1. Don't leave home without your introduction. You are responsible to create and show up with an appropriate introduction for your introducer. Email it to your introducer before the event if possible. Then also bring two copies with you to the event. Introductions have strong vanishing tendencies.

 

2.  Call your introducer before your presentation. Ask your introducer how it reads to them, and if there are any awkward phrases or words. Ask the introducer to read your introduction word-for-word. (Introducers may still deviate and ramble into a mini-speech, but at least you did your part)

 

3. At the presentation meet your introducer as soon as you can. Supply a copy of your introduction if the previous copy has been misplaced.

 

4. Now, be prepared for mishaps during the performance of your introduction, such as the introducer going off-track, leaving out key points, and telling his favorite off-color joke. Be ready to recover.

 

5. Tips for creating your effective introduction:

 

5.a. Keep it brief. Keep your introduction to a single page, with at least 18 point font. I observe an inverse proportion between the length of introductions and the value of the presentation. My experience is that poor speakers have long introductions. Make your introduction brief, then get in front of your audience and deliver value.

 

5.b. Answer these questions in your introduction. - "Why this speaker?" (In other words, what are your relevant credentials for this audience?) "Why this topic?" (Why is this presentation applicable to this audience?" and "Why now?" (What is the current value of this presentation to this audience?"

 

5.c. Remember that you are there for your audience. Only list one, or at most two, of your credentials relevant to this topic for this audience. Do not invest your audience's time listing every client that you have worked for in the past 30 years. Then go on to expand on what your audience will gain from your presentation. Your introduction should focus on audience benefits, just as your presentation does.

 

5.d. Use simple language. Use short sentences. Your introducer may be very nervous speaking in front of people. Make it easier for your introducer to read your introduction and take a seat. No fancy words that only you can pronounce.

 

5.e. Never, ever, put your introduction on your slides, and ask your introducer to read your introduction to your audience. I have seen it done, and cringed in shame that any presenter would ask an introducer to read slides to an audience. This is even worse than the despicable habit of presenters reading slides to audiences.  

 

That's if. These points above are enough for you to create effective introductions for your presentations. Your introduction is part of your presentation. Do not allow your introduction to be a hastily scribbled afterthought on the back of a napkin.

 

p.s. If you are following the Toastmasters program and get the chance to speak at Toastmasters clubs at short notice, then keep a "Fill-in-the-blank" introduction with you. Mine has applicable Toastmaster credential background and places to fill in the speech title, the name of the manual and the Project number. When a scheduled speaker cancels at the last minute and I have an opportunity to present a club speech, I have an effective introduction under one minute.