boo” at any point!<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Accomplished<\/span>Bonus:\u00a06 Ways to Guarantee Laughs During Your Next Speech<\/a><\/p>\n

Tip #2: Inspire Confidence in Your Audience<\/b><\/h2>\n

Remember, <\/span>this introduction is not a speech of your own<\/b>. The focus must remain on the professional speaker and what they are about to contribute to the event.<\/span><\/p>\n

Guest speakers bring varying levels of name recognition, so your audience may or may not be aware of their qualifications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Your task as a corporate emcee<\/a>? Help the audience understand the guest speaker’s connection to the event and <\/span>why they are worth listening to<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Touch on the speaker’s credibility<\/b><\/h3>\n

Why was this speaker invited to talk? <\/span>Chances are, they have expertise in your industry. <\/b>Let the audience know that!<\/span><\/p>\n

A speaker’s credibility and knowledge can take many forms: an advanced degree in your field, a volunteer background, or personal experience with the topic at hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

Personal connections pique the audience’s interest<\/b><\/h3>\n

Even if a speaker’s qualifications shine on paper, <\/span>I recommend mentioning their personal connections to the subject matter <\/b>during your communication with the crowd.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why did the doctor you are introducing want to work in<\/span> breast cancer research<\/span><\/a>? What inspired the wildlife photographer to switch career paths after spending ten years as a pharmacist?<\/span><\/p>\n

This context will pique the audience’s interest and create a good introduction.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Speaker<\/span>Tip #3: Preparation is Power<\/b><\/h2>\n

I know, you are very familiar with the guest speaker. But please, do <\/span>not<\/span><\/i> stand at that podium without notes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Check your run time<\/b><\/h3>\n

Your own introduction should not be more than a few minutes. An important skill to practice is rehearsing your speech and <\/span>timing it beforehand<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n

It can be difficult to gauge the actual length of an introduction simply by looking at it on paper. Factor in laughs and applause, and you’ll be onstage longer than anticipated.<\/span><\/p>\n

Write notes that serve your needs<\/b><\/h3>\n

As I mentioned earlier, be sure to <\/span>have a written introduction in front of you<\/b>. But remember – your notes need to actually help you!<\/span><\/p>\n