introduction speech for someone else

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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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Speech Writing

Introduction Speech

Introduction Speech - A Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

11 min read

What is an Introduction Speech?

An introduction speech, or introductory address, is a brief presentation at the beginning of an event or public speaking engagement. Its primary purpose is to establish a connection with the audience and to introduce yourself or the main speaker.

This type of speech is commonly used in a variety of situations, including:

Public Speaking: When you step onto a stage to address a large crowd, you start with an introduction to establish your presence and engage the audience.
Networking Events: When meeting new people in professional or social settings, an effective introduction speech can help you make a memorable first impression.
Formal Gatherings: From weddings to conferences, introductions set the tone for the event and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

In other words, an introduction speech is simply a way to introduce yourself to a crowd of people.

How to Write an Introduction Speech?

Before you can just go and deliver your speech, you need to prepare for it. Writing a speech helps you organize your ideas and prepare your speech effectively.

Here is how to introduce yourself in a speech.

Know Your Audience

Understanding your audience is crucial. Consider their interests, backgrounds, and expectations to tailor your introduction accordingly.

For instance, the audience members could be your colleagues, new classmates, or various guests depending on the occasion. Understanding your audience will help you decide what they are expecting from you as a speaker.

Start with a Hook

Begin with a captivating opening line that grabs your audience's attention. This could be a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or a thought-provoking question about yourself or the occasion.

Introduce Yourself

Introduce yourself to the audience. State your name, occupation, or other details relevant to the occasion. You should mention the reason for your speech clearly. It will build your credibility and give the readers reasons to stay with you and read your speech.

Keep It Concise

So how long is an introduction speech?

Introduction speeches should be brief and to the point. Aim for around 1-2 minutes in most cases. Avoid overloading the introduction with excessive details.

Highlight Key Points

Mention the most important information that establishes the speaker's credibility or your own qualifications. Write down any relevant achievements, expertise, or credentials to include in your speech. Encourage the audience to connect with you using relatable anecdotes or common interests.

Rehearse and Edit

Practice your introduction speech to ensure it flows smoothly and stays within the time frame. Edit out any unnecessary information, ensuring it's concise and impactful.

Tailor for the Occasion

Adjust the tone and content of your introduction speech to match the formality and purpose of the event. What works for a business conference may not be suitable for a casual gathering.

Introduction Speech Outline

To assist you in creating a structured and effective introduction speech, here's a simple outline that you can follow:

Here is an example outline for a self-introduction speech.

Outline for Self-Introduction Speech

7 Ways to Open an Introduction Speech

You can start your introduction speech as most people do:

“Hello everyone, my name is _____. I will talk about _____. Thank you so much for having me. So first of all _______”

However, this is the fastest way to make your audience lose interest. Instead, you should start by captivating your audience’s interest. Here are 7 ways to do that:

Quote

Start with a thought-provoking quote that relates to your topic or the occasion. E.g. "Mahatma Gandhi once said, 'You must be the change you want to see in the world."

Anecdote or Story

Begin with a brief, relevant anecdote or story that draws the audience in. It could be a story about yourself or any catchy anecdote to begin the flow of your speech.

Pose a rhetorical question to engage the audience's curiosity and involvement. For example, "Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel back in time, to experience a moment in history?”

Statistic or Fact

Share a surprising statistic or interesting fact that underscores the significance of your speech. E.g. “Did you know that as of today, over 60% of the world's population has access to the internet?”

“What If” Scenario

Paint a vivid "What if" scenario that relates to your topic, sparking the audience's imagination and curiosity. For example, "What if I told you that a single decision today could change the course of your life forever?"

Ignite Imagination

Encourage the audience to envision a scenario related to your topic. For instance, "Imagine a world where clean energy powers everything around us, reducing our carbon footprint to almost zero."

Start your introduction speech with a moment of silence, allowing the audience to focus and anticipate your message. This can be especially powerful in creating a sense of suspense and intrigue.

Introduction Speech Example

To help you understand how to put these ideas into practice, here are the introduction speech examples for different scenarios.

Introduction Speech Writing Sample

Short Introduction Speech Sample

Self Introduction Speech for College Students

Introduction Speech about Yourself

Student Presentation Introduction Speech Script

Teacher Introduction Speech

New Employee Self Introduction Speech

Introduction Speech for Chief Guest

Moreover, here is a video example of a self introduction. Watch it to understand how you should deliver your speech:

Want to read examples for other kinds of speeches? Find the best speeches at our blog about speech examples !

Introduction Speech Ideas

So now that you’ve understood what an introduction speech is, you may want to write one of your own. So what should you talk about?

The following are some ideas to start an introduction speech for a presentation, meeting, or social gathering in an engaging way.

Personal Story: Share a brief personal story or an experience that has shaped you, introducing yourself on a deeper level.
Professional Background: Introduce yourself by highlighting your professional background, including your career achievements and expertise.
Hobby or Passion: Discuss a hobby or passion that you're enthusiastic about, offering insights into your interests and what drives you.
Volunteer Work: Introduce yourself by discussing your involvement in volunteer work or community service, demonstrating your commitment to making a difference.
Travel Adventures: Share anecdotes from your travel adventures, giving the audience a glimpse into your love for exploring new places and cultures.
Books or Literature: Provide an introduction related to a favorite book, author, or literary work, revealing your literary interests.
Achievements and Milestones: Highlight significant achievements and milestones in your life or career to introduce yourself with an impressive track record.
Cultural Heritage: Explore your cultural heritage and its influence on your identity, fostering a sense of cultural understanding.
Social or Environmental Cause: Discuss your dedication to a particular social or environmental cause, inviting the audience to join you in your mission.
Future Aspirations: Share your future goals and aspirations, offering a glimpse into what you hope to achieve in your personal or professional life.

You can deliver engaging speeches on all kinds of topics. Here is a list of entertaining speech topics to get inspiration.

Tips for Delivering the Best Introduction Speech

Here are some tips for you to write a perfect introduction speech in no time.

Now that you know how to write an effective introduction speech, let's focus on the delivery. The way you present your introduction is just as important as the content itself.

Here are some valuable tips to ensure you deliver a better introduction speech:

Maintain Eye Contact

Make eye contact with the audience to establish a connection. This shows confidence and engages your listeners.

Use Appropriate Body Language

Your body language should convey confidence and warmth. Stand or sit up straight, use open gestures, and avoid fidgeting.

Mind Your Pace

Speak at a moderate pace, avoiding rapid speech. A well-paced speech is easier to follow and more engaging.

Avoid Filler Words

Minimize the use of filler words such as "um," "uh," and "like." They can be distracting and detract from your message.

Be Enthusiastic

Convey enthusiasm about the topic or the speaker. Your energy can be contagious and inspire the audience's interest.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Rehearse your speech multiple times. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself, or seek feedback from others.

Be Mindful of Time

Stay within the allocated time for your introduction. Going too long can make your speech too boring for the audience.

Engage the Audience

Encourage the audience's participation. You could do that by asking rhetorical questions, involving them in a brief activity, or sharing relatable anecdotes.

Mistakes to Avoid in an Introduction Speech

While crafting and delivering an introduction speech, it's important to be aware of common pitfalls that can diminish its effectiveness. Avoiding these mistakes will help you create a more engaging and memorable introduction.

Here are some key mistakes to steer clear of:

Rambling On

One of the most common mistakes is making the introduction too long. Keep it concise and to the point. The purpose is to set the stage, not steal the spotlight.

Lack of Preparation

Failing to prepare adequately can lead to stumbling, awkward pauses, or losing your train of thought. Rehearse your introduction to build confidence.

Using Jargon or Complex Language

Avoid using technical jargon or complex language that may confuse the audience. Your introduction should be easily understood by everyone.

Being Too Generic

A generic or uninspiring introduction can set a lackluster tone. Ensure your introduction is tailored to the event and speaker, making it more engaging.

Using Inappropriate Humor

Be cautious with humor, as it can easily backfire. Avoid inappropriate or potentially offensive jokes that could alienate the audience.

Not Tailoring to the Occasion

An introduction should be tailored to the specific event's formality and purpose. A one-size-fits-all approach may not work in all situations.

To Conclude,

An introduction speech is more than just a formality. It's an opportunity to engage, inspire, and connect with your audience in a meaningful way.

With the help of this blog, you're well-equipped to shine in various contexts. So, step onto that stage, speak confidently, and captivate your audience from the very first word.

Moreover, you’re not alone in your journey to becoming a confident introducer. If you ever need assistance in preparing your speech, let the experts help you out.

MyPerfectWords.com offers a reputable essay writing service with experienced professionals who can craft tailored introductions, ensuring your speech makes a lasting impact.

Don't hesitate; hire our professional speech writing service to deliver top-quality speeches at your deadline!

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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How to write a speech introduction

12 of the best attention getters to start a speech

By: Susan Dugdale | Last modified: 01-12-2023

The audience settles in their seats. The lights dim. You walk out to the center of the stage. You pause, take a deep breath, open your mouth and begin.

What you say over the next 30 seconds to introduce your speech or presentation is crucial.

That's how much time you have to make a positive impression on your audience. In it they will decide whether or not you have anything relevant or useful to say. Those first impressions count!

So how do you write an effective speech introduction to grab and hold their attention?

Begin by finding out how to choose the right opener.

What's on this page:

how to choose the right opener for your speech

12 of the very best ways to start a speech

3. What if?

5. Key fact

7. Rhetorical

9. Headlines

10. History

11. Challenge

Retro Label: 12 ways to hook an audience.

How to choose the right opener for your speech

The better way to make your choice of opener is after you have carefully considered who you are talking to and why you're talking to them.

One size does not fit all. Different audiences will respond differently. If you are giving the same speech multiple times think about what you may need to change to fit.

To work well your opening needs to be aligned with:

the type of speech you're giving
your main purpose for giving it
your target audience and,
their interests or needs

Both the hook * to catch their attention and your topic must be relevant to them. Unless they're a captive audience, they've come freely to listen to you and they're expecting something of value from you.

How are you going to let them know they're in the right place? Why should they listen? What are they going to get or gain through listening?

Out of all the different ways to open, what attention getter is absolutely the best way?

The only way I know to work out what is best is to go through each of them, and as you do, consider your audience. Make a short list of those you think might work then try them out before making your final choice.

* hook – an opening statement that immediately captures the audience's attention just like a well baited hook on a fishing line catches a fish.

Return to Top

1. Use imagination to create mind pictures

Ask the audience to use their imagination. Get them to build evocative compelling images in their minds. Make them large. Add vibrant color, sound and movement.

For example:

“Let's take a break. Make yourself comfortable. Now close your eyes for a moment. Take a deep breath, and you're there, in the place where you feel the most at ease, the place where all the tensions, all the demands of your normal everyday life disappear. Look around you. See it. Feel it. It's so good, it's perfect."

“Close your eyes. Take a deep breath and a moment to picture in your mind the people dearest to you, the people you feel you could not live without. Now when did you talk to them, or spend real time with them last?"

2. Use an item to build a connection

Choose an image or an object related to your speech, for instance a pair of shoes, to trigger interest and build a connection.

For example, if I were giving a speech on the lives of upper-middle class 19th century women I could open by holding up a pair of ornately decorated kid leather pumps.

“What's the name of the young woman who wore these? Listen. Can you hear the rustle of her silk skirts? And hear her heart beat bom-biddy-bom as the beau of the ball stepped her way? Would he, or wouldn't he ask her to dance?”

3. Ask a 'What if...?' rhetorical question

'What if...?' invites an audience to consider the possibilities of something becoming real. They can be positive somethings or negative, trivial or something that would have a significant impact if it came to pass.

The power of a 'what if...?' rhetorical question as an opener lies in the potency of the images and feelings it triggers. A well-chosen 'what if...?' will immediately have an audience wanting to hear the rest of your speech.

"What if we don't find a way to successfully manage climate change?"
"What if we really did solve the affordable housing crisis?"
"What if questions of race and color ceased to matter?"
"What if medicines were freely available to everybody who needed them?"
"What if the person sitting next to you turned, looked into your eyes and said they loved you? Truly. Madly. Deeply."

4. Try a quotation from someone who's impacted your life in some way

To be effective a quotation doesn't have to be the clever quip or snippet of enduring wisdom: a famous quote from a well known person. It's origin could be personal, something someone important in your life said that's remained with you.

For example, my Mother answered all initial wails of outrage, pain or hurt from any of her five children with a command. "Breathe!" That was repeated, interwoven with encouraging asides, until whoever it was, was able to talk clearly and be understood. "It's OK.", she'd say. "Breathe. Come on. You can do it. Breathe. That's it. Keep going. Good."

Or I could use this line from one of my high school reports which read, "...with further maturity she should do well." (Thank you Mr Phillips. Your prediction was right on target.)

Or this from our son aged four as he watched me getting ready for another day of teaching: "When I grow up I'm going to wear pretty dresses and go to school just like you."

5. Use an interesting key fact

Choose an interesting key fact as an attention getting device: one of the most rarely known, or a shocking statistic from the body of your speech to open with.

For example: "Take a guess at what the most powerful and frequently used word is in the English language?

It's not one of those usually thought of candidates. Love? No. Money? Nope. Neither is it any member of your family... Mum, Dad, brother, sister, son, or daughter.

It's a three letter word, so common it's overlooked and taken for granted. 'The'. It's the humble 'the'."

(For more see this BBC article: Is this the most powerful word in the English language?

Or: "Between 2020/21 and 2021/2022, Americans consumed about 11 million metric tons of sugar, up from about 10 million metric tons in 2009/2010. Can you even begin to imagine the size of that sweet white mountain?"

(For more see: US sugar consumption statistics )

6. Share personal stories

Share a personal story related to your specific topic as the beginning of a speech. Done well, it lets the audience know you understand their situation and helps establish your credibility: your right to talk on the subject.

As an example here's the opening of a speech I gave about the impact of suicide on families and friends:

“One fine Spring day I biked home from school and found a policemen guarding our backdoor. Through it came sounds I'll never forget: my quiet Mother screaming. He said, "You can't go in."

I kicked him in the shins and did. It was the 15th of September, three days before my thirteenth birthday and my father was dead. Killed by his own hand. Suicide.”

(If you want to find out more about the speech and read it, it's here: After they're gone . It's an example persuasive speech using the five steps of Monroe's Motivated Sequence.)

7. Rhetorical questions

These are questions that although they are asked, they're never really intended to be answered by anyone other than the person asking them. * Their principal function is to act as a segue, or lead in, to what the person intends to say next. For instance, the first main point of your introduction.

Examples: "What if I were to say to you that there was no such thing as public speaking fear?"

