How To Introduce Speaker

The 4-Step
Formula For
A Powerful
Introduction
Giving a powerful introduction is easy, once you learn exactly
how to do it. Direct Selling
Best Practices
Use The 4-Step Formula For A Powerful Introduction to make your
introduction sparkle. You owe it to the person you are introducing Brought to you by:
and to your audience to be animated in your brief talk. Perform as Mastermind Event, Inc.®
though it is a real privilege to introduce this speaker – feel happy
about it – and speak with real excitement.
The 4-Step Formula For A Powerful Introduction.
Dear Colleague,
I was horrified. Did my sponsor really just say this…?
“Art, tonight you will be introducing the guest speaker.”
I stressed all day. The closer I came to the moment of truth, the
more excuses I had for not even showing up! Stomach churning,
palms sweaty, knees weak, in a voice that quivered up and
down, I fumbled through the introduction. I couldn’t wait to just
get through it, sit down and pretend it never happened.
Perhaps the title of this report should’ve been:
“How to introduce a speaker . . . without throwing up!” Art Jonak speaks to over 5000 excited
distributors in St. Petersburg, Russia.
For some the itch to perform is strong. Others would rather To his right is Nick, his translator.
die than speak in front of a crowd. Fortunately, speaking

skills can be learned. And the best way to develop speaking
skills is to gradually work your way up from minor to major
speaker roles. “Your presentations skills will
Developing your “speaking parts” will help accelerate your
play a vital role in developing
path to building a successful Direct Selling business. You’ll a large & profitable
develop greater confidence and a more powerful posture. organization.” – Art Jonak
Plus, improved presentation skills will help you get ahead
faster in most areas of your life.
“Speaking parts” include your Direct Selling Story (Ref: Crafting Your Direct Selling
Story), your Product Story (Ref: Crafting Your Product Story), Presenting the Plan, etc.
Building your Direct Selling business will become easier with each “speaking part” you
master.
As your business grows, you’ll get the opportunity to speak to larger groups of people.
This could be on a conference call, on Skype/Zoom/Google Hangout, at a home-meeting,
a hotel-meeting or even at your Direct Selling company convention.
A great way to get comfortable speaking to an audience is to work your way up. Start by
volunteering to do the introduction “speaking part” on conference calls or at meetings.
“Giving a powerful introduction is easy

…once you learn exactly how to do it.”
– Art Jonak
© 2004-2016 Mastermind Event, Inc. • All rights reserved. • Mastermind Event® is a Registered Trademark
Web: MastermindEvent.com • All Social: @MastermindEvent • Hashtag: #MastermindEvent
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Document Version 07-25-2016
Never underestimate the importance of a great introduction.

Imagine sitting in the audience and hearing the following introduction:
“Uhm. Yeah. Welcome everybody. Wow.
I’m really excited. Uhhm. Uhh. My name is Bob. And uh, this evening
we’ll hear from Amy. She’s great. And uh, she’s going have fun. Ha
Ha. She’s really funny and I think she’s achieved the Diamond rank.
Well, she needs no introduction. She’s going to share with you

something you’ve never heard, she’s just dynamite... umm… ok, so
let’s get started then. Are you ready Amy?”
Ouch. Must’ve been tough on the person doing the introduction — and the speaker really
has their work cut out for them now. The introduction may seem like a very small and
unimportant “speaking part” but really it sets the tone for the entire presentation.
Why use an introduction?
Introducing the guest speaker is a vital “speaking part.” When done properly, it can add
tremendous value to the meeting. If you let your team member “wing the intro” they’ll
usually feel awkward, nervous and do a subpar job.
An introduction serves two purposes:

1. It acts as a bridge, a transition from one part of a meeting to another.
It gives the audience time to make a mental and emotional shift.
2. It prepares people for the speaker, increasing their sense of curiosity,

openness and anticipation.
Your task is to introduce the speaker, not to take center stage. The spotlight is on you
only for a moment so that you can shine the spotlight where it belongs: on the speaker.
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The 4-Step
Step Formula For A Powerful Introduction.
Keep it brief.
Introductions do not have to be long

long.. Here are two short, yet powerful introductions:
“Here’s Johnny!”
– Ed McMahon’s introduction for Johnny Carson.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States.”

