Tuesday 1 June 2010

INTRODUCING AND THANKING A SPEAKER


1. Check that

  • The microphone and other electrical equipment is working
  • water is available for the speaker
  • the lectern is the right height for the speaker
  • You have enough background information.


2. Make the Speaker Welcome

  • Meet the Speaker at the entrance.
  • Ask if there is anything he/he requires.
  • Show the speaker to his/her seat.

3. Preparation.

  • Prepare your introduction and thanks beforehand.
  • Write key words on a cue card.

4. Avoid.

  • Cliches
  • Repeating yourself - remember to use your notes.

5. Use this Formula.

  • Why this subject?
  • Why this subject subject for this audience?
  • Why this subject for this audience at this time?

6. Don't

  • Exaggerate the speaker's qualifications
  • Read a lengthy curriculum vitae or biography
  • Say how wonderful the speech will be
  • Steal the spotlight

7. Do

  • Speak to the audience not the speaker
  • Be brief - never longer than two minutes
  • Be genuine and sincere
  • Smile and relax

8. Facilitating questions

  • listen carefully to the question
  • Repeat it clearly for the benefit of both speaker and the audience
  • Unobtrusively guide speaker to audience members signalling to ask a question.

9. Thanking the Speaker

  • Say what you enjoyed about the presentation
  • Don't simply repeat the main points of the presentation
  • Speak to the speaker and the audience.

10. Most Importantly

  • Be sincere
  • Be brief
  • Be seated!