This document provides guidance on how to introduce a featured speaker to an audience. It outlines three key functions of an introduction: to make the speaker feel welcome, establish their credibility, and prepare the audience for their speech. It recommends finding out details about the speaker's accomplishments relevant to their message and mentioning them to build respect, while avoiding excessive praise. Sample introduction speeches are provided, with one being more effective for providing context about the speaker's topic and keeping the introduction brief.

1. Introduction Speech

2. Definition Introduce featured speaker to audience

3. 3 Functions 1) Make the speaker feel welcome 2) Establish or strengthen the ethos of the speaker 3) Prepare the audience for the speech that will follow

4. How to create a speech: Find out as much as you can about the person Ask the speaker what you might emphasize that would be the most helpful to his speech Know how to pronounce the speaker’s name

5. Guidelines: Create respect by magnifying the speaker’s accomplishments Don’t be too lavish with your praise Mention achievements that are relevant to the speaker’s message Be selective in your details!

6. Which is better? "Ladies and gentlemen, we're in for a real treat tonight. Our guest speaker is a man who has been the driving force behind this project for many years. He is the person who knows the whole history of how we got to where we are today: the stories, the challenges and the little known secrets. Not only that but he's a very entertaining speaker. Please join me in giving a very warm welcome to Stan Smith" . "Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to introduce our guest speaker Stan Smith. Stan is going to talk about the project, and in particular the factor which he thinks has been the most important to our success: hard work. I agree with Stan. What I think is most important about hard work is that no-one gets anywhere without hard graft. I mean, look at all the training those Olympic gold medallists have to go through. Without further ado then, over to you Stan." .

7. Interviews Do you research Prepare questions Dress appropriately Bring your resume, a notepad and a pen Arrive early Send a thank you note