Conference Planning Advice | Hiring a Professional Speaker

THOSE ALL-IMPORTANT SPEAKER INTRODUCTIONS

When I first began trying to become a professional speaker, I did what many have done. I spoke for free to anyone who would have me. Along with other types of groups, this involved a lot of civic organizations.

These groups provide wonderful community service, and provide lots of beginning speakers with needed experience. They can also be an experience.

I recall a certain early morning presentation to just such a group. We had our breakfast, and it was time for the program. The fellow who was supposed to introduce me stepped to the mic, sort of cleared his throat, and stammered around a bit. Then he suddenly said, “Oh, I almost forgot! Let’s go ahead and have our drawing for the door prize before we have our speaker.” When that matter was disposed of, he turned to me and said, “Now we’ll have our speaker.” That was it! That was how I was presented to the group and how they were warmed up for me.

Conversely, I recently spoke to a San Antonio group, where I was preceded at the microphone by Councilman Carroll Schubert. Though he was not the one officially designated to introduce me, he endeared himself to me when he said he regularly read my “barber-osophy column” and that the audience was in for a treat.

Obviously, one introduction was of great service to the group and to me. The other was as useful as a sidesaddle on a sow.

Since many find themselves in the role of introducing a speaker to groups of various types and sizes, maybe the following suggestions will help:

PREPARE. Do not try to wing it. Have the speaker give you a biography well in advance of the meeting, and then use it. Though you don’t have to read it (though if done well this is acceptable), don’t stray too far from it.

ORGANIZE your material. Many introductions have the organization of a flatcar full of scrap iron. A simple, straightforward approach is often best. Some prefer the T-I-S formula – the topic, its importance and relevance, and then the speaker’s background and qualifications. The last words spoken should be the speaker’s name, spoken clearly and to the audience. Turn toward the audience, not toward the speaker who already knows his own name, and say something like, “With pleasure, I present________________.

WARM UP THE AUDIENCE. This is the vital purpose of an introduction. So, be conversational, personable and engaging. Then, lead the applause, as the speaker makes his/her way to the platform!

KEEP IT BRIEF. Somewhat like a good haircut, it should be long enough to cover the subject, yet short enough to please. The introduction is not the main event, and it’s most impressive when its purpose is not to impress.

BE CAREFUL WITH HUMOR. Sometimes humor in introductions is at the expense of someone in the audience, the speaker or the speaker’s allotted time. Again, preparation here is the key. Winging it on humor has often caused embarrassment to someone, or created unnecessarily long-winded stories at the mic. Quips or one-liners are often best. However, if you must tell a rather long story (that you’re sure 75% of the crowd hasn’t already heard) remember this: The longer the story the stronger the punch line better be. Otherwise, listeners feel cheated.

CREATE REASONABLE EXPECTIONS. For example, a humorist doesn’t want to be introduced as the funniest person alive. In fact, superlatives should be used sparingly. Let the speaker’s presentation speak for itself.

Here, as an example, is an excellent introduction I received recently when I spoke to a group of business executives:

Terry L. Sumerlin

We are pleased to have with us Terry L. Sumerlin, “The Barber-osopher." As a professional speaker for more than 10 years, Terry shares with his audiences life and business lessons from his old-time barbershop in San Antonio, TX, as well as from extensive research and life experiences. With an abundance of stories and humor, Terry's speeches entertain, motivate and enlighten.

Terry is also a successful writer, having authored 3 motivational books. Regarding his book, Barber-osophy – Hair We Go Again, former San Antonio Mayor Howard W. Peak, says “Terry has, once again, been able to utilize everyday experiences to add life to what is, after all, plain old common sense. It’s that approach that appeals to me. Theories are well and good, but nothing beats common sense, especially when delivered via a short story.” Steve Kerr, Five-Time NBA Champion, said “Terry’s great wit is captured in his new book, Barber-osophy – Hair We Go Again! His stories, anecdotes and wisdom are fun to read and food for thought as we all go through our daily lives.”

In addition to being an author, Terry is a frequent columnist for the San Antonio Business Journal.

As a speaker, Terry’s clients include TX Dept. of Transportation, the City of San Antonio, AT & T and Princess Cruises. He speaks coast to coast and internationally. Let’s welcome:

Terry L. Sumerlin, The Barber-osopher.

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BARBER-OSOPHY: The most vital link between a speaker and an audience is the person who presents the speaker.

Terry L. Sumerlin, owner of J.B.'s Barber Shop in San Antonio, Texas, is known as "The Barber-osopher," and appears nationally as a humorist and motivational speaker.

Permission is granted for you to copy this article for distribution as long as the above copyright and contact information is included. Please reference or include a link to www.barber-osophy.com.