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How To: Rx for a Good

Speech Introduction
The 3 Cs of a quality introduction:
Content, context and credibility.
By Michael Varma, ACG, ALB

Photo Caption: Learning from the experts: 2007-2008 International President Chris Ford introduces Golden Gavel recipient
Pamela Wallin at the International Convention in Calgary in August.

This guy who’s coming to the podium – you gotta keep your eye on him. He’ll make your wallet disappear.
Please welcome Michael Varma.”

Yes, this is a true Hall of Shame introduction I received years ago. It was horrendous on so many levels. It
made me sound like a pick-pocket – but it gets worse. I was speaking before local businessmen asking for
donations, to fund Friends of the Garden – a nonprofit project to teach elementary school children how to
grow a vegetable garden.

My introducer had neglected to explain that I was a professional magician. Before my presentation, he had
told me a story backstage of how another magician, about 10 years ago, magically stole his wallet as part of
a comedy routine. His incomplete reminiscence at the lectern effectively killed my credibility. I had to take
valuable time away from my original purpose to clarify his comments, then suitably re-introduce myself.

A fitting introduction, tailored to the topic of this article, would be, “Ladies and gentlemen, our next guest is a
professional entertainer and keynote speaker who over the last 25 years has performed and witnessed
introductions ranging from spectacular to shocking. He will tell us how to avoid the Hall of Shame and
provide an exclusive look into the secrets of giving an inspiring and dynamic introduction. Please welcome
to the stage...”

Interested to know the speaker’s name? Curious about what secrets will be revealed? Then my 30-second
intro did a good job. It was successful because it contained the three Cs of a quality introduction: content,
context and credibility.

Content: A brief, succinct sentence describing what you plan to talk about establishes a connection with the
audience. Have your introducer include an interesting and attention-grabbing fact to pique your audience’s
interest for the next C: context.

Context: Explaining why the topic is timely or important to the listeners will help solidify the bond between
the speaker and the audience. This persuasive sentence grants the presenter full access to engage each
participant, putting you – the speaker – exactly where you want to be.

Credibility: People want to learn from experts. A medical student wants to learn from an experienced,
successful doctor, not the appliance repairman. A concise sentence stating your credentials is sufficient.
Occasionally I’m asked, “But what if the speaker has several degrees and awards?” Best recommendation:
Pick only two or three to be mentioned. Select the pertinent accolades for the subject matter and match it to
the audience, because in most cases less is more.

Limiting each component (content, context and credibility) to one sentence provides the perfect intro length
of 30 to 60 seconds.
 Format
For basic introductions, keeping the Cs in order (1-2-3) creates a crescendo before announcing the
performer’s name, which is the natural cue to step up to the microphone. Ultimately, the type of event and
the emcee’s level of experience will dictate the order of the three Cs.

I like the 3-2-1 format for wedding and anniversary parties. You may ask, “If it’s obvious you’re at a wedding
reception, is it still necessary to cover the content, context and credibility?”

Yes, for several reasons. It notifies the audience and speaker what’s next on the agenda, provides a natural
segue, and best of all, takes less than 10 seconds to say. For example: “The best man, Stephen Varma, the
groom’s brother, will say a few words and lead the guests in a toast to the newlyweds.” Non-family members
and their guests will know the who, what, where, when and why.

Reality check
Books on party protocol preach that the master of ceremonies will contact the performer and find out the
following information: the speaker’s name and correct pronunciation (spelled phonetically if necessary), the
speaker’s title (CEO, CFO, President, etc.), the speaker’s bona fides (Dr., Ph.D., etc.) and the title of the
speech. In truth, I’ve rarely received any such call. Waiting for the phone to ring can lead to disaster. I submit
into evidence another one of my Hall of Shame introductions:

“H-e-e-r-e’s Michael!”

While I appreciate being raised to the legendary ranks of Letterman, Leno, Carson and other one-name
icons, it was an inappropriate introduction to a group of elementary school children waiting to learn about
earthquake safety. If kids know these late-night talk show hosts, then we have an explanation for the
country’s dismal test scores.

