How to Introduce a Keynote Speaker

Introducing a Speaker

Introducing a keynote speaker is no light matter. Your introduction will establish the relevance of the speaker and his subject matter, making the speaker credible to the audience. So if you are assigned this small but big task, here are some tipz to remember:

Make the introduction short and straight to the point. The audience has gathered not for you, but for the speaker. Stick to introducing the speaker and his relevance to the subject. Avoid being too funny or too interesting. Do not overshadow the actual speech.

Still, make an effort to catch the audience’s interest. The start of your speech must be a single sentence that would compel the attention of the audience. If it is something on the funny side, make sure that it is done in good taste. Cue the audience when to applaud. It will also help to know the sort of audience you are addressing.

In the next two or three minutes, establish the speaker’s relevance to the topic. Give the title of the speech, the speaker and his name. Include why the speaker is the one invited, which means include his expertise on the subject, and relevant biographical details. So please, do your homework.

Be unique in your introductions if you are to introduce more than one speaker. Don’t be too formulaic. If you can connect the relevance of the two speakers to each other and to the subject, then all the better.