"What do you think the main benefits of being able to speak up in public are?"

* Although there's bound to be someone in your audience who will. Be ready for them, and move on.

8. An empathetic question, aligning yourself with the audience and eliciting a response

These questions bring speaker and audience together, establishing a common ground, a mutual understanding, which is an effective way to ease into a speech. If your question 'works' you'll see heads nodding in agreement.

"Have you ever experienced the butterflies in your stomach turning into a herd of rampaging elephants, just before you step up to give your presentation?"
"Have you ever wanted a good day to never end?"
"How often have you 'lost' your car in the supermarket car park?"
"How often have you ever wanted to shout, NO? You want me to prepare a new presentation by tomorrow? NO. You want me to stay late, again? NO."

9. It's in the news

Take headlines from what's trending in media you know the audience will be familiar with and see.

Using those that relate to your speech topic as the opening of your speech is a good way to grab the attention of the audience. It shows how relevant and up-to-the-minute the topic is.

For example: "'Death toll soars to 76 in Florida after Hurricane Ian demolished entire communities.' 'Noru became a super typhoon in 6 hours. Scientists say powerful storms are becoming harder to forecast.' 'Hurricane Orlene strengthens into Category 4 storm as it heads toward western Mexico.'

Three front page headlines from CNN just today. Climate change. Let's do what we can."

10. This day in history

If you're giving a speech to celebrate a special birthday or an anniversary, consider using several carefully selected events that occurred on the same day as a speech opening. They could be either funny or serious, depending on the specific purpose of your speech. They're a great way to place the person in a much wider context and often with exalted company.

For example: "What do the 1863 National Thanksgiving Day proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln, National Boyfriend Day, and Gwen Stefani have in common with Joe? Yes, the 3rd of October! It's a great date made better by being Joe's birthday. And we say Gwen is truly privileged to have the same one as him."

11. Issue a challenge

Let the audience know first thing, at the beginning of the speech, what action you expect they'll be able to take by the time your presentation is complete. Then when you come to the final points, repeat the call to action, or challenge, as part of your closing statement.

For example: "I've a challenge for you. That's to sign up for our public speaking course. Right now you may not see yourself doing that. Public speaking? Me? I'd rather have a root canal done, without painkillers. However, by the end of the presentation...well, let's see. There's a first time for everything!"

Use a startling statement, a fact, or a series of facts, to jolt the audience into paying attention.

"Covid. We've had 1.06 million of us die in the US, so far. Today there are nearly 60,00 new cases. More mothers, fathers, friends, colleagues, children – people. People ill. People who might die. So why have we stopped wearing masks?"

For more: Google: Covid stats US

Other speech writing resources

how to end a speech effectively : explanations with examples showing how to close a speech with impact
how to write a speech : a detailed guide with examples covering audience analysis, planning, writing oral language, transitions, how to use an outline...

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EXPLORE Random Article

How to Write a Speech for Someone Else

Last Updated: July 14, 2020 References

This article was co-authored by Lynn Kirkham . Lynn Kirkham is a Professional Public Speaker and Founder of Yes You Can Speak, a San Francisco Bay Area-based public speaking educational business empowering thousands of professionals to take command of whatever stage they've been given - from job interviews, boardroom talks to TEDx and large conference platforms. Lynn was chosen as the official TEDx Berkeley speaker coach for the last four years and has worked with executives at Google, Facebook, Intuit, Genentech, Intel, VMware, and others. This article has been viewed 84,339 times.

Writing a speech for someone else can be a stimulating task to take on. It can also be challenging to write a speech for another person with a different voice than your own. As a ghostwriter, you write secretly, with little-to-no acknowledgment of your work. Whether you ghostwrite for a professional career or choose to help a friend with a wedding toast, learning how to write a speech for someone else can be a satisfying experience. To write a speech for someone else, learn about ghostwriting, prepare to write the speech, and finally, write the speech.

Getting Ready to Write

Step 1 Get to know the person for whom you are writing.

Note words and phrases that are repeated as they speak.

Step 4 Determine how much work you will be responsible for.

Make sure the speaker is aware of how much work they are responsible for.

Big ideas and main points provide the basic structure of the speech. Understand exactly what the speaker wants to communicate so you can make these points clear.

Writing the Speech

For example, if it is a commencement speech, ask the speaker about their experience in school and getting out into the “real” world for the first time.
Make sure the stories connect well with the subject and main point of the speech.

Get the audience's attention quickly. This can be done by stating a surprising fact or starting out with a humorous or interesting story.
Keep the speech organized. Use transitions and guiding words like "first," "second," and "finally."
Use rhetorical devices, like examples, alliteration, imagery, and questions. Balance facts with examples.
Reflect the person's speaking style. Never fall into your voice during the writing process. Mimic their language, phrasing, and emphasis.

Step 5 Maintain a strong focus on the big ideas.

Limit the amount of information you include. The audience will only remember so much information.

Step 7 Ask the speaker to approve the speech.

Understanding the Challenges of Ghostwriting

You can learn more about ghostwriting by looking up books on ghostwriting in your local library, researching articles about ghostwriting online, and by looking for famous examples of ghostwriting.
A few examples of famously ghostwritten speeches are John F. Kennedy's inauguration speech, Reagan's “Boys of Pointe du Hoc” speech, and drafts of Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous speech “I Have a Dream.”

Step 2 Decide what is and is not ethical for you.

Knowing where you stand on the ethics of speech writing will make it easier to accept or decline requests for your writing services. [12] X Research source
Ghostwriting in the academic arena is often viewed as plagiarism. Others feel that it is okay under certain circumstances, like when politicians, business leaders, or celebrities must present multiple speeches a day, on top of their other responsibilities.

Step 3 Form a partnership with the client.

Writing a speech for someone you find difficult to get along with is most likely not a good idea. You can write a speech for a person that has different ideas than you, as long as you find it possible to keep your ideas to yourself.

The ghostwriter must learn to adopt a range of voices outside of their own.

Sample Speeches

Expert Q&A

Take notes when you are observing the way the person speaks and acts. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Work with the other person throughout the writing process. It will be easier to rewrite sections that need to be changed rather than the entire, completed speech being rejected. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Make sure not to plagiarize from parts of other speeches. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Feelings can get hurt and disagreements can arise during the writing process. Neither party should take the challenging of ideas or decisions personally. Remember, you are writing a speech for someone else to take credit for. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

↑ http://andrewcrofts.com/what-is-ghostwriting/
↑ Lynn Kirkham. Public Speaking Coach. Expert Interview. 20 November 2019.
↑ https://priceonomics.com/the-ghostwriting-business/
↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffschmitt/2013/07/16/10-keys-to-writing-a-speech/#726922c869ca
↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylsnappconner/2014/03/13/is-ghostwriting-ethical/#d3a60c633a0d

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Make A Speech Introduction That Grabs Audience Attention

The speech introduction is the first part of a speech and the first opportunity to grab the audience’s attention. The speaker should state the topic, make it relatable to the audience, establish credibility and preview the main points. You should write or finalize your introduction at the end so that it reflects what you actually said.

Listen up, audience!

No matter whether you are giving an informative speech to enlighten an audience about a certain topic or a persuasive speech aims to convince the crowd to adopt a particular viewpoint. But whichever type of speech you’re writing or delivering, one thing is true: You must create an attention-grabbing speech introduction.

Table of Contents

What Is The Best Way To Start A Speech?

Whether in speech writing or public speaking, the role of a good intro cannot be understated. It is your best chance to captivate your audience’s attention and entice them to be with you until the rest of your speech.

It’s also your opportunity to introduce the topic and thesis statement and set up the points you’ll discuss later. So, keep in mind that you emphasize the relevance of your subject matter to the audience and contextualize it properly.

These are some of the best ways to make a compelling introduction speech.

State a quote or use a historical event reference. Analyze your target audience and look for a powerful quote from a relevant figure or a historical event that will resonate with listeners and relate it to your topic. A notable quotation can immediately establish a strong connection. On the other hand, an important event will help you illustrate your point or paint a scenario better.
Share a personal story. Sometimes, you don’t have to search far and wide to demonstrate a point. You can tap into your personal experience and share something about yourself. Generally, audience members enjoy hearing stories as they pique their interest and get a glimpse of who the speaker is. Your anecdotes will also make you more human and accessible.
Start with an “Imagine” or “What if?” scenario. Want to make your audience engaged? Let their imagination run. In many speeches over the years, some of the most successful ones used this technique. Speakers transport the audience to the future or a scenario wherein their proposed idea or belief reigns. For example, “What if we live in a world where everyone can access healthcare?”
Count on a video or any other visual aids. If you’re a public speaker keen to use technology, you may also want to commence your speech with visual aids. For instance, you can show a pre-prepared video to draw the crowd’s attention right before you speak. If you’re talking about hunger and food security, you can show footage of how such issues take a toll in many third-world countries.
Tell surprising statistics. One of the most effective ways to shock — and, ultimately, grab your audience’s attention is by telling real, hard facts. If you’re looking for a good attention-getter, you can rely on surprising statistics about your topic. For instance, if your topic is bullying, you can mention that in the US, around 3 million students are victims of bullying.
Ask the audience a question. Another way to hook your audience is by asking them a question. It can be a direct one (e.g., “Who among here are…” then ask for a show of hands). It can also be a rhetorical question (e.g., “What is the meaning of life?”). The key is interacting with the crowd to get their attention and effectively introducing your subject matter.

Liven up speech introduction with a quote

What Should You Include In the Introduction?

When you look at intro samples and templates on the web, you’ll find that effective speech introductions contain key elements. And one of the most important is your attention-grabber, which will compel your audience to listen to your speech and narrative.

You must also introduce your speech topic and indicate why it matters to your audience. You should also share something about yourself, especially your credibility, to discuss a particular subject matter.

Once you’ve laid out these foundations, state your central idea or thesis statement. Tell the audience members the point of view you want them to adopt, and give them a preview of the main points you’re discussing if you’re giving a persuasive speech. If you’re writing or delivering an informative one, you can provide them with a brief speech outline or the key points you’ll touch upon throughout the body of the speech.

What Are The Best Lines To Introduce A Speech?

One of the most common public speaking tips you’ll encounter is to have a good introduction. To help you capture the audience’s attention, here are some ideas you can use in your speech.

A famous quote (For example, “Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower” by Steve Jobs)
A song lyric (“Imagine there’s no countries/ It isn’t hard to do/ Nothing to kill or die for/ And no religion, too,” from “Imagine by John Lennon)
A line from a poem (“You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise,” from “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou)
A line from a movie (“Greed, for a lack of a better word, is good,” from “Wall Street”)
Reference to a historical event (“Two hundred years ago, one of the most important proclamations was made. Through the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln, the enslaved Black people were given freedom.”
Reference to a notable figure (“Stan Lee, the man behind iconic Marvel characters, was hired as an editorial assistant at a comics company after graduating high school.”).
A bold statement (“Prostitution must be legalized.”)
A serious statement (“Climate change is a pressing issue.”)
A humorous line (“Don’t underestimate me. That’s the job of my mom.”)
A shocking statistic (“If you’re consuming too much fast food and baked goods, did you know that you are 51% more likely to be depressed?”)
A direct question (“Who among here plays violent video games?”)
A rhetorical question (“Is there a more powerful feeling than love?”)
A personal story (“Back when I was a fresh college graduate, I busied myself applying to the top multi-national companies.”)
An anecdote (“Long ago, there was a man — an old but healthy man — who dared climb Mount Everest. He was 80, and he succeeded.”)
A what-if scenario (“What if there were no poor people?”)

How Do You Introduce Yourself In A Speech?

Whether you’re a first-time speaker or a veteran, how you approach introducing yourself in a speech is important in establishing your credibility. To avoid getting called boring, you might want to shy away from the usual “Hi, everyone. I’m (your name). I (your credentials), and today I will be talking about (points of the speech).”

Usually, someone else may have given your name and background. This gives you the liberty to begin your speech more interestingly.

You can start by stating any of the introduction lines listed above, then transition to why listening to you will matter to them. For example, if you’re talking about mental health and depression, you can follow up a surprising statistic with something like, “I know because I was a part of that statistic. Now, I’ve studied to become a therapist myself.”

To further create an air of authority, you must be mindful of your body language (taking a deep breath before speaking can help you shake off your nervousness and tension). Additionally, you must make eye contact and speak words clearly.

How Do You Introduce A Speaker?

Now, if you’re tasked to introduce the one who will deliver the speech, it’s your responsibility to set the right atmosphere and build excitement.

One of the first things to do is know how to pronounce the speaker’s name and ensure that what you’ll say about the speaker’s credibility is factual. Since you’re only introducing the speaker, keep things simple and concise. If you want to enrich your introduction, you can ask the speaker what they want to be highlighted (Do they have a new book? Which prestigious groups are they affiliated with?).

Like what the speaker would do, you must also make eye contact to engage the audience. Practice and have a run-through before you take the stage to guarantee a smooth delivery.

What Is An Example Of A Speech Introduction?

Speakers and speech writers know how challenging it is to grab an audience’s attention. Here’s a good example of an introductory speech that uses statistics. This is from English restaurateur Jamie Oliver who delivered a TED Talk about food:

“Sadly, in the next 18 minutes when I do our chat, four Americans that are alive will be dead from the food that they eat.

My name’s Jamie Oliver. I’m 34 years old. I’m from Essex in England, and for the last seven years, I’ve worked fairly tirelessly to save lives in my own way. I’m not a doctor; I’m a chef, I don’t have expensive equipment or medicine. I use information, education.”

What Is The Introduction For A Speech On Bully

Looking for inspiration for a good introduction where your topic is bullying? Check out this sample intro from actress and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Millie Bobby Brown during World Children’s Day in 2019:

“In world capitals — in buildings like this — adults talk about children’s rights. But today, young people don’t want to be talked about. They want to do the talking.

Millions of people responded to UNICEF surveys and petitions about what the Convention on the Rights of the Child meant to them. In the words of one young person: ‘Be an active voice. Don’t let things go unnoticed. So today, I want to talk about an issue that is very personal to me. Something that so often goes unnoticed — but causes real suffering. Bullying.”

What Are Some Other Examples Of Speech Introductions?

Below are some more speech introduction examples you can take inspiration from.

“Three things I learned while my plane crashed” by Ric Elias : “Imagine a big explosion as you climb through 3,000 ft. Imagine a plane full of smoke. Imagine an engine going clack, clack, clack, clack, clack, clack, clack. It sounds scary. Well, I had a unique seat that day. I was sitting in 1D.”
“How to find and do work you love” by Scott Dinsmore : “8 years ago, I got the worst career advice of my life.”