Essentials
Most professional presenters, myself included, know the power of a proper introduction. A careless,
haphazard, off-the-cuff intro can destroy the immediate connection needed to engage your audience. So
instead of waiting for a non- existent phone call from the person who might introduce me, I actively do the
following:

 Create a well-crafted introduction printed in a large 24-point font (so it can be easily read).
 E-mail or fax copies in advance to the contact person for the event.
 Arrive early and locate the person making the introductions.
 Provide another copy of the intro and have it read out loud until we’re both satisfied.

If you follow the three Cs of a quality introduction – content, context and credibility – and learn from my
experience, you’ll avoid the Hall of Shame and guarantee yourself a warm welcome from your audience.

Michael Varma, ACG, ALB, is a member of BergenMeisters Toastmasters club in Orange, California. He can
be reached at www.michaelvarma.com.
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Introducing a Speaker

What should you say?

ShareThis

Eventually, either for business or personal activities, you will serve as a host of some event where it will fall
on you to introduce the speakers. Every speaker deserves a thoughtful and helpful introduction – it helps the
speaker, and the audience, establish a common bond.
Short But Sweet
An introduction is a small speech, usually less than a minute. Though short, it still contains all the elements
of a full speech:
 An opening. It grabs the audience’s attention and makes them aware of the importance of the
upcoming subject.
 A body. It explains why the subject was chosen, why the speaker is qualified to address it, why it is
appropriate for this audience and why this time is appropriate to discuss it.
 A conclusion. In this case, it paves the way for the speaker to begin the presentation.
A Public Speaking Ritual
Consider the introduction as a brief ritual or ceremony, accomplishing some important goals. Such a
ceremony:
Is transitional. It marks a speaker’s transition from being a part of the group to stepping in front of it, leading
its thinking.

 Guides thinking. It sets the tone for the topic at hand, so the group will know what to look for.
 Adds power. It contributes to the speaker’s authority by establishing that he or she speaks from
preparation, knowledge or experience.
 Sets the mood. For example, if a serious subject was presented by the previous speaker, the
introduction can prepare the audience for a more light-hearted speech to follow.
So, as the introducer, what should you say? Speeches of introduction should be graceful, witty and fun…fun
to hear and fun to give! Leave out claims that the speaker is especially brilliant, successful or a "good
speaker." Instead, list his or her experience and expertise as it relates to the subject of the speech. Don’t
steal the show – make it brief and all about the speaker. Know the topic of the speech and try to briefly set
the mood for the audience. You’ll know you’re doing your job well when you end your introduction just as
audience interest is peaking.

Toastmasters Speech Series: Your

Guide to the First 10 Speeches
by Andrew Dlugan
Apr 24th, 2008
 This is the first article of the
Toastmasters Speech Series — a collection of articles which
examines the fundamentals of public speaking.

Not familiar with Toastmasters? Find out here.

For Toastmasters and non-Toastmasters alike, these articles show

how you can graduate from speaking fear to inspiring your audience.

The format for the series will be one article for each of the ten
speeches which comprise the introductory Toastmasters manual — the
Competent Communicator Manual.
The Toastmasters Speech Series
1. The Ice Breaker
2. Organize Your Speech
3. Get to the Point
4. How To Say It
5. Your Body Speaks
6. Vocal Variety
7. Research Your Topic
8. Get Comfortable with Visual Aids (coming next)
9. Persuade With Power
10. Inspire Your Audience
 For Toastmasters and Non-Toastmasters
Alike
If you are a Toastmaster, this is your guide through the first ten
speeches. For each speech project, we’ll look at tips, techniques, and
wherever possible, written and video examples of speeches which
demonstrate the goals.

If you are not a Toastmaster, consider this an introductory public

speaking course. Each of the 10 speeches covers one fundamental skill
for public speakers. This is the solid formula on which the
Toastmasters program is based. If you’ve never joined Toastmasters
or taken a public speaking course, this series will be a primer for you.