– The standard network radio introduction since the 1930s.
How long should my introduction be?
 For conference calls, 30 seconds is plenty.
 For home meetings or hotel meetings

meetings, aim for no longer than a minute.
 Under certain conditions – such as the your company convention – yourr introduction
may last about two minutes
minutes.
The 4-Step
Step Formula for g
giving a great introduction -- every
very time.
STEP 1. What is the Speaker going to tell the audience?
STEP 2. What gives the Speaker the right to do all that telling?
STEP 3. Relationship or personal meaning the Speaker has to you.
STEP 4. For the first time, mention the Speaker's name.
Trademar
Page |4
STEP 1: What is the Speaker going to tell the audience?
Talk to the speaker in advance of the event. Find out what he or she is talking about and
why it has relevance to the audience. This part of your introduction can (but does not
have to) state a common problem or concern the audience shares. Then follow up briefly
(in a sentence or two) how today's presentation will help them solve that problem or
address that concern.
STEP 2: What gives the Speaker the right to do all that telling?
Learn as much as you can about the speaker's experience, education, life, interests and
accomplishments — whatever helps establish the speaker's credibility on the topic he or
she is addressing.
If the speaker has achieved a certain level or higher in the pay plan, be sure to mention
their rank and edify the success of the speaker's team.
Step 3: Relationship or ‘personal meaning’ Speaker has to you.
This is the part of the introduction that makes it unique, special, and meaningful. Share
how the speaker has contributed personally to your life. It gives you a moment to create a
connection between you and the speaker.
Step 4: For the first time, mention the Speaker's name.

Save the speaker’s name until last. This usually is
a signal for the speaker to step forward. Climax
your introduction with the speaker’s name. Pause “Learn to properly pronounce
before stating it, state it clearly, and raise your the speaker's name. If you’re
voice a bit: “I am pleased to present (short pause) not sure, ask the speaker.
. . . Mr. TOM “BIG AL” SCHREITER!
They’ll be glad you did.”
Why save the name to the end? Mentioning the
speaker’s name during your introduction creates unease in the audience and sends mixed
messages to the speaker. Here’s an example of what happens if you don’t save the
speakers name to the end:
“His business is now in seven countries. “Mr. John Smith…” (now the
speaker gets up at the meeting or speaks up on a conference call) “… and is
also a great friend…” (and now the speaker sits back down and loses a bit
of their opening magic) “… who has helped me with my business and…”
Page |5
The 4-Step
Sample Conference Call Introduction

Introduction:
Dial into the call at least 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the call. If your role is help
welcome team members to the call, do so. One minute before you begin your
introduction, let the listeners
eners (and hence the speaker) know you will start the call in one
minute.
STEP 1
Ladies & gentlemen, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the call. People often ask, “How
do I build a successful business that can last the test of time?” Tonight we are honored to
have a speaker whose experience and background will highlight this topic. She will speak
about the importance of "creating a customer culture."
STEP 2
This lady is one of the elite few people to have achieved the level of <Insert Rank> in our
company. She retired from her job as a teacher by the ripe old age of... 35. 35 She is the
author of the best-selling book "<Insert Book Title>" and often supports her team from the
comfort of his home, and swimming pool in Miami, Florida.
STEP 3
This lady has personally helped me breakthrough my limiting beliefs, and has already
helped me expand my business into four states and has become a true friend.
STEP 4
It’s a pleasure to present . . . Ms. JANE SMITH!”
Trademar
Page |6
The 4-Step
Sample Meeting Introduction

