Now THAT'S an introduction!

We've all been there:  a business event or a fundraising gala.  Seems like everyone needs to be introduced before they can take the podium.  What makes for an effective introduction?

A good rule of thumb is to offer up something to the audience that they cannot find in the program brochure.  When the speaker's bio is already in the program brochure, you don't want to spend your time rehashing that information.  And when this is taken to the extreme, it can be excruciatingly boring.  Maybe you've been in the audience when someone introduces a speaker by reading off their bio word-for-word from the program.  Don't be that guy.

Instead, if you have a personal connection to the speaker, share an anecdote that is unique to your relationship with the speaker.  If you are introducing someone with whom you do not have a personal connection or history, never fear.  You could always take the time to meet with the speaker before your introduction and, if you're lucky, you might glean a useful insight or tidbit to share with the audience.

But if you don't want to leave that to chance:  consider doing some research in advance.  I've even phoned an honoree's executive assistant in order to make contact with the honoree's spouse or close friends.  A quick phone conversation with someone's close friends or associates will yield interesting and inspiring material that will make your introduction stand apart.  The speaker himself will be touched by your effort and the audience will enjoy hearing a personal and little-known story about the speaker.

Just don't go overboard.  I was in the audience this past year when an internationally known finance guru was introduced by someone he had never met before.  The young woman doing the introduction certainly did her homework on the speaker:  her introduction was dynamic and detailed and told us how the speaker had influenced and inspired her own career.  Problem was it was too detailed.  And she went on at length about her own accomplishments to the extent that it was uncomfortable to hear her go on and on about herself when the focus should have been on the speaker himself.

An effective introduction should be brief and selfless.  Your role is to set up the speaker for taking the podium and the limelight.  Put some effort into the introduction but leave the real show for the speaker.