Stage Fright Part 2

How to Write a Solid Introduction
(Part 2)

Suppose you were asked to introduce President Barack Obama at your organization’s special event. What would you do to prepare your introduction?

I’d be willing to bet, that “winging it” wouldn’t be in your vocabulary. You would find the time to do the research, contact his administrative assistant, collect important facts, and ask colleagues for their advice. You would make sure that the microphone on site works, and other logistics are handled professionally. You’d be so excited that you couldn’t sleep? Ten bucks says that you would be a great host for this special speaker!

Got you thinking?

All speakers, not just celebrities, require this kind of attention.

How to Write the Introduction

If you are the one who volunteers, or is volunteered, to introduce a speaker at an event, you might want to keep a copy of this column.

Scripting the introduction shouldn’t happen “on the spot”, nor should you be writing it on the back of a crumpled piece of paper like a grocery bill. I’ve developed a template that may help you in your preparation. Let me know if you find this useful.

The “Introduction” has three main elements, all beginning with “C”.

1. Character
2. Credentials
3. Connection

“Character” refers to the speaker as a person. Who are they? What is their personality? This opening portion is the “hook” for the audience.

“Credentials” refer to the qualifications of the presenter. What are the main points - not all the points - which apply directly to the audience’s understanding of the speaker as an expert on this subject?

“Connection” provides the presenter and subject link to the audience. What is the focus of the presentation and how does this affect the listeners? What can the audience look forward to hearing, seeing, doing and taking away from the time spent together?

Here’s an example of this template:

Our presenter, Maggie Chicoine (Chic Win’) claims that she is more than a seasoned speaker….she’s marinated!

Maggie’s company, The Idea Sculptor, was formed in 1986 and is based in Thunder Bay, Ontario. As a professional speaker, Master Coach and writer, Maggie’s clientele has a broad scope – from tribal chiefs in Ghana, Africa, to the boardrooms of Australia and the US, to Northern Ontario’s volunteer organizations and entrepreneurs. She delivers thought provoking and practical content with her trademark: “a twist of ingenuity”.

Maggie is a founding director of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers, and one of Northern Ontario’s most influential women. She is the Lead Facilitator for Leadership Thunder Bay.

This evening, she is sharing her experience as a Master Coach with you. Maggie is the expert in knowing how to turn a bad situation into a solid path for our leaders at XYZ Corporation. Her examples are so relevant that her guarantee is: no one sleeps.

Please welcome.... Maggie.


Sixty seconds: Character. Credentials. Connection.
Applause.....

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Maggie Chicoine is a skilled presenter who coaches members of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers and the National Speakers’ Association (USA) in Master of Ceremonies skills. Reach her at 1 800 587 1767 or