The Speech of Self-Introduction and Introducing a Speaker

The Speech of Self-Introduction The Speech of Self- Introduction provides you with an opportunity to develop credibility before your audience. It is a chance for you to be seen as competent, trustworthy, likeable, and forceful.

The Speech of Self-Introduction Since no one can relate his or her life story in a single speech, you should choose a topic that best defines you (or the person you are introducing).

The Speech of Self-Introduction Completing the “Self- Awareness Inventory” will help you come up with a specific topic for your presentation. Write down responses to all of the questions in the inventory, then think through all of these potential topic areas before making a decision on your topic.

The Speech of Self-Introduction Once you have determined your topic, begin to plan your speech. Be certain that it has an introduction, body, and conclusion.

The Speech of Self-Introduction THE BODY Start by planning the body of the speech. In the body of your speech you will develop your major ideas (main points). You may include up to three main points in your presentation. Each main point must be supported by facts and figures, examples, or narratives. These materials should be inserted into the outline in the appropriate places.

The Speech of Self-Introduction THE INTRODUCTION After prepared the body of your speech, you should develop an introduction that grabs the audience’s attention and leads into the body of your speech.

The Speech of Self-Introduction THE CONCLUSION Finally, you should prepare a conclusion that summarizes your message and concluding remarks that reflect on the meaning and significance of your speech.

More thoughts to consider as you complete the outline: Grab the audience’s attention in the introduction. Immediately bring in your central speech idea.  

More thoughts to consider as you complete the outline: Give some background information. Tell why it is important to you, why you are doing it, why you want to tell them, etc.  

More thoughts to consider as you complete the outline: Now work out your topic in a few sentences. Draw the contours, make it personal.

More thoughts to consider as you complete the outline: Give an example(s).

More thoughts to consider as you complete the outline: In your conclusion, offer a memorable answer on the question the listeners probably will have when they listen to your public speaking speech: what's in it for me? Tell how this aspect of your life makes who you are and what you are. It will be the perfect ending of your self introduction speech.

Checklist for a Speech of Self-Introduction Have I narrowed my topic down to one thing that best defines me as an individual?

Checklist for a Speech of Self-Introduction Have I created an introduction that generates attention and interest?

Checklist for a Speech of Self-Introduction Does my introduction preview the main points in my speech?

Checklist for a Speech of Self-Introduction Does the body of my speech contain at least three main points?

Checklist for a Speech of Self-Introduction Is each main point of my speech supported by either facts and figures, examples, or narratives?

Checklist for a Speech of Self-Introduction Does my conclusion contain a summary that recaps my message?

Checklist for a Speech of Self-Introduction Do I end my speech with concluding remarks that leave the audience with something to remember?

Introducing a Speaker Not only will you be introducing yourself, but you will also be introducing a speaker. A good introduction should be brief— certainly no more than three minutes, and preferably just a minute or two.

All introductions should let the audience know: Why it is that this speaker from this organization is talking about this topic to this audience at this time.

However, for our purposes, since we already know all of this information, you will want to focus on the speaker and the following: his or her biographical information interests and hobbies affiliations academic successes essentially the same types of things you used to create your self- introduction speeches.

Introducing a Speaker Avoid just listing the individual’s information. Find a way to show that the upcoming speaker has unique qualifications. Quote him or her, if possible, or quote someone else’s remarks showing the speaker’s special attributes.

Introduction dos: Be sure to pronounce his or name correctly.

Introduction dos: Repeat the name several times during the introduction so the audience can catch it.

Introduction dos: At the end of the introduction, face the audience (not the speaker) and announce the speaker’s name, “We couldn’t have found a more qualified individual to speak today than—John Smith.”

Introduction dos: Then turn to the speaker and smile.

Introduction dos: In formal situations, applaud until the speaker reaches your side, shake hands, and return to your place.

Introduction dos: In informal situations, sit down as soon as the speaker rises and starts toward the lectern.

Introduction dos: Pay close attention to the speaker’s opening. It may contain a reference to you, and you should be prepared to smile or nod in response.

Introduction dos: Plan these movements carefully. Make sure the speaker knows the last line of your introduction so he or she can use it as a cue.

Introduction don’ts: Don’t upstage the speaker by making your introduction too funny. Let the speaker be the star.

Introduction don’ts: Don’t try to summarize the speaker’s speech. You may misinterpret his or her focus.

Introduction don’ts: Don’t rely on memory—write out a complete introduction.

Introduction don’ts: Don’t ad-lib. Spontaneous comments could come back to haunt you.

Introduction don’ts: Don’t draw attention to any negative conditions, like recovering from an illness, etc. These kinds of comments do not help to create a relaxed mood.

Introduction don’ts: Don’t try to con the audience by saying things like “ . . . the funniest person you’ll ever hear.”

Introduction don’ts: Don’t put pressure on the speaker by saying, “Now we’ll find out whether or not he is an excellent speaker.”

Introduction don’ts: Avoid clichés: “Here is a speaker who needs no introduction . . .” “His reputation speaks for itself . . .” “Without further ado . . .” “Heeeeere’s . . .”

The Speech of Self-Introduction and Introducing a Speaker