Whether it’s an upcoming wedding ceremony, a business meeting or an awards banquet, sooner or later it’s bound to happen to you. Someone approaches you and asks if you will introduce a speaker – and all of a sudden you don’t feel so well.

Although this situation is not something you should be fearful of, it should not be taken lightly. A bad introduction can ruin a potentially great speech. But a good introduction can really set the stage and raise the enthusiasm of both the audience and the speaker. The key to a successful introduction is in the preparation. It should be organized well in advance and should not be a last minute thought.

The main objectives of an introduction are essentially twofold. The primary objective is to highlight the speaker. As the introducer, your role is to give the listeners an overview of the speaker they’re about to hear. This does not mean that you read off every accomplishment the speaker has ever achieved. What you’re aiming for, are significant facts and experiences that relate to the talk being delivered. This helps establish the speaker’s credibility. It also helps the audience understand why this speaker is addressing the given topic or subject.

The second objective of the introduction is to introduce the audience to the speaker’s topic or subject. It may also help to set the appropriate mood. The key is to give the listeners a clue as to what’s in store for them, without divulging too much information. And if your introduction can successfully deliver on these two objectives, the speaker will be well on their way to a successful talk – and they haven’t even taken the stage yet.

When the time comes to actually take the stage and introduce the speaker, here are some final things to consider. Be brief and to the point. There’s nothing worse than an introduction, which lasts longer than the speech itself. As well, don’t try to upstage the speaker. At this moment in time you are not the focal point, the speaker is. And finally, mention the speaker’s name at the very end of the introduction. Otherwise, it will not be heard because of the applause.

Oh and by the way, the applause you hear is not only for the speaker, but for you as well, for a wonderful introduction!