Introducing yourself credibly

We spend a large chunk of our business lives listening to presentations, speeches and talks. How often have we heard this at the beginning of a talk. 'My name is Derek Bbanga of Public Image, I am the training manager and have been in this position for 2 years now, before that I used to work at……zzzzzz.' If your introduction is simply you reading back your CV, you will put the audience to sleep even before you’ve had a chance to get out of the gates. Ideally, you want someone else to introduce you to the audience and to set the stage for the main event. In fact listening to a great introduction of yourself will actually give you an added shot of confidence before you take to the stage.

Have you ever had difficulty finding someone to introduce you, saying 'I don't know what to say, have so-and-so do it.' Well, make it easy and write or print out your own version and give it to them. But rather than having someone read back a laundry list of your CV highlights you can instead focus on specific credentials as they relate to why you’ve been asked to speak. Add a dash of humour – most of us take ourselves way too seriously and we need to lighten up. Also nobody wants a speech before the main speech so keep the introduction brief – a minute maximum.

Jeff Koinange does a good job of introducing the guests on his show – he can make a lying, thieving, corrupt politician seem like the best thing since sliced bread by the time he’s through with his intro. The lesson here is to introduce the speaker with verve and enthusiasm, you owe it to them. He may go overboard or be a tad sycophantic but there is something to be said about looking for the positives in any guest or speaker.

And when you get up to speak after being introduced, don’t make the mistake of saying “Well, as you were told my name is Derek Bbanga, and I’m from a company called Public Image.” Just get on with your presentation or talk – try a quotation, or a startling fact to grab the audience’s attention. A short personal story is another way which serves both as an introduction to your topic and subtly signals your expertise in the area. Make sure you command your space at the beginning of any presentation with upright, open body language and by standing in the middle of the stage and close to the audience. This non-verbal communication is part of your introduction and gives you an air of competence and credibility to your audience.

Just a quick unrelated addendum to this posting - what is with the new KTN studio? The lighting is way too harsh, everyone is shining like a beacon. Also, I hope they haven't paid whomever designed the studio set - they should borrow a leaf from Citizen. Enough said