“How great leaders inspire action” by Simon Sinek : “How do you explain when things don’t go as we assume? Or better, how do you explain when others are able to achieve things that seem to defy all of the assumptions?”

15 Ways to Start a Speech + Bonus Tips

You have heard the saying “First impressions are lasting; you never get a second chance to create a good first impression.”

The same is true when talking about how to start a speech…

The truth is, when you start your speech, you must focus everything on making a positive first impression on your audience members (especially if you are doing the presentation virtually ). The introduction is basically the formal greetings for speeches, so let’s be sure to get this right to really hook the audience.

Here are 15 different ways to start a speech as well as 2 extra BONUS tips at the end.

1) Thank the Organizers and Audience

You can start by thanking the audience for coming and thanking the organization for inviting you to speak.

Refer to the person who introduced you or to one or more of the senior people in the organization in the audience.

This compliments them, makes them feel proud and happy about your presence, and connects you to the audience like an electrical plug in a socket.

2) Start With a Positive Statement

A presentation tip at the start is to tell the audience members how much they will like and enjoy what you have to say.

For example, you might say:

“You’re really going to enjoy the time we spend together this evening. I’m going to share with you some of the most important ideas that have ever been discovered in this area.”

Remember that speaking is an art, so be an artist and take complete control of your performance,

3) Compliment the Audience

You can begin by complimenting the audience members sincerely and with great respect.

Smile as if you are really glad to see them as if they are all old friends of yours that you have not seen for quite a while.

You can tell them that it is a great honor for you to be here, that they are some of the most important people in this business or industry, and that you are looking forward to sharing some key ideas with them.

You could say something like:

“It is an honor to be here with you today. You are the elite, the top 10 percent of people in this industry. Only the very best people in any field will take the time and make the sacrifice to come so far for a conference like this.”

4) Start Your Speech By Referring to Current Events

Use a current event front-page news story to transition into your subject and to illustrate or prove your point. You can bring a copy of the newspaper and hold it up as you refer to it in your introduction.

This visual image of you holding the paper and reciting or reading a key point rivets the audience’s attention and causes people to lean forward to hear what you have to say.

5) Refer to a Historical Event

For many years, I studied military history…

Especially the lives and campaigns of the great generals and the decisive battles they won. One of my favorites was Alexander the Great.

One day, I was asked to give a talk on leadership principles to a roomful of managers for a Fortune 500 company.

I decided that the campaign of Alexander the Great against Darius of Persia would make an excellent story that would illustrate the leadership qualities of one of the great commanders in history.

I opened my talk with these words:

“Once upon a time there was a young man named Alex who grew up in a poor country. But Alex was a little bit ambitious. From an early age, he decided that he wanted to conquer the entire known world. But there was a small problem. Most of the known world was under the control of a huge multinational called the Persian Empire, headed by King Darius II. To fulfill his ambition, Alex was going to have to take the market share away from the market leader, who was very determined to hold on to it.

This is the same situation that exists between you and your major competitors in the market today. You are going to have to use all your leadership skills to win the great marketing battles of the future.”

6) Refer to a Well Known Person

You can start by quoting a well-known person or publication that recently made an important statement.

One of the subjects I touch upon regularly is the importance of continual personal development.

I will say something like:

“In the twenty-first century, knowledge and know-how are the keys to success. As basketball coach Pat Riley said, ‘If you are not getting better, you are getting worse.’”

7) Refer to a Recent Conversation

Start by telling a story about a recent conversation with someone in attendance.

For instance, I might say:

“A few minutes ago, I was talking with Tom Robinson in the lobby. He told me that this is one of the very best times to be working in this industry, and I agree.”

8) Make a Shocking Statement

You can start your talk by making a shocking statement of some kind.

For example, you might say something like:

“According to a recent study, there will be more change, more competition, and more opportunities in this industry in the next year than ever before. And 72 percent of the people in this room will be doing something different within two years if they do not rapidly adapt top these changes.”

Click here If you want to learn more techniques to wow your audience.

9) Quote From Recent Research

You can start by quoting a recent research report.

One example is:

“According to a story in a recent issue of Businessweek, there were almost 11 million millionaires in America in 2018, most of them self-made.”

10) Start Your Speech By Giving Them Hope

The French philosopher Gustav Le Bon once wrote, “The only religion of mankind is, and always has been hope.”

When you speak effectively, you give people hope of some kind.

Remember, the ultimate purpose of speaking is to inspire people to do things that they would not have done in the absence of your comments.

Everything you say should relate to the actions you want people to take and the reasons that they should take those actions.

11) Be Entertaining

Bill Gove used to walk onto the stage after his introduction if he had just finished talking to someone on the side and was breaking off to give his talk to the group.

The audience got the feeling that his entire talk was one continuous conversation, devoid of meaningless filler words .

Bill would often go to the edge of the stage and then drop his voice in a conspiratorial way, open his arms, and beckon the audience members to come a little closer.

He would say, “Come here, let me tell you something,” and then he would wave them forward as though he was about to tell a secret to the entire room.

The amazing thing was that everyone in the room would lean forward to hear this “secret” that he was about to share. People would all suddenly realize what they were doing and break out in laughter. It was a wonderful device to get the audience into the palm of his hands.

12) Ask a Question

You can open by making a positive statement and then ask a question requiring a show of hands.

Try something like this:

“This is a great time to be alive and in business in America. By the way how many people here are self-employed?”

Raise your hand to indicate what you want people to do. I have used this line, and after a number of hands go up, I then say to someone who raised their hand in the front, “How many people here are really self-employed?”

Invariably, someone will say, “We all are!”

I then compliment and affirm the answer: “You’re right! We are all self-employed, from the time we take our first jobs to the day that we retire; we all work for ourselves, no matter who signs our paychecks.”

13) Open With a Problem

You can start with a problem that must be solved. If it is a problem that almost everyone has in common, you will immediately have the audience’s complete and undivided attention.

For example, you could say:

“Fully 63 percent of baby boomers are moving toward retirement without enough money put aside to provide for themselves for as long as they are going to live. We must address this problem and take action immediately to ensure that each person who retires will be able to live comfortably for the rest of his or her natural life.”

14) Make a Strong Statement, Then Ask a Question

You can start by making a strong statement and then ask a question. You then follow with an answer and ask another question. This gets people immediately involved and listening to your every word.

Here’s an example:

“Twenty percent of the people in our society make 80 percent of the money. Are you a member of the top 20 percent? If not, would you like to join the top 20 percent or even the top 10 percent? Well, in the next few minutes, I am going to give you some ideas to help you become some of the highest-paid people in our society. Would that be a good goal for our time together today?”

15) Tell a Story

You can start your talk with a story. Some of the most powerful words grab the complete attention of the audience are, “Once upon a time…”

From infancy and early childhood, people love stories of any kind. When you start off with the words, “Once upon a time…” you tell the audience that a story is coming. People immediately settle down, become quiet, and lean forward like kids around a campfire.

When I conduct full-day seminars and I want to bring people back to their seats after a break, I will say loudly, “Once upon a time there was a man, right here in this city…”

As soon as I say these words, people hurry back to their seats and begin to listen attentively to the rest of the story.

The story technique is very effective.

In fact, its probably one of the best public speaking tips I’ve learned to this day.

Bonus Tip: Tell Them About Yourself

Very often, I will start a speech to a business, sales, or entrepreneurial group by saying:

“I started off without graduating from high school. My family had no money. Everything I accomplished in life I had to do on my own with very little help from anyone else.”

It is amazing how many people come up to me after a talk that began with those words and tells me that was their experience as well.

They tell me that they could immediately identify with me because they too had started with poor grades and limited funds, as most people do. As a result, they were open to the rest of my talk, even a full-day seminar, and felt that everything I said was more valid and authentic than if I had been a person who started off with a successful background.

Building a bridge like this is very helpful in bringing the audience onto your side.

Bonus Tip: Get Them Talking to One Another

You can ask people to turn to the person next to them to discuss a particular point.

For instance, you could say:

“Tell the person next to you what you would like to learn from this seminar.”

Whatever you ask your audience members to do, within reason, they will do it for you. Your commands and your thought leadership will easily influence them, as long as you ask them with confidence.

By following any one of these tips for starting your speech, you are sure to grab your audience’s attention every time. How do you start a speech? Let me know in the comments.

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About Brian Tracy — Brian is recognized as the top sales training and personal success authority in the world today. He has authored more than 60 books and has produced more than 500 audio and video learning programs on sales, management, business success and personal development, including worldwide bestseller The Psychology of Achievement. Brian's goal is to help you achieve your personal and business goals faster and easier than you ever imagined. You can follow him on Twitter , Facebook , Pinterest , Linkedin and Youtube .

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How to Introduce a Speaker in Any Setting (And Amaze Your Audience)

Hrideep barot.

Body Language & Delivery , Public Speaking , Speech Writing

Importance of a Good Introduction

If you’re reading this, kudos to you as you are one of the few people who actually take out the time and effort to craft a great speech introduction.

Many times we feel that if we ourselves aren’t the main speaker, why take out any time to work on a great introduction?

But here’s the thing, as the introductory speaker, if you want your audience to be excited for the speaker who is about to come on the stage, a strong introduction is important.

As an audience member, if I have never heard of the speaker (or even if I do know a little bit about her) I won’t be very open to their speech simply because I don’t know how credible the speaker is .

Sure the speaker could herself say those credentials when she comes on the stage. But true credibility is added when the praise comes from a third person (that being you in this case).

Take Tom Bilyeu for example. Tom is the founder and host of the company and popular Youtube channel – Impact Theory where he calls on highly acclaimed speakers, entrepreneurs, writers, athletes, etc. to interview them.

While the interviews are in themselves amazing, it’s the way Tom introduces each of his guests that blows my mind!

Take this clip for example:

The introduction shows that Tom has taken time and put a genuine effort into his research. It’s what makes his introductions so powerful.

And that’s why an introduction is important:

It makes your audience excited for who they are about to see
It makes the speaker feel genuinely acknowledged for being invited to that event

Without a good introduction, the audience will not have a strong enough reason to be open to the speaker’s ideas because they might not know the credibility of the speaker.

An introduction is also like a short speech . So it’s important you take your time out to craft and deliver one that does justice to both – the speaker as well as yourself!

Note: Want to take your communications skills to the next level? Book a complimentary consultation with one of our expert communication coaches. We’ll look under the hood of your hurdles and pick two to three growth opportunities so you can speak with impact!

Alright! Let’s jump into the tips of creating a splendid introduction. Whether it’s a seminar, conference, interview, church or just a small gathering, these tips are applicable in almost all scenarios.

research the speaker you are about to introduce

Your work starts even before the introductory speech. The person who is invited to speak would be having certain credentials.

The way those credentials are communicated with high effectiveness is your job as the introductory speaker.

This is important as it’s what will get the audience excited and give them a reason to be engaged in a speech because of the credibility of the speaker.

Research can be of two types:

You can actually meet or contact the speaker directly and ask her all the questions you would need to create a great introduction.
The internet

If you have access to the speaker, then great! If not, use sources like LinkedIn to understand the work they have done in the past, or try and see if you can connect to someone close to them and get a bite from them for the introduction as well.

Once you know what all the speaker has done in her life and why she is an expert in the subject she is going to speak on, you have set yourself up for crafting a lovely introduction.

Keep it short!

One thing to remember when giving an introduction is to not get carried away! While your introduction is as good as a short speech , we must not forget the keyword here – short !

The main spotlight is for the speaker. So keep your intro short. Below 2 and a half minutes is usually a good space to be in. Exceeding 4 minutes is a little too much so make sure to not overstep your speaking time.

I remember seeing this one introductory speaker who just went on and on with his introduction. He spoke about things that weren’t even relevant to the subject of the talk. It was just a waste of time.

When you prepare your introduction, practice it and time yourself to ensure you aren’t taking up too much of the stage time.

We’ve made a short video on how you can make your speech more concise and clear so you communicate what’s relevant without taking up too much of your audience’s time:

Save the name for the end

The last word is the cue for applause in any introduction. And it’s best to save the applause for the speaker’s name.

Here’s an example of how NOT to do it:

“Our motto is ‘Communication is key’. So I’m very pleased to welcome John Brown for our special event today. John is one of the best speakers in the country and has been invited by several prestigious universities to share his ideas…(some more credentials)…So please join me in welcoming John Brown!”

The problem with this is that it gives out the applause factor in the second sentence of the introduction itself.

Instead, you should build up the speaker with her credentials and only reveal the name at the end of the speech (see ‘Introduction Speech Template’).

Again, look at Tom Bilyeu’s introduction. He never reveals the guest’s name until the end of the introduction. That’s what makes the applause so loud!

Lead the applause

As soon as you end your introduction, don’t simply wait for the audience to clap. Lead the applause!

In all likelihood, when done correctly, your audience will applaud as soon as you end your talk. But you should still assume the lead and begin the applause and let the audience follow just in case.

Receive the speaker with a handshake

When you introduce the speaker and call them out on the stage, don’t just walk off the stage .

Receive the speaker with a handshake. Usually, the audience will still be applauding when this happens.

We do this so as to properly acknowledge to the audience that our time on stage has come to an end and we will now be handing the spotlight over to the next speaker.

This is something that the international organization Toastmasters also harps on. Every time a speaker or role bearer gets on stage, she should shake the hand of the person from whom she is taking the stage from and shake the hand of the person when she is handing the stage over.

Like with most things in life, your introductory speech will be amazing if you put in the time to practice ! We wrote an article on simple but effective ways you should practice for a speech – even if it’s just an introduction speech! Check it out to get some ideas.

While our content and the speaker’s credentials might be amazing, it is our delivery and manner of speaking that will sell the audience on those credentials.

So research, practice, time yourself, video record yourself to see how you can improve.

While the spotlight is on the main speaker for that particular day, the stage is yours for those couple of minutes. And I believe any time you go on stage you should try and communicate with maximum impact regardless of the duration of the speech.

That’s when people notice you.

Here’s a checklist of things you must have in your introductory speech when it comes to content and delivery:

Introduce yourself

While you are here to introduce the main speaker, don’t forget to introduce yourself! If you’re in a familiar setting where you’re certain everyone (or at least 90%) of the audience already knows you, you can skip this part.

Otherwise, take a few seconds to point out what your role is in putting this event together and how you are related to the speaker (if in any way).

Pronunciation

There’s nothing worse than an introductory speaker who butchers the name of the speaker he is about to call on.

Take the time out to learn how exactly should you pronounce the speaker’s name especially if it’s an unconventional name.

