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How to Introduce the Next Speaker in a Presentation

Last Updated: March 21, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 235,053 times.

Whether at work, school, or a professional conference or workshop, group presentations are something you might find yourself giving from time to time. Introductions are part of any public speaking , so it’s good to know a few guidelines for introducing the person who’s speaking after you in a presentation. We want to help you nail your next presentation , so we put together this list of tips to make transitional introductions a breeze!

Things You Should Know

• Summarize your main points briefly to wrap up your portion of the presentation.
• Introduce the next topic to shift the audience's focus into a smooth transition.
• Praise the upcoming speaker or offer a few details about them. Then, state the speaker's full name and professional title to finish the introduction.

Summarize what you just talked about.

• For example, say something like: “So, in conclusion , if global warming continues at the current rate, more than 140 million people could be displaced by 2050.”
• Or, say something like: “Well, that was a brief introduction to the projected effects of carbon emissions over the next 3 decades.”

Set the audience up for the next topic with a question.

• For example, if the next speaker is going to talk about the implications of AI for future generations, ask something like: “What if by the year 2075 there was no longer any need for humans in manufacturing jobs?”
• Or, if the next presenter is there to talk about cloud computing security, ask something like: “How often do you worry about security when you save your files to the cloud?”

Say the upcoming speaker’s name.

• For example, say: “Up next is Robert Sandoval…”
• Or, say: “Here now is John Mando…”

State the next presenter’s title or profession.

• For example, say something like: “Up next is Alex Bando, Marketing Director.”
• Or, say something like: “Roger Stoney is a former philosophy professor at Washington State University.”

Tell the audience what the next person is there to talk about.

• For example, after you state the person’s name and background, say something like: “He’s going to talk to you about 5 tried-and-true time management techniques for success that you can start using today!”
• Or, say something like: “Jill is going to speak about an exciting discovery she made while researching the behaviors of the Puget Sound’s octopus population last year.”

Praise the next speaker as you introduce them.

• For example, say something like: “Sarah is truly one of the most brilliant minds I’ve met in the world of physics and I can’t wait for you to hear what she has to say.”
• Or, say something like: “Alexa has been a close colleague of mine for almost 6 years now and she’s a great public speaker, so I know you’re really going to enjoy this.”
• If you don't know the person personally, you could do a little research about their achievements and say something like: "John has won global recognition for his books and is a leading authority on economics."

Add a fun piece of information or a joke.

• For example, say something like: “Besides being a leading expert in marine biology, Jill speaks 5 languages fluently. But don’t worry, this presentation is only in 1!”

Keep the introduction short.

• For instance, your first sentence is a summary of what you said, your second sentence is a question to frame the upcoming topic, then you can fit the next speaker’s name, title, and topic all into the next 1-2 sentences. Finally, you can end with a fun fact about the next presenter in your fifth sentence.”

Give the next presenter a cue that it’s their time to speak.

• You could say something like: “Come on up, Sam!”
• Or, say: “Welcome, Rachel.”

Rehearse your entire presentation at least twice.

• If you can’t rehearse with the speaker you have to introduce, you can still practice your whole section of the presentation up to the end of the transitional intro. Just imagine that the next speaker is sitting off to the side somewhere.
• It can help to film yourself practicing in front of a mirror and then watching the video back. You can also practice in front of a friend.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-conclude-a-presentation
• ↑ https://hbr.org/2016/10/how-to-memorably-introduce-another-speaker
• ↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-publicspeaking/chapter/introducing-a-speaker/
• ↑ https://www.meetingsnet.com/speakers-entertainment/4-tips-introducing-your-next-keynote-speaker
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6Xa1fq-oPo&t=120s
• ↑ https://hbr.org/2019/09/how-to-rehearse-for-an-important-presentation

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How to Introduce a Speaker (With Examples)

• The Speaker Lab
• April 2, 2024

Table of Contents

Ever stood at a podium, your palms sweaty as you glance over an eager crowd? That moment before you introduce a speaker is crucial. It’s not just about saying names right or getting the titles in order. Knowing h ow to introduce a speaker can set the tone for their entire presentation and potentially shape the audience’s perception from the get-go.

A well-crafted introduction does more than inform; it entices, engages, and connects. A poor one, on the other hand, falls flat, sounding more like a dry reading of someone’s LinkedIn profile rather than an exciting prelude to what’s ahead. But imagine achieving the former, transforming that brief window into an impactful experience both for your guest and their listeners. At first glance, the challenge may appear overwhelming. But fear not! With some insight into human psychology and strategic communication techniques, we’re here to guide you.

Crafting the Perfect Introduction for a Guest Speaker

Introducing a guest speaker is more than just reading off a script. It’s about making magic happen before the main act even starts. You’ve got to weave in anticipation, connect dots for your audience, and set up the speaker, all in 60-90 seconds.

To achieve this, you first need to know your crowd . Are they tech geeks at a Silicon Valley conference? Or maybe they’re teachers eager to soak up new ways of engaging their students? Understanding who sits before you lets you tailor that intro so it hits home.

Next, be sure to mention the speaker’s credibility . This isn’t about listing every accolade since high school. Pick achievements that highlight why they’re the voice of authority on this topic here and now. Maybe it’s their groundbreaking research or how they turned failing companies into successful ones.

The final flourish? Create that engaging connection between your keynote speaker and those eager listeners out there. This is where storytelling skills come into play. A quick anecdote illustrating their impact not only piques interest but also humanizes the speaker.

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Essential Steps to Introduce a Speaker Effectively

Before you can introduce a speaker, you first have to know who they are. In some cases, you can request a short bio from the speaker, but in other cases you may have to prepare one yourself. As a result, a little research is in order. As you compose your speaker bio, make sure it’s clear why your speaker is credible. Even if you don’t explicitly state it, you want your audience to know that they’re about to hear from someone who knows their stuff.

Researching the Speaker

First things first: dig deep into who the speaker is. What have they achieved? What about their journey inspires? To gather this information, dive into their professional background. Depending on how well-known the speaker is, there might be articles or interviews that they’ve featured in. Scan these for insights into their achievements as well as their personality. Remember to cross-check sources to ensure you have your facts straight. Mispronouncing names or getting details wrong can quickly undo all your good work.

As you research your speaker, aim to understand why they matter to your audience at this particular point in time. The accomplishments that you mention in your introduction should align closely with what your audience values or finds intriguing. In addition, tie these accomplishments directly to the speech topic—why is what they’ve done informing what they’ll say?

Weaving together a narrative of accomplishments with reasons why it matters creates more than just interest—it builds respect. You’re telling everyone present: “This person knows their stuff, and you’re going to want to listen.” It turns “just another talk” into one people couldn’t stop thinking about. That’s how powerful the right introduction can be.

The Role of Credibility in Effective Introductions

Ever heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”? Well, when it comes to introducing speakers, this couldn’t be more true. The initial moments can either set the stage for success or lead to an uphill battle for your speaker’s attention and respect.

But why does credibility matter so much right off the bat? It’s simple. Before someone decides if they like what you have to say, they need to buy into why they should listen. That’s where speaker credibility kicks in. It essentially bridges the gap between an audience’s initial hesitation and their eventual engagement.

• Credibility builds trust: When you highlight a speaker’s accomplishments and relevance upfront, it reassures your audience that their time is well invested.
• Tailored introductions hit home: Craft introductions that resonate with audience needs while emphasizing why this particular person has something unique to offer on the subject at hand.
• Audience connection is key: An effective introduction goes beyond just listing accolades; it makes listeners feel personally connected and eager to hear more from the guest speaking powerhouse standing before them.

In essence, a strong start fueled by credibility doesn’t just introduce; it captivates, making sure everyone leans in closer rather than tuning out. Your role is to elevate that sense of anticipation.

Engaging Examples of Guest Speaker Introductions

When preparing to introduce a speaker, it helps to have some examples to look at. Below we have just that: two examples of speeches that you can tweak for your own personal use.

General Introduction Example for a Guest Speaker

“Ladies and gentlemen, imagine someone who’s not just mastered their field but reshaped it. This evening, we’re graced with the presence of an individual whose brilliance has not only illuminated their field but also redefined it. Meet [speaker’s name] , the brain behind groundbreaking innovations in [speaker’s field] . With a career spanning over two decades, [he/she] has earned accolades like [specific achievement] , transforming challenges into triumphs. Today, [he/she]’ll dive deep into [speech topic or title] , offering insights that promise to change the way you think about this important subject.”

Personal Anecdote Example for a Guest Speaker Introduction

“I’ll never forget the day I stumbled upon an article by our next speaker; my perspective on [topic related to speech] was forever changed. Fast forward to today, and I’m thrilled beyond words to introduce you all to [speaker’s name] . Not only is [he/she] a titan in the realm of [professional title or industry] , but also someone with heartwarming resilience facing personal hurdles head-on and emerging victorious. Brace yourselves as [he/she] shares [topic or name of speech] , enlightening us on overcoming obstacles while chasing dreams.”

In these introductions, did you catch how we used a bit of storytelling to introduce the guest speakers? That wasn’t just fluff. Storytelling helps grab attention instantly while connecting the audience with the speaker even before they’ve started speaking. So when you’re introducing a speaker, don’t just rattle off achievements. Find a way to highlight what makes your speaker an interesting person, someone worth knowing and listening to. Storytelling is one great way to achieve this.

Leveraging AI to Practice Introductions

If you’ve been chosen to introduce a guest speaker, then you definitely want to practice what you’re going to say beforehand. Thanks to AI, doing so is now a bit easier. For those tired of rehearsing in front of a mirror or roping in an unenthusiastic roommate as your practice partner, there’s now an alternative. With AI tools designed for speech practice, it’s like having a personal coach who’s always ready when you are. Take a look at some additional benefits below.

• No Judgement Zone: First off, these platforms offer a safe space free from judgment. So if you mess up? No one but the algorithm will know.
• Tailored Feedback: You get real-time feedback on everything from pacing to tone.
• Infinite Do-Overs: Practice makes perfect because with AI, you can repeat until those nerves turn into confidence.

It’s more than smoothly navigating an opener; it’s about leaving a lasting imprint with your words. Thanks to AI tools like Orai or Speeko , and even VR tools like VirtualSpeech , you can introduce your speaker with confidence.

Delivering Your Guest Speaker Introduction with Impact

As the big day approaches, there are a few more things to consider for your speaker introduction. For instance, how will you start it? How important is it to keep it brief? And will you use humor? We have the answers to all these questions below.

Starting with a Thought-Provoking Question or Statement

When introducing a speaker, it’s best to start strong. A thought-provoking question or statement can be just what you need to grab the audience’s attention from the get-go. It sets up not only your speaker but also primes your audience for what’s about to unfold. For instance, asking “Have you ever wondered how technology will shape our future?” could lead into introducing a tech visionary. Similarly, saying something like “Imagine achieving all your goals without sacrificing happiness” is perfect for setting up a motivational speaker .

The goal here is to craft an opening that resonates with every person sitting there, making them think, “This is going to be good.”

Balancing Brevity with Substance in Your Introduction

Speaker introductions can be tricky because they must be both concise and engaging . Here’s the secret sauce: It’s not about stuffing every accolade or achievement into those first few sentences. Nope. It’s about sparking curiosity, establishing credibility, and making a connection—fast. Remember, you only have about 60-90 seconds, so you want each word to count. The trick lies in choosing each word carefully so every sentence serves multiple purposes—it informs, intrigues, and invites.

Determining When Humor Is Appropriate

Before you add humor to your speaker introduction, it’s important to first consider your audience. Who all is attending and are they the sort of people to appreciate a little humor? If so, how much and what type? The setting will also help you gauge whether humor is appropriate. For instance, a somber conference room isn’t usually the place for stand-up comedy routines. If you do decide to crack a joke or two, ensure your humor aligns with both the topic at hand and doesn’t stray into offensive territory.

Humor has its place. When used correctly, it can create an instant connection between speaker and audience. But if in doubt, play it safe. The goal here is to make them anticipate your guest speaker, not leave them puzzled or offended. So read the room before you decide your move.

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Techniques for Seamlessly Transitioning to the Keynote Speaker

After you’ve introduced your speaker, it’s time to welcome them onstage. As you transition, there are a few important things to take care of as the speaker steps up to the podium.

