introductory speech of guest speaker

How to Introduce a Guest Speaker (with Examples)

May 25, 2023

Introducing a guest speaker is an important responsibility that sets the stage for their presentation and creates an atmosphere of anticipation. A well-crafted introduction not only provides essential information about the speaker but also captivates the audience and builds excitement. In this article, we will explore the art of how to introduce a guest speaker and how to craft a brilliant script for introducing a guest speaker.

From the best way to introduce a speaker to example speeches and tips for making a memorable impact, we will equip you with the tools to deliver introductions that engage, entertain, and leave a lasting impression.

What Is the Best Way to Introduce a Speaker?

Introducing a speaker effectively requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some key elements to keep in mind for how to introduce a guest speaker successfully.

1. Research and gather information.

Before introducing the guest speaker, conduct thorough research to gather relevant information about their background, achievements, and expertise. This will help you create an introduction that is both personalized and impactful.

2. Establish credibility.

Highlight the speaker’s credentials and accomplishments to establish their credibility in the eyes of the audience. Share their relevant experience, expertise, and any notable achievements that are relevant to the topic of their presentation.

3. Create a connection.

Find a compelling way to establish a connection between both the speaker and the audience. This can be through shared interests, experiences, or values. For example, if you’re introducing a guest speaker at your university who happens to be an alumnus of your school, make sure you draw attention to that in your introduction. Creating a relatable connection helps the audience connect with the speaker right from the start.

4. Build anticipation.

Engage the audience’s curiosity by giving a glimpse of what the speaker will later cover in their presentation. Tease key points, intriguing anecdotes, or unique perspectives that the audience can look forward to during the talk. This builds anticipation and captures attention for the following presentation.

5. Keep it concise and engaging.

Aim for a concise, but also interesting, introduction. Use short, direct sentences that convey information clearly. In addition, avoid lengthy biographies or unnecessary details that may lose the audience’s interest. Finally, craft your words carefully to maintain a lively and engaging tone.

How to Use AI to Practice Introducing a Guest Speaker

When it comes time to practice your guest speaker introduction speech, Yoodli , an AI-powered communication coach, becomes your invaluable practice partner. With Yoodli’s cutting-edge technology and generative AI , you can rehearse and refine your introduction in a virtual, judgement-free environment. Its personalized feedback helps you fine-tune your tone, pacing, and overall delivery, ensuring that you make a powerful impact when introducing a guest speaker.

Furthermore, Yoodli automatically generates a transcription of your speech, analyzing it for keywords. This means you can get a sense of how your audience might interpret your speech’s overall message and main points. With Yoodli’s assistance, you can gain confidence, practice your high income skills (like your storytelling skills, for example) and create an introduction that captivates as well as energizes the audience.

Examples of How to Introduce a Guest Speaker

To illustrate the power of a great guest speaker introduction, let’s take a look at an example of how to introduce a guest speaker.

Example of a general introduction for a guest speaker

Good morning, all! Today, we have the privilege of being in the presence of a true visionary and leader in the field of environmental sustainability. Our guest speaker has dedicated her career to finding innovative solutions for a greener and more sustainable future. [Speaker’s name], the CEO of [organization/company name], has successfully spearheaded numerous initiatives that have had a profound impact on our environment. Under her leadership, the company has revolutionized the way we approach sustainability challenges, pushing boundaries and inspiring change. With over two decades of experience in environmental engineering, [Speaker’s name] has been at the forefront of designing groundbreaking technologies and implementing sustainable practices in industries ranging from renewable energy to waste management. Her expertise has earned her international recognition and multiple prestigious awards. But it’s not just her professional achievements that make her special. [Speaker’s name] is a passionate advocate for educating the next generation on the importance of environmental stewardship. Her engaging speaking style and ability to connect with audiences of all backgrounds make her an inspiration to many. Today, [Speaker’s name] will be sharing her insights on how we can create a more sustainable future through innovation and collaboration. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and empowered to take action. Please join me in giving a warm welcome to the exceptional [Speaker’s name]!

This example highlights the speaker’s credentials, builds a connection, creates anticipation, and sets the stage for an engaging and informative presentation.

Example of a personal anecdote for a guest speaker introduction

“Picture this: It was a sunny afternoon in the heart of our city, and I found myself walking through the bustling streets, surrounded by the sound of honking cars and the hum of conversation. Amidst the chaos, I stumbled upon a small park nestled between towering buildings — a hidden oasis of greenery and serenity.

As I entered the park, I noticed a group of children huddled around a captivating woman who stood in front of a majestic oak tree. It was none other than our esteemed guest speaker, [Speaker’s name]. She was engaging the children in a lively discussion about the wonders of nature and the importance of preserving our environment.

What struck me most was the way [Speaker’s name] effortlessly connected with these young minds, sparking their curiosity and inspiring them to take action. I watched as she shared stories of her own childhood adventures exploring forests, climbing trees, and discovering the beauty of our natural world.

In that moment, I realized the profound impact [Speaker’s name] had on these children: instilling a deep love and respect for the environment. Her passion was contagious, and it reminded me of the power we all possess to make a difference, no matter how small.

From that day forward, I became an avid follower of [Speaker’s name]’s work. Her commitment to environmental stewardship and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life is truly remarkable. Today, we have the incredible honor of welcoming her to this stage to share her insights and inspire us all to join the movement for a greener and more sustainable future.

Please finally join me in giving a warm welcome to the extraordinary [Speaker’s name]!”

What Do You Say First When Introducing a Guest Speaker?

The first few sentences of a guest speaker introduction are crucial in capturing the audience’s attention and setting the tone for the entire introduction. Here are some effective opening lines to consider adding to your script when introducing a guest speaking.

1. Engage listeners with a thought-provoking question.

Start with a thought-provoking question related to the speaker’s topic or expertise. This immediately grabs the audience’s attention and, what’s more, encourages them to actively participate in the introduction. For example: “Have you ever wondered how a single individual can make a significant impact on global environmental issues?”

2. Begin with a captivating anecdote or story.

Introduce the speaker by sharing a captivating anecdote or story that relates to their work or accomplishments. This narrative approach instantly draws the audience in and also builds an emotional connection.

3. Use a powerful quote.

Start with a powerful quote that encapsulates the essence of the speaker’s message or expertise. Quotes are attention-grabbing and can also convey a sense of authority and relevance. For example: “As Albert Einstein once said, ‘We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.'” You can find some powerful quotes from the best motivational speeches , too.

4. Make a bold statement.

Begin your script to introduce your guest speaker with a bold and impactful statement that immediately captures the audience’s attention. This statement should be concise yet intriguing, sparking curiosity as well as setting the stage for the speaker’s presentation. Attention getters are perfect for this. For example: “Today, you’re about to witness a groundbreaking approach to tackling one of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change.”

Remember, the opening lines of your script to introduce a guest speaker are the gateway to engaging the audience and setting the stage for a memorable presentation. Choose an approach that aligns with the speaker’s personality as well as the event’s atmosphere, and don’t be afraid to be creative and captivating.

The Main Takeaway

Giving an introduction for a guest speaker is an art that requires careful planning, research, and an understanding of the audience’s expectations. By following the principles discussed in this article and using examples as inspiration, you can deliver introductions that engage, entertain, and leave a lasting impression. Remember, the goal is to set the stage for the speaker’s presentation and create a sense of excitement and anticipation.

So, go ahead, embrace the power of a well-crafted introduction, and make every guest speaker’s presence an unforgettable experience for your audience.

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Guest Speaker Introduction: How to Prepare, Write and Deliver

Introducing a guest speaker is more than just a routine task. It’s an important step for both the audience and the speaker. For the audience, a good introduction sets the stage, providing context and sparking interest in what the speaker has to say. It helps them understand why they should listen and what they can expect to learn.

For speakers, a thoughtful introduction acts as a warm-up, giving them credibility and a connection with the audience. It’s a way of showing respect and appreciation for their expertise and the effort they’ve put into their presentation.

I’ll be sharing some practical tips on how to introduce a guest speaker effectively. Whether it’s a formal event or a more casual setting, the right introduction can make a big difference in how the speaker’s message is received. So, let’s get started on learning how to make every introduction clear, concise, and engaging.

Introducing a guest speaker.

I once heard a guest speaker’s introduction that was longer than the speech. At first, I was amused because the person assigned to introduce the guest speaker was introduced for about 11 minutes.

He greeted everyone on the stage. He made some comments about the dignitaries who seemed to love the spotlight focused on them. The last time I saw something similar was at a conference of barangay officials.

At first, he read the curriculum vitae word for word. He mentioned every award and degree earned. It was evident that the speaker stayed in school longer than any of us.

Then, he shared stories of how he met the speaker, his first impressions, and the common values they hold. I counted that he mentioned “finally” seven times to signal that he was about to call the speaker.

“Without further ado, let us welcome my idol, the one and only, the honorable…”

It was not the longest introduction I have seen, but nine minutes is a long time to introduce a speaker.

When I was in college, I realized that the more insecure the speaker is, the longer the introduction becomes.

For example, the President of the Philippines is often introduced only with “Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the Republic of the Philippines.” The more dignified the person is, the shorter the introduction is.

I am not suggesting that introducing a speaker is not important. An excellent introduction by the guest speaker establishes rapport and trust, and it helps the audience understand why they must stay and listen.

You can write an excellent introduction to the guest speaker. It is easier than most people imagined. You can learn patterns and ways of delivery.

And I will share with you some tips that you will not find elsewhere as I am going to speak based on experience.

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How to Introduce a Speaker (With Examples)

• The Speaker Lab
• April 2, 2024

Table of Contents

Ever stood at a podium, your palms sweaty as you look out over a crowd? In this case, though, you’re not the main attraction — just the person who gets to introduce the star of the show. That moment before you introduce a speaker is crucial. It’s not just about saying names right or getting the titles in order. Knowing h ow to introduce a speaker can set the tone for their entire presentation and potentially shape the audience’s perception from the get-go.

A well-crafted introduction does more than inform; it engages the crowd and draws them in to pay attention to the upcoming speech. A poor one, on the other hand, falls flat, sounding more like a dry reading of someone’s LinkedIn profile rather than an exciting prelude to what’s ahead. But a good speaker introduction is powerful — transforming that brief moment into a perfect kickoff of the main event. You might feel overwhelmed trying to write your introduction, but don’t stress about it! With some insight into human psychology and strategic communication techniques, we’re here to guide you.

Crafting the Perfect Introduction for a Guest Speaker

Introducing a guest speaker is more than just reading off a script. It’s about setting the stage and grabbing the attention of the audience. A good guest speaker introduction builds anticipation, connects the dots for your audience, and sets up the speaker and their topic — all in 60-90 seconds.

To achieve this, you first need to know your crowd . Are they tech geeks at a Silicon Valley conference? Or maybe they’re teachers eager to soak up new ways of engaging their students? Understanding who is in your audience will help you create an introduction that resonates with your listeners.

As you begin your introduction, it’s important to grab the audience’s attention . Start with a thought-provoking statement or question that relates to the topic and prepares the audience for what’s to come. For example, you could ask “Have you ever wondered how technology will shape our future?” before introducing a tech speaker.

Next, be sure to mention the speaker’s credibility . Share the speaker’s education, experience, and provide specific examples of their expertise. It’s also helpful to mention notable achievements or awards related to their main topic.

As you continue, it’s often helpful to preview the topic . Give the audience a quick overview of what the speaker will be talking about. You can also explain why the topic is important to the audience and what they can expect to learn.

Finally, as the speaker joins you on stage, make them feel welcome . Smile, be energetic and enthusiastic, and ask the crowd to give them a warm welcome. You can also compliment the speaker and share something special about them.

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Essential Steps to Introduce a Speaker Effectively

Before you can introduce a speaker, you first have to know who they are. In some cases, you can request a short bio from the speaker, but in other cases you may have to prepare one yourself. As a result, a little research is in order. As you compose your speaker bio, make sure it’s clear why your speaker is credible. Even if you don’t explicitly state it, you want your audience to know that they’re about to hear from someone who knows their stuff.

Researching the Speaker

First things first: dig deep into who the speaker is. What have they achieved? What about their journey inspires? To gather this information, dive into their professional background. Depending on how well-known the speaker is, there might be articles or interviews that they’ve featured in. Scan these for insights into their achievements as well as their personality. Remember to cross-check sources to ensure you have your facts straight. Mispronouncing names or getting details wrong can quickly undo all your good work.

As you research your speaker, aim to understand why they matter to your audience at this particular point in time. The accomplishments that you mention in your introduction should align closely with what your audience values or finds intriguing. In addition, tie these accomplishments directly to the speech topic—why is what they’ve done informing what they’ll say?

Weaving together a narrative of accomplishments with reasons why it matters creates more than just interest—it builds respect. You’re telling everyone present: “This person knows their stuff, and you’re going to want to listen.” It turns “just another talk” into one people couldn’t stop thinking about. That’s how powerful the right introduction can be.

The Role of Credibility in Effective Introductions

Ever heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression”? Well, when it comes to introducing speakers, this couldn’t be more true. The initial moments can either set the stage for success or lead to an uphill battle for your speaker’s attention and respect.

But why does credibility matter so much right off the bat? It’s simple. Before someone decides if they like what you have to say, they need to buy into why they should listen. That’s where speaker credibility kicks in. It essentially bridges the gap between an audience’s initial hesitation and their eventual engagement.

• Credibility builds trust: When you highlight a speaker’s accomplishments and relevance upfront, it reassures your audience that their time is well invested.
• Tailored introductions hit home: Craft introductions that resonate with audience needs while emphasizing why this particular person has something unique to offer on the subject at hand.
• Audience connection is key: An effective introduction goes beyond just listing accolades; it makes listeners feel personally connected and eager to hear more from the guest speaking powerhouse standing before them.

In essence, a strong start fueled by credibility doesn’t just introduce; it captivates, making sure everyone leans in closer rather than tuning out. Your role is to elevate that sense of anticipation.

Engaging Examples of Guest Speaker Introductions

When preparing to introduce a speaker, it helps to have some examples to look at. Below we have just that: two examples of speeches that you can tweak for your own personal use.

General Introduction Example for a Guest Speaker

“Ladies and gentlemen, imagine someone who’s not just mastered their field but reshaped it. This evening, we’re graced with the presence of an individual whose brilliance has not only illuminated their field but also redefined it. Meet [speaker’s name] , the brain behind groundbreaking innovations in [speaker’s field] . With a career spanning over two decades, [he/she] has earned accolades like [specific achievement] , transforming challenges into triumphs. Today, [he/she]’ll dive deep into [speech topic or title] , offering insights that promise to change the way you think about this important subject.”

Personal Anecdote Example for a Guest Speaker Introduction

“I’ll never forget the day I stumbled upon an article by our next speaker; my perspective on [topic related to speech] was forever changed. Fast forward to today, and I’m thrilled beyond words to introduce you all to [speaker’s name] . Not only is [he/she] a titan in the realm of [professional title or industry] , but also someone with heartwarming resilience facing personal hurdles head-on and emerging victorious. Brace yourselves as [he/she] shares [topic or name of speech] , enlightening us on overcoming obstacles while chasing dreams.”

In these introductions, did you catch how we used a bit of storytelling to introduce the guest speakers? That wasn’t just fluff. Storytelling helps grab attention instantly while connecting the audience with the speaker even before they’ve started speaking. So when you’re introducing a speaker, don’t just rattle off achievements. Find a way to highlight what makes your speaker an interesting person, someone worth knowing and listening to. Storytelling is one great way to achieve this.

