Starting off Your Speech Write

No, I didn't misspell right. What I'm saying is that you need to write your introduction. Doesn't the MC (Toastmaster) do that? Not if you want control over the set up for your speech, you'd better write it and give it to the person introducing you in advance. Be sure to use large enough printing so they can read it.

It's one thing to tell you, but I want you to know I experienced the power of the introduction this week. I led a panel discussion on poetry. I requested that each speaker provide me with an introduction and everyone did. I introduced each of the three panelists as they had requested. Each had included their own unique style into the introduction and you could see it helped the audience to connect to them before they ever took the stage. One of the audience members admiringly asked a speaker if she had written her own introduction.

Don't let the opportunity slip by to create the mood YOU want for your presentation. Have a written introduction. It makes life easier for the MC, helps the audience connect to you and sets the stage properly for the speech.

Dr. Shaun Jamison, DTM