• Greet with gusto: Kick things off by warmly welcoming your speaker on stage. A smile or a friendly nod goes miles here.
• Name drop: Announce their name clear and proud—but please get it right. Nothing says “oops” like botching up someone’s name in front of everyone.
• The warm-up act: Lead the applause by clapping first. This isn’t just good manners; it signals everyone else to join in and sets a positive vibe right from the get-go.

Ensuring a smooth transition isn’t rocket science. It just requires checking off a few important steps before you step offstage. That way, the audience brimming with anticipation for what’s coming next.

Together, we’ve explored the art of introducing a speaker. This journey isn’t just about listing facts; it’s about connecting an audience with a speaker, preparing them for what the speaker has to share. To achieve this, it’s important to research your speaker. You want to be able to explain why this speaker is credible without sounding like a Wikipedia page, piquing interest for your guest speaker’s presentation. Using our examples (and maybe a little AI help), you can nail a speaker introduction that is brief, humorous, and thought-provoking. Transitioning over to the event speaker doesn’t have to be nerve-wracking either. With these insights, you’re all set to connect your audience with a speaker they’ll anticipate.

• Last Updated: March 28, 2024

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How to Memorably Introduce Another Speaker

• Deborah Grayson Riegel

What to say to get your audience’s attention.

As a professional speaker and facilitator for over 20 years, I’ve been introduced more than a thousand times, by countless meeting planners, conference organizers, and team leaders. Nevertheless, most of the introductions have fallen into one of four categories:

• Deborah Grayson Riegel is a professional speaker and facilitator, as well as a communication and presentation skills coach. She teaches leadership communication at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and has taught for Wharton Business School, Columbia Business School’s Women in Leadership Program, and Peking University’s International MBA Program. She is the author of Overcoming Overthinking: 36 Ways to Tame Anxiety for Work, School, and Life and the best-selling Go To Help: 31 Strategies to Offer, Ask for, and Accept Help .

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Introduction

One of the most important moments in a presentation or event is the introduction of the next speaker. It sets the tone and can significantly impact the audience’s engagement and receptiveness. Here are ten ways to introduce the next speaker in a presentation that will leave your audience eager to hear more.

1. Start with a quote: Begin with a relevant and inspiring quote that captures the essence of what the upcoming speaker will be discussing. This approach can help provide context for their talk and engage the audience right off the bat.

2. Use humor: Telling a short, funny story or joke related to the speaker’s topic or expertise is an excellent way to lighten the atmosphere and heighten anticipation. However, make sure the humor is respectful and appropriate for your audience.

3. Share personal anecdotes: If you have a personal connection or experience with the speaker, share that story as part of your introduction. A personal anecdote can make a speaker appear more relatable and down-to-earth.

4. Give praise: Offer compliments and speak highly of their accomplishments and reputation. Describe how their work has positively impacted others or why they are an authority on their subject matter.

5. Give background information: Provide relevant biographical information, such as their educational background, past experiences, and professional achievements. This information gives context about where their expertise stems from.

6. Create suspense: Build anticipation for the speaker’s presentation by disclosing one key takeaway or compelling piece from their talk without giving away too much. Think of this as a teaser trailer for their speech.

7. Pose a question: Ask an intriguing question related to what they’ll be talking about and leave it unanswered, prompting curiosity in your audience.

8. Share visuals: Incorporate images or short video clips related to the upcoming speaker’s work or topic, creating curiosity about what they might discuss during their presentation.

9. Mention previous talks: If the speaker has delivered notable presentations in the past, mention these accomplishments to help establish credibility.

10. Make it personal and engaging: Address the speaker directly and express genuine excitement for their upcoming talk. Relay that excitement to your audience, encouraging them to be eager listeners.

By using a combination of these techniques, you can effectively introduce the next speaker in your presentation while engaging your audience. The key is to make the introduction personal, relevant, and captivating while maintaining professionalism and respect for the person you are introducing.

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How to Introduce a Speaker: 16 Essential Tips for Success

And yet, speech introductions are critical to the success of a speech.

While a strong speech opening is vital, nothing helps establish a speaker’s credibility more than a carefully-crafted and well-delivered introduction.

This article gives you a series of practical tips for how to introduce a speaker to position them with the best possible chance to succeed.

1. Answer three core questions.

When you are introducing a speaker, your primary goal is to prepare the audience and get them excited for what they are about to hear.

To do this, you must answer these three core questions:

What is the topic?

Why is this topic important for this audience?

Why is the speaker qualified to deliver this talk?

By addressing these three questions, you’ve given the audience a motivation for listening (the topic is important to them), and you’ve reinforced the speaker’s credibility.

2. Prepare and practice adequately.

“ While a strong speech opening is vital, nothing helps establish a speaker’s credibility more than a carefully-crafted and well-delivered introduction. ”

At all costs, avoid thoughts such as “Oh, I don’t need to prepare… I’m just introducing a speaker.”

Thoughts like that lead to stumbling, bumbling, off-the-cuff introductions which undermine your credibility and the credibility of the speaker.

You should write out (and edit) the full introduction, check it with the speaker, and practice it several times .

3. Memorize it, or minimize your notes.

Try to memorize the introduction; speaking without notes will add to your authority, and the audience will put more weight in your recommendation (that is, to listen to this speaker).

If you are unable to memorize the entire introduction, then use as few notes as you can. Be sure you can you deliver the last sentence of your introduction without notes as this will maximize momentum for the speaker.

4. Be positive and enthusiastic.

The audience takes cues from you. If you seem disinterested, they will be disinterested. If you are (genuinely) positive and enthusiastic, they will be too. Your choice of words, voice, gestures, and facial expressions should all convey enthusiasm.

So, how do you ensure you are enthusiastic?

5. Get to know the speaker.

It is difficult to get the audience excited about the speaker if you aren’t excited yourself.

If the speaker is previously unknown to you — for example, suppose you’ve volunteered to introduce speakers at a large industry event — your introduction may lack sincerity. So, get to know the speaker. Google them. Talk with them. Ask others about them. Research the speaker and their expertise until you are excited by the opportunity to introduce them.

6. Eliminate pronunciation blunders.

A sure way to undermine your own credibility and that of the speaker is to mispronounce their name, the title of their presentation, or any other key terms.

Luckily, this is easily avoided through practice and by confirming the correct pronunciation with the speaker well before the presentation. (Don’t wait until you are delivering the introduction to ask them — this looks amateurish.)

“ A sure way to undermine your own credibility and that of the speaker is to mispronounce their name, the title of their presentation, or any other key terms. ”

7. Be accurate.

Being accurate is as important as correct pronunciation, perhaps more so. Make sure you know the precise years, facts, or details.

If you make factual errors, many speakers will feel an irresistible compulsion to correct you. This is a lousy way for them to begin their speech, and will almost certainly kill their momentum.

8. Don’t alter the speech title.

Many speakers craft their presentation title very carefully, and the words matter to them. The title may be a phrase they want the audience to remember, it may reflect language used on accompanying slides, or it may be a humorous play on words.

Don’t change it under any circumstances. (And, of course, know how to pronounce it.)

9.Should you attempt humor?

In most circumstances , no. Your objective is to get the audience excited about the topic and the speaker, and this is not the time to tell humorous anecdotes about the speaker. Save those for a roast!

There are exceptions (as there are to all public speaking advice), and you’ll have to use your judgment. If this speech is part of a longer event, and the preceding talk has been particularly sad or low on energy, then it may help to lift the spirits of the audience. If you need to do this, do it early in your introduction, and then move on to the more thought-provoking content leading to your climax.

10. Don’t give an outline of the speech.

I was once introduced by someone who had seen a longer presentation I gave on the same topic two years prior. Not only did they ignore the introduction I had written for them, but they gave a detailed outline of my whole talk, including which parts were their favorites! Unfortunately, my outline had changed substantially, and they had created unreasonable expectations and sabotaged my talk.

Avoid undermining the speaker by giving too many details about the speech, telling anecdotes from their speech, or making promises about details in their presentation. It is the speaker’s job to decide how and when they reveal their outline. Keep your introduction at a high level, unless they have specifically asked you to do otherwise.

11. Stick to relevant expertise of the speaker.

One very common mistake is to recite a lengthy list of biographical details (education, awards, former job titles, publications, etc.) which may or may not be relevant to the topic being presented. This is especially common at academic conferences.

For example, avoid introductions such as:

Our speaker grew up in Seattle and graduated at the top of her mechanical engineering class at Carnegie Mellon University. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree from Duke University, and a Ph.D.  in Computer Science from Harvard. She is a member of the Automotive Engineers Association, and a two-time recipient of the Stone Award for Distinguished Linguistics Research. She was previously the Director of Research at Hasbro, and is currently the CEO for the Miami Dolphins. Her talk today is entitled “How to Build Authentic Shaker Furniture.”

A much better introduction would touch on how many years the speaker had been building shaker furniture, whether she had been trained or self-taught, and that she had written a book on this topic.

Okay, maybe that example was a bit extreme. But, even if the speaker has a lengthy list of biographical details that are related to her talk, there’s no need to recite them all. Pick a small number (about three) that are most relevant — usually the most recent details.

Why not give all the details?

12. Don’t overdo it.

Long introductions filled with biographical details are bad for two main reasons:

• Long introductions are boring. Nobody attends an event to listen to the introducer go on and on.
• Long introductions are pompous. Reciting dozens of professional accolades gives the impression that the speaker cares only about himself and his ego.

Keep your introduction just long enough to accomplish your goals: [1] what’s the topic, [2] why does it matter, and [3] why is the speaker credible?

“ Keep your introduction just long enough to accomplish your goals: [1] what’s the topic, [2] why does it matter, and [3] why is the speaker credible? ”

I’m a big fan of short introductions in just about all situations. Sixty or ninety seconds is usually ample time. For really long presentations (e.g. keynote addresses lasting an hour or more), then two or three minutes may be warranted.

13. Avoid cliches.

How many times have you heard: “ This speaker needs no introduction… ” ? While the speaker may indeed be well-known to the audience, nearly every speech benefits from a brief introduction.

14. Avoid exaggerated hype.

Your introduction should get the audience excited about the presentation, but don’t take it too far.

For example, it is reasonable to claim that the presentation will help the audience solve a business problem, save time, or understand the complexities of tax policy.

But, it doesn’t help anyone to claim that “ this presentation will solve all your problems “, or that it is “ the best presentation you’ll ever hear “, or even that “ you’ll be amazed by what you are about to hear “. Lofty expectations will actually have a detrimental effect, because the audience will feel challenged to prove you wrong.

15. Build to a climax.

Your vocal delivery (strength and volume) should build toward the end of your introduction. (Keep it reasonable… there’s no need to yell.) By doing so, the audience will be compelled to welcome the speaker with loud applause.

One effective way to do this is to end with the speaker’s name and explicitly encourage applause:

Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming our guest speaker, Donna Primeau!

16. Ensure a smooth transition.

Know where the speaker will be as you speak your last words so that you can turn in that direction to greet them.

Etiquette dictates that you should wait for them to come to you (e.g. on the stage, or at the lectern) and then shake hands before you leave. Shaking hands is a symbolic gesture that indicates you are “handing the floor” to them.

Occasionally, the speaker may have a special entrance planned. (e.g. entrance music, a staged stunt, something with a prop) Make sure you ask the speaker about this, and do whatever you can to support them in a successful entrance.

Your Thoughts?

What tips can you share for great introductions?

What introduction blunders drive you crazy?

How long should introductions be?

Please share your thoughts in the article comments .

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54 comments.

On point 15, your readers might like to see some video illustrations on how to get ‘clap on the name’ wrong http://bit.ly/caqRG0 and how the get it right http://bit.ly/9FAWlz

There’s also more on how to use this technique in Chapter 10 of my book ‘Lend Me Your Ears: All You Need to Know about Making Speeches and Presentations’ http://amzn.to/9C3nqx

to introduce a speaker the person should have a confident voice, also have the thorough knowledge about the person whom he is introducing

I hope you are planning a follow up article on how to thank a speaker after their presentation. This transition can either keep their momentum going or sap the life right out of an excellent talk. The same person who did the introduction should be prepared to pick up on some of the key points and reinforce the message by making it relevant to the crowd.

Oh, and one more thing. I’d like to see your thoughts on the art of handling Q&A sessions after a talk. These can be highly educational, dreadfully boring, or outright disasters!

How about this? Leading the Perfect Q&A

Andrew, thanks for writing about this often-overlooked aspect of public speaking! As one of those people whose name is frequently mispronounced, I will underline #6. I once had an introducer who introduced me several years in a row at the same event and NEVER got my name right, even after I pronounced it for her many times. Sometimes I just had to re-introduce myself.

