“How to give a presentation” Tip 15: Write Your Own Introduction

Your “introduction” frames your conversation

Your last blog in this series focuses on the rationale for writing your own introduction to your next speech. Click on Tip 14 for this info.

Here’re 6 ideas on how to write your own compelling introduction.

• Type your name phonetically so that your name is not mispronounced. I type Karen Cortell Rice-men even though my last named is spelled Reisman.
• Keep it short.
• Start by describing your topic and the benefit of your subject matter to your audience.
• Tell the audience why you’re credible.
• Try to add humor. One idea is using the “series of three” rule where the last item is a twist. EX: “Karen Cortell Reisman, Speaker/Coach, Author, and coffee ice cream eater, works with executives on communicating with gravitas.”
• End with your name and the title of your speech, such as, “Please welcome Karen Cortell Rice-men who will tell us how to Speak To Sell!”

How do you get your introducer to read your introduction with flair?

Writing your own piece is easy. Believe it or not, getting your meeting planner to read it is the hard part! Maybe s/he is nervous, or is “serious” and can’t say anything funny, or talks to softly… this list is endless.

Here are some trouble-shooting guidelines:

• Send it in advance on a one-page attachment using at least 18-font type (did I mention that your introduction should be short?).

• Bring an extra copy on card stock paper. Thanks, Gary Rifkin – garyrifkin.com, for that tip. Your paper should not be flimsy.

• Ask them to practice a few times with you prior to your presentation.

• Ask them NOT to say, “Karen asked me to read this. She wrote it herself.” This is really not cute when that occurs.

• Whatever happens, smile and run onto the stage with energy and gratitude for being there.

Remember that your introduction is the picture frame to your stunning presentation.

Stay tuned to our next blog in this series on final thoughts on how to give a presentation.

Karen Cortell Reisman, M.S., author of 3 books and President of Speak For Yourself®, works with organizations and executives on how to communicate to make more money. It’s all in how you speak for yourself. Read more at www.SpeakForYourself.com/blog/