Learn it, repeat it, master it.

Check if your speaker has any title such as Doctor, Sir, Captain, etc. and say the title along with the speaker’s name when you introduce her. It helps add more credibility to the speaker.

Qualifications

Your speaker would have certain qualifications that make her an expert in the field she is about to speak on. It doesn’t necessarily need to be only educational in nature.

Maybe she has written a book on the subject and gains her expertise from real-life experience as opposed to an academic degree.

Mention those qualifications.

Quick tip, don’t just list out the credentials in a mundane manner. Read the speech template below and see how the speaker crafts the introduction where the qualifications and credentials of the speaker are seamlessly woven together to craft a great introduction.

Subject of the talk

In your introduction of the speaker, don’t miss out on talking a little on the subject of the talk and why it is relevant to the audience.

Creative Ways to Introduce a Speaker

Instead of just stating out the speaker’s credentials and bio, make your introduction engaging by adding a short anecdote of the speaker.

Talk about a time you met the speaker or an interesting story you read about her in a publication.

You can even reach out to a close family member or friend of the speaker and ask them for a story that defines the speaker’s personality or establishes their expertise in the subject matter.

For some more information on how you can create a compelling narrative, we made a short but information-packed video on the topic of mystery, characterisation and takeaways which we HIGHLY recommend you check out, here:

Some speakers don’t necessarily have an honorific such as ‘Dr.’ or ‘Sir’, but that doesn’t mean that you cant give them a creative title of your own!

Tom Bilyeu does this often where he will add a title to the speaker right before saying the name. Here are some examples:

Please help me welcoming…the ‘ human guinea pig ’ himself, Tim Ferris .
Please help me welcoming…the ‘ master of motivation ’ herself, Mel Robbins .
Please help me welcoming…the ‘ man who has been called the ultimate entrepreneur for the information age ’, Seth Godin.

I remember this one time, we were at a conference where the speaker was a gold medal cyclist.

The introductory speaker entered the stage on a cycle himself! As he came to the mike, he said, “Boy that was fun! But if you think I was awesome, you will be completely blown away by our next speaker!”

The introductory speaker was obviously being sarcastic about himself being an ‘awesome cyclist’. But it was different, fun, made the audience giggle and set the stage for the speaker .

If the speaker you are about to introduce is an author, for instance, you can also start off your introduction by holding up the book and then move on to talk about the speaker’s credentials.

Think about what your speaker is famous for and see if you can include that profession as a prop in your introduction.

Instead of just talking in your introduction, maybe you can show a video that highlights what the speaker does and shows off their credibility.

I was introducing an entrepreneur of a HUGE advertising agency. Instead of talking about his credentials, I thought I’d just show it to the audience by playing a video of the agency’s culture , clients and some of the extraordinary work they have done.

It was a great visual way to showcase the speaker’s credibility and set the tone for the subject of the speech.

Introduction Speech Template

Here’s a template of how Tom Bilyeu introduces one of his guests :

“Hey everyone! Welcome to Impact Theory. You are here, my friends, because you believe that the human potential is nearly limitless but you know that having potential is not the same as doing something with it. So our goal with this show and company is to introduce you to the people and ideas that’ll help you actually execute on your dream. Alright. To paraphrase Steven Pressfield, today’s guest is one of the greatest thinkers of our generation. He’s a multiple-time best selling author who’s written a seemingly impossible six books in the last five years! His mediation on stoic philosophy ‘The Obstacle is the Way’ is not only a true perennial seller, it’s been translated into more than 20 languages and has a devoted following of some of the most driven and successful people on the planet including NFL coaches, world-class athletes, entrepreneurs, TV personalities and even political leaders. By my estimation, it is one of the 10 most important books you must read if you want to develop a mindset for success. And even if this were his only book I’d sit at his feet to learn, but every book he has written delivers a similar level of impact. This guy is without question my intellectual man-crush Monday! The Systematic and practical nature of his thinking is so powerful it’s nuts, especially considering that he dropped out of college at 19 so he could apprentice with the master author, Robert Greene, and by all accounts, my friends, he learned his lessons very well as he went on from there not only to become an amazing author in his own right, but in his early 20s became the Director of Marketing for the billion-dollar public company American Apparel helping it achieve its astronomical level of success, and in the process, becoming one of the most sought-after voices in the field of media strategy. His incredible marketing tactics detailed in the book ‘Trust Me, I’m Lying’ not only became a best-seller, it helped him launch his own media-consulting company, Brass Check, which has advised companies like Google, Taser and Complex as well as world-renowned authors such as Neil Strauss, Tim Ferris and Tony Robbins. So please, help me in welcoming the best selling author of ‘Ego is the Enemy’ and most recently, ‘Perennial Seller’, the modern-day, philosopher king – Ryan Holiday.

Let’s break that introduction down:

We can clearly see that Tom has done his research by pointing out almost every accomplishment Ryan Holiday is known for. This is what gets the audience excited about the speaker and looks forward to the ideas that will be shared in the subsequent talk or interview.

Keeping it short

The introduction is in the appropriate time-span of 2-3 minutes. Considering the amount of information that had to be said, the timing is bang on!

Saving the name for the end

By saving the name for the end, Tom reserves the maximum applause when he finally reveals who the person is.

Leading the applause

Tom did not lead the applause here maybe because it’s a studio audience who are sure to clap for the guest. Additionally, the way Tom introduces the guest is good enough to stimulate applause without him having to lead it.

Receiving the speaker with a handshake

Tom goes a small step further and bro-hugs the guest to showcase his bond with him.

Without any notes and his amazing delivery, it’s obvious Tom has taken the time out to not only research but also practice and rehearse the introduction.

Notice how Tom uses voice modulation to make the audience feel how important Ryan’s accomplishments really are. A handy thing to keep in mind for any speech. You can read this article we wrote to learn all about voice modulation and tonality for effective speaking.

As I stated earlier with multiple examples, Tom adds in a nickname to the speaker here as well – ‘ the modern-day, philosopher king ’ – right before saying the name. It just adds so much weight to the introduction!

There’s a lot we can learn from this introduction whether it be a speaker you are introducing or an interview guest which is why I thought I’d break it down.

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Final Words…

I believe that a strong introduction should also be treated as a speech. It’s tempting to do a basic Google Search and little “rehearsal” right before going on stage.

But it’s only when you take the time out to research, rehearse and deliver with the intention to excite the audience about the speaker you are introducing, is when you will do justice to the introduction and set the stage for the speaker to create maximum impact!

You should also consider upskilling your public speaking at an overall level. If you’re serious about it, check out this online course called Acumen Presents: Chris Anderson on Public Speaking (hosted on Udemy). It’s helped me gain a lot of insight into delivering speeches (even if they are just introductory speeches) that people will remember. Being the founder of TED, Chris Anderson provides numerous examples of the best TED speakers to give us a very practical way of overcoming stage fear and delivering a speech that people will remember.

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Introducing a Speaker Sample Script

Many people get asked to introduce a speaker at an event and have no idea how to do it. In this quick guide, we give you several different frameworks that you can use, as well as plenty of sample scripts and explain the questions you must ask both your speaker and your client before you start.

Key Points of a Great Speaker Introduction

A Biography is not an Introduction

Grab the audiences attention
Establish the importance of the Topic
Establish the credibility of the Speaker
Outline “What’s in it for Them”
Say the Speakers name last

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Why do we introduce a speaker or performer.

There are many reasons why we have someone else introduce a speaker or an act rather than them just coming out on stage and beginning their presentation or performance. Understanding these is an important part of the process of crafting a great introduction. Here are some of the reasons…

It shows respect for the speaker
It settles the audience down and gets them focussed on the stage.
Alternatively, it can hype the audience up and get them excited about what they are going to experience
It gives a chance for the Production crew to correct the sound levels, lights and be ready with any audio/visual cues.
It lets the audience know who this person is before they start, in case there is no printed program.
It can link the content or the message of the speaker to the theme of the event.
It can emphasise why this message is important to the group and why they should listen
It can show why this person is qualified to speak about the topic and share their insights
It can allow the speaker to get straight into the meat of their presentation

So, as you can see there is a lot going on behind even the simplest of introductions!

Before you start writing a Speaker Introduction!

Before you start writing an introduction, find out, does the speaker have a prepared Introduction?

If the person presenting is a professional speaker, e.g this is what they do for a living, they should have a standard introduction already prepared for you or better still, an introduction they have prepared specifically for this event. They will understand the importance of the introduction and how it can help them and their presentation succeed.

In reality however, not all professional speakers will provide you with a prepared introduction and most other non professional speakers will not provide one at all. They may not even be aware that they can do this.

What you will get in most situations is a Biography, which is not an Introduction and shouldn’t be read out “as is!” This is one mistake many people make. We will show you later in the article how to convert a Bio into an Introduction.

If you do get an introduction, either supplied by the booker, the client or the speaker themselves, use it as written. Don’t attempt to improve it. The only time to do this is if you see some glaring error or you really need to cut some time off, but you are going to find most provided introductions are carefully crafted and most will be quite succinct.

If you do add anything, say it before you start the provided introduction and then end on their words.

Speaking of time … if a Speaker does provide you a long winded introduction or insists that a video highlights package is run before they come on stage, make sure this is included in their presentation time!

I normally start timing a speaker after I leave the stage and they have started, but if they insist on a really long one or play a 5 minute video first, that should be part of their allocated time.

There is a bit of a trend for having a video play before they actually come on. It really is part of the presentation..

Notice, I have been referring to provided Introductions. These are not Biographies!

Often you will be provided with a Biography of the Speaker. The Client has probably recieved this from the Speaker or copied it from their website and it was useful to them in selecting the Speaker for the engagement. But these are seldom useful as Speaker Introductions.

A Biography, like a CV that you put together to help you obtain a job, lists all your Qualifications, Achievements, Career Highlights, Publications, Awards etc.

But your audience doesn’t really need to know all this! They don’t really care. They want to essentially know just three things.

Is this Topic important?
Is the Speaker qualified to talk about the Topic?
What’s in it for them?

Don’t fall into the trap of just reading out a long Biography that you are given. We will show you later in the article how to quickly craft a strong Speaker Introduction.

It’s always a good idea if you can check directly with the speaker that the topic of their speech is unchanged.

Many speakers get booked many months before their presentations. In the case of large international events this may even be a year or so prior! In some cases a speech Topic or Title may change. The speaker may in fact have a totally different theme or presentation to what’s printed in the Agenda or in the notes provided.

If you craft a wonderful Introduction, touching on the theme or the importance of the speech, it helps if it’s in alignment.

Two strategies

Firstly, you should if at all possible talk to your speakers before you introduce them. There are many reasons for this, that we have discussed here. During this conversation you can check that the title and topic is much the same.

Secondly, if the Speaker has a Powerpoint Presentation to accompanies the speech you can usually see the first slide. This should alert you to the fact of a change early on. You will either see this when they are setting up on stage or you may be able t see it at the Audio Visual Desk if it is being controlled by the AV Team.

If you see there is an obvious change you can then find out more and alter accordingly.

Questions for Your Client

We already have a specific training that covers all the questions you should ask your client before an event, but here are a few that specifically relate to the introduction.

What is the purpose of the whole meeting?
What is the purpose of this speech?
Why did you choose this speaker?
Will I be provided with a Biography or a set Introduction?

The answers to these questions should provide you with a fairly solid base to work from, especially if you are going to follow the Introducing a Speaker Sample Script outlined below.

Speaker Introduction Framework 1

Here is a very solid framework to start with that I have used for many years.

I was taught this by Ron Tachhi who was a very successful speaker and then ran a large Speaker Bureau in Australia. His was based on a framework taught in the Toastmasters Training. (I should point out, I have modified the order of the 4 points as I feel it has much more impact done this way.)

The Speaker Introduction has 4 parts that address a different question in turn.

1/ Why this Subject?

Why is this subject important? This allows you to start with a bang – to pose a question, state an alarming fact, interesting insight or staggering statistic.

What you are trying to do here is to grab the audiences attention, stop them thinking about the previous presentation or even just to look up from their phone where they have been checking their email.

It can be as short as just a sentence or perhaps two or three to frame the topic.

“Did you know that there are more Shopping Malls in America than there are High Schools?”

“What do you think is the most common cause of death of children under 5 years worldwide?”

“A quick show of hands … Who here believes that (XXXXXX) is the biggest issue facing our industry at the moment?”

2/ Why this Speaker?

Next you need to establish the credibility of the speaker. This is where you mention some of the highlights taken from their Biography. Choose the most significant ones and importantly, the ones that relate most to the topic and theme.

You are positioning the speaker as the best person give insights and solutions to the subject.

3/ Why this Audience?

You now build a link between the Subject and the Audience. How does this subject effect them directly.

“You guys are leaders in our community … “

“These changes to the legislation and going to impact you more than most …”

“If you expect to earn more next year …”

4/ Why Now?

Why is it great to be learning this now?

What is the benefit to them?

What are they going to get out of it?

Why should they pay attention right now?

In Sales terms.. you heard about the pain, now here is the solution!

What’s in it for them!

You are picking up the momentum and building a little excitement.

“In the next 30 minutes you will learn …”

“Let’s get some inside secrets from someone who …”

Combining these 4 Parts together has a nice flow to it and it builds up to a strong finish.

Speaker Name Last

It’s usually better to end with the persons Name as the last thing you say.

If you were introducing me for instance you could say ….

“Would you please welcome to the stage, Timothy Hyde , the founder of ExpertMC.com.”

It’s far better to say …

“Would you please welcome to the stage, the founder of ExpertMC.com, Timothy Hyde ”

Length of Introduction

Depending on the circumstances you should really try and keep a Speakers introduction short and tight.

You can pack a lot into just 2 minutes!

Speaker Introduction Framework 2

There’s another element that you can add into any introduction and that is a more personal touch. This requires that you can contact the speaker before the event or at least have a few words with them on the day.

What you try and find out is some personal anecdote or connection that you weave into the speaker introduction.

It might be a connection to the group, the venue or the cause. It could be where they live, where they were born or where they are travelling to next. Hobbies and Sports Teams they follow are great ones, and I quite often ask … “what’s the essential album you like to listen to on a long car trip?”

As you can see these questions go beyond the normal level of formal introductions and add something a bit special. It also allows a bit of humour.

If you are introducing a number of speakers at one event you can use this technique with each one. After the first couple of introductions the audience will be expecting to hear it each time and it becomes a great “running gag.”

Should I stay or Should I go?

The other question I get asked a lot is “Should I give the speaker introduction and then leave the stage or should I give the introduction and then wait for the speaker to get to the lectern / centre stage and then leave?

