This document provides guidance on creating an effective introduction for a speech. It emphasizes that an introduction should fuse the subject, audience, and speaker by establishing the topic's relevance to the audience and the speaker's credibility. The introduction should create anticipation for the speech and transition smoothly from the introduction to the body. It should be brief, between 30 seconds to 2 minutes long. The document also lists things to avoid in an introduction and provides a checklist for the key elements to include when introducing a speaker.

1. H-e-r-e-’s Johnny. . . Creating an Introduction

2. A Good Introduction Fuses: Subject, Audience & Speaker Intro Audience Speaker Subject

3. An introduction is a “Bridge” Make a smooth transition!

4. An Introduction creates “Anticipation”

5. An introduction is a mini-speech 30 seconds to 2 minutes long

6. S A S sy Preparation S ubject—what is the topic? A udience—Why would the audience be interested in the topic? (timely/important) S peaker—Why this speaker? Establish credibility: Experience/Education/Recognition Include something warm, personal, or funny

7. A Few Don’ts. . . . Don’t upstage Don’t talk too long Don’t be too revealing Don’t surprise Don’t embarrass Don’t lavish praise Don’t use cliché’s Don’t look at the speaker Don’t just read. . . practice!

8. Preparation, practice, now— PERFORMANCE! Be relaxed, confident End with speech title, speakers title & speaker’s name Lead applause Wait & step back Shake hands, Cross behind Summary Comments

9. Introduction checklist S ubject: A udience information (timely?/important?): S peaker’s Credentials (education/experience/recognition): Title of Speech: Title of Speaker: Speaker’s Name: Pronounciation:

10. Your Turn!