Overview of the First Ten Toastmasters

Speeches
As the articles are published, each of these will turn into links to those
articles.
 Speech 1: The Ice Breaker — The first speech of the
Toastmasters program is about introducing yourself to your peers,
providing a benchmark for your current skill level, and standing
and speaking without falling over.
 Speech 2: Organize Your Speech — Introduces the basic
concepts of organizing a speech around a speech outline.
 Speech 3: Get to the Point — Clearly state your speech goal,
and make sure that every element of your speech focuses on that
goal.
 Speech 4: How to Say It — Examines word choice, sentence
structure, and rhetorical devices.
 Speech 5: Your Body Speaks — Shows how to complement
words with posture, stance, gestures, facial expressions, and eye
contact.
 Speech 6: Vocal Variety — Guides you to add life to your
voice with variations in pitch, pace, power, and pauses.
 Speech 7: Research Your Topic — Addresses the
importance of backing up your arguments with evidence, and
touches on the types of evidence to use.
 Speech 8: Get Comfortable With Visual Aids — Examines
the use of slides, transparencies, flip charts, whiteboards, or
props.
 Speech 9: Persuade With Power — Discusses audience
analysis and the different forms of persuasion available to a
speaker.
 Speech 10: Inspire Your Audience — The last of ten
speeches, this project challenges the speaker to draw all their
skills together to deliver a powerful inspirational message.

Sample Written Speeches and Speech Videos

Each article will include several
examples of real speeches
written and delivered by
Toastmasters.

The purpose of including these

samples is not to say “Look,
here’s the right way to do this
project.” In fact, there is no
single “right way.”

Instead, I hope these sample

speeches will provide ideas and
inspiration for you as you
search for relevant topics from your own life experiences.

Next in the Toastmasters Speech Series

The next article in this series addresses Speech 1: The Ice Breaker.

This is one of a number of articles related to Toastmasters

featured on Six Minutes.
Subscribe to Six Minutes for free to receive future articles.

Note: Six Minutes is not affiliated with or endorsed by

Toastmasters International. Click here for more information about
the relationship between the two.
Andrew Dlugan is the editor and founder of Six Minutes. He teaches
courses, leads seminars, coaches speakers, and strives to avoid
Suicide by PowerPoint. He is an award-winning public speaker and
speech evaluator. Andrew is a father and husband who resides in
British Columbia, Canada.

Speaker Introductions
One of the most important tasks for any speaker to complete prior to their presentation is
to prepare some material for the meeting's Toastmaster to use as an introduction.

Dan Thurman, our Area Governor during 2002-2003, gave UT Toastmasters a great
presentation on the importance of good introductions and four questions for the speaker
to answer when preparing their introduction. Dan has given us permission to provide
those questions here. If you use these questions as guidelines for building your
introduction, you can't go wrong!

Why this speaker?

Why this subject?

Why this audience?

Why at this time?

Bad Introduction
Here's Dan Thurman, he's giving us a talk today and will tell you what it's about.

Great Introduction
Our next speaker is Dan Thurman. Dan is a 5-year veteran of Toastmasters and is now
serving as our area governor. Part of his responsibility as area governor is to help train the
clubs in his area.(why this speaker?)

Today Dan is going to talk about the importance of good introductions. He believes that
introductions are an important part of every speech and, like the take off of an aircraft,
introductions should be smooth and powerful.(why this subject?)

As members of a Toastmasters club, you are trying to improve your speaking ability. Your
introduction is a vital part of your speech.(why this audience?)

Some of you are new members and may not be aware of Toastmasters International's
recommendations for introducting a speaker.(why at this time?)

Dan'speech will be 8-10 minutes long and the title of his speech is:
"Please Help Me Welcome..."

So, please help me welcome..... Dan Thurman!

An Introduction is a small speech—less than a minute in your Toastmasters club—

which contains all the elements of a full speech. It has an opening, which grabs the
audience's attention and makes them aware of the importance of the upcoming subject. It
has a body, which explains why the subject was chosen, why the speaker is qualified to
address it, why it is appropriate for this audience, and why this time is appropriate to
discuss it. It has a conclusion, which in this case allows the speaker to begin the
presentation.

Your introduction should tell the audience about the speaker’s expertise and give relevant
background information. You should set the mood of the audience for this particular
speech, an especially challenging task if there is a marked change from the mood of the
preceding talk.

While covering these points, be careful not to give the speaker’s speech. Allusions to the
topic will arouse audience interest without taking away from the speaker’s impact. Build
expectation, and end your introduction when interest peaks. Weave the speaker’s name
into the introduction as much as possible, so the audience will clearly relate this speaker
with this topic. Above all, don’t overdo it. Say what needs to be said, then conclude.

