Youve done all the hard work. You know your topic. You know your audience. Your words are precisely chosen and your delivery is practiced. You see your introducer walking up to the lectern, and you realize I have no idea who this person is! As they give their introduction, it is clear they dont know you, either.

Introductions can either set you up brilliantly, or leave you floundering for words as you begin. If you dont take control over your introduction, you are asking for trouble. Name mispronunciations, unrelated comments, and inappropriate humor are par for the course when an introducer is forced to fend for their self on stage. Often they have been recruited at the last minute, or are too frazzled by managing the event to give you a strong start. Whatever the case, if your introduction is weak, you likely have no one to blame but yourself.

6 Strategies for Great Introductions:

1. Write it yourself. This is not a strategy as much as a requirement. Your introduction is the audiences first impression of you, so make sure its positive, intelligent, and understandable.

2. Use humor when its appropriate (and its almost always appropriate). Even if you are speaking on a serious topic, the intro is about you. Creating a lighter atmosphere will open the audience up to consider the importance of your subject. Tip: Self-deprecating humor this is a great time to make the audience identify with you. Be sure the humor is universal, and doesnt cost you credibility. Run it by a mentor or friend first.

3. No laundry lists. Unless you are giving an academic dissertation, the audience is not likely to want to hear about your multiple degrees and other awards. The list is probably in the event program. Tip: Use the unexpected if you are highly decorated, make a list of accomplishments and hobbies the audience will find humorous. Little known facts bring people closer to you.

4. End with your name. Welcome Johnny Smith! is a cue to the audience to applaud, and you to get up and work your magic. Of course, most introducers will use your name throughout, just out of habit but the ending cue is vital to avoid confusion.

5. Know you introducer. Find out ahead of time whose introducing you, and send them your written introduction. Be sure to include pronunciations of difficult names or terms, and ask them to read it to you over the phone. Tip: Even if youve given it to them in advance, always bring a copy with you, in 36 pt. type, to ensure it makes it to the event.

6. Be prepared for the worst. Even when youve done all you can, people are unpredictable. Be ready to overcome a bad introduction when someone goes off script, or simply reads it incorrectly. Be ready with a glib remark, or use the introduction youd had in mind as part of your open.

Rich Hopkins

Told by doctors he'd be wheelchair bound by 30, Rich continues to beat the odds, using his formula of Perspective, Passion & Persistence to create a life of joy and success. From his childhood days as Dickie Jr. to his teens and twenties facing personal turmoil of every sort, to his current role as a husband and father to a family of seven, Rich continues to live life with a steadfast, never-say-die attitude.

Rich has experienced tremendous successes as well as crushing setbacks - and draws from all areas of his life to share with his audiences how to avoid the pitfalls we all come across, and how to see the success we all experience, but often are unable to recognize and celebrate.

Rich's mission is to bring humor, insight, and inspiration to his audiences, whether he is speaking on the intricacies of sales and customer service, self-promotion and marketing, personal motivation and goal setting, family dynamics, or coaching speakers of every type.