The only tip I would add is to ask the speaker if they have a written intro they’d like you to use. I use a humorous intro now, specifically to avoid the boring bio/credential nonsense, and if I’m on top of my game, I actually remember to e-mail it to my introducer in advance of the event. 😉

Great one there Lisa,I also had similar challenge and I didn’t take it easy at all after the event when my fans wanted to mention my name to just applaud me for my wonderful speech. I think it is good some of we speakers at times do the introduction by ourselves to help the game.

Andrew, an important topic that coaches like me spend a surprising amount of time working on with speakers. Getting the introduction right means that a speaker is properly built up for that particular audience. The speaker then has credibility before starting and doesn’t have to brag about herself. I particularly appreciate your point about avoiding humor. I’ve seen far too many VPs of Marketing try to tell a silly story about spilling something on the tie of the presenter, or something equally trivial, and get lost in their own cleverness rather than put the focus on the speaker, where it belongs. One further tip: a presenter should shake the hand of the speaker after the intro as the speaker is moving to the stage. That helps ground the speaker, and makes a visual connection with the speaker for the audience. And one last thought. We often write and produce video introductions for speakers precisely to control the uncertainty that all too often means a bad introduction, despite all the effort expended.

Great tips. I would also add: Make sure you give the audience the #1 reason why they should really want to hear from this speaker.

great i love your point really its important point.

Once again…excellent! This is what I want to let each member in my Toastmaster clubs to learn to do because they generally say something comical or try to make up something or they will read a 1/2 page bio the speaker has given them and it always truns out to be awkard, borig and ineffective.

I generally ask the speaker to send a 2-3 sentence bio of him/her self and to make it relevent his/her speech, but they generally do not do what is asked because they want to put everything down or nothing at all because they seem to think they are not worthy of a good valid intro.

Also many have a tendency to say “without furter ado, after an invalid introduction which tends to drives me crazy.

(Please rest asured, I am not a polished speaker it is just that I am always learning and also impart my learing to the clubs I am in.)

Great info from you as always and this will be my next speech at my TM clubs!

Thank you so very much!

Patricia Cotton

Two things that are subliminal but will make the speaker appear in a power position is 1) have them come to the podium or lectern from the audience right or stage left. It adds to the first words they speak. 2) Make sure the speaker knows who will accept the lectern from them and where they are sitting. Again, shift control at the lectern with a hand shake. This closes the authority of the speaker strongly and leaves energy in the room for the next speaker or meeting closer.

Thanks. Never thought about so many things whenever introduced speaker. I usually learn in advance how the speaker likes to project himself and include it in my introduction.

A brief comment from Denmark. Introductions seem to be very cultural. In Denmark audiences tend to dislike lengthy introductions. We have something called the Jante Law – meaning you should not stand out – this in turn means you would avoid making the speaker shine too much. Actually Danes in general are terrible at introducing each other. Often in ordinary encounters between people – it does not happen at all.

Write your own introduction and hand it to the person introducing you. Never leave this to chance. Make sure this person has good delivery skills. The introduction is your warm-up act.

great! regarding #5 you could send him/her an email upfront asking about his/her greatest passion in life. once you have this information you can involve the audience right from the start by asking them: “who of you loves kite surfing?” 😉

And never ever use the worn out & meaningless phrase, “without further ado.”

Thanks for this great article. It will definitively help me in the Master of Ceremony role in a Toastmaster meeting.

My comment is on item 11 ‘Stick to relevant expertise of the speaker’. While it is good to keep all comments short in public speaking, for this part especially in Africa and Nigeria particularly, speakers are more motivated to have their achievements reeled out during the introduction stage. Their achievements here are in areas of educational attainments, qualifications and key positions held. If it is too brief like one minute that you suggested, it will not be exciting at all in this environment. The Speaker will feel that you do not acknowledge is achievements. I think there is environmental difference as to what the audience and the speaker expect. I have attended conferences outside Nigeria, and I saw where speakers were introduced say moderately for about 5 minutes.

Thank you for a job well done

The same is the case in India too where most of the speakers like to be introduced vividly and grandly. Hope they read this useful article and modify their expectations..

What a great article. This can make a huge impact to get the audience excited about the speaker or not.

Thanks for the article – very informative. I would make my number 1 item, REMEMBER, IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU!

Afer reading this article, I was very surprised. I attend many conferences, lectures, and speeches, in my profession. In almost all cases, the introduction odf the speaker has included the part of step number 11 that one is suppose to NOT do. That said, it never has seemed to uninterest the audiences. I enjoyed this article and look forward to more.

I agree, Dianne. It is extremely common for introductions to be very lengthy and include numerous non-relevant details. Still, that does not make it right.

i actually stumbled onto this page as a speaker who was asked “how should i introduce you”. This was very helpful for focusing on what to write and what information is important at that moment. thanks

Andrew, I’ve never seen the topic covered so well, and I’ve been a toastmaster for many years. Great job! My question is if the speaker gives you an intro, do you just present it as given? I’ve had an emcee take my carefully crafted intro and paraphrase every sentence. Boy, was that annoying!

Yes, a paraphrased intro can be frustrating.

If the speaker gives you a prepared intro, and it follows all of the advice in the article, then I would probably present it as given.

If the prepared intro violates one or more of the guidelines, or if it didn’t feel quite right for some reason, I’d chat with the speaker about finding the right “fit” to both fit their talk, and the event as a whole. Occasionally, there are strategically placed keywords or phrases in a prepared intro that are part of the speaker’s presentation message or brand, and they would be upset if they were changed. On the other hand, sometimes the intro can be modified. As I said, talk to the speaker and work it out ahead of time.

The same exact teaching from Dale Carnegie, that means it is proven. 🙂

Andrew, Great post covering all the main points about how to introduce a speaker. What I’d ask you, is what would you recommend for a first timer? 16 points can be a bit intimidating. For me, I think over the speakers we’ve had at our public speaking club, and the two most important lessons from your list are (1) be enthusiastic and (2) build to a climax (so everyone knows its over). If I’ve got a rookie, giving it a go for the first time, what directions would you give them to make their introductions crisp?

If you are just starting with speech introductions and the entire set of advice is too daunting, my recommendation is to start with the very first point and answer the three core questions:

Andrew, Regarding transition and “shake hands before your leave”, is it ok for introducer to sit or stand behind or to the side of speaker when he/she leaves? I’ve seen introducers do this and it is a distraction because they are visible and don’t sit still. Why not require introducer to sit in front row as a rule unless there is a dais with honorees, etc.? Is there a rule on this?

I wouldn’t say there’s any strict rule (every situation is different), but a reasonable guideline is “Don’t detract from the speaker in any way.” This would forbid things like “sitting behind them and distracting the audience.”

I will introduce our guest speaker during our organization’s coronation night. My questions: 1. Do I have to shake his hand before and after his speech? 2. After introducing him, do I have to leave him at the lectern and sit on my assigned sit or stand behind him while he talks?

I really like the tips, but can’t really tell if your misspelling of the word gaffe is intended to be humorous–a gaff is a hook used by fishermen. And it is a gaffe to use incorrect terminology such as gaff for gaffe. (smiley-face here)

You caught me… it was unintentional (but very ironic). I’ve updated to replace the word with “blunder”.

Great post! Informative and to the point. I would like to ask what a speaker should do if the person who introduces him or her makes a mistake in his or her name? Thus, if the name of a speaker was not pronounced correctly, should the speaker correct it or make a joke about it?Also, can anyone provide a link to an example of a proper introduction? Thank you.

Well said – I learned this 3 step approach when I was working for the Dale Carnegie organization and have used it for over 3 decades — it works people – it works – and they will remember you as much as the speaker.

By not preparing to introduce a speaker is like saying the speaker is not worth the time to get to know, which sends signals to the audience with the same message, why should they listen to someone whose introduces doesn’t event care about? Take the time, learn your speaker, highlight the importance and significance of that speaker and build up the speech for the audience to be WOW’d! This is great advice I need to share with our audience on the Speaking of Wealth Show (speakingofwealth.com) where we talk to several successful authors and publishers, along with writing tips and advice to better their skills, just like you. Thanks again for the blog!

Iam aboutto introduce my son on sunday at church for the speaker of the hour.

Thanks this article is very informative and guidingly useful in my incoming and future conferences and events.. God Bless..

I have found many impact full speeches had an impromptu(spontaneous) introduction as that had great relevance. Whats your take on that ?

i live in a university town and get to attend many lectures given by the famous and not so famous. i am always amazed and embarrassed by the lack of good introductions given to many of these guests. i cringe so often, and i wonder why few find it important to learn good speaking techniques in this area. keep up the good work and hopefully you can get the word out.

Dear Mr. Dlugan: Your report today is very timely as I am one of several Toastmasters coaching our future world leaders who in this case are top high school students who will, after several months of coaching, conduct the 13th Annual 4-DAY YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE held at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL, for about 90 to 100 top students from several states. As a long time Toastmaster who joined as a Toastmistress when accidentally attending a meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, back before Toastmasters had the good sense to admit females, my reason for joining had more to do with having an opportunity as a journalist to meet people from 9 different nations and all walks of life share their backgrounds and cultures while learning to better their communication skills. It took 29 years and a cause outside myself to spur me to make speeches so I might learn to better influence people to support issues I thought important. And having the opportunity to coach these outstanding youths who will soon be leading our country and the world in which our offspring and theirs will live is certainly one of them. As one of the major duties the teens we are coaching will have is to introduce themselves AND outstanding leaders in the fields on which the YLC is based: Leadership, Patriotism & Heritage, and Free Enterprise, your advice on how to give introductions is very timely and I am happy to share it with these youths, areaToastmasters and the M.O.W.W. members who are sponsoring the conference. Thank You so much. Respectfully, Gerry Coffey, Speaking Easy Toastmasters, Decatur, AL “If you have the ability, you have the responsibility” –author unknown

Gerry Coffey, CAJA: Court Appointed Juvenile Advocate Health Educator/Councilor/Past Global Media Liaison, IVU M.O.W.W. Deputy Director: YOUTH LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE TEDx Huntsville 2015 Team http://www.all-creatures.org/cb/resume-20141202.pdferry Coffey

Great post, Andrew! In general, the importance of introductions is underrated. They are the first step into true engagement between speakers and participants. And writing the introductions help the moderator ‘get into the meeting’.

There’s one element I’d like to add to number 1, the three core questions: why is this speaker relevant at this moment in the meeting? This goes to the meeting design, and helping the participants see the logic in that. It may be for instance, that the first speaker showed there is a problem and that the second one adresses how to solve it.

That’s a good point. If there is an important relationship between speakers at an event, then a good introduction would highlight that relationship.

Excellent points . Thanks

Thank you Andrew. Since our goal is communication, the tips you have outlined help the person doing the introduction, the speaker, and the audience. I am teaching a Leadership Training Class, one of the sessions is “Introducing a Speaker.” I am using your article as a hand out, of course giving you credit and including this site, I hope you don’t mind. It is well written. Thank You; Steve Mann Pastor

Thanks Andrew. Great detail in this post. Regards, Dave

Do the same pointers work for non speaking introductions? I am an introducer for lots of different types of presenters – singing groups, worship leaders, drama groups, etc. Shoukd I follow the same points?

For the past years, I have made a lot of mistakes when introducing a speaker, but as I have learned these tips, I will do my best.

I find the instructions very educative, thanks.

Thankyou for your article i particularly appreciated you bringing out the concept of building to a climax and decreasing the importance and va-va-voom factor of the person introducing. Its not about me , its about the person I am calling up.

Also the reminder to be interested (truly or superficially) is normally forgotten.

Very well explained. All points covered from start to end

Introducing a speaker is easy, especially if you know the information regarding the person, It takes confidence, relax and enjoy the moment.

