How to Professionally Introduce a Speaker at Business Events — The TIQS Model

Most business events invest heavily in content and slides, yet overlook one critical moment: how the speaker is introduced. A weak, mumbled, or improvised introduction can damage both the speaker’s credibility and the organisation’s brand—and yours. How can executives and MCs introduce a speaker in a way that is sharp, respectful, and professional?

When you introduce a speaker, you are not just filling time. You are:

• Framing how the audience perceives the speaker

• Signaling the professionalism of the hosting organisation

• Displaying your own personal and professional standards

Even if you are only in the spotlight for 60–90 seconds, the audience is judging you. A sloppy introduction can:

• Undermine the speaker’s authority

• Make the event feel amateur

• Lower your own perceived competence

Mini-Summary:
A speaker introduction is a short but powerful moment where everyone in the room evaluates you, the speaker, and the organisation.

Typical errors include:

• Mumbling and bumbling through the text

• Ignoring the prepared bio and “freestyling” an introduction

• Leaving out key parts of the speaker’s background

• Getting dates, titles, or details wrong

From the speaker’s perspective, this is frustrating and disrespectful. They crafted their own bio to:

• Build credibility with the audience

• Set expectations for the content

• Position themselves as an authority on the topic

When the MC improvises or reads carelessly, it effectively insults the speaker and lowers the perceived value of the session.

Mini-Summary:
Freestyling or carelessly reading the bio damages trust and wastes an important credibility-building opportunity.

The MC’s job is to:

• Quiet the room and focus attention

• Build anticipation for the topic and speaker

• Smoothly hand over to the speaker—without taking over

A common mistake is when the MC:

• Starts explaining the content in too much detail

• Almost begins giving the presentation themselves

The introduction should be:

• Brief

• Clear

• Intriguing

Your goal is to make the audience think, “I want to hear this speaker”—then get out of the way.

Mini-Summary:
The MC is a bridge, not the main act. Set up the speaker, then step back.

The TIQS model provides a simple, repeatable structure:

1. T — Topic

Start by clearly stating the topic or title of the talk.

• Reminds everyone why they are here

• Re-aligns attention, especially if the registration was weeks earlier

Example:
“Today’s topic is ‘Leading Change in Uncertain Times’.”

2. I — Importance

Explain briefly why this topic matters to this specific audience.

• Reinforces the value of their time investment

• Positions the host organisation as a provider of meaningful content

Example:
“This topic matters because all of us are leading teams through rapid change, and we need practical tools to keep our people engaged and productive.”

3. Q — Qualifications

Highlight the speaker’s relevant credentials.

• Use the prepared introduction supplied by the speaker

• Confirm any unclear items beforehand

• If no bio exists, do basic research and prepare one

This is the moment to answer the unspoken question:
“Why should we listen to this person on this subject?”

Example:
“Our speaker has led transformation projects across multiple global markets and has over 20 years of experience in executive leadership.”

4. S — Speaker Name

Only now do you reveal and emphasise the speaker’s name.

• Build anticipation first

• Then call for a warm welcome

Example:
“Please join me in welcoming our speaker, Dr. Greg Story.”

Begin applauding yourself to cue the audience to follow.

Mini-Summary:
TIQS (Topic, Importance, Qualifications, Speaker Name) creates a clear, polished, and respectful introduction every time.

If no one is available to introduce you, use a simplified self-introduction:

1. State your name and organisation

2. Briefly introduce the topic of today’s talk

3. Add one or two key qualifications that explain why you are speaking on this subject

Keep it short and professional, then transition smoothly into your main content.

Mini-Summary:
Even when introducing yourself, apply the same discipline—clarity, brevity, and relevance.

• A speaker introduction is a high-impact moment that shapes how the audience sees you, the speaker, and the organisation.

• Avoid freestyling, rambling, or mishandling the prepared bio; it undermines credibility.

• Use the TIQS model: Topic, Importance, Qualifications, Speaker Name.

• Whether you are the MC or the speaker, a well-crafted introduction quietly signals top-tier professionalism.

Request a Free Consultation to learn how Dale Carnegie Tokyo helps leaders, MCs, and professionals master high-impact introductions and event facilitation as part of presentation skills and leadership training.

Founded in the U.S. in 1912, Dale Carnegie Training has supported individuals and companies worldwide for over a century in leadership, sales, presentation, executive coaching, and DEI. Our Tokyo office, established in 1963, has been empowering both Japanese and multinational corporate clients ever since.