Introduction:
Walk to the podium with confidence. Arrange your notes and adjust the microphone.
Take a breath. Look at the audience and smile.
Speak your introduction. Conclude with the speaker's name, which is her or his cue to
come forward,, and the cue for the audience to appl
applaud.
STEP 1:
Ladies and gentlemen, it's my pleasure to introduce to you a gentleman who will share with
you some of his "best practices" to creating a thriving business" with <insert your company
name>. A business that could even work while you sleep. While you're on vacation. A
business that could give you the time and income to do more of what you want.
want
STEP 2:
This gentleman has helped create one of the fastest growing teams in <insert your
company name>. He has achieved the prestigious level of <insert rank> and along with the
leaders on his team they have built an organization that spans all 50 states and now over
25 countries. The sun literally never sets on his business.
STEP 3:
Every time I ask for his council I learn a valuable insight to expanding my business.
business He gives
me the advice I need to hear, not always what I want to hear. He's proven time and time
again that he always has my best interest at heart.
STEP 4:
Please help me welcome . . . Mr. JOHN SMITH!
Wait at the stage until the speaker arrives. Shake his or her hand and step back from the
stage,, handing it over symbolically to the speaker.
Trademar
Page |7
The 4-Step
Ask the speaker for

or their own written introduction
introduction…
Many speakers will send you their own written introduction. Use it to help you prepare
your remarks, but do not read it verbatim. You don’t want to read your introduction… but
rather speak informally – as you would to go
good friends.
If you are the guest speaker . . .

As the guest speaker, take the time to write down your introduction. Give your pre-
written introduction to the team member who will be introducing you.
Your “Steps-To-Success”
Success” Assignment:
Research It
Teach It Script It
Deliver It Practice It
1. Research It: Talk to the speaker in advance of the event or get a copy of their intro.
2. Script It: Write down your introduction.
3. Practice It: With your line of sponsorship
sponsorship, your friends, your family,, in a mirror, etc.
etc
4. Deliver It: Show time! Take a deep brea
breath
th and make your introduction sparkle!
5. Teach It: Encourage your team members to do introductions. Show them how.
Trademar
Page |8
Be enthusiastic about your introduction.
Be enthusiastic about your task. Make your introduction sparkle. You owe it to the person
you are introducing and to your audience to be animated in your brief talk. Perform as
though it is a real privilege to introduce this speaker – feel happy about it – and speak
with real excitement.
Above all, be warm, be sincere and have fun!
Create Your Success!
Art Jonak
P.S. During your introduction, be sure to avoid any inside jokes between you and the
speaker or any references only you, the speaker or only handful of people would know.
Also avoid any lingo or terminology the audience may not understand. Keep it simple.
Suggested Reading:
How to Develop Self-Confidence and Influence People by Public Speaking

by Dale Carnegie
ISBN-10: 0671746073
The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking

by Dale Carnegie
ISBN-10: 0671724002
Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times (Chapters 13-15)

by Donald Phillips
ISBN-10: 0446394599
Suggested Classes:
Get a coach for instant feedback. If that's not possible, consider a program like Dale
Carnegie ( http://DaleCarnegie.com ), or a continuing education course, or join a
Toastmasters club ( http://ToastMasters.org ).
Toastmasters & Dale Carnegie offer a safe environment for people to learn to better
organize and express their words. The result is greater confidence and overall
communication skills, something that's especially important at the start of any
career. It's a really great way of giving yourself a leg up on the competition.
Page |9

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The 4-Step

I was horrified. Did my sponsor really just say this…?

“Art, tonight you will be introducing the guest speaker.”

Perhaps the title of this report should’ve been:

die than speak in front of a crowd. Fortunately, speaking

“Giving a powerful introduction is easy

Never underestimate the importance of a great introduction.

“Uhm. Yeah. Welcome everybody. Wow.

Well, she needs no introduction. She’s going to share with you

Why use an introduction?

An introduction serves two purposes:

2. It prepares people for the speaker, increasing their sense of curiosity,

Introductions do not have to be long

“Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States.”

How long should my introduction be?

 For conference calls, 30 seconds is plenty.

 For home meetings or hotel meetings

STEP 1. What is the Speaker going to tell the audience?

STEP 3. Relationship or personal meaning the Speaker has to you.

STEP 4. For the first time, mention the Speaker's name.

Step 3: Relationship or ‘personal meaning’ Speaker has to you.

Step 4: For the first time, mention the Speaker's name.

Sample Conference Call Introduction

Sample Meeting Introduction

Ask the speaker for

If you are the guest speaker . . .

Above all, be warm, be sincere and have fun!

Create Your Success!

How to Develop Self-Confidence and Influence People by Public Speaking

The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking

Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times (Chapters 13-15)

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