An Introduction requires almost as much preparation as a full speech. You will need to
contact the speaker in advance and discuss the relevant information about the speech and
speaker. You should then make an outline of your introduction and rehearse it. Good
preparation will clearly show, and both the audience and the speaker will appreciate it.
Two Introductions Contrasted Edit
Consider this example of a poorly prepared introduction:
Our presenter has been a Toastmaster for two years and is currently the vice
president membership of our club. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Linh
Sing, who will tell us about teenage drivers.

Then compare it with this example of a proper introduction:

Two years ago Linh Singh's seventeen-year old son died in a traffic accident.
What Linh learned after the accident stunned him: one in five teenage drivers has
a crash in their first year of driving, and motor vehicle crashes are the leading
cause of death for 15 to 20 year-olds. In the two years since his son’s death, Linh
has worked with our state’s motor vehicle department to develop a program for
teenagers about safe driving and advocates more effective training for teenage
drivers. Many of us have children who are learning to drive or who will be driving
in the next few years. Tonight Linh presents his Competent Communication
manual project 10, striving to inspire us, his audience, to a higher awareness and
activism, by appealing to our reason as well as our emotions, and by providing an
example. In his speech entitled “Help Them Arrive Alive,” Linh will tell us what
we must do as parents to ensure our children drive safely. Please welcome club
Vice President Membership, Linh Singh.

Take a moment to think about the differences between the two introductions.

The former introduction keeps the speaker's name a mystery until the very end, and does
not quote the speech title at all. It includes information not pertinent to the speech itself,
and fails to establish the speaker’s credibility.

The latter mentions the speaker’s name right away, while simultaneously establishing a
sympathetic connection with the audience. The body deepens our understanding of the
context of the speech and hooks us in to listening with attention. At the same time, it
establishes the speaker's credentials. The closing identifies manual and project with a
statement of the speech title, gives the speaker’s name with title, and calls the audience to
begin their applause.

Three Pillars of the Introduction Edit

Content Edit

A well-crafted and executed Introduction can strongly enhance a speech’s effect.

 Makes a transition—It defines the speaker’s role and prepares the audience for
the new focus in the meeting.
  Sets the tone—It provides background information for the speech topic and the
speaker’s treatment thereof.
 Lends authority—It establishes the speaker’s credentials for treating this topic.

Requirements for the introduction:

 Speaker's name—Give name at the beginning and, formally, at the end. If the
speaker’s name is unfamiliar to the audience, this repetition helps the audience be
conscious of who is addressing them: it makes the speaker more personal.
 Speech title—Mentioned typically at the end, just ahead of the speaker’s name
and title.
 Speech topic—Establish a context for the speech topic, relating it to the speaker
and the audience.

For a speech at a Toastmasters meeting:

 Project—Identify the speech project by manual and project title
 Objectives—Give the project objectives along with the speaker’s personal
objectives
 Questions—If a question-and-answer period is part of the speech project,
mention this to the audience and be prepared to act as Q&A moderator on behalf
of the speaker.

Presentation Edit

Focus on the speaker, not on yourself

 Everything you do and say in the introduction is for the benefit of the speaker.
Your job is to make them look good to the audience.
 Make the introduction into a ceremony that settles the audience and prepares them
mentally for the speaker.
 Be brief. The audience interest should build during your introduction and come to
a peak just as you present the speaker. Sometimes all that is needed is to present
the speaker by announcing their name.

Stage Presence Edit

You will command the audience's attention, then transfer that attention to the speaker.
 Keep the audience's attention on the stage at all times. Never leave the stage
empty and bare.
 While performing your introduction, focus on the audience. (Do not glance at the
speaker: the audience's attention will shift prematurely.) Then, as you announce
the speaker's name, you turn your attention to the speaker (and lead the applause),
and the audience's attention follows the speaker as he begins his walk to the stage.
 Remain on stage, leading the audience in applause, until the speaker reaches you
and you shake hands. Then exit away from the speaker (so you do not cross either
 in front or behind him). (Having a seat on each side of the stage will help you do
this with aplomb.)