Leveraging AI to Practice Introductions

If you’ve been chosen to introduce a guest speaker, then you definitely want to practice what you’re going to say beforehand. Thanks to AI, doing so is now a bit easier. For those tired of rehearsing in front of a mirror or roping in an unenthusiastic roommate as your practice partner, there’s now an alternative. With AI tools designed for speech practice, it’s like having a personal coach who’s always ready when you are. Take a look at some additional benefits below.

• No Judgement Zone: First off, these platforms offer a safe space free from judgment. So if you mess up? No one but the algorithm will know.
• Tailored Feedback: You get real-time feedback on everything from pacing to tone.
• Infinite Do-Overs: Practice makes perfect because with AI, you can repeat until those nerves turn into confidence.

It’s more than smoothly navigating an opener; it’s about leaving a lasting imprint with your words. Thanks to AI tools like Orai or Speeko, and even VR tools like VirtualSpeech , you can introduce your speaker with confidence.

Delivering Your Guest Speaker Introduction with Impact

As the big day approaches, there are a few more things to consider for your speaker introduction. For instance, how will you start it? How important is it to keep it brief? And will you use humor? We have the answers to all these questions below.

Starting with a Thought-Provoking Question or Statement

When introducing a speaker, it’s best to start strong. A thought-provoking question or statement can be just what you need to grab the audience’s attention from the get-go. It sets up not only your speaker but also primes your audience for what’s about to unfold. For instance, asking “Have you ever wondered how technology will shape our future?” could lead into introducing a tech visionary. Similarly, saying something like “Imagine achieving all your goals without sacrificing happiness” is perfect for setting up a motivational speaker .

The goal here is to craft an opening that resonates with every person sitting there, making them think, “This is going to be good.”

Balancing Brevity with Substance in Your Introduction

Speaker introductions can be tricky because they must be both concise and engaging . Here’s the secret: It’s not about stuffing every accolade or achievement into those first few sentences. Instead, it’s about sparking curiosity, establishing credibility, and making a connection—fast. Remember, you only have about 60-90 seconds, so you want each word to count. The trick lies in choosing each word carefully so every sentence serves multiple purposes—it informs, intrigues, and invites.

Determining When Humor Is Appropriate

Before you add humor to your speaker introduction, it’s important to first consider your audience. Who all is attending and are they the sort of people to appreciate a little humor? If so, how much and what type? The setting will also help you gauge whether humor is appropriate. For instance, a somber conference room isn’t usually the place for stand-up comedy routines. If you do decide to crack a joke or two, ensure your humor aligns with both the topic at hand and doesn’t stray into offensive territory.

Humor has its place. When used correctly, it can create an instant connection between speaker and audience. But if in doubt, play it safe. The goal here is to make them anticipate your guest speaker, not leave them puzzled or offended. So read the room before you decide your move.

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Techniques for Seamlessly Transitioning to the Keynote Speaker

After you’ve introduced your speaker, it’s time to welcome them onstage. As you transition, there are a few important things to take care of as the speaker steps up to the podium.

• Greet with gusto: Kick things off by warmly welcoming your speaker on stage. A smile or a friendly nod goes miles here.
• Name drop: Announce their name clear and proud—but please get it right. Nothing says “oops” like botching up someone’s name in front of everyone.
• The warm-up act: Lead the applause by clapping first. This isn’t just good manners; it signals everyone else to join in and sets a positive vibe right from the get-go.

Ensuring a smooth transition isn’t rocket science. It just requires checking off a few important steps before you step offstage. That way, the audience brimming with anticipation for what’s coming next.

Together, we’ve explored the art of introducing a speaker. This journey isn’t just about listing facts; it’s about connecting an audience with a speaker, preparing them for what the speaker has to share. To achieve this, it’s important to research your speaker. You want to be able to explain why this speaker is credible without sounding like a Wikipedia page, building interest for your guest speaker’s presentation. Using our examples (and maybe a little AI help), you can nail a speaker introduction that is brief, humorous, and thought-provoking. Transitioning over to the event speaker doesn’t have to be nerve-wracking either. With these insights, you’re all set to connect your audience with a speaker they’ll anticipate.

• Last Updated: June 4, 2024

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How to Write and Deliver an Engaging Guest Speaker Introduction

Last Updated: April 3, 2023 Fact Checked

Sample Speeches

Writing the introduction, delivering the speech, expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Deb DiSandro and by wikiHow staff writer, Ali Garbacz, B.A. . Deb DiSandro is the Owner of Speak Up On Purpose, an organization dedicated to improving and teaching public speaking. Deb has over 30 years of experience as a national speaker and has presented at the Erma Bombeck Writer’s Conference and the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. She was awarded the National Speakers Association Member of the Year 2007 and has been published in Writer's Digest, Daily Herald, Women's Day, and Better Homes & Gardens. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,202,768 times.

Introducing a guest speaker is quite an honor. As the introducer, you get the audience excited about the talk they’re about to hear and play a crucial role in connecting the speaker to their audience on a more human level. Writing the perfect introduction speech requires some research and rehearsal on your part, but rest assured that you’ll be left with a speech that’ll leave your audience wanting more. Keep reading for our complete guide to writing the best introduction speech. Also, take a look at the samples we’ve included to get help you get started.

Things You Should Know

• Establish the guest speaker’s credibility by mentioning notable achievements and experiences that relate to the topic of their speech.
• Share a quick anecdote or surprising fact about the guest speaker to paint a picture of their personality and character.
• Get the audience excited for the upcoming presentation with a short sentence stating what the guest speaker will be talking about.
• Wait until the very end to introduce the guest speaker by their full name and title.

Researching the Speaker

• When the speaker provides an introduction for you, use it. Read it over a few times and don’t hesitate to ask them for any clarification if you need it.

• For example, if the speech is about encouraging young girls to learn computer programming, don’t spend time explaining how the speaker can teach these skills to adults.
• Additionally, if the audience is mostly people who work in the education field rather than computer programming, avoid using a lot of jargon specific to computer programming so the audience can follow along better.

• Another method is to ask the speaker for their resume. Use this to pick out their most notable achievements to help establish their credibility.
• A good introduction goes beyond just reciting the speaker’s personal history. However, noting their most relevant and impressive achievements will help establish them as an authoritative figure to the audience.

• Always get the speaker’s permission before using these details. If you need to use this information, have an explanation ready as to why it’s important to your introduction.

• Be careful if you’re using pieces from another speech since it is copyrighted material and can’t be used without the speaker’s permission. Talk directly to the speaker about using these portions, or rephrase the section in your own words.

• “Many don’t know that John Doe originally went to school for law, but ended up choosing psychology instead. Just like many of you, he didn’t have much of an idea of where his life would take him. Little did he know that his legal studies would actually help him to become one of the most renowned therapists we know today.”

• Avoid using overly casual language to refer to the speaker, such as “guy,” “girl,” or “kid.” Instead, use “person,” “woman,” or “man.”

• “Jane’s passion for creative writing goes back to her high school days where she began the draft for her very first novel at the age of 15. By the time she was entering her sophomore year of college at 19 years old, she had already published her first book.”
• “John has received recognition and praise from some of the largest Fortune 500 companies for his dedication to creating curriculums to help strengthen teamwork in the workplace. He’s received multiple awards for his work and has even gone on to write a book sharing his unique insights and perspective.”

• “Jane will tell you exactly how you can manifest every single one of your goals by making just five simple changes in your daily life.”
• “John is here today to share the secret to maximizing your savings so you can live freely without ever having to worry about finances again.”

• “John and I met a few years back and immediately bonded over the struggle of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I’m sure many of us can relate to this.”
• “Jane’s book on navigating childcare in our current economy struck me at a very deep level. I’ve never read such relatable and honest words, and her work has given me comfort and reassurance during these unpredictable times.”

• For example, you might say, “John Smith’s story working in the lumber industry inspired me to go out and build a cabinet. Unsurprisingly, it fell apart within five minutes of being built. I went back to him, and he was sure to reassure me that it’s a practice that requires much patience.”

• “Please join me in welcoming Dr. John Smith!”
• “Here to discuss her newest book, “How to Live a Happier Life,” please give a warm welcome to Jane Doe.”
• “Here to share his unique perspective on the current political climate, please welcome Professor John Doe.”

• Also, practice using a friendly and relaxed tone when you give your speech to avoid coming off as super stiff and nervous.
• To overcome stage fright , recite the introduction while looking in a mirror. Once you feel comfortable, rehearse it in front of family and friends.

• For example, “Good evening. My name is Alex Brown, and I’m the organizer of this event.”
• If everyone in the audience is familiar with you, there’s no need to introduce yourself.

• Get the speaker’s approval of the introduction you’ve written. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Forget about cliches such as “This person needs no introduction.” Instead, focus on making your introduction unique and descriptive. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Ask the speaker to revise a provided introduction if you don’t feel that it’s right for the audience they’ll be presenting to. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://www.dacdb.com/Rotary/Accounts/5110/Downloads/30398/how-to-introduce-a-speaker.pdf
• ↑ https://www.press.umich.edu/pdf/9780472035090-unit1.pdf
• ↑ http://canuwrite.com/speech_introduce.php
• ↑ http://www.write-out-loud.com/introduction-speech.html
• ↑ https://hbr.org/2016/10/how-to-memorably-introduce-another-speaker
• ↑ https://westsidetoastmasters.com/resources/talk_your_way/ch15.html
• ↑ https://publicwords.com/2011/11/26/how-to-introduce-a-speaker-the-art-of-giving-and-receiving-a-great-introduction/
• ↑ http://www.publicwords.com/2011/11/26/how-to-introduce-a-speaker-the-art-of-giving-and-receiving-a-great-introduction/

About This Article

Before introducing your guest speaker, introduce yourself in case there are people in the audience who don't know you. Then talk about the speaker’s background and qualifications, and give the audience a high-level overview of what they might learn from the presentation. See if you can include a short, personal anecdote about the speaker, like "I read their book and really loved it," for example. Try to keep your introduction to less than 3 minutes, and finish it by welcoming your speaker and telling the audience their name. For more advice on introducing a guest speaker, including how to research them in advance, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Introduction speech for a guest speaker 

How to write a good introduction speech step by step

By:  Susan Dugdale  

If you've been asked to give the introduction speech for a guest speaker you're in the right place.

Everything you need to prepare it is here. Follow the steps and you'll have an introductory speech you'll be proud to deliver.

What you'll find on this page:

• an overview of the purpose of an introduction speech for a guest speaker
• the content you're expected to cover
• an organizational pattern or template to follow  
• an example introduction speech
• 6 important tips to use to ensure your speech is a success

The function of an introduction speech

Let's start with the purpose of the speech. When you understand what the speech is supposed to achieve you'll find it much easier to write.

The job of an introduction speech is to:

• introduce your guest speaker,
• give them a warm welcome, 
• and create ready-and-motivated-to-listen anticipation in the audience.

Essentially you are the warm-up act. Your task is to focus and unite the audience members, to get them ready for what is to come.

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To prepare your introduction speech you'll need:

• the guest speaker's name and, if they have one, their title. For example; Judge, Sir, The Right Honorable... Do make sure you can say their name properly and easily! If you're in doubt get the correct pronunciation from your guest speaker and practice. Also ask if they have personal pronoun preferences. Eg: they/them, she/her, he/him... 
• the guest speaker's biography or the credentials of the speaker Sometimes you'll be given what the guest speaker wants said about themselves. If that isn't provided select events, achievements and qualifications to support establishing him/her as an authority within the context of the occasion. And do check that your guest is happy with what you are preparing to say about them.
• attention getters or a surprise to delight the audience, something that is not commonly known, and something revealing the personality or humanity of the person. 

How to organize your material

• Build excitement or interest by adding one piece of information after another.
• Make the speaker's name and their speech title, the climax and end of your speech.

To show you how it's done I've put together an...  

Introduction speech example

Let's put the speech in context to help you make sense of it.

The setting for this fictitious introduction speech is a conference for an organization called " Women in Leadership" . The audience are primarily women drawn together through an interest in leadership roles. 

At the end of the speech, the speaker will lead the clapping as Rose Stephenson, the keynote speaker being introduced, takes center stage.

Now here's the introduction speech text.

Now here's the introduction speech text

" She's been a stalwart member of "Women in Leadership" for the last ten years. Over that time she's served in every office: secretary, treasurer, chairperson, chief fundraiser, education officer... to name just a few, and in some roles several times over.

Her passionate dedication to promoting public speaking as an important component of empowerment is inspiring. We estimate that she has personally mentored at least 100 new speakers and has set an extraordinary "yes, you can" example for many more. We see her as capable, confident and fluent: never at a loss for words. But what you probably don't know is that this women once stuttered, stammered and blushed.

Yes, she was often temporarily paralyzed, struck dumb by the mere thought of standing in front of an audience to speak.

How she got from awkward tongue tied silence to becoming an eloquent front line spokesperson is the story she will share with us tonight.

Ladies, without further ado, it's with great pleasure, I give you... Rose Stephenson on "Speaking To Lead!"

Say the speech out loud! Use it as a template!

Try saying it out loud to get the flow of it.

If you like it, use it as a model for the introduction speech you need to write.

6 tips to make your introduction speech successful

1. consider tone and language use.

Is what you've prepared appropriate for the occasion, audience and your guest speaker? Have you avoided using a string of clichés?

2. Check the length of your speech

Pertinent and pithy: a short speech is what you want. One to two minutes should be enough.

Test it out loud with a timer and trim if necessary.

My example speech is 171 words long. That will take approximately 1 minute 30 seconds to say depending on the speaker's rate of speech.

For more on: the number of words per minute in a speech . (This page has estimations for the number of words per minute spoken at a slow, medium and fast rate for speeches from 1 - 10 minutes long.)

3. Resist exaggerating or "puffing up" the speaker's achievements

First impressions count. You don't want to talk about your guest in a way that may embarrass and cause the audience to question their right to be there.

4. Always check your facts 

Beware the horror of getting your facts muddled and, if you wish to mention something that may be sensitive, ask permission before you announce it in front of an audience.

5. Remember you are not the main speaker, or the star of the show

You've done a good job when you cover just enough to make the coming speech eagerly anticipated. 

Please do not stray into telling the audience what the guest speaker's speech will cover in detail. That's terribly unfair on the speaker!

6. Rehearse your speech

Practice out loud until you are confidently fluent and able to convey the pleasure or enthusiasm the audience needs to get them in the right frame of mind.

For more: how to rehearse a speech well

For more: how to use your voice expressively

Other related pages you may find useful:

• How to give a self-introduction speech  (with an example of a brief speech to introduce yourself to fellow workshop participants)
• How to write a welcome speech (with an example of a short welcome speech to open an event)

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Introduce a guest speaker speech sample

This page contains a sample introduction speech template for introducing a guest speaker or key note speaker for an event, banquet, conference, lecture and more. It also contains tips for how to write an introduction speech and techniques for delivering introductory remarks.

