The key to writing a lively introduction for your next speaking gig
The principals of writing an introduction are similar to writing a press release. The who, what, why, where and when are covered in the first two paragraphs, with less important information following.
The trick however, is to take the key information and write it with a degree of creativity, intelligence and purpose. In my view most introductions lack creativity and zing, and for no reason other than a lack of imagination.
Creativity sparks when we ask ourselves who is the primary focus of our introduction, me or my audience? If it’s all about me, there's a good chance it will be ordinary. However, if the audience is the primary focus, we will identify key challenges the audience are facing and provide solutions. In effect, we will find ourselves writing their story, not ours.
Some events call for more energetic introductions, in which case write the introduction with humor and flair. For more staid settings, my suggestion is ... write it with as much humor and flair as you can muster. (wink wink)
Creative Introductions also help the Emcee. As an Emcee, I've been called upon to rev up many an audience with an introduction that reads more like a packet of stale corn flakes.
Public Speaking is theater, it's not for shrinking violets, so get over it and knock up an introduction that will frame your keynote like the work of art it's meant to be.
Posted by: Catherine White
For speaker templates and resources contact Catherine here at SpeakerSite
Tags: catherine, emcee, introduction, public, speaking, white
Comment
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Comment by Julie Camery on August 16, 2009 at 7:33pm - Nice, Great advice, I really want to get the audience more involved and interested as I have found myself as a speaker I really do not want to go on about myself anyways so I guess thats going in the right direction.
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Comment by Christine Brown Marketing Expert on August 4, 2009 at 5:18pm -
Catherine:
You're so right! Too often an introduction written more like a "fact sheet" and I feel like I'm hearing a resume being read. Flair, creativity and zip all help prepare the audience. Thanks for a great blog post!!
Chris
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Comment by Valerie Howard on July 10, 2009 at 4:49am -
I hear you Keith LOL...
The image of the artist makes me want to get paint under my fingernails
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Comment by Keith Atkins | Author | Speaker on July 6, 2009 at 4:43pm - Oh dear, it looks like I need to go back to the drawing board.
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Comment by Catherine White on July 6, 2009 at 4:31pm -
Thank you for taking the time to stop by.
The truth is I've read so many BORING introductions, and for all the reasons you cite Bart. Speakers forget the audience in their introductions, and bang on about themselves until the audience glazes over.
That's not to suggest we overlook important information, but I do believe we can strike a balance with important information, color and verve. I think it's helpful to give the Emcee something he can work with, such as a funny story, as it will capture the Emcees imagination and relaxes the audience before you take to the stage.
A relaxed audience is an attentive audience.
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Comment by Dana Neal on July 6, 2009 at 12:05pm - Wonderful advice! Thank you for taking the time to write it.
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Comment by Bart Gragg on July 6, 2009 at 8:41am
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Catherine;
Thank you for writing about this, especially with the focus on the audience. Too often when I ask people for an intro to use they give me their bio thinking their credentials are why I want to hear them. Credentials make me sleepy. Humor and human interest, even for accountants and engineers, is key, I think.
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