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Another insightful blog post from @6minutes – How to Introduce a Speaker: 16 Essential Tips for Success http://t.co/7uwkE4fg5V — SparklingSpeech (@SparklingSpeech) Sep 22nd, 2015

Ever been a speaker? And the person introducing you got it so wrong? Here’s how it should be done https://t.co/Kj0pmvOQT3 — @alan_gilmour Oct 9th, 2015

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#TuesdayTips Introducing a speaker well to your audience can set them up for a successful presentation. https://t.co/h6annoTnst — PitchVantage (@pitchvantage) Jul 12th, 2016

Your speaker introduction must be brief and concise; most people don’t like long introductions…. https://t.co/JU9iyO3psv — PSA_ProfSpeakersAU (@PSA_ProSpeakers) May 22nd, 2017

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4 Blog Links

Tyneside Speakers Club » How to Introduce a Speaker: 16 Essential Tips for Success — Dec 14th, 2010

Art of Presenter Introductions | Master Marketing from Marketing 24/7 — Sep 19th, 2011

Links We Love: Attending Conferences Like a Pro | CareerAdvisorDaily — Aug 14th, 2013

Links We Love: Attending Conferences Like a Pro | The Daily Muse — Aug 15th, 2013

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Guide for Giving a Group Presentation

February 21, 2018 - Dom Barnard

In certain academic and business situations, it is more valuable to deliver a group presentation than a solo one. Many people prefer group presentations because there is less pressure on the individual. However there are also unique challenges, such as having to ensure multiple individuals collaborate in order to produce a cohesive piece of work.

Preparing for the group presentation

As with any presentation, there is a significant amount of work during the preparation stage. The group must be well organised because there are multiple individuals, and therefore multiple personalities involved.

Presentation moderator

To assist with organisation, the group should first decide on a presentation moderator – this is essentially the “leader”. The presentation moderator can have the final say when decision-making is needed and, during the Q&A portion of the presentation, can decide which speakers will answer certain questions.

Understanding the audience

To make your presentation engaging you need to  think about the audience  so you can tailor it towards their needs. How much will the audience already know about this topic? What will they want to get from this presentation?

For example, if you are presenting the topic of building a bridge to a group of civil engineers, you can confidently use technical language. However, if you are presenting to secondary school students, you would need to use simpler language and not explain the methods in as much detail.

The presentation’s purpose

As a group, ensure you agree on the purpose of the presentation so that you all understand the message that needs to be conveyed e.g. “We want to find out which treatment works best for social anxiety.” Deciding on your message means that the group can start building key points around this – just keep in mind that each subtopic must contribute to the presentation’s aim.

Divide the presentation

The presentation needs to be  divided into main areas  so there is a clear beginning, middle and end. This is where can you decide on the order of the subtopics. Presentations usually follow this structure:

1. Introduction:

• It is useful to agree on the first minute of the presentation as a team. This is because the audience should be interested from the start and convinced to listen.
• The presentation’s aims are also discussed and an overview of the presentation’s structure is provided. For example, “We set out to explore the effectiveness of different treatments for social anxiety. We will first cover the symptoms and prevalence of social anxiety, before explaining the different treatments. This will then lead into a discussion about the pros and cons of each treatment route. Finally, we will explain which treatment route we decided was the most effective for this disorder.”

2. One or two middle sections:

• These sections consist of providing the information that addresses your presentation’s aim.
• There can be more of these sections depending on your topic.

3. Conclusion:

• After summarising all of the key points, there must be a clear conclusion. It is beneficial to appoint the conclusion to the best speaker as this is where all the information is pooled together.

After segmenting the presentation, a time sequence can be created so the group understands the order in which tasks must be completed. It is important to set deadlines for this.

Share responsibility

A frequent problem when working within a group is unequal participation as this can subsequently cause disharmony.

But this is easily avoidable by assigning each speaker a section of the presentation to work on depending on their interests. This means that each speaker should be doing the research for their section and putting together a speech and slides (if being used).

• It is important to specify exactly what each group member should be doing with their time.
• Make sure the length of time per speaker is agreed on.
• Do not change speakers more than necessary because this can reduce the coherency of the presentation.

Build the presentation together

For an audience to follow and enjoy a presentation, it must flow together. Meeting up and building the presentation helps with this because:

• This prevents the duplication of content.
• You can put the slides together, although only one individual should be responsible for merging the slides so there is consistency within the presentation.
• It is useful to receive feedback on the speeches before presenting to an audience.
• The team can agree on any edits.
• The team can agree on the conclusion.
• You can make sure that each speaker will talk for the same amount of time and cover a similar amount of information.
• The team can come up with the first minute of the presentation together.

Use stories to engage the audience

A good presentation opening could  start with a story  to highlight why your topic is significant. For example, if the topic is on the benefits of pets on physical and psychological health, you could present a story or a study about an individual whose quality of life significantly improved after being given a dog.

The audience is more likely to remember this story than a list of facts and statistics so try and incorporate relevant stories into presentations.

Know what each speaker will say

Each speaker must know what the other group members will say as this prevents repetition and it may be useful to refer to a previous speaker to assist in explaining your own section.

Also, if a team member is unable to attend on the day it will be easier to find cover within the group.

Write and practice transitions

Clean transitioning between speakers can also assist in producing a presentation that flows well. One way of doing this is:

• Briefly recap on what you covered in your section: “So that was a brief introduction on what social anxiety is and how it can affect somebody”
• Introduce the next speaker in the team and explain what they will discuss: “Now Sarah will talk about the prevalence of social anxiety.”
• Then end by looking at the next speaker, gesturing towards them and saying their name: “Sarah”.
• The next speaker should acknowledge this with a quick: “Thank you Nick.”

From this example you can see how the different sections of the presentations link which makes it easier for the audience to follow and remain engaged.

Practice the presentation

Rehearse with the group multiple times to make sure:

• The structure works
• Everyone is sticking to their timing.
• To see if any edits are needed.

The more you  rehearse a presentation  the more you will feel comfortable presenting the material and answering questions as your familiarity with the content increases.

Handling nerves before the presentation

It is  natural to feel nervous  when presenting in front of others, regardless of the size of the audience. Here are some tips:

• Remind yourself that the audience is there to listen to you and wants you to do well; there is no need to be afraid of them.
• Remember that the audience members will have to present their projects later and are almost certainly feeling just as nervous.
• Practicing with your group and practicing your section at home will make you more comfortable and familiar with the material and increase your confidence.
• Practice pauses  – when people feel nervous they tend to find silences uncomfortable and try to fill gaps, such as using “um” multiple times (filler words). Practicing pauses will help the silences feel less unnatural when you present therefore reducing the need for filler words.
• When we are nervous we often begin breathing quickly and this in turn can increase our anxiety. Controlled breathing is a common technique that helps slow down your breathing to normal thus reducing your anxiety.

Exercises to control your breathing:

• Sit down in an upright position as it easier for your lungs to fill with air
• Breathe in through your nose and into your abdomen for four seconds
• Hold this breathe for two seconds
• Breathe out through your nose for six seconds
• Wait a few seconds before inhaling and repeating the cycle

During the group presentation

Introducing the team.

The presentation should begin with the presentation moderator introducing the team. This is smoother than each individual presenting themselves.

Pay attention to the presentation

You may feel nervous as you wait for your turn to speak but try to listen to the presentation. The audience is able to see the whole team so it is important that you look interested in what is being said and react to it, even if you have heard it multiple times.

Body language and eye contact

Body language is a useful tool to engage the audience:

• If it is your turn to speak then stand slightly in the foreground of the rest of your group.
• Smile at the audience as this will make you look more confident.
• Make eye contact  as this helps you engage with the audience.
• Keep your arms uncrossed so your body language is more open.
• Do not look down and read from your notes- glancing down occasionally is fine but keep in mind that you are talking to the audience.
• This is the same for  presenting visual aids ; you may need to glance at the computer slide but make sure you predominantly face the audience as you are still speaking to them.
• Keep your hands at your sides but use them occasionally to gesture.

Vocal variety

How you say something is just as is important as the content of your speech –  arguably, more so . For example, if an individual presented on a topic very enthusiastically the audience would probably enjoy this compared to someone who covered more points but mumbled into their notes.

Here are some pointers:

• Adapt your voice depending on what are you saying- if you want to highlight something then raise your voice or lower your voice for intensity.
• Avoid speaking in monotone.
• Sound enthusiastic – the more you sound like you care about the topic, the more the audience will listen.
• Speak loudly and clearly.
• If you notice that you are speaking quickly, pause and slow down.
• Warm up your voice  before a speech

Take short pauses and breath deeply. This will ensure you have more vocal variety.

Handling nerves during the presentation

• If you find that you are too uncomfortable to give audience members direct eye contact, a helpful technique is to look directly over the heads of the audience as this gives the impression of eye contact.
• Try not to engage in nervous behaviours e.g. shifting your weight or fidgeting.
• Remember that it’s unlikely that the audience knows that you are feeling nervous – you do not look as anxious as you feel.
• Notice whether you are speaking too quickly as this tends to happen when nervousness increases. If you are, pause and then slow down.

Strong conclusion

Since the conclusion is the last section of your presentation the audience is more likely to remember it. Summarise the key points and lead into a clear concluding statement. For example, if your presentation was on the impact of social media on self-esteem you could list all the main points covered in the presentation and conclude “Therefore, from the amount of evidence and also from the quality of evidence, we have decided that social media is negatively/positively impacting self-esteem.”

Questions and answer session

The questions and answers session after the main presentation can be a source of anxiety as it is often difficult to predict what questions will be asked. But working within a group setting means that individually you do not have to know everything about the topic.

When an  audience member asks a question , the presentation moderator can refer a speaker who has the relevant knowledge to provide an answer. This avoids any hesitant pauses.

If you are answering group presentation questions:

• Pause before answering- take the time to gather your thoughts and think about your answer
• Make sure you answer the question- sometimes you may start providing more information than necessary. Keeping answers as concise as possible will help with this.
• Ask the questioner for clarification if you do not understand- it’s better to ask rather than answering in a way that does not address the question.
• You’re not expected to know everything- challenging questions will emerge and if you do not know the answer you can respond with: “That’s a really good question, I’m not certain so let me look into that.”

Ending the presentation

A good ending usually consists of the presentation moderator thanking the audience. If there is another group afterwards they should transition to the next group.

Ace the Presentation

How to Introduce a Speaker in the Right Way? 11 Tips for Successful Speaker Introduction

A good speaker introduction is very crucial to ensure effective presentations and speeches. So many speeches than anyone could imagine have been doomed to failure by a simple bad introduction. And what everyone expected to be a moment of kindling the fire of enthusiasm in the audience turns out to be a brain freeze outbreak. 

There is no denying, the audience pays very keen attention to the speaker’s caliber right from the beginning. That being the case, it’s never a good idea to let the introducer go casual as they can easily sway off and end up saying very non-substantive words. 

Or worse than that, end up saying an unnecessary joke that will not only hurt the speaker but also the meeting itself. It goes without saying, a good speaker introduction will aid the success of the speaker as well as the event.

Another Article that might be of Interest: 7 Basic Elements of Public Speaking & 8 Key Tips for Effective Speech Delivery

11 Key Tips to Introduce a Speaker in the Right Way

1.    answer three core questions.

When the introduction gives valuable information on these three things, then the audience will be more than motivated to listen to the speaker. Of course, the topic of the day is of great importance to the audience, and giving the speaker the credibility he deserves will definitely work in your favor.

Although in some instances a little humor may be permitted, the introduction should NEVER denigrate the speaker. Whether it’s for fun or not. The whole idea of the speech introduction is to make the speaker lovable to the audience and help them desire to hear what he has to say. 

2.    Rehearse as Many Times as Possible

By all means necessary, avoid going to the stage unprepared. Such thoughts will lead to stumbling and bumbling which will undermine the credibility of your speech introduction. Always remember to rehearse your work which will help you put yourself in the shoes of the audience. 

The best part is to write down your speech introduction and check it with the speaker before the meeting. When that is done, practice it as many times as you possibly can. That way, you will avoid messing up a good speech just because you were not ready. 

3.    Engage with the Speaker and Know Them Better

You cannot get the audience to be excited about a speaker you are not excited about them yourself. Your introduction will lack the sincerity it requires if the speaking is unknown to you. In that case, google information about the speaker or talk to them about their expertise until you have sufficient information to make the introduction exciting. 

4.    Avoid Altering the Speech Title

Speakers always invest a lot when drafting their speech title and every word has a great impact on the speech. In most cases, the title may have a phrase or a word that the speaker may want the audience to remember. 

That is because these phrases may come in handy during the actual speech. Therefore, make sure that you don’t alter the title in any way and most importantly know how to pronounce every word in the title. 

5.    Accuracy is key

Just as it is important to have correct punctuation, ensure you also have the facts right. This means that any information you give during the introduction should be flawless.