My feeling on this is you should wait at the lectern and there are a number of reasons for this.

I like to control the audience focus!

If I walk off before the speaker comes on, the audience don’t know where to look.

I like to give the Speaker Introduction and gesture towards where they are coming from. Once they are onstage and moving to the centre, everyone will be looking at them. I then move slightly to the side but wait for them. Once they nearly get to the speaking position I extend my hand in welcome, shake hands and then leave the stage.

However, I don’t completely leave. Speakers sometimes are nervous, they might drop their notes, fumble with the control button for the slides etc. I’m close enough that I can respond if needed. Once they start I can then proceed completely offstage.

Final Thought on Introducing a Speaker

One of the joys of being an MC is that you get to meet and work with some amazing speakers.

Over the years I’ve introduced – famous Sportsmen, Entrepreneurs, Explorers, Prime Ministers, Astronauts, Inventors, life changing Surgeons and many more.

And every time you witness a great speech, that you introduced well, you can think to yourself … “I helped make that a success!”

Timothy Hyde

Widely acknowledged as one of Australia's busiest & best MC's and a global authority on the MC Industry, Timothy Hyde shares his expertise and insights into this fascinating Professional Speaking niche via this site and a dynamic YouTube channel. His best selling book The ExpertMC Toolkit and Resource Manual has helped thousands of people worldwide improve their Emcee skills and in many cases, start earning a living by taking on the role.

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Making Introductions

“May I introduce. . .”

Graphic: What are some tips for making memorable first introductions?

Tips for Introducing Someone

Look at the person you are speaking to first, then turn to the other person as you complete the introduction.
Speak clearly. Mumbling defeats the purpose of the introduction.
Use courteous language. “I’d like to introduce…,” “May I introduce…,” “I’d like you to meet…” are all good options. “May I present…” is the formal version.
In more formal situations, or when there’s an obvious age difference, it’s best to use courtesy titles and last names: “Mrs. Samson, I’d like you to meet Mr. Jacobs.” This lets Mrs. Sampson invite Mr. Jacobs to use her first name, or not.
Even in informal situations or with contemporaries, it’s helpful to use first and last names: “Judy, this is Tom Jacobs. Tom, this is Judy Samson.” You can use a nickname if you know the person prefers it.
Teach children to use adults’ titles, unless an adult specifically requests using his or her first name: “Mrs. Samson, this is my nephew, Benji Rosen. Benji, this is Mrs. Samson.”
It’s fine to skip last names when introducing your spouse and children, unless they have a different last name than yours.
Introduce other family members by their full names, unless they request otherwise. It’s also a good idea to mention the family relationship: “Uncle Arthur, may I introduce Mark Weston. Mark, this is my great-uncle, Arthur Pearson.”
When introducing someone to a small group, it’s practical to name the group members first, primarily to get their attention: “Sara, Kathy, Dan, I’d like to introduce Curtis Tyler. Curtis, I’d like you to meet Sara Rocher, Kathy Henley, and Dan Quinn.”
Start a conversation. Try to find some topic the two people have in common: “Sam, I think you and Jake share a passion for Italian wine. Jake might enjoy hearing about your wine tour in northern Italy.”

Order of Introductions

Many people think that introducing themselves or introducing others is so complicated that they tend to avoid doing it altogether. While that might have been the case years ago, today the process is much simpler. It all boils down to speaking to the person you wish to honor first . For example, you’d like to introduce your college roommate to your grandmother. Turn to granny and say, “Grandmother, I’d like you to meet my roommate, Susie Foster.” Then turn to Susie and say, “Susie, this is my grandmother, Mrs. Duran.” Here is the order of introduction for a variety of scenarios:

Social Situations

FIRST: Your grandparents, parents, or anyone older than you... THEN: Your contemporary (or younger)

FIRST: Your friend... THEN: Another family member

FIRST: An adult... THEN: A child

FIRST: A woman... THEN: A man

FIRST: Someone with a title: Senator, Mayor, Judge, Colonel, nobility, Bishop, Reverend, Professor, Doctor; anyone senior in rank to you (boss, CEO).... THEN: Your contemporary (or younger)

FIRST: Your guest of honor.... THEN: Others attending the event

Business Situations

FIRST: A client... THEN: Anyone in your company, including your CEO

FIRST: Your boss, or a higher-up... THEN: A person of lower rank in the company

Wedding Etiquette 101: Everything You Need to Know

How To Write A Good Speech About Another Person

Table of contents

1 Tips On Writing A Persuasive Speech About Famous Person
2 How To Write A Speech About Someone You Know?
3 What Will Make Your Speech About A Person Excellent?

Students are often asked to write a speech about other people. You can be assigned to talk about your friend, relative, teacher, or famous person. To do it well, you should concentrate on what you can tell about this person to others and what you can write about him or her. It is necessary to understand how to write a speech about someone if you have such a task and should do it quickly. It is not very difficult, but it requires some research on the subject of your essay and analysis of information.

Be careful with what you write on paper. If those whom you describe are close to you and you surely met them personally, try not to expose their secrets or any information they don’t want to be shared with others. You should also do in-depth research to create a good study of a famous writer, actress, etc. If you already have specific facts, it doesn’t mean that they are true. That’s why all information should be checked.

Tips On Writing A Persuasive Speech About Famous Person

Here are a few tips for those who are creating such a presentation. These tips could be useful if you have to develop a short or funny speech about someone you don't know or if you don’t understand how to work with such a type of assignment.

Start when you feel like it. This is a simple tip, but a huge one. How to start a speech about someone? Just start as you are talking to something. All speeches are designed to be spoken. They are not something you will read while in your bed! As you are moving forward, add the main points and just continue. You can always edit and make the content better afterwards.

Use short words and very short sentences. In order to write an informative speech, your writing process will have to change. You need to make sure the main points are there you need to write as you talk. This means short words and also short sentences. The main point here is to make the whole paper sound easier and more appealing when you read it out loud. Now, write a speech and try using this tip. Then, complete another with long words and longer sentences. Read out loud, both. You will see the difference, and you can imagine the effect on the audience's attention. Yes, you still need to write a speech outline.

Even if you are a friend of the person you describe, if he or she inspires you, it would be recommended to do some additional research on his or her biography, find more facts, and use them. Many facts about interviewed famous people are not true, that is why you need to analyze them wisely.

Check everything you read, and be sure you use only verified information. Get facts from credible media and make references to them in your paper. If it is needed, it is recommended to use many forms of media, and you will get information from different sides.

Define the goals of your graduation or other speech. You may want just to talk about a person, concentrate on their childhood, highlight their most notable achievements, or show how clever or friendly this person is.

When you work on a speech for someone, you should always try to relate and make a personal story told. In most cases, when you work on a speech for someone, this is not an option. But if it is, make sure to include it.

Always make a catchy introduction to your speech. Try to grab the attention of your audience in the first few seconds. An informative speech will sound much better instantly. It is one of the main points we all need to know about.

Don’t be prejudiced. If you admire the subject of your paper and want to speak from the heart, you shouldn’t repeat too many good words or invent good facts. If you dislike them, you should explain what the reasons for disliking the person are.

Writing a speech about another person can be a daunting task, especially if you don't know them very well. However, with careful research and creativity, you can craft an informative and inspiring speech that will bring your subject to life. To get started, write your personal essay in a relevant way by including new information about the person you are talking about. Research their life, accomplishments, and experiences to provide context for your audience and create a meaningful connection between the subject of your speech and the listeners.

How To Write A Speech About Someone You Know?

Writing about people you already know is both a simple and difficult task, simply because you are familiar with these people and can tell many stories. It is also difficult because you should pick only a few stories that describe them correctly. Here you can find a few tips on writing a speech about someone you admire, about your friends, relatives, classmates, and other people you know and want to tell your readers about them.

Concentrate on the objectives of your essay. You can describe people from different sides, and you should define any points of view before working on the paper. People can be described as good relatives, kind and reliable friends, or professionals in their jobs.
Provide all information that isn’t available to your readers. If you connect with people well, you may not notice that others don’t know your subject as well or even didn’t know about the subject before your speech.
Even if you work on a speech for someone, you will need to try and include a personal anecdote. This does make a lot of difference and can help you. Now you can write a speech that sounds much better and more interesting.
Don’t expose any information about the subject of your speech that shouldn’t be shared. In the story of every person, there are many private moments, and you should think wisely about what moments should be described.
He is the hero. When you try to introduce someone in this form, readers will want to know all about him. As such, you can try to make him a hero of the story. If you’re writing about a close friend, he or she will be grateful in the end.

If all these things don’t help, you can order speech writing services from an academic essay writing service . They work well with such tasks and write them fast. Writers of these services are experienced in working on different types of papers.

What Will Make Your Speech About A Person Excellent?

If you wonder how to write a good speech, you should read it several times before you show it to others. This is mandatory for all types of writing, and there are no other means you can use to get the same effect. Also, be especially focused on small elements of the life of that person and definitely include appealing and interesting ones that your audience wants to know. But you are probably going to write this in the form of an essay for a professor, and he already knows those things. As such, you need to add possible things about the person and make an accent that they are controversial, but the audience still needs to know about them.

If you have to tell your speech to a big audience, you should try it in an empty room or with friends before. You can also use multimedia devices to screen your speech and watch it later and find mistakes.

Notice that there are different methods of writing a speech about famous people. That is why you should check your requirements before starting your writing and define your goals, then, you can start creating your draft.

When writing a speech of this kind, always try to put yourself in your audience's shoes. What do they want to hear? Why they are even reading this? What do they want to know specifically? if you answer these questions in a proper manner, you will have excellent content and your reader or readers will be impressed. You can even use a speech writing service because it can help you with any type of task and hire the best quick writers experienced in this field.

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Introductory Speech

It would be considered rude if the speaker of the seminar was not introduced properly to the audience. How else would the crowd know on who this gentleman or lady really is and what his or her background is on that particular subject. By giving an introductory speech of the guest speaker tonight, you are allowing the audience know who he or she is as a person and what he or she has accomplished or achieved in his or her life. You may also see speech examples in pdf

Commencement Speech Examples (PDF)
Dedication Speech Examples (PDF)

These kinds of speeches are like PRs, they only tell the good parts about you and never the negative or bad parts about you. As the person assigned to give the introductory speech about the person, your only job is to provide basic background information about that person, the speaker will take care of the rest. But giving an introductory speech would be useless if you are afraid of public speaking. It is important that you learn to conquer your fears and rise above the challenge at hand. You may also check out introduction speech examples to provide you with a better idea on how to write these kinds of speeches.

The job of an introduction speech is to:

introduce your guest speaker
create a welcoming, attentive ready-and-motivated-to-listen anticipation in the audience

Just like the appetizer, your job is to entice the crowd and keep them happy before feasting on the main course. Try your best to wow the audience in order for them to get hyped when the main speaker arrives. Although you have your speech laid out for you, try to add some humor and wit and maybe some jokes as an impromptu as a way to break the ice. You may also like presentation speech examples & samples

To prepare your introduction speech you’ll need:

1. the guest speaker’s name.

When you get the full name of the guest speaker, try to make sure that it is correct cause there are times that the spelling might be wrong. After getting their name, ask for the correct pronunciation of the name. Who would like to hear their mispronounced name, right? You may also check out motivational speech examples & samples

2. The guest speaker’s biography

Aside from knowing just the guest speaker’s name, you got to introduce who he really is as a person and why he or she is the right person to talk about this certain topic. State his or her credentials and what he or she has achieved. Let the audience know who they are listening to and why he or she matter. You may also see informative speech examples & samples

3. A surprise

As mentioned before, it is best to keep things in a very light manner. Nothing too serious should even be said when it is just an introductory speech. Add some jokes, laugh a bit, add humor and wit. Whatever you think that will manage to get the audience’s attention, go for it. You may also like speech examples in doc

How to organize your material

Build excitement or interest by piling one piece of information after another.
Make the name of the speech and the speaker, the climax and end of your speech.

Let’s pretend, for the sake of showing you how it’s done, that we’ve already gathered up all the material we need to introduce a guest speaker. You may also check out appreciation speech examples & samples

Introduction Speech Example

1. let’s put this speech in context to help you make sense of it.

The setting for this introduction speech is a conference for an organization called “ Women in Leadership” . The audience are primarily women drawn together through an interest in leadership roles. At the end of the speech, the speaker will lead the clapping as the guest takes center stage. You may also see award speech examples

2. Now here’s the speech text

She’s been a stalwart member of “Women in Leadership” for the last fifteen years. Over that time she’s served in every office: secretary, treasurer, chairperson, chief fundraiser, education officer, chief executive officer to name a few and in some roles several times over. You may also like welcome speech examples & samples

Her passionate dedication and commitment to promoting public speaking as an important component of empowerment is simply amazing and inspiring. We estimate that she has personally mentored at least 200 new speakers and has set an extraordinary “yes, you can” philosophy for many more. You may also check out valedictorian speech examples & samples

We see her as capable, confident and fluent – never at a loss for words. But what you probably don’t know is that this woman was once weak, shy, stuttered, broken and damaged.

How she got from awkward tongue tied silence to an eloquent front line spokesperson is the story she will share with us tonight. Ladies, I give you … Katherine Watson!” You may also see persuasive speech examples & samples

3. Say the speech out loud! Use it as a template!

Try saying it out loud to get the flow of it. If you like it, use it as a model for the introduction speech you need to write.

Tips to make your introduction speech successful

1. consider tone and language use.

How are you going to build up audience interest if you do not seem motivated and interested to talk about him or her in the first place? While drafting your speech, try to consider the use of language. Is it going to be the same as every introductory speech or are you going to try and spice it up a bit? Remember that in this case, the audience matters as well. Learn on who you are talking to and how you make use of language to gauge your audience is up to you. You may also like speech outline examples & samples

2. Check the length of your speech

Pertinent and pithy – short and sweet is what you want. One to two minutes should be enough. Try it out loud with a timer. Remember that you are simply the appetizer and not the main course. This is not your time, but the time for the guest speaker. You may also check out orientation speech examples & samples

3. Resist exaggerating or “puffing up” the speaker’s achievements

Try not to exaggerate the guest speaker’s achievements. Try no to sugarcoat the truth just to make him or her look good. It should simply be enough so that the audience can get a quick background of the speaker.

4. Always check your facts

Avoid stating on anything that the speaker is not. It will end very badly for you if you do so. If there are some sensitive issues that you know about the speaker, make sure that you ask him or her permission first before stating it out loud for the whole world to hear. You may also see inspirational speech examples

5. Remember you are the support act!

Cover only enough in your introduction to make the coming speech eagerly anticipated. Do not stray into telling the audience what the guest speaker’s speech will cover in detail.

