How to Introduce A Speaker

Today we are going to look at how to introduce a speaker — something we may not do so often, but an important skill we should do well. We’ve all seen MCs introduce the speaker. We’ve also seen very few do a good job of it. One problem is the MC hasn’t connected this role with their personal and professional brand. They mumble and bumble along, treating the introduction as unimportant, and it comes across as an offhand effort.

They often make a mess of reading the bio provided by the speaker or, even worse, they dispense with the document altogether and freestyle their own half-baked version. From the speaker’s point of view, this is particularly annoying because we will have written that introduction to maximise our credibility with the audience and stimulate interest in the content to come. Having been on the receiving end of these MC introductions, I notice they will often leave important parts out, get the order wrong, or make mistakes with dates.

Basically, what they deliver is an insult to the speaker because they are not taking the proceedings seriously enough. Remember, it doesn’t matter how long we have in the public limelight — we are being judged by the audience. Even as an audience member asking a question after the presentation, we are being judged by everyone present. If our question sounds stupid or our delivery is awful, people are making a mental judgement about us.

Why the MC role matters

The MC role is important because this is how we quiet the audience and grab their attention for the speaker’s message. We are preparing the audience to accept the speaker into our midst. There is a delicate balance needed here though. You may have also seen the MC start to take over the presentation. They begin the introduction and then start telling us what the speaker is going to cover in too much detail.

The MC should be brief, get us to the main speaker smoothly, and intrigue us with the introduction so that we want to hear more.

The TIQS model for introducing a speaker

We can use the TIQS model when it is our turn to introduce the speaker at the event.

1. T — Topic

We start by referring to the topic or title of the talk. This reminds everyone what the talk is about. Yes, the notice went out and everyone signed up, but that could have been weeks ago. It is best practice to again focus on the formal topic of the talk, to make sure everyone is mentally geared up for the presentation.

2. I — Importance

We highlight the importance of the topic. We are reinforcing why it is in the interests of the audience to attend today and justifying this use of their time. The MC role includes that of salesperson for the talk. As the representative of the hosting organisation, the MC is selling the organisation’s value in being able to procure such high-quality speakers for the audience members — thereby indirectly encouraging them to attend future talks.

3. Q — Qualifications

The well organised speaker will have supplied their introduction. When we are the speaker, we need to make sure it has been professionally presented. We also have to directly ask the MC to use what we have prepared. Often the MC ad libs with our content and they don’t do a good enough job. We need to be insistent they stick to the script we have prepared.

When we are the MC, the speaker’s document will outline who they are and what they have done. We should check if there are any things which need further clarification before we present it to the audience. The introduction is the chance for the speaker to promote their credentials to be the speaker on this topic. If the speaker hasn’t done this, then we need to do some simple research to be able to introduce them properly.

4. S — Speaker Name

Having built up some anticipation, we now reveal the name of the speaker. The audience already knows this because they have seen the promotional material advertising the talk. Nevertheless, we take this chance to build some buzz before the speaker begins. We now call upon the audience to join us in applause for the speaker and call the speaker to the stage to start their presentation.

If there is no MC, introduce yourself

If there is no one to introduce us, then we should do it ourselves. Start by stating our name and our organisation. Next, talk about the topic chosen for today. Then briefly outline our qualifications to give this talk.

The introduction to the talk is an important element in the event and we need to give it proper care and attention. Done well, probably nobody notices. Done badly, it jars and distracts from the professionalism of the event and the talk. Let’s all make sure this part of the proceedings is a winner — whether we are in the speaker or the MC role.

Meta description (140–160 chars)

How to introduce a speaker professionally using the TIQS model: Topic, Importance, Qualifications, and Speaker Name—brief, credible, and engaging.

Keywords

introduce a speaker, MC introduction, TIQS model, event hosting, speaker bio, presentation introduction

FAQs

How long should a speaker introduction be?

Keep it brief. Your job is to quiet the room, build anticipation, and hand over smoothly — not to preview the whole talk.

Should the MC freestyle the speaker’s bio?

No. Use the bio the speaker provides. Freestyling often creates errors, wrong emphasis, and missed credibility points.

What does TIQS stand for?

Topic, Importance, Qualifications, Speaker Name — a simple structure to keep introductions professional and effective.

Author bio

Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie “One Carnegie Award” (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results.

Greg has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō (ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin (プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう), and Gendaiban “Hito o Ugokasu” Rīdā (現代版「人を動かす」リーダー).

Greg also publishes daily business insights on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, and hosts six weekly podcasts. On YouTube, he produces The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan’s Top Business Interviews, which are widely followed by executives seeking success strategies in Japan.