8/8/2019 Introduce Speaker

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HOW TO INTRODUCE A SPEAKER

The proper introduction ofpeople presenting programs tothe post is important. Explorersexpect qualified speakers, and aproper introduction lends pres-tige and sets the tone of themeeting. Here are somesuggestions:

Before the introduction, con-tact the speaker or someone

who knows him or her to get

correct name (and pronun-ciation), title, job and family

background, education,organization memberships,honors, hobbies, and anyspecial interests or abilities.Condense this informationinto a brief and appropriateintroduction. Practice giving

your introduction. Be sure topronounce the speakersname correctly.

Be brief. You are the intro-ducer, not the speaker.

Avoid clichs or stilted phrasessuch as, This speaker needsno introduction . . . or We aregathered here tonight . . .

Avoid jokes or being toofamiliar unless you know thespeaker well.

Include the subject of thespeech, why this subject is ofinterest to the post, and whythis speaker was chosen topresent this subject.

Give the speaker a sincerebuildup, but dont embarrasshim or her by overdoing it.

Save the speakers name untillast. (This usually is a signalfor him or her to step for-

ward.) Climax your introduc-tion with the speakers name.Pause before stating it, state itclearly, and raise your voice a

bit: I am pleased to present(short pause) . . . Mr. DonaldSmith.

Thank the speaker after the

presentation.

Sample Introduction

The following is an exampleof an introduction that incorpo-rates some of the suggestionsfrom the previous section:

Careers in corporate laware of great interest to our

Explorer post. Tonight, we arehonored to have a speaker

whose experience and back-ground will highlight thesecareers. After graduating fromthe Georgetown UniversitySchool of Law, our speaker wasassistant U.S. attorney for Ohiofor three years before joining thelegal staff of the General FoodsCorporation. She belongs to the

American Bar Association, Cor-

porate Lawyers League, andUnited Fund Board, and chairsour County Legal Aid Society.She received the GovernorsMedal for Juvenile Justice and

was elected to the GeorgetownUniversity Outstanding Alumni.Currently, she is the director ofGeneral Foods legal depart-ment, serves as counsel to the

board of directors, and hasextensive legal experience in

copyright law, patents, andproduct liability. Leisure time isspent with her husband andsons either restoring their Victo-rian home or skiing in Colorado.

It is a pleasure to present. . . Jane Smith.

How t o I ntr oduce a Speak er