6. Rehearse

Practice makes perfect. Try practicing in front of a mirror or in front of your family and friends so that they can judge you as to see how you are doing. Sometimes, just winging it is not enough. You have to work on it to develop the confidence you need to improve on your delivery and tone more. You can also see self-introductory speech examples to analyze on how this whole different speech is being framed and written.

Usain Bolt Introductory Speech Example

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

Today, it is both my honor and privilege to be able to introduce you to a role model of the athletic world, a man of distinction – Usain Bolt.

Born on August 21, 1986 in Jamaica, he has distinguished himself as a world class sprinter and he currently holds the Olympic and World Records for the 100 meters in 9.69 seconds and the 200 meters in 19. 30 seconds . Wow. Amazing. I wish I could run that fast. You may also like student council speech examples

What makes his achievements all the more remarkable is the fact that they were all set at the 2008 Summer Olympics. He eventually became the first man to win all three events in one of the categories in the Olympics since Carl Lewis in 1984 and the first man in history to set world records in all three events at a single Olympics. His name and his achievements in sprinting have earned him the media nickname “Lightning Bolt”. You may also check out commencement speech examples

I am sure that you all know a great deal about his public sprinting life, but there is more to him than just running.

What you don’t know about the “Lightning Bolt” is that he enjoys dancing and is often characterized as a laid-back and relaxed character . Did you know that before sprinting, his first interested sport was cricket? He said and I quote: “that if he was not a sprinter, he would be a fast bowler instead.” But then, he wouldn’t be known as the “Lightning Bolt”, but something else. You may also see special occasion speech examples & samples

Please give a warm welcome to none other than Usain “Lightning” Bolt to share with you some words of wisdom on not giving up.

Even if you are simply the person assigned to give the introductory speech, you are still required to give it your all and be the best at what you do so that it will leave a good impression to the audience that you have respect for the work that you do and that you take it seriously. You may also like examples of writing a short speech

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Writing Tips

How to Write a Speech about Someone

December 27, 2023

Conducting interviews with the person and their colleagues

Conducting interviews with the person and their colleagues is an essential step when writing a speech about someone. These interviews provide valuable firsthand insights and personal anecdotes that can bring the speech to life. Start by scheduling a one-on-one interview with the person you are writing about, allowing them to share their thoughts, experiences, and achievements. Additionally, reach out to their colleagues, friends, and family members who can offer a different perspective and additional information. Prepare thoughtful and open-ended questions to encourage detailed responses. Take thorough notes during the interviews and pay attention to key moments, emotions, and noteworthy stories. These interviews will not only provide you with valuable content for the speech but will also help you capture the essence and personality of the person you are writing about.

Researching online and offline sources

Researching online and offline sources is crucial when writing a speech about someone. It allows you to gather a comprehensive understanding of the person’s background, accomplishments, and impact. Begin by exploring reputable online sources such as news articles, biographies, interviews, and profiles. These sources can provide a wealth of information, including professional achievements, personal milestones, and notable events. Additionally, delve into offline sources such as books, magazines, journals, and archives that may offer unique insights and lesser-known details. Pay attention to relevant speeches or presentations the person has given in the past, as this can provide valuable inspiration and guidance for your own speech. By conducting thorough research, you can ensure that your speech is well-informed, accurate, and compelling, showcasing the person’s achievements and capturing their essence effectively.

Outlining the speech and organizing the information

Outlining the speech and organizing the information is a critical step when writing a speech about someone. It helps ensure that your speech is coherent, well-structured, and easy to follow for your audience. Here are some steps to help you outline and organize the information effectively:

Identify the main themes and key points: Start by identifying the overarching themes and main points you want to convey in your speech. These could be the person’s achievements, personal qualities, or significant milestones.
Create a logical flow: Arrange the main points in a logical order that makes sense to your audience. Consider using a chronological order, a problem-solution approach, or a thematic structure to organize your speech.
Use sub-points or supporting details: Break down each main point into sub-points or supporting details that provide more depth and context. These can include specific examples, stories, statistics, or quotes that support your main points.
Prioritize information: Determine the most important information you want to include in your speech and ensure it receives the appropriate focus. Trim down any excess or less relevant details to keep your speech concise and impactful.
Consider transitions: Plan smooth transitions between different sections of your speech to maintain a cohesive flow. Transitions help your audience follow along easily and understand the logical progression of your ideas.
Review and revise: Once you have outlined your speech, review and revise it for clarity, coherence, and effectiveness. Ensure that each point aligns with your overall purpose and message.

By following these steps, you can create a well-organized speech that effectively communicates your message and honors the person you are speaking about.

Identifying the Theme and Purpose of the Speech

When writing a speech about someone, it is essential to establish a clear theme and purpose to ensure a coherent and impactful delivery. The theme of the speech should revolve around the key attributes, accomplishments, or impact of the person you are speaking about. It might focus on their leadership qualities, innovative contributions, or personal journey.

The purpose of the speech could vary depending on the context. It could aim to celebrate their achievements, inspire and motivate the audience, or pay tribute to their legacy. Understanding the theme and purpose helps structure the speech, allowing you to gather relevant anecdotes, quotes, or examples that support your message.

To identify the theme and purpose, consider the overall message you want to convey and the desired impact on the audience. Research the person extensively to gather sufficient material, and then structure your speech around a central theme that aligns with the purpose. Remember, clarity in theme and purpose creates a memorable and meaningful speech about someone.

Using Rhetorical Devices to Enhance the Message

In order to write a compelling speech about someone, incorporating rhetorical devices can elevate the impact of your message. Rhetorical devices are techniques and language patterns that engage and persuade the audience, making your speech more memorable and persuasive.

One commonly used device is the use of repetition, where key words or phrases are repeated for emphasis and to reinforce the message. This helps to create a rhythmic flow and enhance the overall impact.

Another powerful device is the use of metaphors and analogies, as they provide vivid imagery and facilitate a deeper understanding of the person you are speaking about. They can help paint a picture in the minds of the audience, making your speech more relatable and engaging.

Furthermore, employing rhetorical questions can evoke curiosity and prompt the audience to reflect on the subject, while alliteration and parallelism add a poetic touch and enhance the overall delivery.

By integrating these and other rhetorical devices strategically throughout your speech, you can captivate the audience, amplify your message, and bring your speech about someone to life.

Choosing the Right Language and Tone

When writing a speech about someone, selecting the right language and tone is crucial in effectively conveying your message and connecting with the audience. The language used should be clear, concise, and appropriate for the occasion and the audience’s level of understanding.

Consider the tone you want to set – whether it is formal, informal, celebratory, or reflective – and tailor your language accordingly. Utilize words and phrases that resonate with the subject’s personality, achievements, or values, ensuring they are accurately represented.

Additionally, be mindful of the emotional impact you want to create. By using descriptive and evocative language, you can engage the audience’s senses and create a deeper connection to the person you are speaking about.

It’s also important to strike a balance between facts and emotions. While presenting relevant information, infuse the speech with anecdotes, stories, and personal experiences that highlight the human side of the individual, fostering empathy and relatability.

Ultimately, choosing the right language and tone plays a crucial role in crafting a speech that not only informs but also inspires, capturing the essence of the person you are speaking about and leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Creating a Compelling Opening and Closing

The opening and closing of a speech are critical moments that have the power to capture the audience’s attention and leave a lasting impression. To make these moments compelling and impactful, consider the following strategies:

Start with a bold statement or a thought-provoking question that immediately grabs the audience’s attention.
Use an engaging anecdote or story that relates to the person you are speaking about. This can create an emotional connection and draw the audience into the speech.
Incorporate a powerful quote or a relevant statistic that highlights the significance or impact of the individual.
Invoke the audience’s curiosity by presenting a surprising or intriguing fact related to the person.
Include a personal reflection or experience that showcases your own connection to the individual. This can help establish credibility and demonstrate the personal significance of the speech.

In the closing, aim to leave a lasting impression by:

Summarizing the key points of the speech in a concise and compelling manner.
Reiterating the significance and impact of the person’s achievements or influence.
Ending with a strong call to action, inspiring the audience to act or reflect upon the person’s legacy.
Utilizing a memorable metaphor or analogy that reinforces the central theme or message of the speech.
Expressing gratitude or offering a heartfelt tribute to the person, leaving the audience with a sense of admiration and appreciation.

By utilizing these strategies, you can create a captivating opening and closing that effectively frame the speech and resonate with the audience.

Tips for Making a Lasting Impression

When crafting a speech about someone, it’s crucial to ensure that your words leave a lasting impression on the audience. Here are some tips to help you achieve that:

Research extensively: Take the time to thoroughly research and gather as much information as possible about the person you are speaking about. This will enable you to create a comprehensive and impactful speech.
Establish a connection: Find a personal connection between yourself and the individual, whether it’s through shared experiences, values, or goals. This will make your speech more relatable and genuine.
Tell memorable stories: Incorporate anecdotes and stories that illustrate the person’s character, achievements, or impact. Narrative elements create emotional engagement and enhance the audience’s understanding of the subject.
Use vivid language: Employ strong and descriptive language that paints a vivid picture in the minds of the listeners. This will make your speech more engaging and memorable.
Engage the senses: Appeal to the audience’s senses by using sensory language, such as sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. This will create a more immersive experience and make your speech stand out.
Utilize visual aids: Include compelling visual aids, such as images or videos, to supplement your speech. Visuals have a powerful impact and can enhance the audience’s understanding and emotional connection.
Practice delivery: Rehearse your speech to ensure smooth and confident delivery. Practice your pacing, body language, and intonation to effectively convey your message and captivate the audience.

By following these tips, you can write a speech that leaves a lasting impression, resonates with your audience, and does justice to the person you are speaking about.

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How to Introduce Someone in English: Formal & Informal

This article covers the following areas –

Key tips to introduce someone both formally & informally, how to introduce someone in a formal setting, how to introduce someone in an informal setting, final thoughts, faq: introducing someone in english – formal & informal.

Introducing someone to others is very common in our everyday life, both in personal and professional life. As an ESL speaker, if you find it difficult to introduce someone, I am here to help you with some tips and appropriate English phrases.

To introduce someone formally, use their full name and title, followed by their professional role or connection to others present. To introduce informally, use first names and casual language, sharing personal interests or relationships to build rapport between parties.

So, to introduce someone, you should politely give details about the person to whom you are introducing him or her. You must allow them to start a conversation and create an opportunity to know each other. Yet, the expressions that you use to introduce should vary depending on the context: formal or informal.

Well, before moving forward, I would like to share about a book that can help you improve your conversational skills. 110 Real Life English Conversations (Amazon Link) is a great book for ESL learners and teachers as it provides various conversation and situational dialogues, 223 everyday English expressions, and idioms. It’ll certainly help you to gain the confidence to speak English in real life.

Introductions are more than just telling someone another person’s name; they’re about creating a bridge between people, paving the way for a new relationship. Whether it’s in a formal boardroom or a laid-back coffee shop, the way we introduce someone speaks volumes about our social skills and respect for those we’re introducing. Here are four key tips to consider when introducing people, irrespective of the context or the level of formality.

1. Mention the Names Correctly

Knowing and saying someone’s name correctly is a basic yet profound gesture of respect. If you’re in a formal setting, like a business meeting or a formal dinner, it’s important to use full names and titles. For example, you’d say,

“Professor John Doe, I’d like to introduce Director Jane Smith.”

In a casual scenario, like meeting someone at a friend’s house, first names are perfectly fine. For example, you may say

“John, meet Jane.”

2. Maintain Proper Eye Contact

When we look someone in the eye, it’s a sign that we’re focused on them. It’s crucial in introductions. In formal situations, your eye contact should be strong but not too intense. In informal settings, your gaze can be gentler and a bit more relaxed.

So, whether you’re at a job interview or a neighborhood barbeque, remember that your eyes can speak as clearly as your words.

3. Provide Contextual Information

When you introduce someone, adding some information about them can set the stage for a conversation. In a professional setting, you might mention what someone does or a recent accomplishment. For example,

“Dr. Smith, this is Mr. Brown, whose article on nutrition you found intriguing.”

In more casual circumstances, sharing a personal interest can break the ice. You can say, for instance,

“Jane, John here is also a fan of mystery novels!”

4. Be Polite All the Way

Politeness is not just a formal necessity; it’s a universal sign of respect and kindness. No matter where you are, using a friendly tone and kind words is key. Speak clearly so everyone can understand you, and never rush through an introduction.

Even simple words like “please” and “thank you” are like the glue that holds good social interaction together.

The Golden Rule of Introducing Someone

In formal contexts, it’s common first to mention the person who holds a higher position, is older or has more experience. For example,

“Dr. Senior, meet our new intern, Mr. Junior.”

In informal settings, it’s less about status and more about facilitating a warm connection so that you might say,

“Emma, this is Lucas. Lucas, Emma is the friend I told you about!”

Understanding these nuances can turn a simple introduction into the beginning of a meaningful relationship. It’s not just about following social rules but about making people feel seen and valued. Whether you’re introducing colleagues at work or friends at a dinner party, doing it thoughtfully can make all the difference.

Do you have any other tips in your mind that you think should be considered important, no matter whether someone introduces someone else in formal or casual situations? If YES, please share them in the comment box to help others improve their English language skills. However, if you are looking for a book or a guide to help you learn and improve your English, you may try English Made Easy Volume One: A New ESL Approach: Learning English Through Pictures (Amazon Link) . This book creatively uses pictures and text to revolutionize English language learning, making it easier to understand and more effective overall.

When you’re at a work event or any place where things are more official, introducing someone the right way is really important. It’s part of being professional. You should do things a bit more formally than when you’re just hanging out with pals.

So, while you’re at a big company meeting, and you want to introduce a new team member to your boss formally, say their full name, maybe their job title, and perhaps how they’ll be working with the team.

What Situations Are Formal?

When you’re at an event, it’s smart to figure out how formal it is because that tells you how to introduce people to each other. If it’s something like your company’s yearly meeting, a fancy dinner, or a big meeting for people in your industry, you’ll want to stick to a more official way of introducing people.

At these kinds of events, you’ll use complete names and titles, like “Dr. Sarah Ahmed, meet our CEO, Mr. Amir Khan.” Your body language should be professional, too—stand up straight, make eye contact, and give a firm handshake if that’s what’s done in your place. This shows you’re serious and you respect the formal vibe of the event.

However, a checklist can be a practical guide to determine if a situation requires formal introductions. Here’s a simplified checklist that can help you identify a formal setting.