Note that many speakers will feel the need to correct you if you make any factual errors during the introduction. A lousy introduction is more likely to kill the speaker’s momentum and this is not what we want.

6.    Never Give an Outline of the Speaker’s Speech

Giving an outline of the speaker’s speech is the last thing you should ever do when giving an introduction. This will not only give the audience unreasonable expectations but also end up sabotaging the whole speech. 

7.    Stick Only to Relevant Details About the Speaker

The most common mistakes introducers make is giving a lengthy bibliography about the speaker. This information is good, yes, but it may not be relevant to the topic the speaker will be presenting. 

There’s is no need to recite everything. Just pick the most relevant information and the most recent details. That would be enough.

8.    Do not Overdo the Introduction

The introduction should be just long enough to accomplish the designated goals. Long introductions can be very boring and will kill the audience’s morale even before the speaker starts off. 

Let the introduction cover just the key things such as; the topic of the day, why the topic matters, and the credibility of the speaker. 

9.    Avoid Using Clichés

Every speech benefits from an introduction. Therefore, don’t go up there after been given the chance to introduce the speaker and go with the ‘This speaker doesn’t need any introduction…’ cliché. 

While in some cases the speaker may be well known to the audience, a brief introduction will go a long way into preparing the audience for the speech.

10. No need for Exaggerated Hype

As much as an introduction should make your audience excited about the talk, make sure that you don’t take it too far. Don’t make the audience to have lofty expectations as this will only cause a detrimental effect as the audience will feel the need to prove you wrong.

11. Ensure there’s a Smooth Transition

You must have in mind the position of the speaker in the room as you give the last few words. This will come in handy as you can turn and greet them as you exit the stage. 

The handshake is an etiquette gesture that indicates ‘handing the floor’ to another person. In case the speaker has something else in mind about their entrance, make sure you communicate to aid the success of the whole thing.

Credible Examples

Now that you have everything you on how to best introduce a speaker here are a few examples that you can check out for further clarification;

• How to Introduce Another Speaker
• How to Introduce a Guest Speaker

There are several do’s and don’ts that you need to understand in order to figure out the right way on how to introduce a speaker and that, depending on how you do it, it can either break or make the rest of the speech. While a good introduction will capture the attention of the audience, a bad introduction, without a doubt, will without a doubt turn the audience against the speaker. 

REFERENCES & FURTHER READING

How to Introduce a Guest Speaker. https://www.wikihow.com/Introduce-a-Guest-Speaker

How to Introduce another Presenter in 3 Steps. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n8pQl-2c1M

Nick Morgan. How to Introduce a Speaker.  https://publicwords.com/2011/11/26/how-to-introduce-a-speaker-the-art-of-giving-and-receiving-a-great-introduction/

Timothy Hyde. Introducing a Speaker.  https://expertmc.com/introducing-a-speaker-sample-script/

How to Introduce a Speaker: 16 Essential Tips for Success

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How to Introduce a Speaker: 8 Steps to a Perfect Introduction

Have you ever noticed the energy in the room after a powerful introduction of the speaker?  

Knowing how to introduce a speaker can establish a great starting point for the presenter and boost the audience's enthusiasm for the speaker and the topic.

An introduction that lacks passion and is full of cliche biographical details and exaggerations fails to create momentum.

Hence, a presenter must introduce their speaker in the best way possible. It is your responsibility as the host, MC (master of ceremonies) , or presenter to establish the speaker's credibility through a carefully written and skillfully executed introduction.

Fortunately, crafting a well-thought-out introduction isn't difficult.

 Furthermore, it gets progressively easier as you flex your presenter skills , and soon, you might be able to roll a smooth introduction off the tip of your tongue. But first, here are some steps to guide you.

8 Essential Steps of Introducing a Speaker 

These tips will help you to understand how to give an engaging speaker introduction that will captivate your audience. 

1. Make the Introduction Engaging 

The speaker is important, but the audience is equally important and is an even higher priority. The audience needs to have a reason to listen to the speaker.

They need to understand why the speaker is the authority and why their words are worth their time. The presenter's introductory approach significantly impacts the audience's decision to look up and pay attention or zone out.

Why should your audience be excited if you, the host, are not excited to introduce your guest speaker?

The MC is primarily responsible for drawing in the audience and piquing their interest in the speaker. Therefore, the use of clichéd sentences is one thing you, as an MC, should entirely avoid doing.

"Good day" and "My guest speaker needs no introduction" are all uninteresting and outdated sentences.

Also, you should actively introduce and personalize the speaker instead of just reading their biography.

Try to bring them closer to the audience and topic. Remember that for most audience members, that speaker is just a name in the event program. Making the speaker more relatable may help pique their interest.

Ideally, the introduction shouldn't be more than three minutes. Try to grab the audience's attention in the first 30 seconds . Even if the presenter is a well-known figure like Elon Musk or Bill Gates, the audience will begin to droop if the MC fails to keep them engaged.

Furthermore, you need to make the introduction of the guest speaker as simple as possible and in easy-to-understand language , even if the presentation is technical. Let the guest speaker handle the technical part.

2. Do Your Research About the Speaker

This is crucial when preparing to introduce a speaker or host an event. If you haven't researched the speaker(s), you'll be left with woefully little to speak on.

You may be stuck repeating the short bio or a few achievements you've gleaned from the program. Not only would this irritate the audience, but it may also affect the speaker's confidence.

If you are an MC and you are going to introduce a guest speaker, you should know why the speaker is speaking, be aware of the event's purpose, the organizers' goals, and the guest speaker's qualifications.

Most significantly, you should know how the audience will benefit from the presentation. When you can respond to most general inquiries about the speaker, you have already completed the first step in creating a good introduction.

Usually, you can find enough information on your speaker online.

However, if you require additional information not offered online, you could contact the speaker and find out what they want to be highlighted. The guest speaker may even give you a prepared introduction.

3. Practice the Introduction

It may seem like introducing a speaker is something you can muddle through if you have a good memory, but that's not enough. There are fine details that require practice and polishing to deliver an excellent introduction.

Here's an example. Some speakers may have unique names that might be difficult to pronounce for those unfamiliar with the pronunciation .

Saying it wrong can be disrespectful at least and offensive at most. Practicing your introduction will allow you to rehearse the pronunciation till you can say it easily.

You owe it to the person you are introducing and your audience to make your brief introduction engaging. Make it seem like a great honor to present this speaker. You'll need to practice consistently to do all this while sounding natural.

4. Maintain Confidence and Positive Body Language

As one of the oldest forms of communication, body language still serves us today. Your body language is half of your introduction.

If your body language while introducing a guest speaker is not confident and engaging enough, you'll come across as nervous and jittery and distract the audience from your words.

Speak informally , as you would to friends. A smile might also be an inviting sign of warmth to the audience. 

While you don't necessarily need to tell jokes when presenting a speaker, you must feel at ease on the podium and come across as confident. You should captivate the listener with your tone , language, and speaking style.

A general rule is that the first 30 seconds of a talk or presentation is when an audience's opinion of the speaker is mainly formed. You can start those thirty seconds off right by having a solid introduction and the correct body language. 

5. Establish the Speaker's Qualifications

Consider why the audience would want to attend the seminar or presentation. Did the audience come for the guest speaker? Or did they come to the event because of the topic of the presentation? 

Most of the time, the topic of the presentation draws the audience to the seminar. However, there are instances where the whole event is focused on one speaker.

In such a case, many audience members may be more interested in the speaker than in the event. You need to ensure you're aware of the audience's goals.

No matter the situation, you need to be able to assure the audience that the speaker has the qualifications to provide input on the topic.

You can do that by expanding on the experience and achievements of the speaker. Also, add details of what the audience can expect to learn or discover to increase their interest.

Let's use an illustration to clarify further. Imagine a symposium on artificial intelligence, and Andrew G, a computer scientist and businessman specializing in machine learning and AI, is the main speaker.

You need to share Andrew's qualifications and experience to assure the audience that he has the knowledge to teach them.

To satisfy your audience, a great way to introduce Andrew G would be to mention his books on AI and his research.

 What unique perspective does he have to share, and how does that align with the event's purpose or the organization? You can even share a quote from his writings if you so choose.

All these will help the audience understand that the guest speaker is an authority on the subject. They may also realize that the guest speaker has different and unconventional ideas to share about the topic. 

6. Keep It Brief

Your introduction shouldn't include a lengthy rundown of the speaker's successes, honors, and experiences. The audience can find a list of some of these in the program handouts . Additionally, it shouldn't be a presentation synopsis. 

Don't pile on flattery. Overly effusive compliments about the speaker can give rise to unreasonable expectations. So keep it simple and realistic.

The host should reveal nothing that might embarrass or distract the audience from the speaker's presentation. Always keep in mind that the guest speaker—not the MC—is what the audience is there to hear. 

7. Get to Know the Speaker

If you aren't enthusiastic about introducing the guest speaker, you won't be able to hold the audience's attention. 

You may get to know the guest speaker better by introducing yourself and interacting with them before the event. There are differences between learning about someone online and meeting them in person.

Some of the details you learn by interacting with the speaker can make them more personable to you and, therefore, easier to introduce.

Not only that, it will impress the speaker if they're so welcome. The speaker would be confident that the audience and the event planners were genuinely interested in his speech and viewpoint.

You can first find out more about the speaker online to discuss things you may have in common. Also, you can chat about the topic of the presentation with them.

Not only can this help you better introduce the speaker, but you might even make an acquaintance, if not a friend.

8. TIS Formula

A good introduction should excite the audience about listening to the guest speaker. Interestingly, successful introducers apply a formula while introducing the guest speaker. It's called the TIS formula.

What is TIS? Let's have a look! 

T: stands for Topic

I: stands for Important

S: stands for Speaker

To apply this formula, you must include these three crucial inquiries in your introduction:

What's the topic?

Why is this topic significant to the audience?

What qualifies the speaker to give this speech?

By considering these three questions and making them a structure of your introduction, you can increase the speaker's credibility and give the audience a reason to listen . 

We are confident that if you follow the above guidelines and consistently practice, you won't ever need to inquire how to introduce a presenter again.

Now, let's now address what you should steer clear of when introducing a speaker.

9. POETTS Formula for Toastmasters

If you're introducing someone in a Toastmasters meeting , then use the POETTS formula.

P  – Project Title of the speech

O  – Objectives of the speech (you may call upon the evaluator to read this out)

E – evaluator : who is the evaluator of this speech

T  – Time allocated for the speech

T – Title of the speech to be given

S – Speaker’s introduction

Using this formula helps the Toastmaster of the Day to be consistent when introducing every speaker.

Things to Avoid While Introducing a Speaker

Here are some things you should always try to avoid when introducing a speaker. 

Never joke around. There are no situations that permit comedy in an introduction speech. Plus, it can draw attention from the speaker to yourself, which is never the goal. Especially never mention anything that can cause embarrassment to the speaker.

The introduction shouldn't appear as though you are reading the speaker's resume or biography. It shouldn't be an overstatement of his accomplishments, either.

Don't use a cliché. Statements like "This woman needs no introduction," or other clichés sound wordy or awkward. If the speaker needed no introduction, you wouldn't have a role in that event.

If you have personal or professional links with the speaker, keep them to yourself because the audience will interpret them as the introducer's prejudiced viewpoint.

Keep the introduction to no more than three minutes . Make it as brief as you can. Lengthy introductions sound like speeches and can reduce the audience's enthusiasm for the speaker.

During the introduction, keep your eyes on the audience rather than the speaker. Additionally, avoid seeming like you are reciting the introduction off a paper. Observe the crowd and make eye contact . Just before the introduction is through, turn to face the speaker.

Do not—absolutely do not—mispronounce the speaker's name. Not only is it disrespectful, but it could hurt your credibility and reputation as an introducer or host. 

Give the audience a sneak peek of what they will learn and why they should pay attention without giving away too much about the guest speaker.

The introducer shouldn't try to overshadow the speaker by drawing attention to themselves. Remember, you are an introducer, not a celebrity or a star.

Conclusion: How to Introduce a Speaker

Knowing how to introduce a keynote speaker isn't rocket science. The role of an introducer is to simultaneously engage the guest speaker and audience while conveying to both parties that they are welcome at the event.

Just keep it straightforward and sincere, and be confident. Keep in mind that dull introductions are lengthy. Nobody shows up to an event to hear the introducer ramble. Follow the steps above, and you'll become a master of introductions in no time.

