Toastmaster: Ann Hastings
Speaker: Lisa Lockhart
Evaluator: Hellena Jones-Elbling

At the Speech Craft for Freedom Writers on February 08, 2014

Introducing The Speaker

The purpose of the introduction is to prepare the audience for the speaker.

Goals:

• Refocus interest from where listeners were before to where the speaker wants them to be;
• Set the tone of the speech and create a positive, friendly environment;
• Build the foundation for the speaker’s talk – why the subject is important and why the audience should find it for interest;
• Establish the speaker’s authority — any experience, expertise, or special knowledge the speaker has in the subject area;
• Establish a bond between the speaker and the audience — what special reason the speaker has for speaking about the chosen topic; and,
• Create a positive, friendly environment — make the speaker feel welcome.

A good introduction is a mini-speech, with an opening, a body, and a conclusion.

Essentials to include:

• The speaker’s name;
• The topic of the speech, including how the speech will benefit the audience; and,
• The title of the speech — usually mentioned at the end of the introduction.

Additions for a Toastmasters manual speech:

• The speech assignment, including the manual, project number and project title;
• The speech objectives — of both the project and the speaker; and,
• The length of the speech — e.g, 3-5 minutes, 5-7 minutes, etc.

The whole introduction should be last 30-45 seconds. Make it short and make it count.

Lectern etiquette:

• Speak to the audience: Maintain primary contact until the speaker is introduced;
• Lead the applause as the speaker comes to the lectern;
• Shake hands before relinquishing the lectern; and,
• Show interest throughout the speech especially while in view of the audience.

After the speech:

• Meet the speaker at the lectern;
• Shake hands;
• Lead the applause as the speaker returns to his or her seat or leaves the room.