By Dave Gilman
Elevating Speech Introductions
One area that often needs improvement in Toastmasters meetings is the introduction of prepared speakers. A well-crafted introduction can make the difference between an audience that’s mildly attentive and one that’s fully engaged from the start.
When you’re the speaker, it’s your responsibility to write a brief yet effective introduction for the Toastmaster to read. When you’re the Toastmaster, it’s your role to deliver that introduction with energy and professionalism. Both roles work together to set the stage for success.
Why the Introduction Matters
The introduction serves three key purposes:
- Establish Context – It helps the audience understand what the speech is about without revealing too much.
- Build Credibility – It shows why the speaker is qualified or personally connected to the topic.
- Create Anticipation – It stirs curiosity and excitement for what’s to come.
The audience should be thinking, “I can’t wait to hear this!” by the time you finish reading the introduction.
When You’re the Speaker
When crafting your own introduction, focus on three questions:
1. Who is your audience?
Are they fellow Toastmasters, business professionals, students, or community members? Tailor your tone accordingly.
2. What is your objective?
Is your goal to inspire, inform, persuade, or entertain? Let your introduction hint at that purpose.
3. Why are you giving this speech?
Share a line or two about your connection to the topic. This builds credibility and helps the audience relate to you.
Keep it short—about 75 to 100 words. Avoid revealing your speech content or main point. Think of your introduction as the trailer to a movie, not the movie itself.
When You’re the Toastmaster
As the Toastmaster, your delivery of the introduction should sound natural and conversational, not like you’re reading a paragraph for the first time. Review it ahead of time, rehearse any tricky names, and set a positive tone.
After reading the introduction, pause briefly, then warmly invite the speaker to the lectern:
“Please join me in welcoming [Speaker’s Name] with their speech titled ‘[Title]’.”
Example Introduction
Let’s imagine a member giving a Level 3 Presentation Mastery speech titled “From Chaos to Calm.”
Here’s how the introduction might read:
Our next speaker knows firsthand how overwhelming life can get when juggling career, family, and self-care. But through years of trial and reflection, she discovered simple, practical ways to bring peace to her daily routine. Today, she’ll share her journey—and a few surprising lessons she learned along the way.
Please welcome Sarah with her speech titled “From Chaos to Calm.”
Define the Audience
A crucial part of any introduction is defining the audience. Let the meeting know who they are supposed to “play along” as. When the audience understands their role, the speaker receives better feedback and the experience becomes more realistic.
The Toastmaster should make this clear in the introduction. A simple line like, “Please imagine you are prospective clients evaluating this proposal,” gives the audience context and helps the speaker achieve their objective.
Final Thoughts
An effective introduction is a gift—to the speaker, the audience, and the meeting itself. It creates connection, builds anticipation, and allows the speaker to shine right from the start. Whether you’re writing or delivering it, treat the introduction as a crucial part of the Toastmasters experience—and watch how it elevates the meeting.