Sample introduction speech

Ladies and gentlemen, I am (say your name) and I am the (say your title in relations to why you're introducing the speaker, for example, you are president of an organization). I am so pleased to be with you tonight and to have the chance to introduce our guest speaker, (say speakers name). He / She is the (say speaker's positions in relations to why they're speaking). He / She has been one of the main proponents of this program for several years, and it a true stand out in this field. He / She has a great understanding of the program and a great appreciation of what it takes to truly make (state theme or topic of event or conference) continue on a path of progress, and a remarkable vision of the future of (State topic). Besides that, He / She (Add a few interesting personal notes here. Mention if the person was the first to do something, if they have published anything, have held impressive positions, done impressive things, etc. Use the speaker's bio or ask them or their staff for this information). Finally, he / she is also just a fascinating person and we're all in for a treat today. Without further ado, please join me in welcoming (name of speaker).

Tips for introducing a guest speaker

1. Don't talk too long. Keep your introduction to between 45 seconds to 3 minutes. 2. Bios are a great place to get information. Almost all speakers will have a bio online or the event planner may have a copy of their bio. You can also search their name online for other interesting tidbits about them, but do not to include something that may be controversial or potentially embarassing to them, unless you ask them first. 3. Ask the speaker what he or she would like you to say in their introduction. If they are very high-profile and hard to speak with personally, ask their staff or administrative assistant for information. 4. If possible, find out what the speaker plans to focus on in advance, so you don't imply they will be speaking about one thing when they will actually talk about something else. 5. If it is a professional forum, do not talk about the guest speaker's family unless you ask them first. 6. Try to find transcripts of other speeches they have done online. Often the introductory remarks will be included and you can use them to frame your own remarks.

Did you like this sample speech template for introducing a guest speaker or key note speaker? Since you were interested in this introductory speech, chances are you will like the following topics as well: Itroductory letter for Conference or Event and Anecdotes for speakers .

More information : We hope this page was helpful and provided you with some information about How to introduce a guest speaker sample template . Check out our main page for more articles here Can U Write .

All materials on this page are under the copyright of canuwrite.com These speech and letter sample materials may be re-used for free but may not be reprinted or redistributed without attribution to canuwrite.com

Introduction Speech Examples That Increase Speaker Credibility

You may be called upon to introduce yourself in a speech or introduce a speaker, a guest, an employee, a product, or a concept. Your job is to grab the audience’s attention so that they are ready to receive the main message. Here are some introduction speech examples to help you.

Table of Contents

What Is A Speech Of Introduction?

In public speaking,  a speech of introduction introduces someone to the audience members.  It can also be a  self-introduction speech  wherein the speaker does the introduction. 

Whether the speaker will deliver an informative speech, persuasive speech, or any type of speech, the speech of introduction aims to help establish the speaker’s background. Who are they? What do they do? What makes them credible to talk about the topic they will discuss?

How Do I Start A Speech To Introduce Someone?

If your job is to introduce someone before their speech or presentation, the first fundamental thing to remember is to keep things short and sweet.  Your goal is to set the tone and entice the crowd to listen to the rest of the speech the speaker will deliver.

When writing such a speech, you must bear in mind the following:

• You must grab the audience’s attention.  Though it depends on the setting and theme of the occasion, the general rule is to have an upbeat opening that will help you grab the audience’s attention. You can begin with a simple “Good morning/Good evening, ladies and gentlemen”; then state the purpose of your speech — introducing the topic, the purpose of the speech, and the guest speaker.
•   You must effectively establish the speaker’s qualifications.  Introduction speeches are considered commemorative speeches in the sense that they celebrate the achievements and milestones of someone. In your speech, you must concisely provide an overview of the qualifications, expertise, and relevant accomplishments of the individual you’re introducing. This is a way to establish credibility and entice the audience to listen attentively.
•   You must make the speaker welcome.  As someone tasked to introduce the speaker, you serve as the bridge that helps connect them with the audience. However, your goal isn’t just to prepare the audience for the speech. You must make the speaker also feel welcome with an enthusiastic tone and body language. If you have personal anecdotes or connections to share, you can do so — briefly and with the utmost authenticity. 

What Is A Welcome Speech, And Can It Be Used to Introduce Someone?

A welcome speech or address is a type of speech that sets the mood for a specific event. 

While it can serve as an excellent introduction to the guest speaker, it’s also an opportune time to emphasize what the event is all about and acknowledge the organization or individual behind the occasion.  An excellent welcome speech can also preview what the attendees can expect — apart from the remarks by the speaker. 

How Do You Introduce Yourself In Speech Examples?

In speech writing and public speaking, knowing how to introduce the speaker properly is essential. In some instances, speakers briefly introduce themselves before their speech proper. They can also incorporate it into their speech opening. 

In any self-introduction speech example (check out this  TED Talks compilation  of intros), you will observe that there are common ingredients behind an effective self-introduction speech. 

This speech must help the audience get to know you, showcase your qualification (without sounding boastful), establish connections with and create value for your listeners, and introduce your speech topics and main points.  This portion aims to give your audience a reason to stick with you and hear the rest of your speech. Also, note that first impressions last, so you must ensure your intro is impactful and engaging. 

See the examples below to give you an idea of how to introduce yourself while still having effective attention-getters (e.g., a rhetorical question, an anecdote, a statistic, or a bold statement). 

• “Good morning/afternoon/evening. I’m X, and I’m here to talk about Y. To begin, I’d like to share a story…”
•  “Have you heard about X? I’m Y, and today, I’ll share with you my thoughts about…”
•  “What if overcoming your biggest fear doesn’t have to be as hard as you thought it would be? My name is X. And I’m a testament to how….”
•  “Hi, I’m X, and I wanted to know: How many of you have experienced Y?”
•  “Did you know that X? My name is Y, and I was asked to discuss…”

What Are Introduction Speech Examples For?

When you look for speech examples for a short introduction of speech or a self-introductory speech, you’ll find that  this type of speech has a great variety. 

You can use it to introduce a public speaker and a guest. In a business setting, you can also use an introduction speech to introduce an employee or present a product. Even in academe or civilian environments (e.g., you’re a high school public teacher or a personal development coach), you can count on an introduction speech to introduce a concept. 

Here’s a template you can follow.

A public speaker or a guest

•  Attention-getter
•  State your role
•  Introduce the speaker/guest
•  Note the speaker/guest’s credibility and contributions
•  State the topic
•  A personal connection, story, or experience
•  What can the audience expect/ how can the speaker provide value
•  Transition to the speaker

An employee

•  Introduce the employee
•  Highlight their tenure/experience, achievements, skills, and qualities
•  State what the employee will be discussing
•  State the significance of the employee’s work/impact on the audience
•  Transition to the employee

A product or a concept

• Attention-getter
• State the purpose of your speech
•  Introduce the product or concept
•  Share its significance
•  Share its benefits
•  Showcase the key features
•  Do a demonstration
•  Explain the potential impact
•  Cite supporting facts
•  Deliver a strong call to action
•  Transition to the next phase or proportion of the event

No matter who or what you’re introducing in your speech, the key is to create a concise yet comprehensive one. Your speech must prepare the audience and make the speaker feel welcome. While remaining factual and genuine,  you must write and deliver this piece in a way that generates interest and sets an excellent tone for the speech proper — and the rest of the event.

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How to Introduce a Guest Speaker + Templates

Guest speakers themselves aren’t the reason most people attend the event. They may be a bonus, but the audience is there for the main speaker. Which means learning how to introduce a guest speaker can surprise your audience in the best way.

It creates excitement and guests will be more engaged in the speech being given.

But it’s more than just announcing a string of accolades. While there are many methods you can use to introduce a guest speaker, we’ll teach you some of the best and why.

What you’ll learn about how to introduce a guest speaker:

• Preferences
• Personal info
• Applicable accolades

5 Steps for Introducing a Guest Speaker

Introducing a guest speaker can set the tone for their presentation and help the audience connect with their message. Here are five steps to ensure a smooth and impactful introduction:

1. Ask if they have any preferences

Before the event, check if the speaker has any preferences for their introduction, such as specific accolades they’d like highlighted or a particular topic they want emphasized. Some who speak for a living will have a specific way they’d like to be introduced.

It’s important that if they have a request, you understand why and if they’re firm on that boundary.

Because some speakers will use their introduction and play off of it during the opening of their speech. If that’s the case, you want to make sure to follow their guidance so you don’t throw them off their game right away. But keep in mind that in order to learn how to introduce a guest speaker, you don’t have to always follow what they say.

That’s why it’s good to know the reason for their specific introduction.

2. Give a personal tidbit

Make the speaker personable. Nobody wants to sit and learn from someone they can’t relate to in any way. The more the audience feels they know about the speaker, the more engaged they’ll be.

Start the introduction with a personal tidbit about the speaker to humanize them and make them relatable to the audience. This could be a fun fact, a shared interest, or a brief anecdote. If you know the speaker from somewhere, give a brief note of that background.

Since the audience is most likely there for the main speaker, drawing a connection can further help engagement.

3. Share applicable accolades

Highlight the speaker’s relevant accomplishments, credibility and credentials . This could include their professional background, relevant awards, or notable projects they’ve been involved in.

But remember, nobody wants a huge long list of all the amazing things someone has done. Many speakers have accomplished several things. The audience should know about the ones that will lend authority to their topic or to the main purpose of the event.

• What makes them the best person to speak on this topic?
• How long have they been in this field?
• Why did they agree to give this talk at this conference?

Answering some of these might point you in the right direction for which accolade to include.

4. Tell us what they’ll talk about

Of course, their topic will need to be introduced. Now, if you’re learning how to introduce a guest speaker, you might be gung-ho to list off the title of their presentation. However, some speakers prefer to have their title come after the introduction of their speech.

Make sure to ask before listing the title.

You can also introduce their topic in a way that doesn’t give the title or main topic away, either. By already sharing their accolades and experience, that can be enough. Or you can be vague and simply tell your audience that this guest speaker is here to “share their wisdom” with them.

5. Connect the speaker with the purpose of the event

Explain why the speaker is relevant to the event and how their expertise aligns with the event’s goals. This helps the audience see the value in listening to the speaker.

Much of this will already be done if you follow the steps above. That said, it’s important to make sure your audience knows that you vouch for this person and the reasons why, and also why you believe they’re a strong addition to the speaker line up at the event.

Your guest might not be the keynote speaker , but they do have value to add. Make sure your audience knows this!

BONUS: This should be common sense, but we find it important to note that if your guest has a name in which the pronunciation of it isn’t clear, ask them. Get a voice memo from them, not just an email or a text. And practice it. This is basic, being-a-good-person manners when introducing a guest speaker.

3 Guest Speaker Introduction Templates

If you need a hand, and want a template you can fill in, these are helpful. Just remember to add your own flare and follow the tips above to do your guest justice.

1. The Standard Introduction

“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome [Speaker’s Name]. [Speaker’s Name] is a [brief description of their professional background]. Today, they will be sharing their insights on [topic of their presentation]. Please join me in welcoming [Speaker’s Name].”

2. The Personal Touch

“Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone. It’s a pleasure to introduce [Speaker’s Name]. I had the opportunity to [personal experience with the speaker, if applicable]. Their expertise in [speaker’s field] is truly remarkable. Today, they will be enlightening us on [topic of their presentation]. Let’s give a warm welcome to [Speaker’s Name].”

3. The Interactive Introduction

“Hello, everyone! Are you ready to be inspired? Our next speaker is [Speaker’s Name]. Before we dive into their presentation, let’s have a quick show of hands. How many of you have [shared experience or interest related to the speaker’s topic]? Well, you’re in for a treat because [Speaker’s Name] is here to talk about [topic of their presentation]. Please join me in welcoming [Speaker’s Name].”

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Introducing a Speaker Sample Script

Many people get asked to introduce a speaker at an event and have no idea how to do it. In this quick guide, we give you several different frameworks that you can use, as well as plenty of sample scripts and explain the questions you must ask both your speaker and your client before you start.

Key Points of  a Great Speaker Introduction

A Biography is not an Introduction

• Grab the audiences attention
• Establish the importance of the Topic
• Establish the credibility of the Speaker
• Outline “What’s in it for Them”
• Say the Speakers name last

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Why do we introduce a speaker or performer.

There are many reasons why we have someone else introduce a speaker or an act rather than them just coming out on stage and beginning their presentation or performance. Understanding these is an important part of the process of crafting a great introduction. Here are some of the reasons…

• It shows respect for the speaker
• It settles the audience down and gets them focussed on the stage.
• Alternatively, it can hype the audience up and get them excited about what they are going to experience
• It gives a chance for the Production crew to correct the sound levels, lights and be ready with any audio/visual cues.
• It lets the audience know who this person is before they start, in case there is no printed program.
• It can link the content or the message of the speaker to the theme of the event.
• It can emphasise why this message is important to the group and why they should listen
• It can show why this person is qualified to speak about the topic and share their insights
• It can allow the speaker to get straight into the meat of their presentation

So, as you can see there is a lot going on behind even the simplest of introductions!

Before you start writing a Speaker Introduction!

Before you start writing an introduction, find out, does the speaker have a prepared Introduction?

If the person presenting is a professional speaker, e.g this is what they do for a living, they should have a standard introduction already prepared for you or better still, an introduction they have prepared specifically for this event. They will understand the importance of the introduction and how it can help them and their presentation succeed.

In reality however, not all professional speakers will provide you with a prepared introduction and most other non professional speakers will not provide one at all. They may not even be aware that they can do this.

What you will get in most situations is a Biography, which is not an Introduction and shouldn’t be read out “as is!” This is one mistake many people make. We will show you later in the article how to convert a Bio into an Introduction.

If you do get an introduction, either supplied by the booker, the client or the speaker themselves, use it as written. Don’t attempt to improve it. The only time to do this is if you see some glaring error or you really need to cut some time off, but you are going to find most provided introductions are carefully crafted and most will be quite succinct.

If you do add anything, say it before you start the provided introduction and then end on their words.

Speaking of time … if a Speaker does provide you a long winded introduction or insists that a video highlights package is run before they come on stage, make sure this is included in their presentation time!

I normally start timing a speaker after I leave the stage and they have started, but if they insist on a really long one or play a 5 minute video first, that should be part of their allocated time.

There is a bit of a trend for having a video play before they actually come on. It really is part of the presentation..

Notice, I have been referring to provided Introductions. These are not Biographies!

Often you will be provided with a Biography of the Speaker. The Client has probably recieved this from the Speaker or copied it from their website and it was useful to them in selecting the Speaker for the engagement. But these are seldom useful as Speaker Introductions.

A Biography, like a CV that you put together to help you obtain a job,  lists all your Qualifications, Achievements, Career Highlights, Publications, Awards etc.

But your audience doesn’t really need to know all this! They don’t really care. They want to essentially know just three things.

• Is this Topic important?
• Is the Speaker qualified to talk about the Topic?
• What’s in it for them?

Don’t fall into the trap of just reading out a long Biography that you are given.  We will show you later in the article how to quickly craft a strong Speaker Introduction.

It’s always a good idea if you can check directly with the speaker that the topic of their speech is unchanged.

Many speakers get booked many months before their presentations. In the case of large international events this may even be a year or so prior! In some cases a speech Topic or Title may change. The speaker may in fact have a totally different theme or presentation to what’s printed in the Agenda or in the notes provided.

If you craft a wonderful Introduction, touching on the theme or the importance of the speech, it helps if it’s in alignment.

Two strategies

Firstly, you should if at all possible talk to your speakers before you introduce them. There are many reasons for this, that we have discussed here. During this conversation you can check that the title and topic is much the same.

