by Jill Bremer, AICI, CIP

Speaker introductions should be brief, 60-90 seconds. Include the speaker’s name (pronounced correctly), the speech topic, their background and credentials which relate to the topic and how the audience will benefit from the speech. The final sentence of your introduction should repeat the speaker’s name adding the speech title.

Don’t share your personal anecdotes, reveal the speech content or embarrass the speaker in any way.

Stay at the lectern until the speaker reaches it, shake hands, then exit in the opposite direction from the speaker’s approach.

At the conclusion, meet the speaker at the lectern and shake hands again as the speaker leaves. Offer a few summary comments referring to the speech’s ideas and how they have enlightened you and the audience, along with words of thanks and appreciation.

Follow these guidelines and speakers and audiences alike will thank you!

Jill Bremer, AICI, CIP, owner of Bremer Communications, offers training, consulting and coaching in professional image development, communication and presentation skills. Her clients include Oracle, Abbott Labs, W.W. Grainger, U.S. Department of Energy and the National Association of Realtors. She can be reached at 708-848-5945 or at www.bremercommunications.com