“In” Speech Marketing – Introductions That Sell

Today’s introduction is tomorrow’s set-up for future business!

Examine, dissect and craft your introduction as carefully as you do your proposals, marketing materials and your speeches.

Your introduction should include elements that makes your audience not only want to listen to you, but also want to do additional business with you:

q    Consultants – include some consulting success stories

q    Authors – include not just your book titles but a quote from the book and a testimonial or two

q    Speakers – include your “other” topics, impressive client references, audience testimonials

In their book, Public Speaking, (Houghton Miflin Co., 1991) Michael Osborn and Suzanne Osborn talk about “managing the impression” you make on an audience and their ideas apply to your introduction. 

“…able communication begins with listeners forming favorable impressions of speakers based on competence, integrity, attractiveness and power.”

Write your introduction to convey these important traits.