Now that you know the difference between an introduction and an opening, let’s go into how to create an introduction. In this first of five excerpts from a presentation based on Toastmaster’s International’s “Better Speaker” series of educational presentations, I talk about why an introduction is important, as well as some things that need to be included in one.
In summary, an introduction provides two main things for a meeting or event:
- A smooth transition from one part of the meeting to another.
- Sets audience’s mindset, preparing them for what is it come
Also, an introduction should include:
- Speaker’s name
- Speech’s topic
- Title of the speech
Since I reference it in this excerpt, here is the intro for this presentation:
Our next speaker, Carma Spence, is presenting one of the projects from The Better Speaker series; a set of presentations Toastmasters International has developed addressing basic speaking skills.
Today, Carma will be talking about “Creating an Introduction” which is the responsibility of both the speaker and the one introducing the speaker. This is true whether you are at a Toastmasters meeting or out on the speaking circuit. The introduction sets the tone and lets the audience know what to expect.
Carma first started her public speaking journey in high school when she competed on the speech team her senior year. She joined her first Toastmasters club in 1989 and has led several continuing education courses at a variety of community colleges in California and Arizona, as well as numerous teleseminars.
This presentation is 10-15 minutes long. Please welcome Carma with “Creating an Introduction.”
Would you like me to speak at your meeting or event? I am available to speak to your group, both in-person and virtually, on a variety of topics. For more information, visit www.carmaspence.com/speaker.