Event Type : Is it a corporate function, official ceremony, gala, or formal dinner?
Venue : Is the event being held at a professional, upscale, or traditional venue?
Dress Code : Are attendees expected to wear formal attire such as suits, formal dresses, or uniforms?
Invitations : Were the invitations formally addressed and sent through traditional mail or official email channels?
Attendees : Are there dignitaries, executives, officials, or other high-ranking professionals present?
Agenda : Is there a structured program or schedule that includes speeches, awards, or presentations?
Conduct : Are the conversations around you focused on professional, cultural, or civic topics?
Name Tags : Are people wearing name tags with titles and affiliations?
Security : Is there a security check or a guest list at the entrance?
Media Presence : Is the event being covered by the media or professional photographers?

If most of your answers are “YES,” then it’s likely that you’re in a formal setting where traditional protocols for introductions and interactions should be observed.

6 Tips to Formally Introduce Someone

Below are key tips to ensure that your formal introductions are polished and respectful and set the stage for a successful dialogue.

#1 Preparation is Key

Before the event, ensure you know the full names and titles of the people you’re introducing. This preparation avoids awkward pauses and demonstrates your respect for each individual’s identity and accomplishments.

#2 Acknowledge Titles and Seniority

Recognize the hierarchy by using titles and addressing the more senior or higher-ranking person first. This shows your understanding of the organizational or social structure and adds a layer of respect to the proceedings.

#3 Facilitate Conversation

Offer a piece of information about each person that can serve as a conversation starter. This could be a mutual interest, a recent accomplishment, or their role in the event. It eases the initial interaction and encourages a natural flow of dialogue.

#4 Mind Your Manners

Use polite introductory phrases, and be mindful of your tone and volume. Courteous language sets a respectful tone and makes both parties feel valued.

#5 Use proper Body Language

Good eye contact, a confident handshake, and an inviting posture are as important as your words. They contribute to the positive impact of the introduction and set the stage for professional interaction.

For those who want to improve their non-verbal communication, I would suggest Brandon Cooper’s Body Language Mastery: 4 Books in 1 (Amazon Link) . I believe this book is the ultimate psychology guide to analyzing, reading, and influencing people using body language, emotional intelligence, psychological persuasion, and manipulation.

#6 Close the Introduction

Once you’ve made the introductions, allow the two parties to engage with each other. Your subtle withdrawal indicates that you’ve completed your role and gives them space to build their conversation.

By following these guidelines, you ensure that your formal introduction of someone is not only appropriate to the setting but also conducive to building strong professional connections.

List of English Expressions to Introduce Someone Formally

Formal introductions often carry a sense of decorum and respect, especially in professional settings or events that demand a certain protocol level. Here’s a list of expressions that can be used when introducing someone formally.

May I introduce…
I’d like you to meet…
Please allow me to present…
I have the pleasure of introducing…
It’s my privilege to present…
I would like to introduce you to…
Let me introduce you to…
I’m pleased to present…
It is an honor to introduce…
I’d be delighted for you to meet…
May I present…
Please meet…
I am eager to introduce…
It’s my honor to present…
Let me have the pleasure of introducing…
I’d like to acquaint you with…
I’m delighted to present…
I wish to introduce you to…

Sample Conversation: Introducing Someone Formally

Let’s imagine a scenario where you’re at a business conference, and you need to introduce your colleague to a renowned industry expert.

You: Good afternoon, Mr. Thompson. May I introduce Ms. Elizabeth Clark? She is our Lead Project Manager and has been instrumental in spearheading our latest technological advancements.

Mr. Thompson: Pleased to meet you, Ms. Clark.

Ms. Clark: The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Thompson. I’ve followed your work for many years and am delighted to have the opportunity to speak with you today.

You: Ms. Clark has recently overseen the successful launch of our new mobile platform, which has significantly improved customer engagement.

Mr. Thompson: That sounds quite impressive, Ms. Clark. I would love to hear more about your work in this area.

Ms. Clark: Thank you, Mr. Thompson. I would gladly discuss it further and share insights on our project’s development and implementation phases.

You: I’m sure you both have much to discuss. Mr. Thompson, Ms. Clark is also well-versed in the latest AI integration strategies, which might align well with your current research.

Mr. Thompson: Indeed, it seems we have much to talk about. Shall we find a quiet place to continue this conversation?

Ms. Clark: That would be wonderful. Thank you for facilitating this introduction.

In this exchange, formal language sets the tone for a professional and respectful dialogue. It’s clear concise, and acknowledges the accomplishments and status of both parties, providing a foundation for a potentially fruitful professional relationship.

Getting to know how to introduce someone in a laid-back, informal setting is just as crucial as mastering formal introductions, though it comes with its own relaxed rules. In these scenarios, the atmosphere is usually light-hearted, the setting more personal, and the introductions are all about creating a friendly rapport.

In an informal setting, introductions should be relaxed and friendly. Use first names, mention mutual interests to establish common ground, and adopt a casual tone. Encourage a natural conversation flow without stringent adherence to protocols or formalities.

What Situations Are Informal?

Informal situations typically have a casual vibe, like a backyard barbecue, a small get-together with friends, or an impromptu meeting with colleagues. Here, you’d skip the long titles and maybe introduce people with their first names or nicknames, along with a fun fact or interest that could spark a conversation. For instance, you might say,

“Hey, this is Alex; he’s the one who organized that amazing beach volleyball game last month!”

Such introductions are breezy and aim to kickstart a friendly chat rather than establish a professional connection. Here’s a quick checklist to gauge if you’re in an informal setting.

Event Type: Is it a casual get-together, a friend’s party, or a non-official gathering?
Venue: Is the event at someone’s home, a casual restaurant, or an open public space?
Dress Code: Are people wearing casual or everyday clothes?
Invitations: Were invites sent out casually, like through a group text or a social media event?
Attendees: Are the guests’ friends, family, or acquaintances with no strict professional agenda?
Agenda: Is there a lack of a formal schedule, with more spontaneous activities?
Conversations: Do topics range from personal stories to pop culture and everyday life?
Name Tags: Are there no name tags, with people possibly wearing fun or thematic attire?
Security: Is the entry open or simply a doorbell away?
Media Presence: Are there no formal media but perhaps candid photos for social media?

If you’re nodding to most of these points, then you’re likely in an informal setting where you can be more relaxed with introductions.

6 Tips to Informally Introduce Someone

Introducing someone in an informal setting is all about making connections in a relaxed and friendly way. Unlike formal introductions, there’s no need to stand in the ceremony or observe a strict protocol. It’s about creating a warm atmosphere, encouraging open conversation and genuine connections. Here’s how to make casual introductions that feel natural and set the stage for a good rapport.

#1 Be Relaxed

In an informal setting, the key is to keep things easy-going. You’re not preparing for a business meeting, so there’s no need to go overboard with details. Just know the names of the people you’re introducing. The aim is to connect people, not to impress or intimidate, so maintain a relaxed demeanor, and your introduction will set the tone for a comfortable and pleasant interaction.

#2 Use First Names

Using first names instantly breaks down barriers and creates a sense of familiarity. If one or both parties have a nickname they prefer, use that instead. It suggests a level of comfort and camaraderie that formal titles do not, fostering a friendly environment right from the start.

#3 Share Interests

To spark a conversation, bring up a common interest. If you know they both enjoy a particular hobby or follow the same sports team, mention it. This gives them a natural topic to discuss and helps to break the ice. It’s about finding common ground that can lead to a deeper conversation or shared experiences in the future.

#4 Keep it Light

Keep your tone upbeat and include a smile. Casual settings are perfect for enjoying the moment and helping others do the same. Your attitude can significantly influence the interaction between the people you introduce, so a light-hearted approach can make everyone feel more comfortable and open.

#5 Use Casual but Polite Body Language

While a handshake is a safe bet in most scenarios, informal settings can often lead to a more relaxed form of greeting, like a brief hug or a high five, depending on the cultural norms and the level of familiarity between the people. Observe their cues and go with what seems most natural to them.

#6 Let the Conversation Flow

After the introduction, you might find yourself part of a newly sparked conversation, or you may decide to step back and let them get to know each other. Unlike formal introductions where you might excuse yourself formally, here you can move on when it feels right or stay and contribute to the chat. The beauty of informal introductions is that they are fluid and adaptable to the situation.

Mastering the art of informal introductions is like weaving social threads that have the potential to turn into meaningful connections. It’s less about the rules and more about the people, making everyone feel included and valued. With these tips, you can make introductions that could lead to lasting friendships and memorable moments.

List of English Expressions to Introduce Someone Informally

Introducing someone in a laid-back, informal context can be a simple and enjoyable way to connect people. Here’s a list of expressions that can suit such situations:

Hey, come over here! I want you to meet someone.
Check this out; you’ve got to meet my buddy.
Do you know who you should meet? This guy!
Oh, let me introduce my friend here.
You two haven’t met yet? Meet each other!
I’ve been meaning to introduce you two!
Have you two crossed paths yet? This is…
Guess who I bumped into today? You’ll like them.
You’ve heard me talk about this one; now, meet him in person.
I’m not sure if you two have met yet.
Here’s someone I think you’ll get along with.
I was just talking about you! Come meet…
It’s about time you two met.
Here’s the person I was telling you about!
You’ve got similar interests, so I thought I should introduce you.
This is my other half, the one I’ve been bragging about.
You’ll never guess what this one does for fun.
Have you met the legend yet? Here they are!
Oh, you’re going to love this one, meet…

Sample Conversation: Introducing Someone Informally

Let’s set a scene where you’re at a casual get-together, and you want to introduce your friend to a group that shares common interests.

You: Hey everyone, you’ve got to meet Jamie. He is the one who actually found that hidden hiking trail I was raving about.

Jamie: Hi all, it’s great to meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

Friend 1: That was you? That trail has become my go-to spot for weekends. Glad you could join us today!

Jamie: I’m always up for sharing a good trail. How long have you guys been hiking together?

Friend 2: We’ve been hitting different trails for a couple of months now. Do you have any other secret spots?

You: Jamie’s full of surprises when it comes to finding the best spots. Plus, they’re also into live music, just like you were talking about, Alex.

Friend 3 (Alex): Really? What kind of bands are you into?

Jamie: I’m all over the map, but indie rock and jazz fusion are at the top of my list these days.

You: Told you you’d get along! Well, I’ll let you guys chat. Jamie, they’re planning a hike next weekend; you should definitely consider joining.

In this conversation, the informal tone is friendly and inclusive, making everyone feel comfortable and encouraging a natural flow of dialogue. It’s all about finding common ground and enjoying the interaction without any pressure.

Being able to introduce someone in English properly—whether in a formal or informal setting—is a valuable social skill that can pave the way for new relationships and opportunities.

In formal scenarios, choosing the right words to respect and acknowledge each person’s role and accomplishments can set the stage for a professional and fruitful exchange. On the flip side, informal introductions are all about creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that can turn strangers into friends in a matter of moments.

From understanding when to use a person’s first name to gauge the appropriate level of detail to share, the key lies in reading the room and knowing your audience. The list of expressions I’ve compiled offers a versatile toolkit to navigate various social landscapes with ease. Meanwhile, the sample conversations illustrate how these phrases can come to life, providing a practical framework for your own encounters.

Remember, whether you opt for a respectful “May I introduce…” in a boardroom or a cheerful “Hey, come meet my friend!” at a barbecue, the essence of a good introduction is in making both parties feel valued and at ease. By applying these phrases and adapting to the context, you’ll be well-equipped to bridge connections and foster camaraderie wherever you go. Keep these tips in hand, and you’ll find that the simple act of introducing someone can indeed be the beginning of something wonderful.

1. Why is the manner of introduction important in English?

The way you introduce someone sets the tone for the interaction and reflects respect and consideration for both parties involved.

2. What are the key differences between formal and informal introductions?

Formal introductions often use titles and surnames, are more structured, and may include the person’s role or relation. Informal introductions are more relaxed, using first names and might include personal anecdotes.

3. How should I prepare for a formal introduction?

Know the titles and roles of the individuals involved and the context of the meeting. It’s also good to gauge the level of familiarity they might already have.

4. Is it necessary to shake hands during an introduction?

In many Western cultures, a handshake is common during formal introductions, but it’s essential to be aware of cultural norms and personal preferences, especially in the current health climate.

5. How can I ensure both parties feel comfortable during the introduction?

Speak clearly, maintain eye contact, and use positive body language. A brief context or common ground can also ease the introduction.

6. In which situations should I avoid making introductions?

If you’re unsure of someone’s name or title or if the setting is inappropriate (e.g., interrupting a private conversation), it might be best to wait.

7. How can I handle forgetting someone’s name during an introduction?

If it’s a casual setting, a simple “I’m sorry, could you remind me of your name?” is acceptable. In formal settings, try to avoid this by preparing in advance or seeking help discreetly.

8. Can I use humor during informal introductions?

Certainly! Light humor can break the ice and make the introduction more memorable.

9. Is it okay to give a brief background when introducing someone?

Yes, especially in business or formal settings where the context can be helpful. However, ensure the information is relevant and doesn’t breach privacy.

10. How should I respond when being introduced?

A simple “Nice to meet you” or “Pleased to meet you” with a smile is a universally accepted response.

If you have further questions or suggestions about anything specific related to this topic or anything else related to learning English as a second language, feel free to ask me in the comment box. You may also help the ESLA community by putting your valuable suggestions here to help every member improve their English language skills.

How to Differently Say, “It was a pleasure meeting you.”

How to Express Agreement in English: A Complete Guide

Different Ways to Say “For Example” in English

How to Introduce Yourself in English: Formal and Informal

Niaj A A Khan

Niaj A A Khan is an ESL Instructor with over 8 years of experience in teaching & developing resources at different universities and institutes. Mr. Khan is also a passionate writer working on his first book, "Learn English at Ease."

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How to Introduce People

Last Updated: March 14, 2023 Fact Checked

Introduction Basics

Expert interview, things you'll need.

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 656,470 times.

Introducing people is both an art and a means of ensuring good manners. A good introduction can get people off to a great conversational start and can help ease any discomfort or unease at meeting for the first time. When you introduce people, the most important, and trickiest, part can be to figure out who should be introduced to whom, based on rank and authority. Once you have that figured out, you can easily help two people get to know each other — and even to start a great conversation in the process. See Step 1 to learn how to introduce people today.

Things You Should Know

Say the name of the person being introduced to. This should be the person with the "higher rank" among the two people you're introducing.
Present the other person to the person with the higher rank.
For example: "Dad, I'd like you to meet my boyfriend, Danny" or "Mr. CEO, I'd like to introduce you to Mr. Employee."