Guidelines Edit
Refrain from Edit
 Upstaging the speaker: Remember that the speaker is the star: turn the audience's
attention to the speaker, not yourself.
 Revealing content: Remember that it is up to the speaker to paint the picture for
the audience.
 Straying from the script. If the speaker has prepared an introduction script for
you, stick to it meticulously; do not ad lib.
 Surprising the speaker: do not extemporize embarrassing or extraneous
information.

Avoid Edit
 Praise: Lavish or gushing comments are counterproductive in warming an
audience to a speaker.

 Mystery: Unless the speaker is absolutely familiar to the entire audience

beforehand, state the speaker’s name at the outset.
 Prolixity: Keep the introduction succinct; one minute is a good rule of thumb for a
Toastmasters meeting.

Protocol Edit
 Face the audience until you mention the speaker’s name for the final time in your
introduction.
 Lead the audience in applause, then greet the speaker at the lectern with a
handshake.
 Leave the lectern without crossing either in front or behind the speaker.
 At the end of the speech, lead the applause, shake hands with the speaker again,
and resume your place at the lectern.
 Give a short (30 second) wrap-up of the speech, indicating how the speech
entertained, informed, persuaded, or inspired the audience. End with thanks and
appreciation.

Pro forma Introduction Edit

At a Toastmasters Speech Contest, the introduction of a speech is prosribed: Speech title,
speaker name. Speaker name, speech title. No variation is allowed from this formula.
Resources Edit
 How I Would Like to be Introduced—Form for new member; a component of the
New Member Orientation Kit Item 1162
 Introducing the Speaker (Item 111, $0.15)—Explains why speakers need to be
introduced and how to make a speech introduction.
 When You're The Introducer (Item 1167E, 1 pp, $0.15)—Includes tips on
preparing and delivering an introduction. A component of Toastmasters and You
(Item 1167).
 Creating An Introduction (Catalog No. 277)—A module in the Better Speaker
Series
 Introduce the Speaker, in Specialty Speeches from the Advanced Communication
Series—An advanced speech project
 Introducing the Speaker—Teri Mansur of Ventura Sunrise Toastmasters, Jan. 21,
2004
 Introducing a Speaker—Toastmasters New Zealand, District 72

Retrieved from "http://toastmasters.wikia.com/wiki/Introduction"

Creating an Introduction

How to Find Us Meeting Agenda and Roles About Us Mentorship Program How Do I Learn?
Membership

CREATING AN INTRODUCTION

Notes from David Sweeney's speech from The Better Speaker Series, March
2008

Early in this century, an admirer of William Jennings Bryan took most of the
evening to extol Bryan's qualities as a speaker and statesman. At long last he
said, "Mr. Bryan will now give his address." "My address is 3 Hampton Street,"
said Bryan as he hurriedly left to catch his train.

Fellow Toastmasters, a well-planned and well-delivered introduction can set the

best possible stage for an interaction between a speaker and an audience. In this
speech, I will talk about what makes a great introduction, and why it is so
important. I will also touch on some things not to do when introducing a speaker,
then conclude with ideas on lectern etiquette.

Why introductions are important:

 Make a transition for member into new role as speaker. Also shifting gears
for audience.
 Establishes the mind set of audience. Sets proper mood and tone.
 Gives the speaker authority. (Unlike a speech contest).

Key components of a speech introduction:

 Speaker's name, given at beginning and end. (Unless it is a celebrity

mystery guest).
 Speaker's topic. How will this benefit the audience?
 Title of speech should be at the end of introduction, with special emphasis.
 Speech assignment. Which book? Which speech number and title?
 Speech objectives. Speaker's objectives.
 Put yourself in speaker's shoes. What would make you feel appreciated
and welcome?

Some things not to do when introducing a speaker:

 Don't be verbose. Don't prolong the suspense of the audience with filler.
 Don't upstage the speaker. They are the star.
 Don't' steal the speakers thunder. General subject OK, but not specifics.

"My sympathies lie with the speaker, Whose knees grown suddenly weaker,
As the toastmaster's lengthy patter, Turns out to be the speaker's subject
matter."
  Don't praise the speaker's skills, (unreasonable expectations). Let the
audience be the judge.
 Avoid clichés: "This speaker needs no introduction," "We have with us
tonight," "Without further ado," "It gives me great pleasure to present."