Secondly, if the Speaker has a Powerpoint Presentation to accompanies the speech you can usually see the first slide. This should alert you to the fact of a change early on. You will either see this when they are setting up on stage or you may be able t see it at the Audio Visual Desk if it is being controlled by the AV Team.

If you see there is an obvious change you can then find out more and alter accordingly.

Questions for Your Client

We already have a specific  training that covers all the questions you should ask your client before an event, but here are a few that specifically relate to the introduction.

• What is the purpose of the whole meeting?
• What is the purpose of this speech?
• Why did you choose this speaker?
• Will I be provided with a Biography or a set Introduction?

The answers to these questions should provide you with a fairly solid base to work from, especially if you are going to follow the Introducing a Speaker Sample Script outlined below.

Speaker Introduction Framework 1

Here is a very solid framework to start with that I have used for many years.

I was taught this by Ron Tachhi who was a very successful speaker and then ran a large Speaker Bureau in Australia. His was based on a framework taught in the Toastmasters Training. (I should point out, I have modified the order of the 4 points as I feel it has much more impact done this way.)

The Speaker Introduction has 4 parts that address a different question in turn.

1/ Why this Subject?

Why is this subject important?  This allows you to start with a bang – to pose a question, state an alarming fact, interesting insight or staggering statistic.

What you are trying to do here is to grab the audiences attention, stop them thinking about the previous presentation or even just to look up from their phone where they have been checking their email.

It can be as short as just a sentence or perhaps two or three to frame the topic.

“Did you know that there are more Shopping Malls in America than there are High Schools?”

“What do you think is the most common cause of death of children under 5 years worldwide?”

“A quick show of hands … Who here believes that  (XXXXXX)  is the biggest issue facing our industry at the moment?”

2/ Why this Speaker?

Next you need to establish the credibility of the speaker. This is where you mention some of the highlights taken from their Biography. Choose the most significant ones and importantly, the ones that relate most to the topic and theme.

You are positioning the speaker as the best person give insights and solutions to the subject.

3/ Why this Audience?

You now build a link between the Subject and the Audience. How does this subject effect them directly.

“You guys are leaders in our community … “

“These changes to the legislation and going to impact you more than most …”

“If you expect to earn more next year …”

4/ Why Now?

Why is it great to be learning this now?

What is the benefit to them?

What are they going to get out of it?

Why should they pay attention right now?

In Sales terms.. you heard about the pain, now here is the solution!

What’s in it for them!

You are picking up the momentum and building a little excitement.

“In the next 30 minutes you will learn …”

“Let’s get some inside secrets from someone who …”

Combining these 4 Parts together has a nice flow to it and it builds up to a strong finish.

Speaker Name Last

It’s usually better to end with the persons Name as the last thing you say.

If you were introducing me for instance you could say ….

“Would you please welcome to the stage, Timothy Hyde , the founder of ExpertMC.com.”

It’s far better to say …

“Would you please welcome to the stage, the founder of ExpertMC.com,  Timothy Hyde ”

Length of Introduction

Depending on the circumstances you should really try and keep a Speakers introduction short and tight.

You can pack a lot into just 2 minutes!

Speaker Introduction Framework 2

There’s another element that you can add into any introduction and that is a more personal touch. This requires that you can contact the speaker before the event or at least have a few words with them on the day.

What you try and find out is some personal anecdote or connection that you weave into the speaker introduction.

It might be a connection to the group, the venue or the cause. It could be where they live, where they were born or where they are travelling to next. Hobbies and Sports Teams they follow are great ones, and I quite often ask … “what’s the essential album you like to listen to on a long car trip?”

As you can see these questions go beyond the normal level of formal introductions and add something a bit special. It also allows a bit of humour.

If you are introducing a number of speakers at one event you can use this technique with each one. After the first couple of introductions the audience will be expecting to hear it each time and it becomes a great “running gag.”

Should I stay or Should I go?

The other question I get asked a lot is “Should I give the speaker introduction and then leave the stage or should I give the introduction and then wait for the speaker to get to the lectern / centre stage and then leave?

My feeling on this is you should wait at the lectern and there are a number of reasons for this.

I like to control the audience focus!

If I walk off before the speaker comes on, the audience don’t know where to look.

I like to give the Speaker Introduction and gesture towards where they are coming from. Once they are onstage and moving to the centre, everyone will be looking at them. I then move slightly to the side but wait for them. Once they nearly get to the speaking position I extend my hand in welcome, shake hands and then leave the stage.

However, I don’t completely leave. Speakers sometimes are nervous, they might drop their notes, fumble with the control button for the slides etc. I’m close enough that I can respond if needed. Once they start I can then proceed completely offstage.

Final Thought on Introducing a Speaker

One of the joys of being an MC is that you get to meet and work with some amazing speakers.

Over the years I’ve introduced – famous Sportsmen, Entrepreneurs, Explorers, Prime Ministers, Astronauts, Inventors, life changing Surgeons and many more.

And every time you witness a great speech, that you introduced well, you can think to yourself … “I helped make that a success!”

Timothy Hyde

Widely acknowledged as one of Australia's busiest & best MC's and a global authority on the MC Industry, Timothy Hyde shares his expertise and insights into this fascinating Professional Speaking niche via this site and a dynamic YouTube channel. His best selling book The ExpertMC Toolkit and Resource Manual has helped thousands of people worldwide improve their Emcee skills and in many cases, start earning a living by taking on the role.

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Introduction

Welcoming a guest speaker to an academic event is an exciting opportunity for institutions and attendees alike. By inviting notable professionals to share their expertise and experiences, organizers can provide valuable insights to students, faculty, and other audience members. A well-crafted introduction is essential for establishing rapport between the speaker and the audience, whilst setting the stage for an engaging and informative presentation. In this article, we explore the key elements of an effective academic introduction for guest speakers.

1.Do Your Research

Before diving into the introduction itself, it’s crucial to gather information about the speaker, including their background, achievements, current projects, and areas of expertise. This research will help you create a compelling narrative that highlights their experience and establishes them as an authoritative figure in their field.

2.Start with Gratitude

When welcoming a guest speaker, begin by expressing gratitude for their willingness to participate in the event and share their knowledge. This simple gesture sets a positive tone for the introduction and demonstrates respect towards the speaker.

3.Establish Relevance

Next, highlight the relevance of the speaker’s topic to your audience. This might include drawing connections between their work and current events or societal issues, explaining how it aligns with your institution’s mission or values or underscoring its importance in advancing research or education in your field.

4.Share a Personal Anecdote or Achievement

To create a more engaging introduction that captures your audience’s attention, consider sharing a brief personal anecdote about the speaker or highlighting one of their notable accomplishments. This can help humanize them while providing evidence of their expertise.

5.Outline What to Expect

Once you’ve introduced the guest speaker effectively, give a brief overview of what your audience can expect from their presentation. Outline any central themes or questions they will address without revealing too much detail – this will help build anticipation while keeping the focus on your speaker.

6.Maintain Proper Tone and Professionalism

Throughout the introduction, ensure that your tone and language align with the formality of the event and show respect for both the speaker and your audience. Remember to speak clearly, maintain eye contact, and avoid using slang or jargon that might alienate some listeners.

7.Keep It Brief and Focused

Aim to keep your introduction concise; typically, it should last between two to five minutes. Avoid rambling or veering off-topic; focus on providing essential information that makes a strong case for why your audience should value the presentation they are about to hear.

An effective academic introduction for a guest speaker is more than just a list of qualifications; it’s an opportunity to create anticipation, convey respect, and engage your audience. By carefully researching the speaker, targeting your points to the interests of the listeners, and presenting them in an accessible manner, you’ll set the stage for a successful presentation that leaves a lasting impression on all attendees.

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Speech Writing

Introduction Speech

Introduction Speech - A Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

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Introduction speeches are all around us. Whenever we meet a new group of people in formal settings, we have to introduce ourselves. That’s what an introduction speech is all about.

When you're facing a formal audience, your ability to deliver a compelling introductory speech can make a lot of difference. With the correct approach, you can build credibility and connections.

In this blog, we'll take you through the steps to craft an impactful introduction speech. You’ll also get examples and valuable tips to ensure you leave a lasting impression.

So, let's dive in!

• 1. What is an Introduction Speech? 
• 2. How to Write an Introduction Speech?
• 3. Introduction Speech Outline
• 4. 7 Ways to Open an Introduction Speech
• 5. Introduction Speech Example
• 6. Introduction Speech Ideas
• 7. Tips for Delivering the Best Introduction Speech

What is an Introduction Speech? 

An introduction speech, or introductory address, is a brief presentation at the beginning of an event or public speaking engagement. Its primary purpose is to establish a connection with the audience and to introduce yourself or the main speaker.

This type of speech is commonly used in a variety of situations, including:

• Public Speaking: When you step onto a stage to address a large crowd, you start with an introduction to establish your presence and engage the audience.
• Networking Events: When meeting new people in professional or social settings, an effective introduction speech can help you make a memorable first impression.
• Formal Gatherings: From weddings to conferences, introductions set the tone for the event and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

In other words, an introduction speech is simply a way to introduce yourself to a crowd of people. 

How to Write an Introduction Speech?

Before you can just go and deliver your speech, you need to prepare for it. Writing a speech helps you organize your ideas and prepare your speech effectively. 

Here is how to introduce yourself in a speech.

• Know Your Audience

Understanding your audience is crucial. Consider their interests, backgrounds, and expectations to tailor your introduction accordingly.

For instance, the audience members could be your colleagues, new classmates, or various guests depending on the occasion. Understanding your audience will help you decide what they are expecting from you as a speaker.

• Start with a Hook

Begin with a captivating opening line that grabs your audience's attention. This could be a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or a thought-provoking question about yourself or the occasion.

• Introduce Yourself

Introduce yourself to the audience. State your name, occupation, or other details relevant to the occasion. You should mention the reason for your speech clearly. It will build your credibility and give the readers reasons to stay with you and read your speech.

• Keep It Concise

So how long is an introduction speech?

Introduction speeches should be brief and to the point. Aim for around 1-2 minutes in most cases. Avoid overloading the introduction with excessive details.

• Highlight Key Points

Mention the most important information that establishes the speaker's credibility or your own qualifications. Write down any relevant achievements, expertise, or credentials to include in your speech. Encourage the audience to connect with you using relatable anecdotes or common interests.

• Rehearse and Edit

Practice your introduction speech to ensure it flows smoothly and stays within the time frame. Edit out any unnecessary information, ensuring it's concise and impactful.

• Tailor for the Occasion

Adjust the tone and content of your introduction speech to match the formality and purpose of the event. What works for a business conference may not be suitable for a casual gathering.

Introduction Speech Outline

To assist you in creating a structured and effective introduction speech, here's a simple outline that you can follow:

Here is an example outline for a self-introduction speech.

Outline for Self-Introduction Speech

7 Ways to Open an Introduction Speech

You can start your introduction speech as most people do:

“Hello everyone, my name is _____. I will talk about _____. Thank you so much for having me. So first of all _______”

However, this is the fastest way to make your audience lose interest. Instead, you should start by captivating your audience’s interest. Here are 7 ways to do that:

• Quote  

Start with a thought-provoking quote that relates to your topic or the occasion. E.g. "Mahatma Gandhi once said, 'You must be the change you want to see in the world."

• Anecdote or Story

Begin with a brief, relevant anecdote or story that draws the audience in. It could be a story about yourself or any catchy anecdote to begin the flow of your speech.

Pose a rhetorical question to engage the audience's curiosity and involvement. For example, "Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel back in time, to experience a moment in history?”

• Statistic or Fact

Share a surprising statistic or interesting fact that underscores the significance of your speech. E.g. “Did you know that as of today, over 60% of the world's population has access to the internet?”

• “What If” Scenario

Paint a vivid "What if" scenario that relates to your topic, sparking the audience's imagination and curiosity. For example, "What if I told you that a single decision today could change the course of your life forever?"

• Ignite Imagination  

Encourage the audience to envision a scenario related to your topic. For instance, "Imagine a world where clean energy powers everything around us, reducing our carbon footprint to almost zero."

Start your introduction speech with a moment of silence, allowing the audience to focus and anticipate your message. This can be especially powerful in creating a sense of suspense and intrigue.

Introduction Speech Example

To help you understand how to put these ideas into practice, here are the introduction speech examples for different scenarios.

Introduction Speech Writing Sample

Short Introduction Speech Sample

Self Introduction Speech for College Students

Introduction Speech about Yourself

Student Presentation Introduction Speech Script

Teacher Introduction Speech

New Employee Self Introduction Speech

Introduction Speech for Chief Guest

Moreover, here is a video example of a self introduction. Watch it to understand how you should deliver your speech:

Want to read examples for other kinds of speeches? Find the best speeches at our blog about speech examples !

Introduction Speech Ideas

So now that you’ve understood what an introduction speech is, you may want to write one of your own. So what should you talk about?

The following are some ideas to start an introduction speech for a presentation, meeting, or social gathering in an engaging way. 

• Personal Story: Share a brief personal story or an experience that has shaped you, introducing yourself on a deeper level.
• Professional Background: Introduce yourself by highlighting your professional background, including your career achievements and expertise.
• Hobby or Passion: Discuss a hobby or passion that you're enthusiastic about, offering insights into your interests and what drives you.
• Volunteer Work: Introduce yourself by discussing your involvement in volunteer work or community service, demonstrating your commitment to making a difference.
• Travel Adventures: Share anecdotes from your travel adventures, giving the audience a glimpse into your love for exploring new places and cultures.
• Books or Literature: Provide an introduction related to a favorite book, author, or literary work, revealing your literary interests.
• Achievements and Milestones: Highlight significant achievements and milestones in your life or career to introduce yourself with an impressive track record.
• Cultural Heritage: Explore your cultural heritage and its influence on your identity, fostering a sense of cultural understanding.
• Social or Environmental Cause: Discuss your dedication to a particular social or environmental cause, inviting the audience to join you in your mission.
• Future Aspirations: Share your future goals and aspirations, offering a glimpse into what you hope to achieve in your personal or professional life.

You can deliver engaging speeches on all kinds of topics. Here is a list of entertaining speech topics to get inspiration.

Tips for Delivering the Best Introduction Speech

Here are some tips for you to write a perfect introduction speech in no time. 

Now that you know how to write an effective introduction speech, let's focus on the delivery. The way you present your introduction is just as important as the content itself. 

Here are some valuable tips to ensure you deliver a better introduction speech:

• Maintain Eye Contact 

Make eye contact with the audience to establish a connection. This shows confidence and engages your listeners.

• Use Appropriate Body Language 

Your body language should convey confidence and warmth. Stand or sit up straight, use open gestures, and avoid fidgeting.

• Mind Your Pace

Speak at a moderate pace, avoiding rapid speech. A well-paced speech is easier to follow and more engaging.

• Avoid Filler Words

Minimize the use of filler words such as "um," "uh," and "like." They can be distracting and detract from your message.

• Be Enthusiastic

Convey enthusiasm about the topic or the speaker. Your energy can be contagious and inspire the audience's interest.

• Practice, Practice, Practice

Rehearse your speech multiple times. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself, or seek feedback from others.

• Be Mindful of Time

Stay within the allocated time for your introduction. Going too long can make your speech too boring for the audience.