If you find yourself in conversation with two people who don't know each other, try to introduce them as soon as possible. This can get a little tricky. Let's say you're with your college roommate, Amanda, when you run into your friend from high school, Jake, who launches into a story about a mutual friend. Poor Amanda will be standing there feeling awkward and bored while Jake rambles on. It's important to find an opening so that you can include Amanda into the conversation.
You should avoid introducing someone to people who are in the middle of a serious conversation. Maybe you're at a work event with a client, and you've been eager to introduce him to your boss. While this is an important introduction that should be made, you should avoid doing so if your boss seems to be entangled in a deep conversation with another person. You should wait for an opening, when your boss doesn't seem extremely absorbed; making introductions at the wrong time can lead people to not hit it off as well as they could.

Step 2 Figure out which person of the two has a higher rank or authority in a social setting.

Your 70-year-old mother-in-law is of greater seniority than your brand new boyfriend.
Great age takes precedence over most rank or authority, out of courtesy and respect. Your eighty-year-old male neighbor should be ranked higher than your fourteen-year-old niece (according to most people).
All other things being equal, the person you've known the longest should be named first: introduce your junior friend to your senior friend.
For social introductions, men are usually introduced to women, as a sign of respect. Gender is not a factor in business settings, where rank is more important.
Your relatives hold higher rank over your friends.

Step 3 Figure out which person of the two has a higher rank or authority in a business setting.

Your boss will be of greater rank or authority than your colleague, partner, or best friend.
Your senior colleague takes precedence over your junior colleague.
Your customer or client should be introduced to your employees.
If you are introducing people of equal rank in the business world, then introduce the person you don't know as well to the person you know better. You should say the name of the person you know better first.

Step 4 Always state the name of the person with higher rank and present the person of lower rank to them.

Introduce a friend or significant other to a relative. The relative has a higher rank : "Dad, I'd like you to meet my boyfriend, Danny."
Introduce a lower-ranking business associate to a higher ranking one : "Mr. CEO, I'd like to introduce Mr. Underling."
Introduce a client to a business associate : "Mr. Client, this is Mr. Money, my associate."
Introduce a younger person to an older one : "Mr. Oldson, I'd like you to meet Sally Youngling."
Introduce a man to a woman : "Mary, this is Jeff."
In a business setting, let rank take precedence over gender. If Mr. Thomas is a higher-ranking male than Mrs. Davis, Mr. Thomas gets the higher authority because of his business position, even though Mrs. Davis is a woman :" Mr. Thomas, may I introduce Mrs. Davis."

Step 5 Provide background information to help the people start a conversation.

"Elizabeth, have you met Fitzwilliam? I believe you both share a love of reading Jane Austen while walking on the moors."
"Mom, this is my friend, Stacy. She teaches classes at your yoga studio."
"Mr. Jones, this is Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith has been helping me on the Connor account. We never would have closed the account if it wasn't for your help, Mr. Jones."
"Mary, I'd love for you to meet Mark Charles, my neighbor. Mark is actually a published writer. Mary has just started taking creative writing classes."
"Amy, have you met Rick? Rick actually works with Jeff, your roommate. Isn't Jeff the greatest? I wish he could be here tonight..."

Step 1 Make a formal introduction correctly.

Name the person of greater rank or authority first.
Use both first and last names, and include any title such as "Dr./Sir". For example, "Dr. Jones, may I introduce Stephanie Smith. Dr. Jones is my art history professor. Stephanie is an art history major."
Include relevant details as you introduce the two together, such as any established relationship you have with the person you're introducing. For example, you might say: "Mr. Boss, may I present Mark Jones. Mr. Boss is my boss. Mark Jones is my associate."

Step 2 Make an informal introduction correctly.

Using first names only is fine in informal situations.

Step 3 Make a group introduction correctly.

For more formal, larger groups, introduce the newcomer to the whole group first, then take the newcomer to each person and introduce by name: "Caroline, this is Fitzwilliam, my boss; Lydia, this is Fitzwilliam, my boss," etc. Continue working your way around the group in this manner.
Though you may think it's funny or just easier to say, "Mary, this is everybody. Everybody, this is Mary," this doesn't actually help get a conversation going. Besides, it's rude to "everybody," because it makes it seem like you don't think it's worth it for Mary to get to know each person. Of course, use your discretion: if you're at a loud party and Mary just got there, it may be overwhelming to introduce her to twelve new faces immediately. Instead, ease Mary into the conversation and introduce her to a few people at a time.

Step 4 Do not repeat names or reverse the introduction.

Politely excuse yourself and say, "I'm so sorry, would you mind reminding me of your name?"
Try to be sneaky. Say, "Have the two of you met?" Then pause and wait for the people to introduce themselves. This isn't a perfect maneuver, but it can help you in a pinch, especially if you've forgotten the name of a person you've met several times!

Step 6 Use common sense when deciding what to call people.

When in doubt, go with the more formal option. It's better to have your boss say, "You can call me Bob instead of Mr." instead of having your boss bristle when you call him "Bob" instead of "Mr."

Community Q&A

Responses to being introduced should be simple, such as "hello", or "nice to meet you" or "Elizabeth has told me so much about you". Avoid any gushing or flowery language that can appear insincere or old-fashioned. Peggy Post says that "exaggerated praise is likely to be a turnoff." [8] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If you want to be Emily Post about it, then you should avoid introducing people in public places if you're not 100% sure they would care to know each other. If you're at an intimate gathering or party, then it's one thing, but if you're, say, at a museum opening and your boss is there, along with Ronaldo, your neighbor, you should not introduce the two of them unless you think your boss would really care to know old Ronaldo. This is a pretty formal distinction, so you can ignore it if you please. It can also help to think of a way to connect the people in the back of your mind before you do the introduction. Then you can help the conversation flow just after introducing but only briefly. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Using "should" or "must" in your introduction. This can easily come across as pushy, bossy, and impolite. For example, avoid saying "You must meet", "You should get to know one another", or "You must have lots to talk about" (how could you possibly assume that?!).
Equally, saying something that requires an action such as shaking hands is also crossing the line of politeness, for example, stating: "Please shake hands with".
Using "This is" when introducing can be a little too informal, and doesn't convey the import of the introduction for a formal occasion.
Forcing someone to meet when they have already made it clear to you that they're not keen to meet the other person. Don't act as rift-healer or belittle their concerns—their desire to not be introduced is their own issue.

If you forget someone's name, don't fudge it. Simply admit that the person's name has "escaped your memory" for the moment; be humble! Thanks Helpful 26 Not Helpful 3
It is important to note that there are cultural, societal and regional variations when it comes to introducing people. For example, the advice in this article has been based on the American expectations, whereas the video has a British approach. While very similar, there are nuances that you might wish to find out about if you are in unfamiliar territory. In a similar vein, there will be differences between business and social introductions, where some conventions that apply to one situation do not apply to the other. Thanks Helpful 14 Not Helpful 5
Subjects to avoid raising in an introduction include divorce, bereavement, job loss, illness, etc. [9] X Research source Topics like these leave everyone feeling uncomfortable and unsure of what to say next. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Knowledge of the rank or authority
Knowledge of possible common ground between the parties

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about introducing people, check out our in-depth interview with Patrick Muñoz .

↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/how-to-do-introductions
↑ https://www.rpi.edu/dept/advising/esl/american_culture/social_skills/intros.htm
↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/etiquette/how-to-make-introductions-like-a-gentleman/
↑ Peggy Post, Excuse me, but I was next , p. 36, (2006), ISBN 978-0-06-088916-6

About This Article

To introduce people, determine which person has higher social rank or more authority and state that person's name first. For example, if you're introducing a significant other to a relative, you can say, "Dad, I'd like you to meet my boyfriend, Robert." In general, introduce people to each other by using the name you usually call them. For instance, if you're close to your former professor, Allison Knight, you can introduce her to your boyfriend as "Allison," if that's what you always call her. For tips on making formal introductions in a work setting, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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FREE 51+ Introduction Speech Samples in PDF
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Introduction Speech Examples
FREE 36+ Introduction Speech Samples in PDF
Introduction Speech Examples

VIDEO

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Introduction speech for guest speaker
Introducing Other in English With Examples

COMMENTS

How to write a speaker intro or bio or introduce someone
2-Minute Tips: How to Introduce Yourself (and Other People) Before a Speech. Pro Tips Public Speaking Presentation Skills 2-Minute Tips Voice ... Introducing someone else is a simple, easy, and straightforward process. If you're the introducer, and no one has provided you with any information to go on, find the speaker before start time, ask ...
How to Memorably Introduce Another Speaker
How to Memorably Introduce Another Speaker. by. Deborah Grayson Riegel. October 18, 2016. As a professional speaker and facilitator for over 20 years, I've been introduced more than a thousand ...
Introduction Speech: a 'how to', with an example speech
2. Check the length of your speech. Pertinent and pithy: a short speech is what you want. One to two minutes should be enough. Test it out loud with a timer and trim if necessary. My example speech is 171 words long. That will take approximately 1 minute 30 seconds to say depending on the speaker's rate of speech.
Introduction Speech Examples That Increase Speaker Credibility
See the examples below to give you an idea of how to introduce yourself while still having effective attention-getters (e.g., a rhetorical question, an anecdote, a statistic, or a bold statement). "Good morning/afternoon/evening. I'm X, and I'm here to talk about Y. To begin, I'd like to share a story…".
How to Write an Introduction Speech: 7 Easy Steps & Examples
Rehearse and Edit. Practice your introduction speech to ensure it flows smoothly and stays within the time frame. Edit out any unnecessary information, ensuring it's concise and impactful. Tailor for the Occasion. Adjust the tone and content of your introduction speech to match the formality and purpose of the event.
Introduction Speech
Introductions are meant to give an audience a quick run through of what they must know. Create a speech outline that will state the purpose of your speech and provide a preview of main ideas that are to be discussed. This is sure to give your audience a reason to listen. 3. Create an icebreaker.
How to write a speech introduction: 12 of the best ways to start
9. It's in the news. Take headlines from what's trending in media you know the audience will be familiar with and see. Using those that relate to your speech topic as the opening of your speech is a good way to grab the attention of the audience. It shows how relevant and up-to-the-minute the topic is. For example:
How to Write a Speech for Someone Else
For example, if it is a commencement speech, ask the speaker about their experience in school and getting out into the "real" world for the first time. Make sure the stories connect well with the subject and main point of the speech. 3. Research the facts. For some speeches, you will need to learn more about the topic.
Make A Speech Introduction That Grabs Audience Attention
The speech introduction is the first part of a speech and the first opportunity to grab the audience's attention and introduce the topic and thesis statement. ... the usual "Hi, everyone. I'm (your name). I (your credentials), and today I will be talking about (points of the speech)." Usually, someone else may have given your name and ...
How to Make a Great Introduction Speech
Full Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLALQuK1NDrgwpES8nSyafhfg6MOAhk7k--Watch more Public Speaking Training videos: http://www.howcast.com/v...
15 Ways to Start a Speech + Bonus Tips
1) Thank the Organizers and Audience. You can start by thanking the audience for coming and thanking the organization for inviting you to speak. Refer to the person who introduced you or to one or more of the senior people in the organization in the audience. This compliments them, makes them feel proud and happy about your presence, and ...
How to Introduce a Speaker in Any Setting (And Amaze Your Audience)
While your introduction is as good as a short speech, we must not forget the keyword here - short! The main spotlight is for the speaker. So keep your intro short. Below 2 and a half minutes is usually a good space to be in. Exceeding 4 minutes is a little too much so make sure to not overstep your speaking time.
How To Do Introductions (With Examples and Tips)
How to do introductions. Follow these steps to deliver a great introduction: State the name of the person you are making an introduction to. Inform them of your intent. State the name of the person who is being introduced. Offer additional information, as appropriate. 1. State the name of the person you are making an introduction to.
How to write a speech for someone else
Confirm where the speech is taking place (an online speech requires different components to a speech given in a stadium!) and how long the speech needs to be. Finally, a good speech takes an audience on a journey. Be clear when writing your speech where your audience is starting and where the speaker wants to take them. Tip 3. Research your topic
Introducing a Speaker Sample Script
Speaker Introduction Framework 1. Here is a very solid framework to start with that I have used for many years. I was taught this by Ron Tachhi who was a very successful speaker and then ran a large Speaker Bureau in Australia. His was based on a framework taught in the Toastmasters Training.
How to Do Introductions (Both Professionally and Personally)
5 Awkward Mistakes When Introducing Someone Else. ... If you're interested in a speech, check out our goodie below! How to End a Speech: My Favorite Closers. ... Introducing someone via email (or on any platform) can be a powerful way to connect people. However, crafting an introduction email (or professional emails) that resonates with both ...
How to Introduce Someone
Tips for Introducing Someone. Look at the person you are speaking to first, then turn to the other person as you complete the introduction. Speak clearly. Mumbling defeats the purpose of the introduction. Use courteous language. "I'd like to introduce…," "May I introduce…," "I'd like you to meet…" are all good options.
How To Write a Speech About Someone Else
When you work on a speech for someone, you should always try to relate and make a personal story told. In most cases, when you work on a speech for someone, this is not an option. But if it is, make sure to include it. Always make a catchy introduction to your speech. Try to grab the attention of your audience in the first few seconds.
7 Tips for Writing a Speech for Someone Else
It is a skill that can be developed over time but not something you can pick up immediately. With this in mind, there are tips that you can use to get started in the right direction on your journey as a speechwriter. Think about who your audience is. 1. Understand Your Audience. The first step in writing any sort of speech is to first ...
Introductory Speech
Introduction Speech Example. 1. Let's put this speech in context to help you make sense of it. The setting for this introduction speech is a conference for an organization called " Women in Leadership". The audience are primarily women drawn together through an interest in leadership roles.
How to Write a Speech about Someone Else
Outlining the speech and organizing the information. Outlining the speech and organizing the information is a critical step when writing a speech about someone. It helps ensure that your speech is coherent, well-structured, and easy to follow for your audience. Here are some steps to help you outline and organize the information effectively:
How to Introduce Someone in English: Formal & Informal
To introduce someone formally, use their full name and title, followed by their professional role or connection to others present. To introduce informally, use first names and casual language, sharing personal interests or relationships to build rapport between parties. So, to introduce someone, you should politely give details about the person ...
How to Introduce People: 11 Steps (with Pictures)
If you are introducing people of equal rank in the business world, then introduce the person you don't know as well to the person you know better. You should say the name of the person you know better first. 4. Always state the name of the person with higher rank and present the person of lower rank to them.

How to Memorably Introduce Another Speaker

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