You might also like: How to Introduce Yourself in a Presentation with 6 Terrific Tips

Everything You Need to Know About Introducing a Speaker

Hrideep barot.

• Presentation

Introducing a speaker is an art, a blend of etiquette and eloquence, a choreography of words and respect. It’s the crucial bridge between an audience eagerly waiting to absorb knowledge and the speaker about to impart it. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about introducing a speaker with finesse and impact. Whether you’re the host of a grand conference, a school assembly, or even a family gathering, these insights will help you set the stage for a successful speech. Let’s dive into the art of introductions.

What Are the key points to Include when Introducing a Speaker?

Speaker’s name and title:  .

Clearly stating the speaker’s name and professional title is essential as it provides immediate identification. This introduction is often the first impression, so ensure you pronounce their name correctly. Use the full title and any honorifics if applicable, which enhances their credibility. For instance, “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Dr. Sarah Williams, a renowned climate scientist who holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science.”

Relevance:  

Explaining the speaker’s relevance is crucial. This is your opportunity to set the context. You can touch on the event’s main theme and why this speaker was chosen to address it. “Dr. Williams’ expertise is invaluable to us today as we are gathered to discuss climate change, an issue of global concern. Her insights will provide a fresh perspective on the topic.”

Brief Background: 

When providing a brief background, focus on key milestones in the speaker’s career or life. It helps the audience connect with the speaker as a person and not just as a presenter. “Dr. Williams’ journey in climate science began as a passionate environmentalist. She earned her Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Stanford University and has since contributed significantly to this field.”

Topic and Objective:  

It’s important to give the audience a preview of what to expect. Mention the main topic and the specific goals of the presentation. “Today, she will delve into the impact of climate change on coastal regions. Her objective is to present actionable solutions that can help us adapt to these challenges.”

Engaging Anecdote:  

A personal or professional anecdote adds a human touch to the introduction. Sharing a story about the speaker’s journey or a moment of inspiration can captivate the audience’s attention. “One memorable incident from Dr. Williams’ career was when she spent several months in the Arctic, facing extreme conditions to gather crucial data. Her unwavering dedication was truly inspiring.”

Credibility Boosters:  

Highlighting awards, publications, and recognitions helps establish the speaker’s credibility. Mention the significance of these achievements and how they contribute to their expertise. “Dr. Williams’ remarkable contributions have not gone unnoticed. She received the Nobel Prize in Environmental Science in 2020, recognizing her outstanding work.”

Audience Connection:

Relate the speaker’s expertise to the audience’s interests or current challenges. This connection makes the introduction more engaging. “Considering the pressing challenges posed by climate change, Dr. Williams’ insights will provide us with valuable knowledge to make informed decisions and contribute to a sustainable future.”

Upcoming Events or Acknowledgments:  

If there are any upcoming events or achievements on the horizon, share them. It builds excitement and anticipation. “Dr. Williams is preparing to launch her latest book on climate resilience next month, and it has already generated substantial anticipation in academic and environmental circles.”

End with a Warm Welcome:  

Conclude the introduction with a warm welcome. Encourage the audience to join you in showing appreciation for the speaker’s presence. “Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure that we invite Dr. Sarah Williams to the stage. Please join me in giving her a warm welcome and showing our gratitude for sharing her expertise with us.”

Brief Pause:  

After introducing the speaker, a brief pause is essential. It allows the audience to applaud and transitions smoothly to the speaker’s presentation. This moment of pause adds a touch of professionalism to the introduction and keeps the event flowing seamlessly.

Incorporating these elaborations will make the speaker’s introduction not only informative but also engaging, setting the stage for a successful presentation.

How do you properly Introduce a speaker?

Establish a Personal Connection:

Building a personal connection with the audience begins with you. Share an anecdote or personal observation that relates to the speaker or the event. This could be a moment when you first learned about the speaker’s work, met them, or experienced the impact of their expertise. It creates an immediate bond with the audience, making the introduction more relatable and engaging.

Highlight Shared Values:

Emphasizing shared values between the speaker, the event, and the audience is a powerful way to foster unity. Consider mentioning common values, such as a commitment to education, innovation, or social change, and how the speaker embodies these values. It signals alignment, fostering a sense of shared purpose and goals.

Interactive Elements:

To make the introduction memorable, consider incorporating interactive elements. For instance, you might pose a thought-provoking question about the speaker’s topic and ask the audience to reflect on it. Alternatively, you could conduct a brief activity that serves as a teaser for the presentation. This interactivity not only engages the audience but also sets the tone for active participation throughout the event.

Emphasize the Speaker’s Enthusiasm:

Express the speaker’s genuine enthusiasm for their topic and their eagerness to share it with the audience. You can mention how passionate they are about their subject matter and how their enthusiasm is bound to be infectious. This approach creates an optimistic atmosphere from the very beginning.

Audience’s Role:

Outline the audience’s role in the presentation. Explain what they can expect from the speaker and how their participation can enhance the experience. Encourage active listening and interaction by specifying ways in which the audience can engage with the speaker, such as asking questions or sharing their thoughts.

Visual Aids:

Visual aids can be a valuable addition to the introduction. These aids should be relevant to the speaker or their topic and can range from impactful images to significant props. Visual elements enhance the introduction by providing a visual focus for the audience, making it more engaging and memorable.

Comparisons and Metaphors:

Utilize creative language to draw comparisons or metaphors that vividly illustrate the speaker’s significance. For example, you could liken the speaker to a guiding star in the field, someone who lights the way with their insights. Using such metaphors adds a creative and memorable dimension to the introduction, making it unique and thought-provoking.

Unique Contributions:

Highlight the speaker’s unique contributions to their field. Explain how their work stands out and the innovative approaches or ideas they’ve brought. This sets them apart from others and demonstrates the value of their insights.

Current Relevance:

Connect the speaker’s topic to current events or trends. Explain how their insights are particularly pertinent in the present moment. You can touch on ongoing discussions, recent developments, or issues of concern that align with the speaker’s area of expertise. This contextualization enhances the introduction’s timeliness and its connection to real-world issues.

End with an Anticipation-Building Statement:

Conclude the introduction with a statement that sparks curiosity and anticipation. Offer a tantalizing glimpse of a fascinating aspect of the speaker’s presentation without revealing too much. This leaves the audience eager to hear more, ensuring that they are actively engaged from the outset.

By implementing these elaborations, your introduction of a speaker will not only inform but also captivate the audience, setting the stage for a dynamic and interactive presentation.

What is the best line to Introduce Someone?

– the captivating teaser:.

The art of public speaking often begins with intrigue. A captivating teaser serves as the literary equivalent of a magician’s opening act. Just as a magician engages the audience with an exciting trick, you, as the introducer, can engage your audience’s curiosity with a teaser. In this approach, you introduce the speaker by offering a tantalizing tidbit of information or a thought-provoking question. This stirs curiosity and sets the stage for the exciting content the speaker is about to deliver.

Imagine you’re introducing a renowned historian, Dr. Eleanor Bennett. To captivate your audience, you could begin with a teaser: “Ladies and gentlemen, prepare to embark on a journey through time with a historian whose research unveiled hidden secrets of the past. Do you know what connects Cleopatra’s makeup and the fall of the Roman Empire? Get ready to be amazed!”

– The Enthusiastic Acclaim:

A burst of enthusiasm can work like magic in the world of introductions. This approach is akin to a standing ovation before the play even starts. The enthusiastic acclaim is about expressing your genuine admiration and excitement for the speaker. You highlight their exceptional qualities and achievements, essentially “pumping up” the audience before the main event. The speaker is welcomed with an energetic and fervent introduction, making them feel appreciated and valued.

Suppose you’re introducing an Olympic gold medalist, such as Michael Johnson. In this case, an enthusiastic acclaim could sound like: “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s not every day that we have the honor of welcoming a true legend. The man we’re about to introduce has not only redefined the world of athletics but has inspired generations. Please join me in an ecstatic round of applause for the phenomenal Michael Johnson!”

-The Relatable Remark:

Laughter and relatability are fantastic tools for capturing your audience’s attention. Starting with a relatable and light-hearted remark can help create an instant connection. Your remark can be humorous, touching, or a simple observation that the audience can connect with. By sharing a moment of common experience or offering a humorous insight, you create an immediate bond with the audience. It’s like sharing a knowing smile before diving into the main presentation.

For instance, if you’re introducing a speaker on the topic of work-life balance, you could start with a relatable remark: “Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve all been there, juggling our work commitments with our personal lives. Sometimes, it feels like trying to catch a falling star. Our next speaker is here to shed light on this universal challenge, and perhaps, to help us finally catch that elusive star.”

-The Empathetic Connection:

Imagine an introduction that tugs at the heartstrings of your audience, one that makes them feel understood and appreciated. The empathetic connection does just that. This approach is about crafting an introduction that emotionally connects the audience to the speaker. You share a relatable experience or challenge that the speaker and the audience have in common, fostering a deep sense of unity and understanding.

Suppose you’re introducing a mental health advocate, someone who has been through personal struggles. Your empathetic connection could be: “Ladies and gentlemen, many of us have faced moments of darkness in our lives, times when hope seemed distant. Our next speaker, John Parker, understands this all too well. He’s not just a mental health advocate; he’s someone who’s walked through the shadows and emerged with a message of hope that he’s here to share.”

By using these four distinct introduction styles, you can engage your audience and set the stage for a captivating presentation. Each approach creates a unique atmosphere, drawing the audience into the world of the speaker and making their message all the more impactful.

How to not Introduce a Speaker?

Monotone monologue:.

One surefire way to not introduce a speaker is to deliver a monotonous, uninspiring monologue. In this scenario, you step up to the podium and begin a long, tedious speech about the speaker’s credentials, achievements, and perhaps even their childhood stories. The audience is left in a daze, struggling to maintain focus. A monotone monologue can quickly drain any enthusiasm from the room, making it the antithesis of an engaging introduction.

Exaggerated Hyperbole:

While genuine enthusiasm is essential, exaggerating the speaker’s qualities to a comical extent is a definite no-go. Introducing a speaker as the “greatest genius of all time” or the “most extraordinary person to ever walk the Earth” can be perceived as insincere and over the top. It not only fails to make the speaker look good but also makes you, the introducer, appear insincere and inauthentic.

Lack of Preparation:

An introduction riddled with mistakes, mispronunciations, and a general lack of preparation can be a significant blunder. It’s akin to showing up unprepared for a critical presentation. Fumbling over the speaker’s name, stumbling through a disorganized introduction, or not providing essential context can leave a negative impression on the audience and the speaker. It reflects a lack of professionalism and care.

Inappropriate Humor:

Incorporating humor can be a valuable tool in an introduction. However, using inappropriate or offensive humor can quickly backfire. Cracking jokes that touch on sensitive topics, offensive stereotypes, or embarrassing personal anecdotes about the speaker can lead to awkwardness and discomfort. It’s crucial to choose humor carefully and ensure it aligns with the event’s tone and values.

Excessive Length:

Going on and on in the introduction without a clear endpoint is another pitfall to avoid. An overly lengthy introduction can be tiresome for the audience, delaying the main presentation and sapping their enthusiasm. It’s essential to keep introductions concise and to the point, saving detailed biographies and extended storytelling for more appropriate moments.

Overlooking the Audience:

Neglecting to connect with the audience is a common mistake. Some introducers focus solely on the speaker, providing a one-sided introduction that doesn’t engage the listeners. The audience’s role in the introduction is just as critical. Ignoring their presence and not addressing their interests can lead to a lack of engagement.

Scripted Formality:

Reading a pre-written introduction verbatim can strip away authenticity. It can make you sound robotic and disconnected from the audience. While preparation is vital, it’s equally important to maintain a conversational and engaging tone. Rigidly adhering to a script without adapting to the audience’s energy and needs can hinder a successful introduction.

Inadequate Research:

A lack of research about the speaker, event, or audience can lead to a subpar introduction. Providing inaccurate or irrelevant information can not only confuse the audience but also undermine the credibility of the introducer. It’s crucial to thoroughly research the speaker and align the introduction with the context of the event.

These are some of the pitfalls to avoid when introducing a speaker. By steering clear of these missteps, you can ensure that the introduction serves its purpose, setting a positive tone for the presentation and engaging the audience effectively.

How long should a Speaker’s Introduction Be?

