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       It’s All About You!



       Leanna Lindquist, DTM








      Heeeere’s Johnny!                                      able to jump into the discussion.
         As brief as it is, it is still an introduction.         An introduction provides a smooth

      It prepares the audience for what is to come.  transition from the Toastmaster to the
      For those of you too young to remember, that  speaker. It can give your credentials. Your
      is how Johnny Carson of the Tonight Show  audience knows what qualifies you to speak

      was introduced five nights a week for thirty  on a topic. Think of a realtor speaking about
      years. Those two words created excitement,  the local housing market. This helps carry
      enthusiasm, and expectation for his audience.  weight with the audience.
      That is what introductions are meant to do.
                                                             How to craft an introduction
      When you are the speaker                                   Keep in mind your introduction is for the

         Speakers often overlook writing their own  Toastmaster to read. Write it from that point
      introductions. I consider introductions an  of view. Avoid the word I. Ask some questions,

      important part of every speech I write. I work  “why should someone listen to my speech?”
      to craft one that will engage my audience  “What benefits will the audience receive?” In
      before I speak. One that will keep them in  other words, “what is in it for them?” When
      suspense and whet their appetite. I don’t  you can answer these questions, you are ready
      want someone to make one up for me. I am  to write your introduction.

      the only one who knows the content of my                   Start with “our next speaker” then give
      speech. The stage needs to be set and only I  a statement so your audience knows your
      can do that.                                           premise. For example: “Our next speaker

         When I was in the Legacy Program,  believes everyone can train to run a
      I facilitated a discussion. My prepared  marathon.”
      introduction, read by the Toastmaster, let the             Add a twist. “Our next speaker believes
      audience know they needed to role play. They  everyone can train to run a marathon after
      were city council members, and I delivered  the age of 60.” If appropriate, add humor.

      a proposal for a Walmart to be built in West  “Our next speaker believes everyone can
      Linn. I did not take my valuable speaking  train to run a marathon after the age of 60.
      time to explain this to the audience. I was  She plans to begin her training as soon as she




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