In this video we will explore how to effectively introduce a guest speaker to not only set
your speaker up for success, but to ignite emotion and intrigue your audience.
Having worked as a human connection keynote speaker for the past few years, I’ve had
my fair share of warm introductions from leaders, but I’ll never forget one fateful intro,
that lasted about three seconds.
It was at a gala dinner and as soon as the dinner service was over, the host of the event
literally stood up at the front of the room and said - “Hey everyone, time for our speaker.
Here’s Riaz.”
That’s it.
That was the intro.
No context.
I think I heard one slow clap in the room from someone that felt pity that nobody was
paying attention.
As you can imagine, it was an uphill battle from there.
My name is Riaz Meghji, this is the channel that helps leaders, coaches and experts connect
with confidence every time you speak.
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One of the most valuable practices that gets overlooked is the introduction of a guest
speaker.
You might be thinking, it’s just an intro!
Sure, it’s quick, yet the purpose of this exercise can’t be understated.
While most leaders have a great intention to serve, many miss the mark with their endorsement,
by simply reading a speaker’s bio.
Almost every speaker will have an official bio.
You’ll find it on their website, in an event program, or in the marketing materials leading
up to the big event.
If your job is to introduce a speaker, instead of simply reading their bio, consider how
your words can move the room.
Remember your audience will be asking themselves three important questions before the speaker
says a word: Why this speaker?
Why this message?
Why should I care?
That’s where you come in.
If your introduction can shed light on these questions and help humanize and personalize
the value the speaker will deliver, your concise intro can have a much bigger impact than you
think.
Now, how can you deliver an unforgettable speaker introduction?
Here are a few ideas: Transition the Trust
One of the fastest ways to build connection with someone is to find the familiar.
Usually the person introducing a speaker is well known and respected by the audience.
If the audience trusts you, transition this trust by sharing why you trust the next speaker.
For example, Simply fill in the blank to the following: What I first met our next speaker……..Fill
in the blank with a concise thought or moment - Maybe it’s their thought leadership that
would be of great value to the group, or they wrote a book that you couldn’t put down
and why or they are one of the most engaging people you’ve ever heard speak and you just
had to invite them to come and and present for this audience.
Make your remarks personal, brief and most importantly useful for the audience.
Remember, If the audience respects you, your endorsement will make them respect the speaker.
Create Curiosity Gaps We are all curious creatures and have an insatiable
appetite for information and learning new things.
The most common follow up question your audience will have to your remarks will be - ‘So
What?’
Ignite their curiosity by asking thought provoking questions in the intro that the audience will
care doubt - For example, if the theme of the meeting or event is Connection - you could
ask - How many of you struggle to connect in your virtual communications?
What are the best ways to build trust when communicating online?
What are the secrets to being an authentic presenter in front of the camera?
Our next speaker is an expert that will help you build powerful relationships in our hybrid
reality.
If the audience needs these ideas, you’ve primed them with Asking questions and will
have them wanting to learn more.
Leading with curiosity gaps is a great way to capture their attention.
Make a Credible Promise Imagine you are presenting in front of a group
of content creators.
If your introduction stated: Our next speaker WILL show you, how to increase online engagement
and 10x your profits in the next 30 days!
Immediately your audience is intrigued because it’s something they want.
Make a promise that serves their needs, then back it up by stating a few key credentials
that convey credibility.
Maybe the speaker built a 6 figure YouTube channel, has a massive, highly engaged group
of followers online or has a proven formula for never ending content generation.
Make a promise and share why the speaker is the credible resource to deliver on it.
Ask them to write their intro Eliminate the guessing game and ask if the
speaker has their own intro to share.
The speaker knows their strengths and the value they deliver.
Allow them to craft their own narrative, as their intro is the trailer for their feature
presentation.
This is something I personally do before speaking at events.
I provide a personal introduction wth event organizers that allows leaders to create curiosity
gaps that speak to the audience’s needs, share a personal moment that will transition
trust, and then sprinkle in some credentials of where I’ve worked and where my work has
been published to establish credibility on why I’m the one there to present.
If we put this all together, the goal is to deliver a concise 30-45 second intro that
is personal, humanizes the speaker and creates anticipation.
What do you love to hear about a presenter or speaker when they are getting introduced?
Share what captures your attention in the comments below.
For more ideas on presenting and meaningful human connection, you can download the free
guide - the 5 secrets to making every conversation count, that link is in the description.
If you are looking to level up your presenting skills and connect with confidence every time
you speak, apply for The Magnetic Presenter program that helps transform you and your
ideas into powerful presentations that elevate your impact and influence.
Thanks for watching this video - if you want to ask better questions to engage your audience
or conquer your speaking anxiety, check out these videos.
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We will see you in the next video.