• Engage the Audience

Encourage the audience's participation. You could do that by asking rhetorical questions, involving them in a brief activity, or sharing relatable anecdotes.

Mistakes to Avoid in an Introduction Speech

While crafting and delivering an introduction speech, it's important to be aware of common pitfalls that can diminish its effectiveness. Avoiding these mistakes will help you create a more engaging and memorable introduction. 

Here are some key mistakes to steer clear of:

• Rambling On

One of the most common mistakes is making the introduction too long. Keep it concise and to the point. The purpose is to set the stage, not steal the spotlight.

• Lack of Preparation

Failing to prepare adequately can lead to stumbling, awkward pauses, or losing your train of thought. Rehearse your introduction to build confidence.

• Using Jargon or Complex Language

Avoid using technical jargon or complex language that may confuse the audience. Your introduction should be easily understood by everyone.

• Being Too Generic

A generic or uninspiring introduction can set a lackluster tone. Ensure your introduction is tailored to the event and speaker, making it more engaging.

• Using Inappropriate Humor

Be cautious with humor, as it can easily backfire. Avoid inappropriate or potentially offensive jokes that could alienate the audience.

• Not Tailoring to the Occasion

An introduction should be tailored to the specific event's formality and purpose. A one-size-fits-all approach may not work in all situations.

To Conclude,

An introduction speech is more than just a formality. It's an opportunity to engage, inspire, and connect with your audience in a meaningful way. 

With the help of this blog, you're well-equipped to shine in various contexts. So, step onto that stage, speak confidently, and captivate your audience from the very first word.

Moreover, you’re not alone in your journey to becoming a confident introducer. If you ever need assistance in preparing your speech, let the experts help you out.

MyPerfectWords.com offers a custom essay service with experienced professionals who can craft tailored introductions, ensuring your speech makes a lasting impact.

Don't hesitate; hire our professional speech writing service to deliver top-quality speeches at your deadline!

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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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Welcome Speech in English: Best Samples, Examples & Tips

Why are welcome speeches necessary.

Most of the gatherings and ceremonies are held with a purpose. They are either planned events or spontaneous gatherings. In both cases, it is important to know how to organize such events. We must prepare ourselves to conduct the event properly.

Let us imagine that you are hosting a gathering. You have prepared everything, including food, drinks, decorations, etc., and even set up the stage. However, you forgot one thing – a welcome speech. What happens next? Do you start talking immediately without waiting for everyone to arrive? Of course not!

The same goes for a meeting. How many times did you attend meetings where people didn’t introduce themselves? Or worse, they talked about themselves too much during the meeting. In addition, some speakers talk directly to the audience without introducing themselves. This makes it difficult for the attendees to comprehend the event’s process and connect with its objectives.

So why is a welcome speech in English needed? To begin with, it is necessary to give a brief overview of the topic. Secondly, it helps to provide information about the organization and its history. Thirdly, it allows us to highlight our achievements. And finally, it creates a good impression on guests. Otherwise, they might ask questions like “Where is this event going?”.

Significance of welcome speech

The significance of the welcome speech won’t be apparent without understanding what makes up the history of an event. An event can be defined as a sequence of activities carried out over a period of time. These activities are usually organized into stages, each with a specific purpose. For example, an event may start with opening remarks, followed by a keynote address, and finally concluded with closing remarks. Each stage of an event has a different set of responsibilities.

In the case of a welcoming ceremony, the welcome speech is considered to be one of the most important parts of the whole gathering. In fact, it is the most crucial aspect of the entire event. This is because the welcome speech serves several purposes.

First, it introduces the guests to the host. Second, it provides information regarding the upcoming program. Third, it creates a positive impression among the attendees. Fourth, it helps in creating a sense of unity among the participants. Fifth, it helps in establishing good relations between the hosts and the guests. And finally, it ensures that the guest feels comfortable during the occasion.

Objectives of a Welcome Speech in English

The objective of a welcome speech in English is to introduce yourself and the rest of the attendees at the event. This is done through a short introduction about who you are, what you do, why you’re attending, etc. The following are the objectives of a welcome speech:

• Introduce yourself
• Provide Information regarding the event
• Create a positive impression among attendees
• Establish good relations between hosts and guests
• Ensure guests feel comfortable during the event
• Help build unity among participants
• Explain the purpose of the meeting/event
• Set up the agenda for the meeting/event
• Make introductions
• Give background info about the organization
• Highlight achievements (if any)

Welcome Speech Samples in the Education Field

There is a number of school gatherings that require welcome speeches, be it an official school gathering or an informal event. In this segment, we’ve sorted samples according to the typical events organized in schools. Take note of each paragraph and determine its purpose. You’ll be able to create a workable framework or basis for your current and future speech requirements.

Welcome Address in English For Students

It’s natural for attendees of any event to expect an introductory speech, which sets the tone for the occasion. A host can easily command attention with an effective welcome. Even the longest speeches have the capacity to hold an audience’s interest when delivered in a catchy and impressive manner.

A short opening speech for a commencement ceremony

To everyone present, good morning. A very warm welcome to our respected faculty, our remarkable parents, and our dear students. Special recognition is due for our Chief Guest (name of chief guest). It’s a true honor to have such a successful alumnus (or state the chief guest’s job title). We express our biggest gratitude for accepting our invitation to deliver today’s keynote speech.

I’m standing here as a lucky witness to our dear students’ academic journey. Our school is very proud of everything you have accomplished and your small but not minor contributions to society. You’ve brought prestige to our name and deserve the title of one of our school’s most successful and dedicated batch of students.

With your teachers’ guidance and parents’ support, you’ve reached remarkable heights. I’d like to take this time to extend my gratitude to our faculty and our parents, for understanding, encouraging, and nurturing our students.

Graduates, you are about to start another chapter in your life. An exciting yet scary period. From now on, you will face more challenges, but I am confident that you’re adequately equipped to face any tribulation that comes your way. Remember that with conviction and self-belief, no mountain is too high to climb. The laurels you’ve brought back to our school are only the beginning. I am genuinely excited to see the astonishing feats that your futures hold.

A long opening speech for a commencement ceremony

Good morning everyone! I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our esteemed faculty, astounding parents, and our dear students. I’m honored to open our commencement ceremony and stand here where many of our accomplished alumni who I look up to once stood.

I extend a particularly warm welcome to our Chief Guest (name of chief guest), who as one of our outstanding alumni, has really set the standard for exemplary accomplishments.

(enumerate key achievements of chief guest)

Her/his professional and philanthropic endeavors attest to their upbringing and the values she/he lives by. We want to thank you for responding positively to our invitation to be the keynote speaker on today’s auspicious occasion.

As another academic year reaches its end, I’m sure that our dear students are anxious and also filled with hope and excitement. This is their final school event in our renowned school/college/university (name of school). But hopefully, it won’t be their last awarding ceremony.

We are extremely fortunate to have such a talented and passionate group of graduates who have earned laurels in honor of our school, adding to its distinction and great reputation. The amazing encouragement and unconditional support of our parents throughout the school year have been extraordinary. They have stood by their children in every school event. Our teachers and staff are truly thankful for the trust you’ve given us. Your children’s journey wouldn’t have been a huge success without your guidance and nurture.

It’s been a remarkable experience to witness the passion and commitment our students have exhibited in all their undertakings. I am filled with certitude that you will achieve whatever goal you’ve set your mind on. Adulthood is going to be jammed with more trials you’ve never imagined before. I am kidding. Maybe. Joking aside, you will win as long as you work hard and believe in yourself.

Remember that you are valuable and take every challenge you face as an opportunity to prove your worth and get better. Also, surround yourselves with people who are good for your well-being and treat them the way you’d like to be treated.

Maintain your sense of humor because not much else will get you through when the going gets rough. Life can be very special and you can truly make a mark, which doesn’t always need to have global proportions. Be accountable for your mistakes and learn from them. Keep nurturing your passions and remain as driven, bright, and astonishing as you are today. You are all wonderful and I can’t wait to see your future accomplishments, because they will be great.

Thank you and do us proud!

Welcome Speech for a College Function

(General greeting, i.e. good morning/afternoon/evening) to all (the audience attending the event, e.g. the parents, teachers, students, etc.) and our respected Principal (name of principal). It’s with great pleasure that I welcome everyone to (name of school)’s (name of event or ceremony).

Our college nurtures the ideologies of discipline and pride in one’s work and aims to hone our students as responsible and productive members of society. It is in this spirit that we celebrate today.

To commence our festivities, allow me to introduce one of our most esteemed alumni. Our Chief Guest (title and name of chief guest) has embodied the values fostered by our prominent and respected college. (Enumerate the main accomplishments of the chief guest). We honor you for your contributions to society and our city, most especially, which future generations will surely benefit from. With your hard work, dedication, and charitable spirit, you have set the goalposts we aspire to reach in order to make the world a much better place than we’ve found it.

(Initiate a round of applause)

Welcome Speech for a Yearly Function

(General greeting, i.e. good morning/afternoon/evening to all)

Honorable Chief Guest (name of guest), our beloved Principal (name of principal), our amazing faculty and staff members, our dearest parents and fellow students, and to everyone present, I welcome you all to (name of school/college/university)’s annual function.

My name is Lakshmi Gupta, a student of the Information Technology Department, and also the president of our school’s Cultural Exchange Organization and founder of the Languages Club.

It is with tremendous pride that I announce our prestigious school’s Silver Jubilee anniversary. We’re gathered today to celebrate 25 years of estimable service and success. The remarkable accomplishments of our elite school since its foundation won’t be possible without its long history of dedicated and respected teachers and passionate students, its tireless staff, and the unconditional support from our parents.

It’s also a great honor to introduce our Chief guest and keynote speaker. Any introduction won’t do justice to the extraordinary achievements she/he has attained throughout her/his career. (Enumerate the main accomplishments of the chief guest). She/he is truly one of the most treasured and incredible alumni our school has produced. Without further ado, let’s give a round of applause to (title and name of chief guest).

Welcome Speech for the School Principal

Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning!

I’m truly pleased and honored to welcome our new principal (title and name of principal). He has previously worked for 5 years at Lumos International as principal and has succeeded in revitalizing their academic standing and programs, especially in English and Cultural Studies.

I have gotten to know her/him over the last few days during the transition phase and found her/him to be a brave and progressive intellectual, with a great ideology and vision for the future of (name of school), our beloved school.

On behalf of the current administration, our board of trustees, the faculty, the staff, and our student body, we wholeheartedly extend a great welcome to you (title and name of principal).

We hope that with your leadership, energy, and enthusiasm, we shall start a new era of learning and reach greater excellence.

Congratulations and welcome!

Welcome Speech for Teachers Day

Good morning! We welcome everyone today who is here to celebrate this annual event for their beloved teachers. We don’t always get to thank our teachers, but on this day, we pay tribute to our second parents.

They have provided guidance and given their light to educate and lead us to a journey of wonder, discovery, and knowledge. For their efforts, they deserve the greatest of honors and our utmost respect.

Our steadfast yet affectionate teachers should be our role models. They inspire us daily and motivate us to reach our greatest potential. They impart wisdom so that we don’t only excel academically, but as good people and responsible members of our society.

So on Teacher’s Day, it’s all about them and giving them the honor that many take for granted. Thank you, dear teachers!

Welcome Speech for Children’s Day

Good morning everybody!

Today we extend our appreciation and the warmest embrace to our beloved students to celebrate Children’s Day!

It’s been a blessing to be a part of nurturing children’s sense of wonder and imagination. These are qualities we often lose as we grow up, and it’s awesome to witness them happen every day.

Children’s innocence and love are incomparable and difficult to resist. Their smile is the closest thing to heaven that we can glimpse in the world.

School is your children’s second home, and we teachers are their second parents. We thank you for the opportunity to take care of and guide your little angels.

Join us to celebrate our students and make this day as eventful and fun as it can be!

Welcome Speech for Freshers Party

Welcome everyone to our Fresher’s party!

We’ve all gathered here today to celebrate the gift of possibilities and commence the experience of a new beginning.

It’s of utmost pleasure to welcome everyone, especially all my freshers to today’s festivities. I extend my deepest gratitude to all my teachers and everyone who helped make this event a reality. Look at this place, it’s amazing!

University or school life isn’t just about getting a higher education – brace yourself for the adventure of a lifetime! This is the period to create good memories and meet people who can be a permanent part of your academic and later professional lives. May you develop the relationships and acquire the necessary skills to succeed in life.

But for now, let’s leave our worries and cares out in the hall. Let’s celebrate your wise decision to matriculate in our institution. Our college has prepared special events and an entertainment program highlighting some of our talented students.

The next few hours will be memorable and exciting! Thank you for listening and let’s get on with it!

Have a good time!

Welcome Speech Samples for Business

Much like in academic settings, there are more formal events that happen in professional contexts. Some may need a welcome address to introduce special guests or welcome the attendees of a conference. Some are informal events that welcome those who are invited to special occasions at the office and the people they’re honoring. Note down the key phrases and objectives of the samples below and use the same structure in your own welcome or introduction speech in English.

Sample of Welcome Speech for a Goodbye Get-together

Good evening everyone!

Welcome to my farewell party. I know, I know. You all said you’re sorry to see me go, but that you all would need food and entertainment first to deal with your sadness. So here we are. I shall deliver.

As the Semisonic song goes “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” And so it is with great gratitude that the VP in Japan decided to retire early, so the end of his role can mark the beginning of mine. To Toni Takitani, thanks for deciding you’ve had enough!

Kidding aside, I’d like to thank my friends who made this very corporate event a huge success. Look at this, my goodness!

Most importantly, I want to impart my profound gratitude to my boss (name of the boss). Without you, this party won’t have a band. I couldn’t ask for a better mentor. Or I could, but none of them would have changed my life as positively as you have. It saddens me to leave you the most, but it comforts me that you were my biggest source of encouragement to go. Or it may have been your plan all along. Genius!

So to everyone who came, thank you. I’ll have time to thank you properly later, but for now, let’s eat!

Welcome Speech Sample for a Business Conference

Good morning to everyone who came out to join us here today. My name is Julius Kaizer and I’ll be hosting today’s events.

Before anything else, I’d like to take this moment to thank Merville & Posque Inc., their CEO Mr. Hyori Asano and his team for putting this event together in record time. It won’t be possible without your tireless dedication and contributions. I also want to thank everyone who came, our remarkable associates from Osaka, Chiang Rai, and Quezon, our wonderful clients who have stuck with us through thick and thin, and our amazing consultants in various fields of energy conservation. Your interest and patronage are very much appreciated.

A great welcome to all our extraordinary employees and staff members, some of whom have worked and grown along our company’s 23-year history. A big welcome, too, to our interns who have recently joined and brightened our corporate offices.

Today marks the 15th annual MPBC and it’s an honor to be a host in this glorious congress. I myself will be staying for the conference’s entirety to learn what I can about sustainable energy systems and their various implications and impact on the future of our planet.

The activities today will include an overview of all the forums, seminars, and exhibits around the MPBC complex. Second, we will have the inauguration of the new bio-dome on the grounds where we will also honor this year’s retirees. The afternoon’s seminars will kick off after lunch, and I encourage you to attend the discussions and learn about our future plans and projects. Finally, I’d like to encourage everyone to help yourselves to the snack stations in the hallway. Refreshments and sandwiches are on us for the duration of the conference.

I won’t keep you long and let’s begin the day. I wish all of you a valuable and wonderful time! Thank you.