Lectern Etiquette:

 Relaxed professional delivery that creates a friendly atmosphere.

 Don't turn from audience and speak to the speaker. Look only at end.
 Lead the applause.
 Shake hands and leave the lectern. Never cross in front of speaker.
 Audience will take cues from introducer so continue to show involvement
and interest.
 After taking control of the lectern, a 30-second summary is appropriate
about how the speech has entertained, helped or enlightened the
audience. Give thanks and appreciation.

Summary:

Presenting a complete introduction that is still to-the-point can be deceptively

challenging. Deciding what to leave out can be just as important as what to
include. But once you have mastered the art of the introduction, you will have
taken your speech-making abilities yet another step forward and you will have
earned the gratitude of both the speaker and the audience.

Path: Home > Members > Speaker Introduction

Introducing You as a Speaker

Why do it
Before a speaker approaches the speaking area, the audience should have a sense of the purpose of the
speech. It is the speaker's responsibility to provide information that the introducer can use to set up properly
the speech. When you are a speaker, prepare your introducer. Thus, you will increase your likelihood of
communicating clearly with your audience.

When to do it
Always prepare an introduction for yourself. A few days before the speech, give a copy of your introductory
script to the person who will introduce you. Also bring a hard copy with you on the day of the speech.

What to include
Here are some things to have your introducer say about you before your speech:
 The name of the speech manual and project on which you based your speech and the time length
allotted for the speech
 The objectives of your speech project (unless that is printed on the agenda)
 Something about you that relates to your speech topic. Your experience. Your reason for interest in the
speech topic.
 A few words that lead into your speech topic and get your audience ready to hear you speak. This
could be a question of, or a challenge to, the audience.
 Your speech title, your name, your Toastmaster designation and/or credentials.

Perspective
Write your introduction from the introducer's perspective so that the introducer can tell the audience about
you. Refer to yourself in the third person by using your name.

Example:
Today, Sue is presenting speech number xxx from the xxxxxx manual. This is a x - y minute speech. The
objectives are: (1) xxx (2) xxx (3) xxx Have you ever wished there were more hours in a day? Our speaker
today has often wished for more time. At times, Sue has struggled to stay focused on items that have the
highest priority. That experience has motivated her to share with us what she has learned about priorities.
Please join me in welcoming Advanced Toastmaster Silver, Sue Smith, as she presents her speech "The Time
of Your Life".

Introducing a Speaker -- Some Do's and Don'ts

  DO be brief - but adequate - remember you are introducing them, not giving the speech!
 DO be accurate - make sure you have your facts about the speaker correct - the most important one
being the pronunciation of their name!
 DO be sincere - you must show the speaker and the audience that you are looking forward to the talk.
 DO be aware of the occasion and the audience - e.g. if you want to add humor, make sure it's
appropriate.
 DO show by your manner that you are looking forward to the speech.
 DON'T go overboard in your praise.
 DON'T give the speaker's life story.
 DON'T give the speech yourself.

Introducing a Speaker -- Five Basic Guidelines

1. Address the audience -- grab their attention.
2. Refer to the speaker -- tell the audience who the speaker is and prepare them by giving some
background on the speaker's experience, qualifications or special interest in the topic.
3. Refer to the topic -- this is of great interest to the audience. It's what they've come for. Explain how
the topic is relevant to them and how they stand to gain from listening.
4. Make the audience clear on what is to follow -- for example any housekeeping items such as time for
questions, handouts, note-taking.
5. Welcome the speaker and lead the applause -- indicate for the speaker to approach, step back and lead
the applause, welcome the speaker (possibly with a handshake or some other form of
acknowledgement), wait for acknowledgement from the speaker, then leave the speaking area and sit
down.

