How to Begin Introducing a Keynote Speaker
Keynote speakers are intended to be a highpoint of a conference or event. Therefore, it is appropriate to build up to the moment before the speaker takes the stage with an introduction. While an introduction has many practical purposes, such as ensuring that all attendees have a sense of who the keynote is and providing some context for her appearance, the primary goal of the introduction is to focus the audience's attention on what comes next: the keynote.
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Instructions
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Get to know the keynote prior to writing your introduction. Plan a phone conversation to ask the presenter if there are specific details she would like included in the introduction. This can also be done via email.
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Learn how to pronounce the keynote's name, title and other vital information that may be difficult to say, such as the field of research in which she is involved.
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Research the keynote's accomplishments. These may be used in your introduction if they are tied to the event. Avoid listing each and every achievement the keynote is responsible for, particularly if it isn't related to your event.
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Write your introduction and keep it between 1-3 minutes. Practice delivering your speech with enthusiasm and genuine knowledge of the subject matter. Prepare to deliver the introduction without reading it from your notes.
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Deliver your introduction with excitement and a smile. Just before the keynote takes the stage, lead the crowd in welcoming her with a round of applause. Use a phrase such as, "Help me in welcoming XXX to the podium."
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References
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