Welcome Speech for a Business Workshop

Good afternoon everyone!

I am so pleased to see you all here. Welcome to my workshop, or should I say “our” workshop. I am truly overjoyed and excited about learning together and helping you reach a breakthrough in industry-scale coding practices.

This workshop aims to cover new software and the importance of earning certificates in several computer applications such as VM Suite, Landscape 5.0, and NF Tech.

I hope you’ll learn a lot in the next few hours and I promise to try to make our activities as engaging and hands-on as possible. Good luck and thanks again for participating in our workshop.

Welcome Speech for Office Events

My name is (your name), the (position in the company), and your host for this meeting. To our CEO (title and name of the CEO), (next are the dignitaries for the company hierarchy if any), all the staff members and their loved ones, and our beloved employees. I welcome you all to the (name of the event) of (name of company).

We are here today to honor our employees’ achievements in their respective fields and departments. Your efforts to attain and sustain the standards we keep aren’t unnoticed. This awarding ceremony seeks to remind us about the value and pride we should have in our accomplishments, and the significance of collaboration and teamwork. It is our spirit of community and faith in our abilities that represent the vision of (name of company). May we continue to grow through hard work, accountability, and cooperation.

To start off with our first award, let’s call up (title and position of the presenter), (name of the presenter).

Welcome Speech Samples for Family Functions

Huge family events often have speeches: weddings, birthdays, farewell parties, funerals, anniversaries, and so on. Some of these events normally have hosts and esteemed guests. Here are some tips and samples to inspire you.

Tips on Welcoming the Chief Guest?

If you’re searching for tips on how to make a welcome speech for guest, here are some things you can do:

• When drafting your speech, do the research.
• Highlight the key qualities that are worth mentioning in an opening welcome speech for event.
• Take note of the welcome address speech sample in this article and create a framework from them.
• Look up welcome speech quotes and choose the best one to use somewhere in your speech.
• Greet the chief guest at the event personally and introduce yourself if you don’t know each other.
• Extend your hard for a handshake and smile to express that they are honored and welcome to the event.
• Smile and suggest they are being welcomed.
• Address them formally with the usual Miss or Mr.
• Escort the chief guest before you assume host duties.

Welcoming the Chief Guest with a Short Speech

It’s a great honor to welcome our Chief guest and tonight’s keynote speaker. I was worried at first about how to introduce (title and name of Chief guest) because any introduction would pale in comparison to the reality and immensity of her/his accomplishments.

(Enumerate the main accomplishments of the chief guest).

She/he is the ultimate inspiration for young professionals everywhere who want to succeed in the field of international trade. Here to inspire us with her career journey and all the experiences she accumulated along the day, join me in giving a round of applause to (title and name of chief guest).

Welcoming the Chief Guest (Longer Version of the Speech)

Introducing our next attendee is a great pleasure of mine. When she/he accepted our invitation to be tonight’s Chief guest and keynote speaker, I almost jumped for joy. Then I realized I would naturally receive the task of introducing her/him. At first, this gave me great anxiety. How would I be able to pull it off and deliver an introduction that would give her background justice? Then I thought, no introduction would ever compare, so it was foolish to aim for success when failure is guaranteed. So I decided to just do it. Our chief guest has accomplished the following, to name a few:

As I looked at her/his professional and personal successes, I realized here is a woman/man who was faced many times with the certainty of failure but had given her circumstances a grad twist by attaining success against all odds. Then I thought, perhaps I should aim for success in this speech, after all.

She/he is an inspiration to many, not only for all the fields of expertise she has earned and the extreme success that went with the process, but she/he has also set the benchmark for philanthropy and good deeds. She/he has done this quietly, too, and she/he might strangle me for revealing it to the public. I didn’t even know half of the wonderful things she/he has done for our community before my research.

Without further ado, and here to inspire us with her wisdom and grand skill, join me in welcoming our Chief guest (title and name of chief guest).

Welcome Speech for Parents

Hi everyone!

As host and brother of the groom, I’d like to take this time to introduce the parents of the bride. Without them, my brother wouldn’t be the lucky and happy man he is today. More than that, I have witnessed how they accepted my brother and treated him as a son long before the engagement. I often tag along on family trips and have spent hours of wonderful conversations with them. Apart from my own parents, they are two of the most affectionate and hospitable people I’ve ever met. If I could meet a woman whose parents are just like them, I’d consider myself half as lucky as my brother.

Let’s give a round of applause for (names of the bride’s parents). Thank you for embracing my brother into the fold.

Welcome Speech Samples for National Holidays

Below is a sample of a welcome speech typically delivered during Annual Day. Substitute the appropriate details to match your information and use the framework in other speeches reserved for national holidays.

Welcome Speech for Annual Day

I am overjoyed to have this chance to welcome all of you to our elite institution’s 25th Annual Day. Today’s children are the hope of the next generation. All these graduates we see today, receiving awards for their achievements will go on to lead successful lives. Let them live up to the expectations set before them.

I am very happy to be a member of such an elite school where we learned from such great professors who teach us beyond the boundaries of the ordinary classroom. They’re also the minds and hands behind such a big event every year. I’d like to use this chance to organize such a wonderful event this year. It’s also a great pleasure of mine to introduce our Chief Guest.

Welcome speeches are necessary at events. They usually set the tone or expectations of the people who attended or participated in the occasion. There are many ways in going about delivering a welcome address speech. Review the samples in this article and do your due diligence to craft an outline, framework, or skeleton from the contents that you can use in welcome speeches of your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

A good welcome speech has the following qualities: * It is sincere. * It can hold the attention of the audience. * The ideas don’t ramble. * Welcome address quotes are used. One for a short welcome speech, and 2 for a longer one. Never 3, unless the speaker is trying to be funny. * The contents are relevant to the event. * It has an impressive anecdote. * The length doesn’t exceed 5 minutes.

The last segment of this article contains tips on welcoming chief guests, esteemed guests, or guests of honor. The tips contained here can be divided into things to consider while drafting the welcome speech, and things to do at the event itself when meeting the chief guest.

A simple thank you would suffice. Make sure you reiterate your gratitude. Some welcome speeches can end with a line that welcomes the guest of honor.

Depending on the context, a welcome speech doesn’t always need to be impressive. In some situations, a straightforward introduction is all you need. However, in some circumstances like commencement ceremonies, farewell parties, dinners, and some others, the audience is prepared to listen to long speeches. In this case, the speech needs to catch the attention of the attendees and maintain their interest. An impressive welcome speech often has an emotional element. Not just parroting big words to describe a person’s achievements or flatter them. Try to use humor if you’re funny by nature or if you can deliver the punchline well. Use popular quotes in your speech. Tell anecdotes relevant to the attendees. Or reveal an epiphany. These are how you should draft a welcome speech set to impress.

Make sure that it is relevant to the content of your welcome speech or the point you’re making. You can use phrases such as the following: * According to… * As the old saying goes… * There’s a quote that has always stuck with me… * Events like this always remind me of one of my favorite quotes… Try to find quotes that are unique and not cliche. You can find some in the lyrics of contemporary music, or lines and dialogues from books and movies, and so on.

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How To Introduce a Guest Speaker In 4 Foolproof Steps

The audience is ready for a good evening, lights illuminate the podium, and you are introducing the next guest speaker to take the stage.

Seems simple, but there is an art to making a great introduction – and I have four tips to guide you. Join me!

See Related:  What is a Guest Speaker – And How Can They Take Your Event to the Next Level?

Quick reminder: what is a guest speaker?

To put it plainly, guest speakers are people who are invited to speak at all sorts of events . They are formally introduced by the master of ceremonies and deliver ideas that are relevant to the interests of the people in attendance.

Let’s get started!

Tip #1: You Are the Opening Act

What was the last concert or live comedy show you attended? Was there an opening act ? In many ways, your introduction serves the same purpose:

Ease the audience

Whether you are the first person onstage or are introducing the closing speaker, guests need time to adjust to a new presence.

Give a word of praise to the presentation that preceded your introduction and share the importance of the speaker to come.

Set the tone

Audiences look to the person onstage for communication on what to expect. Make your speaker’s life easier by warming guests up with an authentic and approachable onstage presence .

Join guests with confidence and deliver your introduction like you are exchanging words with a good friend. The audience will relax and look forward to the speaker’s presentation .

Cue the audience

As the person onstage, all eyes will be on you. Therefore, the audience will look to you to guide their behavior.

If it’s time to begin clapping for the guest speaker or motivational speaker so they know to come onstage, then start the clapping. If ongoing laughter is causing your introduction to run too long, then you are a success for making a fantastic joke, but respectfully request that folks quiet down.

A good introduction is like a roadmap

Think of it this way: you are like the cue cards at a   live sitcom taping … except you probably won’t want to instruct the audience to “boo” at any point!

Tip #2: Inspire Confidence in Your Audience

Remember, this introduction is not a speech of your own . The focus must remain on the professional speaker and what they are about to contribute to the event.

Guest speakers bring varying levels of name recognition, so your audience may or may not be aware of their qualifications.

Your task as a corporate emcee ? Help the audience understand the guest speaker’s connection to the event and why they are worth listening to .

Touch on the speaker’s credibility

Why was this speaker invited to talk? Chances are, they have expertise in your industry. Let the audience know that!

A speaker’s credibility and knowledge can take many forms: an advanced degree in your field, a volunteer background, or personal experience with the topic at hand.

Personal connections pique the audience’s interest

Even if a speaker’s qualifications shine on paper, I recommend mentioning their personal connections to the subject matter during your communication with the crowd.

Why did the doctor you are introducing want to work in breast cancer research ? What inspired the wildlife photographer to switch career paths after spending ten years as a pharmacist?

This context will pique the audience’s interest and create a good introduction.

Tip #3: Preparation is Power

I know, you are very familiar with the guest speaker. But please, do not stand at that podium without notes.

Check your run time

Your own introduction should not be more than a few minutes. An important skill to practice is rehearsing your speech and timing it beforehand .

It can be difficult to gauge the actual length of an introduction simply by looking at it on paper. Factor in laughs and applause, and you’ll be onstage longer than anticipated.

Write notes that serve your needs

As I mentioned earlier, be sure to have a written introduction in front of you . But remember – your notes need to actually help you!

• Choose a font large enough for you to read onstage . You don’t want to lift up the paper and squint to make out what you wrote.
• If you are unsure of proper pronunciation , look up the answer and make a note. When you introduce a speaker , it is extremely disrespectful to mispronounce their name. Writing phonetic spellings down beforehand can help prevent this during your speeches.

Before you start speaking, take five minutes to do vocal warmups . You can find examples on YouTube and you’d be surprised at how much they help!

Lots of people feel nervous before giving presentations or introductions. Warming up your voice before your intro is a great way to release tension and make sure you speak with resonance and clarity – what every event emcee must do well!

Tip #4: It’s All in the Details

Your introductory speech is just the right length, spotlights the speaker’s accomplishments and credentials, and gets the audience excited for the speech ahead. Nice job!

Now is the time to cross the t’s and dot the i’s:

The best events have a seemingly effortless flow between speakers. As the person making introductions, you have the opportunity to get the audience into that flow. How?

Make eye contact with the audience

For many speakers, making eye contact is their worst nightmare! But your guests will feel comfortable and enthusiastic about the speech to come if you make eye contact while you talk to them.

Making eye contact is a critical skill because it creates moments of connection with your guests and tells them you are prepared for and interested in the speech to come.

Start the applause

After you introduce a speaker, be the person to begin applauding . Most guests don’t want to be the first to clap, so they will listen until they hear someone else start.

A handshake marks the transition

Remain onstage until the speaker has entered and shook your hand.

This moment marks the end of your intro and the beginning of their speech . Clear buttons like this help the audience know exactly where to place their attention.

Adam Christing  has been called “The Tom Brady of emcees.” He has hosted more than 1,000  company meetings ,  special events ,  gala celebrations , and more. He is the  author of several books  and founder of  CleanComedians.com .   For more event tips, follow Adam Christing on  Instagram ,  Facebook ,  Pinterest ,  LinkedIn , and  YouTube .

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Introductory Speech

Introductory speech generator.

It would be considered rude if the speaker of the seminar was not introduced properly to the audience. How else would the crowd know on who this gentleman or lady really is and what his or her background is on that particular subject. By giving an introductory speech of the guest speaker tonight, you are allowing the audience know who he or she is as a person and what he or she has accomplished or achieved in his or her life. You may also see speech examples in pdf

These kinds of speeches are like PRs, they only tell the good parts about you and never the negative or bad parts about you. As the person assigned to give the introductory speech about the person, your only job is to provide basic background information about that person, the speaker will take care of the rest. But giving an introductory speech would be useless if you are afraid of public speaking. It is important that you learn to conquer your fears and rise above the challenge at hand. You may also check out introduction speech examples  to provide you with a better idea on how to write these kinds of speeches.

The job of an introduction speech is to:

• introduce your guest speaker
• create a welcoming, attentive ready-and-motivated-to-listen anticipation in the audience

Just like the appetizer, your job is to entice the crowd and keep them happy before feasting on the main course. Try your best to wow the audience in order for them to get hyped when the main speaker arrives. Although you have your speech laid out for you, try to add some humor and wit and maybe some jokes as an impromptu as a way to break the ice. You may also like presentation speech examples & samples

To prepare your introduction speech you’ll need:

1. the guest speaker’s name.

When you get the full name of the guest speaker, try to make sure that it is correct cause there are times that the spelling might be wrong. After getting their name, ask for the correct pronunciation of the name. Who would like to hear their mispronounced name, right? You may also check out motivational speech examples & samples

2. The guest speaker’s biography

Aside from knowing just the guest speaker’s name, you got to introduce who he really is as a person and why he or she is the right person to talk about this certain topic. State his or her credentials and what he or she has achieved. Let the audience know who they are listening to and why he or she matter. You may also see informative speech examples & samples

3. A surprise

As mentioned before, it is best to keep things in a very light manner. Nothing too serious should even be said when it is just an introductory speech. Add some jokes, laugh a bit, add humor and wit. Whatever you think that will manage to get the audience’s attention, go for it. You may also like speech examples in doc

How to organize your material

• Build excitement or interest by piling one piece of information after another.
• Make the name of the speech and the speaker, the climax and end of your speech.

Let’s pretend, for the sake of showing you how it’s done, that we’ve already gathered up all the material we need to introduce a guest speaker. You may also check out appreciation speech examples & samples

Introduction Speech Example

1. let’s put this speech in context to help you make sense of it.

The setting for this introduction speech is a conference for an organization called “ Women in Leadership” . The audience are primarily women drawn together through an interest in leadership roles. At the end of the speech, the speaker will lead the clapping as the guest takes center stage. You may also see award speech examples

2. Now here’s the speech text

She’s been a stalwart member of “Women in Leadership” for the last fifteen years. Over that time she’s served in every office: secretary, treasurer, chairperson, chief fundraiser, education officer, chief executive officer to name a few and in some roles several times over. You may also like welcome speech examples & samples

Her passionate dedication and commitment to promoting public speaking as an important component of empowerment is simply amazing and inspiring. We estimate that she has personally mentored at least 200 new speakers and has set an extraordinary “yes, you can” philosophy for many more. You may also check out valedictorian speech examples & samples

We see her as capable, confident and fluent – never at a loss for words. But what you probably don’t know is that this woman was once weak, shy, stuttered, broken and damaged. 

