The Speech of Self-Introduction and Introducing a Speaker

1. The Speech ofSelf-IntroductionandIntroducing a Speaker

2. The Speech of Self-Introduction • The Speech of Self-Introduction provides you with an opportunity to develop credibility before your audience. • It is a chance for you to be seen as competent, trustworthy, likeable, and forceful.

3. The Speech of Self-Introduction • Since no one canrelate his or her lifestory in a singlespeech, you shouldchoose a topic thatbest defines you(or the person youare introducing).

4. The Speech of Self-Introduction • Completing the “Self-Awareness Inventory” will help you come up with a specific topic for your presentation. • Write down responses to all of the questions in the inventory, then think through all of these potential topic areas before making a decision on your topic.

5. The Speech of Self-Introduction • Once you have determined your topic, begin to plan your speech. • Be certain that ithas an introduction,body, and conclusion.

6. The Speech of Self-IntroductionTHE BODY • Start by planning the body of the speech. In the body of your speech you will develop your major ideas (main points). • You may include up to three main points in your presentation. • Each main point must be supported by facts and figures, examples, or narratives. • These materials should beinserted into the outlinein the appropriate places.

7. The Speech of Self-IntroductionTHE INTRODUCTION • After prepared the body of your speech, you should develop an introduction that grabs the audience’sattention andleads into thebody of yourspeech.

8. The Speech of Self-IntroductionTHE CONCLUSION • Finally, you should prepare a conclusion that summarizes your message and concludingremarks that reflect onthe meaning andsignificance of yourspeech.

9. More thoughts to consider as you complete the outline: • Grab the audience’s attention in the introduction. Immediately bring in your centralspeech idea.

10. More thoughts to consider as you complete the outline: • Give some background information. • Tell why it is important to you, why you are doing it, why you wantto tell them, etc.

11. More thoughts to consider as you complete the outline: • Now work out your topic in a few sentences. Draw the contours, make it personal.

12. More thoughts to consider as you complete the outline: • Give an example(s).

13. More thoughts to consider as you complete the outline: • In your conclusion, offer a memorable answer on the question the listeners probably will have when they listen to your public speaking speech: what's in it for me? • Tell how this aspect of your life makes who you are and what you are. It will be the perfect ending of your self introduction speech.

14. Checklist for a Speech of Self-Introduction • Have I narrowed my topic down to one thing that best defines me as an individual?

15. Checklist for a Speech of Self-Introduction • Have I created an introduction that generates attention and interest?

16. Checklist for a Speech of Self-Introduction • Does my introduction preview the main points in my speech?

17. Checklist for a Speech of Self-Introduction • Does the body of my speech contain at least three main points?

18. Checklist for a Speech of Self-Introduction • Is each main point of my speech supported by either facts and figures, examples, or narratives?

19. Checklist for a Speech of Self-Introduction • Does my conclusion contain a summary that recaps my message?

20. Checklist for a Speech of Self-Introduction • Do I end my speechwith concludingremarks that leavethe audience withsomething toremember?

21. Introducing a Speaker Not only will you be introducing yourself, but you will also be introducing a speaker. A good introduction should be brief—certainly no more thanthree minutes, andpreferably just aminute or two.

22. All introductions should let the audience know: • Why it is that this speaker • from this organization • is talking about this topic • to this audience • at this time.

23. However, for our purposes, since we already know all of this information, you will want to focus on the speaker and the following: • his or her biographical information • interests and hobbies • affiliations • academic successes • essentially the same types of things you used to create your self- introduction speeches.

24. Introducing a Speaker • Avoid just listing the individual’s information. Find a way to show that the upcoming speaker has unique qualifications. • Quote him or her,if possible, or quotesomeone else’sremarks showing thespeaker’s special attributes.

25. Introduction dos: • Be sure to pronounce his or name correctly.

26. Introduction dos: • Repeat the name severaltimes during the introductionso the audience can catch it.

27. Introduction dos: • At the end of theintroduction, facethe audience (notthe speaker) andannounce the speaker’s name,“We couldn’t havefound a morequalified individualto speak todaythan—John Smith.”

28. Introduction dos: • Then turn to the speaker and smile.

29. Introduction dos: • In formal situations, applaud until the speaker reaches your side, shake hands, and return to your place.

30. Introduction dos: • In informal situations, sit down as soon as the speaker rises and starts toward the lectern.

31. Introduction dos: • Pay close attention to the speaker’s opening. It may contain a reference to you, and you should be prepared to smile or nod in response.

32. Introduction dos: • Plan these movements carefully. Make sure the speaker knows the last line of your introductionso he or she can use itas a cue.

33. Introduction don’ts: • Don’t upstage the speaker by making your introduction too funny. Let the speaker be the star.

34. Introduction don’ts: • Don’t try to summarize the speaker’s speech. You may misinterpret his or her focus.

35. Introduction don’ts: • Don’t rely on memory—write out a complete introduction.

36. Introduction don’ts: • Don’t ad-lib. Spontaneous comments could come back to haunt you.

37. Introduction don’ts: • Don’t draw attention to any negative conditions, like recovering from an illness, etc. These kinds of comments do not help to create a relaxed mood.

38. Introduction don’ts: • Don’t try to con the audience by saying things like “ . . . the funniest person you’ll ever hear.”

39. Introduction don’ts: • Don’t put pressure on the speaker by saying, “Now we’ll find out whether or not he is an excellent speaker.”

40. Introduction don’ts: • Avoid clichés: • “Here is a speaker who needs no introduction . . .” • “His reputation speaks for itself . . .” • “Without further ado . . .” • “Heeeeere’s . . .”

41. The Speech ofSelf-IntroductionandIntroducing a Speaker