THE SPEECH OF
SELF-INTRODUCTION
AND
INTRODUCING A
SPEAKER
The Speech of Self-Introduction
The Speech of SelfIntroduction provides
you with an opportunity
to develop credibility
before your audience.
It is a chance for you to
be seen as competent,
trustworthy, likeable,
and forceful.
The Speech of Self-Introduction
Since no one can
relate his or her life
story in a single
speech, you should
choose a topic that
best defines you
(or the person you
are introducing).
The Speech of Self-Introduction
Completing the “SelfAwareness Inventory” will
help you come up with a
specific topic for your
presentation.
Write down responses to all
of the questions in the
inventory, then think
through all of these potential
topic areas before making a
decision on your topic.
The Speech of Self-Introduction
Once you have determined your
topic, begin to plan your speech.
Be certain that it
has an introduction,
body, and
conclusion.
The Speech of Self-Introduction
THE BODY
Start by planning the body of the speech. In
the body of your speech you will develop
your major ideas (main points).
You may include up to three main points in
your presentation.
Each main point must be supported by facts
and figures, examples, or narratives.
These materials should be
inserted into the outline
in the appropriate places.
The Speech of Self-Introduction
THE INTRODUCTION
After prepared the body of your
speech, you should develop an
introduction that grabs the audience’s
attention and
leads into the
body of your
speech.
The Speech of Self-Introduction
THE CONCLUSION
Finally, you should prepare a
conclusion that summarizes your
message and concluding
remarks that reflect on
the meaning and
significance of your
speech.
More thoughts to consider as
you complete the outline:
 Grab the audience’s attention in the
introduction. Immediately bring in
your central
speech idea.
More thoughts to consider as
you complete the outline:
 Give some background information.
 Tell why it is important to you, why
you are doing it,
why you want
to tell them, etc.
More thoughts to consider as
you complete the outline:
 Now work out your topic in a few
sentences. Draw the contours, make
it personal.
More thoughts to consider as
you complete the outline:
 Give an example(s).
More thoughts to consider as
you complete the outline:
 In your conclusion, offer a memorable
answer on the question the listeners
probably will have when they listen to
your public speaking speech: what's in it
for me?
 Tell how this aspect of your life makes
who you are and what you are. It will be
the perfect ending of your self
introduction speech.
Checklist for a Speech of SelfIntroduction
 Have I narrowed my topic down to
one thing that best defines me as an
individual?
Checklist for a Speech of
Self-Introduction
 Have I created an introduction that
generates attention and interest?
Checklist for a Speech of SelfIntroduction
 Does my introduction preview the
main points in my speech?
Checklist for a Speech of SelfIntroduction
 Does the body of my speech contain
at least three main points?
Checklist for a Speech of SelfIntroduction
 Is each main point of my speech supported by
either facts and figures, examples, or
narratives?
Checklist for a Speech of SelfIntroduction
 Does my conclusion contain a
summary that recaps my message?
Checklist for a Speech of
Self-Introduction
 Do I end my speech
with concluding
remarks that leave
the audience with
something to
remember?
Introducing a Speaker
Not only will you be introducing
yourself, but you will also be
introducing a speaker.
A good introduction should be brief—
certainly no more than
three minutes, and
preferably just a
minute or two.
All introductions should let
the audience know:





Why it is that this speaker
from this organization
is talking about this topic
to this audience
at this time.
However, for our purposes, since we
already know all of this information, you
will want to focus on the speaker and the
following:

his or her biographical information

interests and hobbies

affiliations

academic successes

essentially the same types of things
you used to create your selfintroduction speeches.
Introducing a Speaker
Avoid just listing the individual’s
information. Find a way to show that the
upcoming speaker has unique
qualifications.
Quote him or her,
if possible, or quote
someone else’s
remarks showing the
speaker’s special attributes.
Introduction dos:
Be sure to pronounce his or name
correctly.
Introduction dos:
Repeat the name several
times during the introduction
so the audience can catch it.
Introduction dos:
At the end of the
introduction, face
the audience (not
the speaker) and
announce the
speaker’s name,
“We couldn’t have
found a more
qualified individual
to speak today
than—John Smith.”
Introduction dos:
Then turn to the speaker and smile.
Introduction dos:
In formal situations, applaud until the
speaker reaches your side, shake
hands, and return to your place.
Introduction dos:
In informal situations, sit down as
soon as the speaker rises and starts
toward the lectern.
Introduction dos:
Pay close
attention to the
speaker’s opening.
It may contain a
reference to you,
and you should be
prepared to smile
or nod in
response.
Introduction dos:
Plan these movements carefully.
Make sure the speaker knows the last
line of your introduction
so he or she can use it
as a cue.
Introduction don’ts:
Don’t upstage the speaker by making
your introduction too funny. Let the
speaker be the star.
Introduction don’ts:
Don’t try to summarize the speaker’s
speech. You may misinterpret his or
her focus.
Introduction don’ts:
Don’t rely on memory—write out a
complete introduction.
Introduction don’ts:
Don’t ad-lib. Spontaneous comments
could come back to haunt you.
Introduction don’ts:
Don’t draw attention to any negative
conditions, like recovering from an
illness, etc. These kinds of comments
do not help to create a relaxed mood.
Introduction don’ts:
Don’t try to con the audience by
saying things like “ . . . the funniest
person you’ll ever hear.”
Introduction don’ts:
Don’t put pressure on the speaker by
saying, “Now we’ll find
out whether or not he is
an excellent speaker.”
Introduction don’ts:
Avoid clichés:
“Here is a speaker who needs no
introduction . . .”
“His reputation speaks for itself . . .”
“Without further ado . . .”
“Heeeeere’s . . .”
Sample Introduction Speech
Thirty years ago I walked out of an Iowa City store onto the main street and
noticed Sam Becker walking about twenty feet ahead of me. His youngest daughter
was alongside Sam, but she was terribly upset about something; crying, and
obviously hurt about something. Sam put his arm around his daughter, and in the
space of two blocks, said something that comforted and fixed the problem. She was
smiling when they parted company.
I share this snapshot of Sam with you because, for me, it captures Sam’s
approach to life, higher education, scholarship, and our profession.
Sam Becker has figuratively put his arm around difficulties and problems for
his entire career. He’s made all of us as teachers and scholars better persons and
better professionals with his intellect, his vision, his energy, and his instinctive
willingness to help.
How much has Sam helped us? Sam has taught at four universities; written
six books; been active in eight professional associations; authored ten monographs;
served on twelve editorial boards; worked on evaluation teams for thirty-two colleges
and universities; served on thirty-six university committees; lectured at fifty colleges
and universities; directed fifty-five PhDs; and authored 105 articles. Without doubt,
he has helped and assisted and supported all of us.
Our speaker today, Sam Becker.
Taken from Mastering Public Speaking, by George L. Grice and John F. Skinner.
Writing the “Introducing a
Speaker” speech:
 Now, you need to interview the person you
are introducing by asking him or her to share
with you his or her answers to the selfawareness survey. Take the information that
you find the most unique to create your
speech.
 Remember to follow the guidelines!!!
THE SPEECH OF
SELF-INTRODUCTION
AND
INTRODUCING A
SPEAKER