Guest speakers themselves aren’t the reason most people attend the event. They may be a bonus, but the audience is there for the main speaker. Which means learning how to introduce a guest speaker can surprise your audience in the best way.
It creates excitement and guests will be more engaged in the speech being given.
But it’s more than just announcing a string of accolades. While there are many methods you can use to introduce a guest speaker, we’ll teach you some of the best and why.
What you’ll learn about how to introduce a guest speaker:
5 Steps for Introducing a Guest Speaker
Introducing a guest speaker can set the tone for their presentation and help the audience connect with their message. Here are five steps to ensure a smooth and impactful introduction:
1. Ask if they have any preferences
Before the event, check if the speaker has any preferences for their introduction, such as specific accolades they’d like highlighted or a particular topic they want emphasized. Some who speak for a living will have a specific way they’d like to be introduced.
It’s important that if they have a request, you understand why and if they’re firm on that boundary.
Because some speakers will use their introduction and play off of it during the opening of their speech. If that’s the case, you want to make sure to follow their guidance so you don’t throw them off their game right away. But keep in mind that in order to learn how to introduce a guest speaker, you don’t have to always follow what they say.
That’s why it’s good to know the reason for their specific introduction.
2. Give a personal tidbit
Make the speaker personable. Nobody wants to sit and learn from someone they can’t relate to in any way. The more the audience feels they know about the speaker, the more engaged they’ll be.
Start the introduction with a personal tidbit about the speaker to humanize them and make them relatable to the audience. This could be a fun fact, a shared interest, or a brief anecdote. If you know the speaker from somewhere, give a brief note of that background.
Since the audience is most likely there for the main speaker, drawing a connection can further help engagement.
3. Share applicable accolades
Highlight the speaker’s relevant accomplishments, credibility and credentials. This could include their professional background, relevant awards, or notable projects they’ve been involved in.
But remember, nobody wants a huge long list of all the amazing things someone has done. Many speakers have accomplished several things. The audience should know about the ones that will lend authority to their topic or to the main purpose of the event.
- What makes them the best person to speak on this topic?
- How long have they been in this field?
- Why did they agree to give this talk at this conference?
Answering some of these might point you in the right direction for which accolade to include.
4. Tell us what they’ll talk about
Of course, their topic will need to be introduced. Now, if you’re learning how to introduce a guest speaker, you might be gung-ho to list off the title of their presentation. However, some speakers prefer to have their title come after the introduction of their speech.
Make sure to ask before listing the title.
You can also introduce their topic in a way that doesn’t give the title or main topic away, either. By already sharing their accolades and experience, that can be enough. Or you can be vague and simply tell your audience that this guest speaker is here to “share their wisdom” with them.
5. Connect the speaker with the purpose of the event
Explain why the speaker is relevant to the event and how their expertise aligns with the event’s goals. This helps the audience see the value in listening to the speaker.
Much of this will already be done if you follow the steps above. That said, it’s important to make sure your audience knows that you vouch for this person and the reasons why, and also why you believe they’re a strong addition to the speaker line up at the event.
Your guest might not be the keynote speaker, but they do have value to add. Make sure your audience knows this!
BONUS:
This should be common sense, but we find it important to note that if your guest has a name in which the pronunciation of it isn’t clear, ask them. Get a voice memo from them, not just an email or a text. And practice it. This is basic, being-a-good-person manners when introducing a guest speaker.
3 Guest Speaker Introduction Templates
If you need a hand, and want a template you can fill in, these are helpful. Just remember to add your own flare and follow the tips above to do your guest justice.
1. The Standard Introduction
“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome [Speaker’s Name]. [Speaker’s Name] is a [brief description of their professional background]. Today, they will be sharing their insights on [topic of their presentation]. Please join me in welcoming [Speaker’s Name].”
2. The Personal Touch
“Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone. It’s a pleasure to introduce [Speaker’s Name]. I had the opportunity to [personal experience with the speaker, if applicable]. Their expertise in [speaker’s field] is truly remarkable. Today, they will be enlightening us on [topic of their presentation]. Let’s give a warm welcome to [Speaker’s Name].”
3. The Interactive Introduction
“Hello, everyone! Are you ready to be inspired? Our next speaker is [Speaker’s Name]. Before we dive into their presentation, let’s have a quick show of hands. How many of you have [shared experience or interest related to the speaker’s topic]? Well, you’re in for a treat because [Speaker’s Name] is here to talk about [topic of their presentation]. Please join me in welcoming [Speaker’s Name].”