The length of a speaker’s introduction is a subtle yet crucial aspect of any event. It’s akin to the opening scene of a movie, setting the tone and expectations for what follows. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to determining the perfect length. Instead, it’s a delicate dance influenced by various factors. The nature of the event plays a pivotal role, as grand galas and corporate gatherings might warrant more extensive introductions, while casual gatherings among friends require shorter, more relaxed ones. The audience’s familiarity with the speaker is another key consideration; well-known figures may benefit from shorter introductions, whereas lesser-known speakers may require more context. The relevance to the event’s theme, adherence to the schedule, and respecting the speaker’s preferences all contribute to finding that sweet spot. Above all, it’s about engaging the audience while respecting their time and maintaining their curiosity—a true art form in event planning.

Introducing a speaker in different settings:

A) introducing a speaker at an event:.

Introducing a speaker at an event is a multifaceted task that sets the stage for a successful presentation. In a formal setting, such as a corporate conference or an awards ceremony, the introduction should be distinguished and eloquent. It must incorporate the speaker’s credentials, accolades, and the relevance of their topic to the event. It’s also an opportunity to infuse the audience with anticipation and convey the significance of the upcoming speech. Striking a balance between professionalism and engagement is key, ensuring the audience is both informed and excited.

Introducing A speaker at a group Event

B) Introducing a Speaker at Church:

Introducing a speaker at a church event carries a distinct tone of reverence and spirituality. The introduction should align with the themes and values of the congregation, reflecting the spiritual significance of the gathering. It may include a brief background on the speaker, emphasizing their connection to the faith or community. Sharing personal anecdotes that highlight the speaker’s dedication to their faith can resonate deeply with the congregation. This type of introduction is not just about qualifications but also the shared spiritual journey, making it a heartfelt and spiritually uplifting experience.

C) Introducing a Speaker at Graduation:

Introducing a speaker at a graduation ceremony is a momentous task, marking the culmination of academic achievements. The introduction should emphasize the speaker’s connection to the graduates, potentially an alumnus, respected faculty member, or renowned figure in the academic world. It’s an opportunity to inspire the graduates and instill a sense of pride in their accomplishments. The introduction typically includes highlights of the speaker’s distinguished career or contributions to the field. It sets the stage for a motivational and memorable address, encapsulating the hopes and aspirations of the graduating class.

D) Introducing a Speaker in a Zoom Meeting:

Introducing a speaker in a virtual setting, such as a Zoom meeting, requires adaptability and conciseness. Given the digital platform’s unique dynamics, the introduction should be brief, focusing on the speaker’s qualifications and the topic’s relevance to the online audience. In a virtual environment, it’s essential to maintain engagement and capture attention swiftly. Including a fun fact or a relatable connection can also add a personal touch to the introduction, combating the potential for distractions in the online realm.

Each setting demands a tailored approach, considering the audience’s expectations, the formality of the event, and the unique nuances of the context. Adhering to these distinctions ensures that the speaker is introduced effectively and in a manner that resonates with the audience.

Introducing a Speaker sample Script:

Ladies and gentlemen, we are honored to introduce our next speaker. This individual needs no grand introduction, but we’ll certainly provide one deserving of their stature.

Allow us to present [Speaker’s Full Name], a visionary in their own right, whose accomplishments have left an indelible mark on [relevant field]. With a career spanning [number of years], they have achieved remarkable success in areas from [mention key areas], making them an indisputable authority in their domain.

[Speaker’s Name] has a track record that speaks for itself, having [specific accomplishments or awards] that exemplify their dedication to excellence. Their contributions have touched the lives of countless individuals, and today, we have the privilege of benefiting from their insights and wisdom.

But [Speaker’s Name] isn’t just a luminary in their professional sphere; they are also a compassionate soul dedicated to [mention any social or humanitarian causes they support]. This commitment reflects their character, making them not only a leader but also a role model for all of us.

Today, [Speaker’s Name] will delve into the [mention topic], shedding light on a subject that holds the power to transform our perspectives and actions. Their objective is clear: to inspire, to educate, and to spark change. It’s a mission that aligns seamlessly with our event’s theme of [mention the event’s theme].

So, fasten your seatbelts, ladies and gentlemen, for we’re about to embark on a journey of insight and enlightenment. Please join me in extending the warmest welcome to [Speaker’s Full Name].

Conclusion:

In conclusion, introducing a speaker is an art. Whether you’re introducing someone at a grand event, in a spiritual setting, at a graduation ceremony, or even virtually through a Zoom meeting, the principles of a captivating introduction remain the same. A well-crafted introduction engages the audience’s curiosity, evokes empathy, and fosters enthusiasm. It should be of an appropriate length, striking the balance between being informative and keeping the audience’s interest intact. Lastly, the sample script provided serves as a guideline, demonstrating how you can encapsulate the essence of the speaker while building anticipation. Always personalize your introductions, ensuring they reflect the tone and objectives of the event. Mastering the art of introducing a speaker can be a valuable skill that enriches every audience’s experience.

To learn more about effective introductions or even delivering speeches and presentations as a whole you can reach out to us here.

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How to Introduce Yourself in a Presentation [with Examples]

In this post, we are going to cover the best way, a very simple three-step process that will help you introduce yourself in a presentation. A summary of the steps is below.

• Start with your name and company (or organization or school).
• Tell your audience what problem you can solve for them.
• Share some type of proof (social proof works best) that you can solve this problem.

I will break down each step into a simple-to-follow process. But first… a little background.

First, Identify What Your Audience Wants from Your Presentation

So, before you design your introduction, think about what your audience wants from your presentation. Why do they want to spend their valuable time listening to you? Are going to waste their time? Or, are you going to provide them with something valuable?

For instance, I have expertise in a number of different areas. I’m a public speaking coach, a keynote speaker, a best-selling author, a search engine optimization specialist, and a popular podcaster. However, if I delivered that sentence to any audience, the most likely reaction would be, “So what?” That sentence doesn’t answer any of the above questions. The statement is also really “me-focused” not “audience-focused.”

So, when I start to design my self-introduction, I want to focus just on the area of expertise related to my topic. I’m then going to answer the questions above about that particular topic. Once you have these answers, set them aside for a second. They will be important later.

How to Introduce Yourself in a Presentation in Class.

Instead, you probably want to add in a fun way to start a speech . For example, instead of introducing yourself in your class speech and starting in an awkward way, start with a startling statistic. Or start with a summary of your conclusion. Or, you could start the presentation with an inspirational quote.

Each of these presentation starters will help you lower your nervousness and decrease your awkwardness.

If you are delivering a speech in a speech competition or to an audience who doesn’t know you try this technique. Just introduce yourself by saying your name , the school you represent , and your topic . Make it easy. This way you get to your content more quickly and lower your nervousness.

Typically, after you get the first few sentences out of the way, your nervousness will drop dramatically. Since your name, school, and topic should be very easy to remember, this takes the pressure off you during the most nervous moments.

Obviously, follow the guidelines that your teacher or coach gives you. (The competition may have specific ways they want you to introduce yourself.)

How to Introduce Yourself in a Business Presentation — A Step-by-Step Guide.

In a professional setting, when new people walk into a meeting and don’t know what to expect, they will feel uncomfortable. The easiest way to ease some of that tension is to chat with your audience as they come into the room.

By the way, if you are looking for a template for an Elevator Speech , make sure to click this link.

Step #1: Start with your name and company name (or organization).

This one is easy. Just tell your audience your name and the organization that you are representing. If your organization is not a well-known brand name, you might add a short clarifying description. For instance, most people outside of the training industry have never heard of The Leader’s Institute ®. So, my step #1 might sound something like…

Hi, I’m Doug Staneart with The Leader’s Institute ®, an international leadership development company…

Still short and sweet, but a little more clear to someone who has never heard of my company.

Should you give your job title? Well… Maybe and sometimes. Add your title into the introduction only if your title adds to your credibility.

For example, if you are delivering a financial presentation and you are the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of your company, you might mention that. Your title adds to your credibility. However, if the CFO is delivering a presentation about the value of joining a trade association, the CFO title adds little credibility. So, there is very little value in adding the title.

Step #2: Tell your audience what problem you can solve for them.

For instance, if my topic is how to deliver presentations, I have to determine why the audience would care. What problem will they have that I can help them with? For my audiences, the problem that I most often help people with is how to eliminate public speaking fear. Once I have the problem, I add that to my introduction by using the words, “I help people…”

Hi, I’m Doug Staneart with The Leader’s Institute ®, an international leadership development company, and I help people eliminate public speaking fear.

However, if my topic is How to Close a Higher Percentage of Sales Presentations , I’d likely want to alter my introduction a little. I might say something like…

Hi, I’m Doug Staneart with The Leader’s Institute ®, an international leadership development company, and I help people design more persuasive sales presentations.

I have expertise in both areas. However, I focus my introduction on just the expertise that is applicable to this audience. If I gave the first introduction to the second audience, they will likely respond by thinking, well, I don’t really get nervous speaking, so I guess I can tune out of this speech .

So, create a problem statement starting with, “I help people…” Make the statement apply to what your audience really wants.

Step #3: Share some type of proof (social proof works best) that you can solve this problem.

By the way, if you just do steps #1 and #2, your introduction will be better than most that you will hear. However, if you add Step #3, you will gain more respect (and attention) from your audience. Without adding some type of proof that you can solve this problem, you are just giving your opinion that you are an expert. However, if you can prove it, you are also proving that you are an expert.

This is the tricky part. For some reason, most people who get to this part feel like they haven’t accomplished great things, so they diminish the great accomplishments that they do have.

For instance, an easy way to offer proof is with a personal story of how you have solved that problem in the past.

A Few Examples of How to Introduce Yourself Before a Presentation.

For instance, one of my early clients was a young accountant. When I was working with him, he came up with the following introduction, “I’m Gary Gorman with Gorman and Associates CPA’s, and I help small businesses avoid IRS audits.” It was a great, audience-focused attention-getter. (No one wants to get audited.) However, as an accountant, it wasn’t like his company was getting a lot of five-star reviews on Yelp! So, he was kind of struggling with his social proof. So, I asked him a series of questions.

Me, “How many clients do you have?”

Gary, “Over 300.”

Me, “How many small business tax returns have you processed?”

Gary, “Well, at least a couple hundred a year for 15 years.”

Me, “So, at least 3000?” He nodded. “How many of your 300 clients have been audited since you have been representing them?”

He looked at me and said, “Well, none.”

So, we just added that piece of proof to his talk of introduction.

I’m Gary Gorman with Gorman and Associates CPA’s, and I help small businesses avoid IRS audits. In fact, in my career, I’ve helped clients complete over 3000 tax returns, and not a single one has ever been audited.

Here Is How I Adjust My Introduction Based on What I Want the Audience to Do.

For my proof, I have a number of options. Just like Gary, I have had a lot of clients who have had great successes. In addition, I have published two best-selling books about public speaking. I also have hundreds of thousands of people who listen to my podcast each week. So, I can pick my evidence based on what I want my audience to do.

For instance, if I’m speaking at a convention, and I want the audience to come by my booth to purchase my books, my introduction might sound like this.

Hi, I’m Doug Staneart with The Leader’s Institute ®, an international leadership development company, and I help people eliminate public speaking fear. One of the things that I’m most know for is being the author of two best-selling books, Fearless Presentations and Mastering Presentations.

However, if I’m leading a webinar, I may want the audience to purchase a seat in one of my classes. In that case, my introduction might sound like this.

Hi, I’m Doug Staneart with The Leader’s Institute ®, an international leadership development company, and I help people eliminate public speaking fear. For instance, for the last 20 years, I’ve taught public speaking classes to over 20,000 people, and I haven’t had a single person fail to reduce their nervousness significantly in just two days.

If my goal is to get the audience to subscribe to my podcast, my intro might sound like…

Hi, I’m Doug Staneart with The Leader’s Institute ®, an international leadership development company, and I help people eliminate public speaking fear. One of the ways that I do this is with my weekly podcast called, Fearless Presentations, which has over one million downloads, so far.

Use the Form Below to Organize How to Introduce Yourself in a Presentation.

The point is that you want to design your introduction in a way that makes people pause and think, “Really? That sounds pretty good.” You want to avoid introductions that make your audience think, “So what?”

If you have a speech coming up and need a good introduction, complete the form below. We will send you your answers via email!

Can You Replace Your Introduction with a PowerPoint Slide?

Is it okay to make your first slide (or second slide) in your presentation slides an introduction? Sure. A good public speaker will often add an introduction slide with a biography, portrait, and maybe even contact information. I sometimes do this myself.

