Level: Awareness, Novice, Intermediate
Time Limit: 60 seconds
Instructions: Choose a famous person or character and introduce them to your audience. When you introduce someone to an audience, you are typically the conduit. Meaning you have a relationship with the speaker and the audience knows you. Research the person’s life and identify the biggest highlights—be sure to include where you found your information. Seek to connect the speaker’s highlights, achievements, or insights to the audience’s interest or concerns. Not only does this build speaker credibility, but also creates interest for the audience. Begin with an engaging first line and end your speech with a big build such as, “Put your hands together for. . .” or “Give a warm welcome to. . .” Keep the audience in suspense, even if they know who the guest is; don’t reveal the name of the person until you announce their name at the end, build the excitement for a big crescendo. Whomever you select, be sure to conduct some research about them and share with your audience where you obtained the information.
Audience: You serve on a board of your favorite non-profit. This is the big sponsorship gala of the year. The guest speaker is the highlight of the evening and you have the pleasure of introducing the individual to the crowd.
Purpose: Make this speech all that it can be. Be creative, incorporate some fun ideas to make the content come alive. Sweeten It — consider every way to make this speech surpass expectations and add Wow Factor”.
Skills to Practice: DP4: Sweeten It, DP5: Power of the Pause, DP6: Engage, Engage, Engage.
Sample Speech
Chances are you have welcomed our guest for this evening into your house on many occasions. No doubt, he has delighted your family and friends—he might even have become a regular member of the household as he has mine. Just this morning my five-year-old proclaimed, “What a treat!”
He giggled his way into the world in October of 1965 created by Rudy Perz (Goodsell, 2011). He is a whopping 14 ounces and a lengthy 9 inches. Inventors’ expert Mary Belvis (2015) reports that he “originates from Minneapolis, where he lives with his wife, Mrs. Poppie Fresh, along with their two children Popper and Bun Bun.”
He is a famous spokesperson, icon, mascot, and trademark for his company. He has been seen in over 600 commercials, advertising more than 50 products. He has been an opera singer, rapper, rock star, poet, ballet dancer, and even a skydiver (Goodsell, 2011).
His website reports (Goodsell, 2011) that he receives over 200 fan letters per week, this superstar has been honored with several awards including, “Favorite Spokesperson”, “Toy of the Year” and “Favorite Food Product Character.”
He is not considered a very smart cookie; he often wastes much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Even though he was a little flaky at times, he is still considered a roll model for millions.
His most famous quote (Belvis, 2015) is. . . “Nothin’ says lovin’ like bakin’ in the oven!” Ladies and gentleman, please give a “Whoo Hoo” for the Pillsbury Doughboy!
Note: The bold words are selected by the speaker for emphasis.
Note: Notice how citations inserted throughout the speech make the speech more credible.
References
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