Notes from "The Better Speaker Series"

WHY Have an Introduction:
 Provides transition
 Sets mindset
 Gives authority

HOW to Give an Introduction:

 Planned vs. wing it
 Brief - 30 - 45 seconds, 2 minutes max
 Minimally gives 3 things to audience:
o Speaker's Name
o Topic
 o Title
 Other information that should be included:
o Speech Manual and Project #
o Objectives
o Time allotted
 End with N.A.T.S.L.:
o Name of Speaker
o Applaud
o Turn to Speaker
o Shake Hands
o Leave the Stage

DO's for Giving an Introduction:

 Friendly environment
 Put on speaker's shoes
 Sense of anticipation
 Interest and curiosity
 State Speaker's Name - Clearly
 Lead applause

DON'Ts for Giving an Introduction:

 Hold speaker's name until last
 Flowery prose
 Upstage speaker
 Steal speaker thunder
 Give away speech
 Surprise/embarrass speaker
 Over-praise speaker skills
 Use cliché's (e.g. 'needs no introduction')
 Anecdotes about yourself
 Give opinions
 Turn to speaker to speak

SPEAKER's ROLE for an Introduction:

 Provide introductory info
 Information about speech
 Special needs (such as equipment)
 Answer introducer questions

ETIQUETTE for Giving an Introduction:

 50% is writing the introduction
 50% is delivering introduction
 Professionally delivered intro
 Walk away from speaker, not in front of or behind the speaker
 Show speech involvement (if visible to audience)
 Optional 30-second summary/comment at the end

How to Write an Icebreaker Speech

for Toastmasters
By coachangela, eHow Member

Evalutaion Form in the Basic Manual (Competent Communicator)

User-Submitted Article

You've joined a Toastmasters club, and now you are ready to give your first manual speech--
the Icebreaker.

In just 4-6 minutes, you just need to "break the ice" to your fellow Toastmsters club members
by talking a little about yourself.

Here are some tips on options for how to organize the information and present yourself.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

 Courage
 Membership in a Toastmasters club

1. 1

Don't try to cover too much.

You can't tell your entire life history in 4-6 minutes. You have lots of future
speeches to share your interests, your life story, and your passions with your
audience.
2. 2

Tell a story.

Instead of a linear format (I was born, family life growing up, career, marriage,
etc.), consider sharing just one story from your life. Is there a funny story from
your childhood? Is there a vivid, memorable event in your life that you want to
share?
3. 3

Show, don't tell.

Instead of using a string of adjectives (I'm sharp, witty, perceptive, etc.), try
telling a story that illustrates these characteristics about yourself.

Instead of listing your interests and hobbies, try giving a whole speech about each
interest. You could give a speech about an aspect or experience with a hobby of
yours.
 Instead of listing your accomplishments, give the information to your Toastmaster
to use in the introduction of your speech.
4. 4

You can talk about your passions.

Religion and politics are okay to talk about in Toastmasters, even in this
politically-correct world of ours. As long as you are not trying to convert,
promote/sell, or preach in a way that makes other members uncomfortable, it is
okay to share you personal views and passions in the safe, supportive
environment of Toastmasters.
5. 5

You can talk about your visions of the future.

Most Icebreakers reveal all about the past, and present of the speaker. Try
something different and talk about your plans and goals for the future. Do you
have a vision? Share it with the club members, but remember you only have 4-6
minutes!
6. 6

Practice.

You don't have to type out the entire speech word for word if that does not suit
your personality. If you are speaking from the heart on a subject you know best,
then you should not be over-dependent on your notes.

You do not have to memorize the entire speech. Just be yourself and share some
things with the club that will pique their interest about you and want to hear future
speeches by you.
7. 7

GOOD LUCK!
 The audience is more forgiving than you think. Everyone in the audience has been
in your same shoes before, having given their first speech in this type of setting.

Toastmasters is very supportive. The Mission Statement of a club is "to provide a

mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member
has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn
foster self-confidence and personal growth."
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Tips & Warnings

 There is no pass or fail in Toastmasters. You are not graded on your performance.
If you get up and try, then you get credit for doing the speech.
 Nervousness is normal, this will decrease as you get up and give more speeches.
 You should not feel rushed to give this speech, you should progress within your
own comfort zone.
 Be yourself. Speak from the heart. Fellow club members will accept you for who
you are and will be supportive and communicative of your progress.
 The opinions of the evaluator assigned reflect his/her reaction only, and do not
represent the sentiments or reactions of the other club members.

Read more: How to Write an Icebreaker Speech for Toastmasters | eHow.com

http://www.ehow.com/how_4918171_write-icebreaker-speech-
toastmasters.html#ixzz13r7wZZJ6