However, I NEVER read the slide to my audience. I often just have it showing while I deliver the short introduction using the guide above. This is a great way to share more of your work experience without sounding like you are bragging.

For tips about how many powerpoint slides to use in a presentation , click here.

Remember that There Is a Big Difference Between Your Introduction in a Presentation and Your Presentation Starter.

When you introduce yourself in a presentation, you will often just use a single sentence to tell the audience who you are. You only use this intro if the audience doesn’t know who you are. Your presentation starter, though, is quite different. Your presentation starter should be a brief introduction with relevant details about what you will cover in your presentation.

For details, see Great Ways to Start a Presentation . In that post, we show ways to get the attention of the audience. We also give examples of how to use an interesting hook, personal stories, and how to use humor to start a presentation.

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More From Forbes

19 ways to become a sought-after keynote speaker in 2024.

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Keynote speaking opportunities are an excellent way to enhance your industry credibility and personal brand in the professional world. Becoming a sought-after speaker in 2024 demands a blend of genuine authenticity, forward-thinking ideas and strategic engagement.

If you’re looking to elevate your impact and visibility through speaking engagements, it’s important to understand the current thought leadership landscape as well as your target audience. Here, 19 Forbes Coaches Council members share ways for aspiring business leaders to position themselves as go-to keynote speakers this year.

1. Choose A Specific Niche

One way an aspiring speaker can become a sought-after keynote speaker is to pick a specific field or niche. By doing this, you present yourself as the expert and can begin to build your brand as an authority on that subject matter. Next, create content around it to showcase your expertise and attract organizers of conferences and speaking events. - Lisa Herbert , Just The Right Balance LLC

2. Build A Strong Personal Brand On Social Media

By consistently sharing valuable insights, engaging with your audience and showcasing your expertise in a specific domain, you will attract conference organizers and companies looking for speakers who resonate with their audience. In today’s world, your online presence is truly a global stage. - Kerri Sutey , Sutey Coaching & Consulting LLC

3. Identify Your Unique Message

An aspiring speaker can jump-start their progress toward becoming a sustainable keynote speaker by identifying what their unique message is, which is as individual to them as their DNA. You can break through the clutter and rise to the top by having this type of clarity. The second step is to understand who your message most benefits and how to package it to make it accessible to the audience it is meant to serve. - Katy MacKinnon Hansell , Katy Hansell Strategic Advisory

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New apple id password reset issue hitting iphone ipad and macbook users, apple’s iphone ai plans confirmed with new software upgrade, 4. start speaking now.

Request to speak at your local chamber of commerce, or any community event, and reach out and pitch yourself for a local TEDx event. Create a speaker landing page that clearly details who you are as a speaker, what you speak about, why, and how to book you. Share it widely. Ask for testimonials and referrals from every engagement. Repeat. Refine your “talks.” Soon, the phone will ring with requests! - Susanne Biro , Susanne Biro & Associates Coaching Inc.

5. Be Distinct

Make your ideal target audience clear and share your message in a presentation abstract that is short, compelling and specific to the learning objectives. Network within the associations and learning organizations that cater to your target audience, and identify conference planning committee members. Send your speaking ideas to them with a request for support in getting selected. - Jennifer Wilson , ConvergenceCoaching, LLC

Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?

6. Engage Your Audience

No boring speaking allowed! You are an expert on stage, so keep your audience with you by incorporating interactive elements into your presentations, such as live polls, Q&A sessions or multimedia experiences. Help them see themselves as passengers on a ride. Engaging your audience fosters memorable experiences, sets you apart and increases demand for keynote speaking engagements. - Lawrence Henderson , BOSS Consulting

7. Create Emotional Connections

Engaging keynote speakers create an emotional connection with the audience by sharing stories and painting the picture of what might be possible, versus simply teaching concepts or presenting information. To become sought-after keynote speakers, leaders should build out their repertoire of stories, experiences and examples, and use simple, engaging visuals with few words to anchor these messages. - Katie Anderson , Katie Anderson Consulting

8. Become A Thought Leader

Start by establishing yourself as a thought leader in your field. Submit articles to journals and post your hot takes about current events in your field on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. Add terms like “keynote speaker” or “professional speaker” to your profiles, and have a well-written professional bio and headshot at the ready when you receive inquiries to speak. - Sheri Nasim , Center for Executive Excellence

9. Harness The Power Of Digital Platforms

Establish a strong online presence through social media, a personal website and platforms such as YouTube or podcasts. Share valuable content, showcase your expertise and engage with your audience to build credibility and attract the attention of event organizers seeking dynamic speakers in the digital age. - Adaora Ayoade , EZ37 Solutions

10. Focus On The Power Of One

Choose one speaking topic, one interesting angle, one target industry, one thing you are passionate about and one key example as evidence of your experience in your expertise. Stay consistent for a few months. Reassess and fine-tune your topic regularly. - Svetlana Dimovski, PhD, ICF-PCC, NBC-HWC , Dharma Growth, LLC

11. Bring Something New Or Personal

The most inspired keynotes have one of two things: an amazing personal story or a breakthrough way of looking at a problem. Everything else should be scrapped from the program! - Cari Jacobs-Crovetto , carijacobs.com aka The Force Majeure

12. Develop Highly-Engaging Virtual Content

As hybrid events become the new normal, speakers who can captivate audiences both in-person and online will have a major advantage. Leaders should focus on crafting dynamic presentations that translate well through screens, using multimedia, interactive polling, Q&As and other techniques to maintain interactivity and energy in virtual settings. - Jonathan H. Westover, Ph.D , Human Capital Innovations

13. Forget About Yourself

It’s all about your audience. Create a library of two to three talks that reflect your experience, passion and expertise. What’s your “so what?” Create a list of organizations that would be aligned with your message. It could be alumni associations, chambers of commerce, relevant professional associations or nonprofits to start. Be clear and compelling about what’s in it for them. - Susan Sadler , Sadler Communications LLC

14. Focus On Storytelling

Storytelling is a powerful tool that helps convey messages in a memorable and impactful way. By sharing personal stories, experiences and insights, you can connect with your audience on an emotional level, making your message more relatable and engaging. When pitching an idea for a keynote, be clear and tailor the pitch to the interests and objectives of the event. - Dr. Michele D’Amico , Vetta Consultants LLC

15. Craft A Compelling Title For Your Presentation

To distinguish yourself as a keynote speaker in 2024, focus on crafting a compelling title for your presentation—akin to a headline showcasing your expertise. Aim for immediate engagement by brainstorming three potential titles and soliciting feedback from industry peers. Ensure your title succinctly addresses a prevalent problem or promises a sought-after solution. - Dale Wilsher , Your Authentic Personality

16. Offer Pro Bono Speaking Engagements

Offer pro bono speaking engagements to large nonprofit organizations aligned with your expertise and values. This is a proven way to showcase your expertise while making a positive impact on society. This also demonstrates your commitment to social responsibility and attracts attention from event organizers seeking keynote speakers who have a genuine passion for making a difference. - Alla Adam , Alla Adam Coaching

17. Reciprocate Engagement Offers

Speaking engagements tend to be reciprocal and driven by visibility. If you are in the position to do so, invite people to speak at your own events. If you do, invitations to speak will likely start coming to you in return. Of course, every time you do a speaking engagement, you’re expanding your network, so the more talks you give, the more invitations you can expect in return. - Carol Geffner , CB Vision LLC.

18. Make The ‘Pitch’ About The Organization; Show The ROI

There are a few ways to increase the number of speaking engagements you land. First, make the “pitch” about the person or organization (not about you.) Second, demonstrate the nuanced and unique value you will bring to the audience that they won’t hear anywhere else—the takeaways and learnings they’ll receive and how the talk will improve the top revenue, retention and productivity goals of the company. Show them the ROI! - Sara Connell , SARA CONNELL COACHING CORP

19. Prioritize Delivering Value Over Self-Promotion

Business leaders can become sought-after keynote speakers by providing valuable insights and actionable takeaways that genuinely help their audience solve their challenges or improve their businesses. Positioning yourself as a thought leader who prioritizes delivering value over self-promotion will attract more speaking opportunities and earn the respect and trust of event organizers and attendees. - Rukayat Alabi , RKY Careers

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Retired coast guard pilot to present at museum speaker series.

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Tom Cooper, a retired commanding officer for the United States Coast Guard, is the next speaker in EAA’s Aviation Adventure Speaker Series . Tom will share stories of the life-saving missions he completed as an H-65 helicopter pilot as well as insights into the Coast Guard in his presentation at the EAA Aviation Museum on Thursday, May 16, at 7 p.m.

“I love to tell Coast Guard stories and brag about Coast Guard aviators. I think there may be a little bit of an untold story, most people don’t know a lot about the Coast Guard or specifically about Coast Guard aviation,” Tom said.

When Tom and his twin brother were looking to join the military following high school, they knew they wanted to stick together. “He had gotten into West Point, I had been accepted into the Naval Academy, but we wanted to stay together,” he explained. When they both were accepted into the Coast Guard, that was the path they took. “I’ll be honest, I didn’t really know that much about the Coast Guard, but once I got in, I just fell in love with it. I stayed in for 32 years,” said Tom.

Tom graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in management, and his first assignment was driving a 157-foot buoy tender in New York Harbor. From there, he was selected to go to the naval air station in Pensacola, Florida, for flight training. After earning his wings, he was assigned to Coast Guard Air Station Savannah where he started flying the H-65 Dolphin, completing daring missions of search and rescue, law enforcement and drug patrol, marine protection, and port security.

His assignments took him from Savannah, Geogia, to New Orleans, Louisiana (where he served a pivotal role in Hurricane Katrina rescue efforts), and eventually to California. “The lives that I saved, and just the look in people’s eyes. Imagine you’re a hundred miles offshore and your boat sunk, and you don’t think anyone’s going to find you. We can come along and rescue them. It’s pretty awesome,” he said.

The Coast Guard sent Tom to Johns Hopkins University where he earned two master’s degrees in technical management and systems engineering. In addition to his successful helicopter missions, Tom spent much of his career managing resources, projects, and units, including being the first and only Coast Guard officer to serve as executive officer to the deputy commander of NORTHCOM. Tom’s final assignment before retiring in 2022 was commanding officer of Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco, and his unit was named the top unit in rescues and law enforcement.

“I think so highly of the men and women of the Coast Guard… risking their lives, taking on high-risk missions,” he said. “The Coast Guard has such a long, great history of naval aviators. I’ll touch on the history of Coast Guard aviation as well as general missions and aircraft we have, the locations, and a little about my career.”

Thursday’s presentation is free for EAA members and youths, and just $5 for nonmembers.

If you’re unable to attend, all Aviation Adventure Speaker Series presentations are recorded and will be available to members to watch here at a later date.

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Planning a trip to Moscow? Our travel guide contains up-to-date, personal information on everything from what to see , to when to visit , where to stay , and what to eat !

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Why visit Moscow?

Majestic churches, impressive historic fortresses, and palatial buildings: Moscow is a fascinating city whose emblematic architecture reflects the turbulent history that has defined Russia throughout the centuries.

The traces of the USSR can be found around every corner of the city , side by side with the iconic relics of Imperial Russia , like the mythical Red Square , the imposing Kremlin , and the beautiful  St Basil's Cathedral . 

Discover a fascinating world of Cold War bunkers, golden-domed basilicas, world-class art museums, and the legendary "palace of the people,"  as the Moscow Metro has been nicknamed. Whether you fancy watching a classical Russian ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre , perusing the fine arts at the Pushkin Museum , or marveling at the sheer size of the monuments to the Soviet state's achievements at the  All-Russia Exhibition Centre , this travel guide will help you on your way!

Where to start?

If you're going to travel to Moscow and you don't know much about the city yet, the first thing to do is to dive into its legendary history - understanding the past will help you understand the present. Next, check out our practical hints and tips on traveling to the city before discovering which of its most important museums , monuments , and attractions pique your interest.

Looking for a place to stay?

Booking your accommodation in advance is the best way to get great discounts. Our detailed guide on where to stay in Moscow  will help you decide which neighborhood you'd like to look for hotels or apartments in, and our hotel search engine will find you the best deals!

Why is our Moscow travel guide the best?

Introducing Moscow is a  city guide written by travelers for travelers  and contains personalized advice to help you make the most of your trip to the city.

All the information in this guide is valid as of December 2022. If you find any errors or have any comments, please feel free to contact us .

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