How she got from awkward tongue tied silence to an eloquent front line spokesperson is the story she will share with us tonight. Ladies, I give you … Katherine Watson!” You may also see persuasive speech examples & samples

3. Say the speech out loud! Use it as a template!

Try saying it out loud to get the flow of it. If you like it, use it as a model for the introduction speech you need to write.

Tips to make your introduction speech successful

1. consider tone and language use.

How are you going to build up audience interest if you do not seem motivated and interested to talk about him or her in the first place? While drafting your speech, try to consider the use of language. Is it going to be the same as every introductory speech or are you going to try and spice it up a bit? Remember that in this case, the audience matters as well. Learn on who you are talking to and how you make use of language to gauge your audience is up to you. You may also like  speech outline examples & samples

2. Check the length of your speech

Pertinent and pithy – short and sweet is what you want. One to two minutes should be enough. Try it out loud with a timer. Remember that you are simply the appetizer and not the main course. This is not your time, but the time for the guest speaker. You may also check out orientation speech examples & samples

3. Resist exaggerating or “puffing up” the speaker’s achievements

Try not to exaggerate the guest speaker’s achievements. Try no to sugarcoat the truth just to make him or her look good. It should simply be enough so that the audience can get a quick background of the speaker.

4. Always check your facts

Avoid stating on anything that the speaker is not. It will end very badly for you if you do so. If there are some sensitive issues that you know about the speaker, make sure that you ask him or her permission first before stating it out loud for the whole world to hear. You may also see inspirational speech examples

5. Remember you are the support act!

Cover only enough in your introduction to make the coming speech eagerly anticipated. Do not stray into telling the audience what the guest speaker’s speech will cover in detail.

6. Rehearse

Practice makes perfect. Try practicing in front of a mirror or in front of your family and friends so that they can judge you as to see how you are doing. Sometimes, just winging it is not enough. You have to work on it to develop the confidence you need to improve on your delivery and tone more. You can also see self-introductory speech examples to analyze on how this whole different speech is being framed and written.

Usain Bolt Introductory Speech Example

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

Today, it is both my honor and privilege to be able to introduce you to a role model of the athletic world, a man of distinction – Usain Bolt.

Born on August 21, 1986 in Jamaica, he has distinguished himself as a world class sprinter and he currently holds the Olympic and World Records for the 100 meters in 9.69 seconds and the 200 meters in 19. 30 seconds . Wow. Amazing. I wish I could run that fast. You may also like student council speech examples

What makes his achievements all the more remarkable is the fact that they were all set at the 2008 Summer Olympics. He eventually became the first man to win all three events in one of the categories in the Olympics since Carl Lewis in 1984 and the first man in history to set world records in all three events at a single Olympics. His name and his achievements in sprinting have earned him the media nickname “Lightning Bolt”. You may also check out commencement speech examples

I am sure that you all know a great deal about his public sprinting life, but there is more to him than just running.

What you don’t know about the “Lightning Bolt” is that he enjoys dancing and is often characterized as a laid-back and relaxed character . Did you know that before sprinting, his first interested sport was cricket? He said and I quote: “that if he was not a sprinter, he would be a fast bowler instead.” But then, he wouldn’t be known as the “Lightning Bolt”, but something else. You may also see special occasion speech examples & samples

Please give a warm welcome to none other than Usain “Lightning” Bolt to share with you some words of wisdom on not giving up.

Even if you are simply the person assigned to give the introductory speech, you are still required to give it your all and be the best at what you do so that it will leave a good impression to the audience that you have respect for the work that you do and that you take it seriously. You may also like examples of writing a short speech

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Create an Introductory Speech for a new community project.

Write an Introductory Speech for an academic seminar series.

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Sample Introductory Speeches - Setting The Tone

Sample introductory speeches don't come better than an introductory speech for Usain Bolt.

Wow! Who will ever forget his moment of glory as he did his victory lap after winning 3 golds and smashing world records at the Olympics?

Take a look, read, adapt and in record breaking speed you'll have a great speech.

INTRODUCTORY SPEECH - USAIN BOLT

Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is both and honor and a privilege to be able to introduce you to a role model of note, a man of distinction - Usain bolt.

Usain Bolt is a Jamaican sprinter and he was born on 21st of August 1986.

Usain has distinguished himself as a world class sprinter and he holds the Olympic and World Records for the 100 meters in 9.69 seconds and the 200 meters in 19.30 seconds. Usain has taken his level of excellence one step further - and together with his teammates - he also won the 4X100 meters relay in the amazing time of 37.10 seconds.

What makes Usain's achievements all the more remarkable is the fact that they were all set at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Usain became the first man to win all three events at a single Olympics since Carl Lewis in 1984 and the fist man in history to set world records in all three events at a single Olympics. His name and his achievements in sprinting have earned him the media nickname "Lightning Bolt".

I am sure that you all know a great deal about his public sprinting life, but there is more to Usain than just running.

  Sidebar: great sample introductory speeches always show the speaker's human side too.

Usain enjoys dancing and he is often described as a laid-back and relaxed character. The first sport to interest him was cricket and he said that if he was not a sprinter, he would be a fast bowler instead. He is a fan of Sachin Tendulkar, Chris Gayle and Matthew Hayden.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm sure you will  agree that the world of cricket has lost out - but the world of sprinting has gained a legendary role-model.

Please join me in welcoming Usain Bolt to address you this morning with his words of wisdom.

Our sample introductory speeches are based on  less-is-more. Your introduction speech should welcome and honor your guest speaker, not steal their limelight.

Attentional multi-feature fusion for spoofing-aware speaker verification

• Published: 09 June 2024

Cite this article

• Qian Shen 1 ,
• Mengxi Guo 1 ,
• YiDa Huang 1 &
• Jianfen Ma 1  

The Spoofing-Aware Speaker Verification (SASV) system is designed to protect automatic speaker verification (ASV) systems from potential speech spoofing attacks by integrating the ASV and countermeasure systems. The optimization of the ASV system can further enhance the resistance of the SASV system to various spoofing methods. Thus, an Attentional Multi-Feature Fusion framework is proposed in this paper to enhance the speech feature content in the ASV system, aiming to mitigate security vulnerabilities. Furthermore, for feature modeling, we introduce the Conformer module, which combines convolutional neural networks and Transformers to effectively capture both local and global features while extracting fixed-dimensional speaker embedding vectors. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed ASV system achieves a nearly 25% improvement compared to the baseline ASV system. Furthermore, the SASV system, based on the proposed ASV system, demonstrates nearly 33% and 34% improvements in spoofing awareness with score-based fusion and embedding-based fusion strategies, respectively. This implies that the improved SASV system is capable of detecting and recognizing speech-spoofing attacks more effectively.

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Abdzadeh, P., & Veisi, H. (2023). A Comparison of CQT spectrogram with STFT-based Acoustic features in deep learning-based synthetic speech detection. Journal of AI and Data Mining, 11 (1), 119–129.

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Seed-TTS: A Family of High-Quality Versatile Speech Generation Models

• Anastassiou, Philip
• Chen, Jiawei
• Chen, Jitong
• Chen, Yuanzhe
• Deng, Lelai
• Ding, Chuang
• Gong, Mingqing
• Huang, Peisong
• Huang, Qingqing
• Huang, Zhiying
• Huo, Yuanyuan
• Jia, Dongya
• Li, Xiaoyang
• Li, Xingxing
• Liu, Shouda
• Liu, Sichao
• Liu, Xudong
• Liu, Yuchen
• Liu, Zhengxi
• Pan, Junjie
• Wang, Yuping
• Wang, Yuxuan
• Yang, Yifeng
• Yi, Yuanhao
• Zhang, Junteng
• Zhang, Qidi
• Zhang, Shuo
• Zhang, Wenjie
• Zhang, Yang
• Zhao, Zilin
• Zhong, Dejian
• Zhuang, Xiaobin

We introduce Seed-TTS, a family of large-scale autoregressive text-to-speech (TTS) models capable of generating speech that is virtually indistinguishable from human speech. Seed-TTS serves as a foundation model for speech generation and excels in speech in-context learning, achieving performance in speaker similarity and naturalness that matches ground truth human speech in both objective and subjective evaluations. With fine-tuning, we achieve even higher subjective scores across these metrics. Seed-TTS offers superior controllability over various speech attributes such as emotion and is capable of generating highly expressive and diverse speech for speakers in the wild. Furthermore, we propose a self-distillation method for speech factorization, as well as a reinforcement learning approach to enhance model robustness, speaker similarity, and controllability. We additionally present a non-autoregressive (NAR) variant of the Seed-TTS model, named $\text{Seed-TTS}_\text{DiT}$, which utilizes a fully diffusion-based architecture. Unlike previous NAR-based TTS systems, $\text{Seed-TTS}_\text{DiT}$ does not depend on pre-estimated phoneme durations and performs speech generation through end-to-end processing. We demonstrate that this variant achieves comparable performance to the language model-based variant and showcase its effectiveness in speech editing. We encourage readers to listen to demos at \url{https://bytedancespeech.github.io/seedtts_tech_report}.

• Electrical Engineering and Systems Science - Audio and Speech Processing;
• Computer Science - Sound

Things to know about Graduation Weekend

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We’re only a few days away, and all those participating in Northwestern University’s 166th annual commencement are busy making family arrangements, securing tickets and trying on regalia.

The big event is at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 9, at the United Center in Chicago. But there’s much more to graduation weekend, and we know you have questions, so Northwestern Now has curated answers to a set of FAQs. Take a look below, or visit the University’s official graduation website for even more information.

Celebrations, convocation, commencement: What’s the difference?

Celebrations are events surrounding commencement and convocations that highlight aspects of graduates’ Northwestern experience.

Convocations are hosted by schools to recognize students individually. Each school has invited a guest speaker to address graduates. See the complete schedule here .

Commencement is the all-Northwestern ceremony where the entire graduating class of 2024 is honored. During the ceremony, University officials, as well as student, faculty and guest speakers, will address graduates and their families. This year, award-winning actress and alum Kathryn Hahn will deliver the main commencement address .

How do we get there? And where do we park?

Evanston campus parking is free from Friday, June 7, through Monday, June 10. Parking in the lots next to the United Center will be free for the ceremony, and the Uber/Lyft lot at the United Center will be open.

For graduates and guests looking for a ride, shuttles will leave from a single point on the Evanston campus and drop off at the main gate on the south side of the United Center at parking lot K.

Refer to the transportation page on the graduation website for maps and other specifics.

What items are permitted in the United Center?

At on-campus venues and the United Center, guests are limited to a small purse or personal bag up to 10"x6"x2". No backpacks or other large bags are allowed. At all venues, bags will be inspected by security personnel, and guests will pass through magnetometers.

At all venues, prohibited items include air horns or any other artificial noise makers, including instruments; animals (excluding service animals); balloons; banners; bottles or cans; cameras with detachable lenses; confetti of any kind; coolers; ski or non-medical masks (medical masks are permitted); fireworks; flags; flyers and handouts; glitter; laser pens or laser products of any type; outside food or beverage of any kind (alcoholic beverages included); poles or sticks; projectiles; selfie sticks; signs; tents; umbrellas (any size); weapons of any kind, including guns, knives, ammunition, explosives, pepper spray and mace; and anything else that would interfere with guests’ sight lines or enjoyment of the ceremony.

The United Center has additional restrictions prohibiting GoPros, iPads, laptops and plastic bags, and it reserves the right to determine other items unacceptable upon entry. Further, the United Center will not store any of the aforementioned items.

For which events do we need tickets? Once we have them, how do we distribute?

Tickets are necessary for guests at all ceremonies, including commencement and convocations, although graduates do not need a ticket. You can distribute tickets to guests by text or by downloading and sending a PDF. (This function only works for U.S. and Canadian numbers.) If you have guests who are not tech-savvy or who do not have smartphones, you also can print or send those tickets to others in your party to hold, but those guests must enter together.

Visit the Tickets page for instructions on key ticketing actions.

For those who do not have tickets, livestreams will be available for commencement and convocations on the Graduation website .

What if our party has questions about accessibility?

Everyone will enter a ceremony on a general admission ticket. Northwestern collected anticipated wheelchair numbers during the ordering process, but all seating is first come, first served. Please note that every wheelchair space has one companion seat included. Because these spaces are limited and in high demand, it is not possible to seat entire parties together. There are a limited number of wheelchairs inside of each venue that can be used for transporting guests during the ceremony. Visit the Accessibility page on the Graduation website for more information.

Is there a University policy in the case of demonstrations?

While the University supports freedom of expression, graduation ceremonies are not the time nor place for disruptive demonstrations. The University has designated a free speech area outside each venue and encourages anyone who wishes to engage in expressive activity to do so there. Any such activity inside the venue may not disrupt the ceremony or prevent others from enjoying it.

Community members who do not adhere to University policies will face discipline, and anyone who disrupts the ceremony could be asked to leave. All students, including those graduating, remain subject to the Student Code of Conduct. Violations of the code of conduct will result in disciplinary sanctions up to and including expulsion. Degrees will be held pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings.

Can we get a copy of the commencement program?

You can download the PDF of the program . An initial program will be available at the time of Graduation Weekend, and a complete program including Latin honors will be available later in summer. A small number of final program print copies will be available, with the ordering link coming in June graduation communications.

Can grads take photos at the Michael Jordan statue?

Yes, graduates will be lining up in the United Center Atrium, located on the east side of the stadium, which houses the world-famous statue.

What’s happening on campus after the commencement ceremony?

Commencement will conclude shortly after noon on Sunday, June 9. But there’s plenty more to see and do, so plan on getting yourself and your guests back to Evanston as soon as possible.

Hosted by Religious & Spiritual Life, Baccalaureate is a multifaith and multicultural celebration that honors a diversity of spiritualities, philosophies and cultures at Northwestern. The event, which begins at 4 p.m. at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, does not require tickets.

Just as March Through the Arch was a symbolic start to graduates’ Northwestern career, March Back Through the Arch is the bookend. Undergraduates should meet at 6 p.m. at Deering Meadow to march the reverse of the original path with friends and classmates.

All graduates and their guests are welcome for a picnic-style dinner at 7 p.m. at the Graduating Students Reception . Enter near the north entrance to the lakeside campus, enjoy the food and drink and stick around for a fireworks show over Lake Michigan that is expected to start at approximately 8:45 pm. This free event does not require tickets or advance reservations.

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A Conversation With President Zelensky

In a wide-ranging interview, president volodymyr zelensky of ukraine challenged the west’s hesitations..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

From The New York times, I’m Sabrina Tavernise. And this is “The Daily.”

[SPEAKING UKRAINIAN]: [LAUGHS]:

Five years ago, a TV personality and comedian, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, won the presidency in Ukraine in a landslide victory.

[SPEAKING UKRAINIAN]:

And then — [ALARM BLARING]

— after three years in office, he faced the biggest challenge of his presidency and of his life.

This is only the beginning for Russia on the Ukrainian land. Russia is trying to defeat the freedom of all people in Europe.

He rose to that challenge, beating back one of the world’s largest armies. But now —

We urgently need Patriot systems and missiles for them. And you can imagine what our soldiers feel when they simply have nothing to respond to enemy fire.

The tide has turned against him.

Please do not ask Ukraine when the war will end. Ask yourself, why is Putin still able to continue it?

Today, my colleague Andrew Kramer sat down with Zelenskyy to talk about the fight of his life and how it might end. It’s Tuesday, June 4. So, Andrew, you’ve been covering Ukraine for many years, and you first met President Zelenskyy back in 2020 before Russia invaded. Tell us what he was like back then.

There’s just an incredible density of events that have filled Zelenskyy’s tenure as president. I had an opportunity to interview president Zelenskyy in 2020. And this was during COVID, so it was a Zoom interview. And it was really a different era for Zelenskyy. He had just come in as president. He was baby-faced. He was a fresh presence in Ukrainian politics. And at this moment, he was trying to reset relations with the United States. There had been tensions with the Trump administration, and he wanted to turn a new page in bilateral relations.

And by tension with the Trump administration, you mean, of course, that Zelenskyy was in the middle of the first Trump impeachment. We may all forget, but Trump made a phone call to Zelenskyy, asking him to investigate not only Joe Biden, but also his son, Hunter Biden. And Trump hinted that the US would actually withhold military aid if Zelenskyy didn’t do that.

That’s right. The perfect phone call. That’s what President Trump called it. And during this time, Zelenskyy became briefly a known figure in the United States. But in Ukraine, he was known as a charismatic leader. He was a television personality before becoming president, and he had campaigned on an idea of a new morning in Ukraine. He would crack down on corruption. And a central element of his campaign had been to make peace with Russia.

It’s pretty interesting to remember, actually, that Zelenskyy started as someone who thought it was possible to make peace with Russia. That’s who he was as a politician when he started out.

And he had wide support. He was elected with 73 percent of the vote. So a lot of Ukrainians believed that he would actually be able to achieve this. But this had really fallen apart. And by the time I talked to him late in 2020, the prospects for these negotiations were very unclear. And it was, for this reason, more important than ever for the Zelenskyy administration to shore up support from the United States.

So that was 2020. A lot has changed. Clearly, at this point, Zelenskyy is not making peace with Russia anymore. You sat down with Zelenskyy a couple of weeks ago. Why did you want to talk to him again now?

Well, it’s a very interesting and critical moment in the war. The tide has turned in the war. Russia is pressing all along the front and American aid had been stalled for six months. And it was passed recently in congress, but it hasn’t yet arrived. So it’s a moment where Zelenskyy has his back against the wall. And what Zelenskyy has really zeroed in on is that the NATO countries and the United States should allow Ukraine to use donated Western weaponry to hit targets inside of Russia.

Now, of course, firing American weapons into Russia has really been a red line for the United States through the more than two years of this conflict because Russia is a nuclear armed power. And there have always been fears in the background that this would be provocative, this would be escalatory, and would really raise the risk of a wider war. So we wanted to understand how Zelenskyy was making that argument for Biden to allow him to use American weapons to hit targets inside of Russia, despite the risks.

So tell me about your interview. Start from the beginning.

Are we — are we recording now?

I’m rolling, yeah.

Well, we walked into the presidential administration through a very tight security. It’s always an interesting experience arriving at the presidential office in Kyiv. There are sandbags and anti-tank barriers around the building.

Andrew, you’ll set up on the right closest to the president.

Yeah, if we can get Andrew —

We made our way through the compound to a ceremonial reception hall. This was in a 19th century building with exotic plaster moldings on the walls called the House of Chimaeras.

OK? It’s OK for you.

And I went to interview Zelenskyy with my colleagues, Phil Pan, the international editor, and Bill Brink, the Ukraine editor.

You’re going to have to catch him later.

We waited there for about an hour before the president showed up.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Hi, I’m sorry I’m late.

Hi. Mr. president, nice to meet you.

Welcome. How was trip?

When he walks into a room, you immediately notice that he’s there, that he’s a presence.

Mr. President, I believe you know Andrew Kramer. He’s our bureau chief here.

Well, we had an interview, but it was by Skype in 2020, I think.

Maybe. I’m sorry. It was in another life.

And he is a little bit shorter in real life than he might appear on television. And war has changed Zelenskyy. He looks haggard. And for the last two years, he’s been bearded and wearing only military fatigues. In this case, it was a green t-shirt and green trousers. But he did seem to be holding up all right. He looked healthy and he was very energetic.

Thank you so much for coming. We can sit.

After some small talk in English —

Can we check Ukrainian translation? Talk with us.

He switched into Ukrainian, and we spoke with him through a translator.

The Biden administration has prohibited Ukraine from using American made weapons to strike inside Russia out of concern for escalation, including the risk of nuclear war.

And our very first question was about this red line.

Your government has urged a change to this policy given the situation on the battlefield right now. Why?

Thank you so much. Well, first of all, Biden administration was really against the use of the Western weapons. That’s important to mention.

And he became quite animated. He was gesturing. He was using his skills as a public speaker to convey what he felt was a very important point.

They are striking with the missiles from Russian territory. So how can we protect ourselves from these strikes?

And he was saying that it’s really not possible for him to fight when the Russians can gather their forces and fly their airplanes in Russia and then attack Ukraine, when he is not allowed to strike back as they gather across the border.

They are in the closest villages and settlements to the border from Russia, knowing that we will not respond.

He was conveying this sense of fighting with one hand tied behind his back. And they have to endure the attacks from Russia, the bombings and the artillery strikes, and they’re not allowed to hit back.

That is their big, big advantage.

He talked about the Northeastern part of Ukraine, near Ukraine’s second largest city, Kharkiv. It’s been a target of Russian attack. It’s bombarded almost daily. And it’s now one of the focal points of the war.

To defend Kharkiv, Ukraine has been forced to divert soldiers from elsewhere to fight this Russian incursion with the city at their backs.

Russia is piling up the troops. They are —

And Zelenskyy was telling us that his intelligence can see the Russians unloading from trains weaponry and equipment just across the border in Russia, but he’s not allowed to strike it because of the restriction on the use of Western weaponry. And so he said he has no choice but to watch them prepare to attack.

And he had a very vivid image for this. He was saying that he sees the Russians gathering on that side of the border.

That means that tomorrow, they will not give us flowers. They will give us death.

And that he knows they aren’t coming with flowers, but they’re coming with death.

If we know that tomorrow they are not celebrating with us, but they are killing us, why can’t we use our weapons to demolish them in the point of collection of the arms?

In other words, what he was saying was that they’re basically sitting ducks. And if you could only use these big, powerful American weapons to shoot inside of Russia to take the war to Russians, then that could turn the tide of the war. But the Americans were just not letting him do that.

That’s right. And he’s also asking for very specific weaponry to do this. And it really speaks to Zelenskyy’s life over the past 2 and 1/2 years. His country depends on an arsenal of weaponry from allies who have often been reluctant to provide it. And he finds himself often coming with what amounts to a shopping list to these Western nations, describing what his military needs in any particular circumstance.

We can get, in the end of the day, from NATO countries.

And what he told us —

— Patriot systems. Seven.

Was that he needed seven Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems.

Our analysts told us we need 120, 130 F-16s.

And 120 to 130 F-16 airplanes. And these kind of requests, well, understandable. His soldiers are engaged in combat, they’re suffering casualties, and civilians are being killed. So it’s of dire importance to Zelenskyy. But these type of requests have sometimes grated on Western politicians, so much so that last summer, the British minister of defense had said in response, and really in frustration, that, Zelenskyy, we’re not Amazon. Don’t come with a shopping list.

And this, of course, has been the view of the US administration as well. Hey, guy, we just gave you $60 billion. Have some gratitude.

OK, so it’s clear why shooting American weapons into Russia would help Zelenskyy. But how is he viewing the risk of Russia retaliating and potentially setting off a nuclear war? Because, of course, that’s why the US drew this red line in the first place, right?

Well, this is really the question of the hour on escalation.

What do you say to the people who argue that it is too risky to allow Ukraine to use these weapons inside Russia because of the risk of escalation?

There are no risks of escalation.

And when we asked about this, Zelenskyy asked us, in a sense, to get inside Putin’s head a little bit and understand how he sees this playing out.

He was saying that Putin is an irrational actor, so obviously somebody to be feared.

That he could use the nuclear weapon then when he failed to conquer us during the first year of the war.

But if he were to use nuclear weapons, he would have used them in the first year of the war when Russia was down and Ukraine was up. And he was also saying that —

He did not use it because he really loves his own life.

Putin, he’s irrational, but he would also fear for his own life.

And he understands that that’s it. The door will be totally locked to Russia, fully locked if he uses nuclear weapons. It’s a fact. And no one will be able to do anything with that, even his fans among the politicians. They won’t be able to do anything because the use of the nuclear weapon is not the red line. This is a totally different level. That’s it. This is the World War III.

Using a nuclear weapon would obviously be risking World War III, and Putin would understand the consequences of this. So these were Zelenskyy’s explanations of why he felt the Russians were bluffing on the nuclear question.

So Zelenskyy’s conclusion was that the nuclear threat really isn’t real, that it’s not that much of a risk then for the West to let Ukraine cross that red line. Use those American weapons to shoot at Russians inside Russia.

Yes. And then last week, apparently, Biden was convinced by Zelenskyy’s arguments. The Biden administration and administration officials announced that American weapons could be used to hit targets inside of Russia. The decision to shift was weighing the risk of losing Ukraine’s second largest city, Kharkiv, or having it bombed into oblivion against a very small risk of a nuclear war. A large risk of losing a city and a small risk of nuclear war. But there were caveats.

The American permission only allowed the use of American weapons on the border and in response to Russian military attacks across the border on Ukraine. And it didn’t cover the most powerful rocket in the arsenal that the United States has provided, the attack-guided rocket. So we won’t see Ukrainian attacks on large Russian cities using American weapons, such as rocket attacks on Moscow. But it is evidence that the Biden administration has shifted a red line.

And it seems significant, even if it’s limited. So the red line maybe isn’t actually so red. What do you think this tells us?

It tells us that Zelenskyy has been persuasive with his style of public performance, with his style of reaching out directly to voters in the countries that are allies with Ukraine. He has pushed Western leaders to shift on red lines and to continually provide more military support for his military and change their policies on how they assist Ukraine.

But Zelenskyy has another challenge. It’s something he doesn’t talk about nearly as much, but it’s just as important to winning the war. And this is a challenge inside Ukraine, in Ukrainian society.

We’ll be right back.

So, Andrew, you said that there was another big potential problem for Zelenskyy, and that was a problem in Ukrainian society. Tell me about that.

In short, it comes down to this. Not enough men want to fight, and Zelenskyy doesn’t know how to make them. He has been drafting men in relatively small batches throughout the country. And those who have signed up in the beginning, they are still serving at the front and have been fighting continuously for two years. So there’s fatigue of soldiers who are fighting and in the Army. And there’s also reluctance of those who have not yet been drafted to be drafted into the military.

So, Andrew, I’m really thinking about this with you and remembering back to those early days when you and I were walking around the streets of Kyiv and going into draft offices, and seeing everybody who signed up, right? History professors. I think you even interviewed a male stripper at some point that we were remarking on. Everybody wanted to fight. But that is very different now. What happened? What changed?

It’s now been two years, and there’s been a lot of dying. If you look at the number of men serving in the Ukrainian military now, including some units like the National Guard and border guards, it’s about 1 million men under arms. Out of that 1 million, about 10 percent have died so far. We don’t know the exact number of casualties in the Ukrainian army, but estimates are in the range of about 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers who have been killed over two years of war.

One thing that I found really remarkable when you travel around in villages and towns is that there are almost always dry flowers all over the roads because there are funerals so often. And they put these flowers down, and then they have processions. So military vehicles will come very slowly carrying the body in a hearse. And people will get out of their cars and they’ll kneel on the side of the road while this procession goes by. And it’s these sort of scenes that are really frightening to men who are eligible for the draft and who know what it would mean to be called up and sent into the trench fighting.

And how many men are eligible for the draft?

In Ukraine, there are 3 to 4 million men who could be drafted and could be serving in the military. So they could be fighting a war of attrition with Russia with a larger army, where they’re able to mobilize and equip these additional soldiers. But they haven’t done this, and there’s been quite a bit of reluctance. So they’re at a moment now where they need soldiers, but the patriotic wave from earlier in the war has really washed over. And at this point, they’re going to have to use the power of calling up men against their will in order to continue fighting this war.

What does that look like in Ukraine now?

Well, the call-up of men from villages in some areas of Ukraine has been so great that there are villages without men. There are villages where women, when they see the draft officials coming into town, they have swarmed these vehicles and are protesting to protect the few remaining men in these areas. There have been roadblocks put up in Kyiv and other towns to stop cars and check draft registration documents on the street. And sometimes, men are asked to report to basic training within as little of a week after being stopped at one of these surprise checkpoints.

And this has been disruptive. And men are fearful of being caught in one of these roadblocks and approached by draft officials. And there are even social media apps that track where they’re moving around town. For example, in Kyiv, there’s an app called Weather in Kyiv. And it’ll say it’s raining on a certain intersection. And that would mean that the draft officials are there and men should avoid that area.

Interesting. And is Zelenskyy acknowledging this challenge? The challenge of trying to get men to fight in the war.

Politically, Zelenskyy has disassociated himself from the challenges of the draft. He’s said this is a problem for parliament or for the military. It’s politically very unpopular. And he hasn’t, for example, given major speeches calling on Ukrainians to sign up and explaining the draft policies.

In our interview, he did, though, acknowledge the toll of the war on Ukrainian society. And he described this as divisions.

Some people are at war. Some people are not.

That there had been some rift in society between men who were fighting and men who were not fighting.

It is really serious because the society begins to divide.

And for somebody trying to steer a country in a war, this could be a problem.

This separation in the society, this division, at this moment, the enemy can use it.

So given that fewer and fewer people want to fight, and war is obviously fundamentally about fighting, where is Ukrainian society’s head right now on this war? And what is their appetite to stop it? Do people want to call it quits, agree to just, OK, lob off a third of their territory and give it to Russia and finally be done with this? Or is a full draft, mass mobilization finally going to be on the table?

Well, this is what makes Zelenskyy’s situation now so interesting is he’s in a bind. He’s ruling a country that on the one hand, there’s massive support for continuing the war. There’s incredible anger at Russia. Still seething anger at Russia over this war, and no desire to negotiate. On the other hand, you have fewer and fewer people actually willing to fight. So Zelenskyy is caught between these two positions, and it’s a difficult moment.

OK, to summarize here, Zelenskyy has been pushing on these red lines abroad. He’s getting stuff. He made some progress last week, but it seems like it’s not enough to dig himself out of the hole he’s in. And at home, there’s kind of a similar dynamic. He’s done these small batch drafts of men, but that also seems like it’s not enough to really win. And now he’s in this very hard place. And to put it very bluntly, it seems like a losing place.

Well, this is probably the moment of most uncertainty for Zelenskyy and for Ukraine since the beginning of the war. There’s no popular decision for Zelenskyy. Drafting more soldiers is unpopular. If he doesn’t draft soldiers and settles in a ceasefire negotiation, that will also be unpopular. Zelenskyy is really squeezed between two fires. And this is all against the backdrop of Russia escalating an offensive that’s expected to continue through the summer.

How is he coping with this? This is a lot on his shoulders.

Well, this is something that we asked in the interview.

I just wanted to ask if you could say a few words about your own life as a wartime president. And maybe —

And we talked to him on what was the 817th day of the war.

I’m not afraid of working for many hours and to do my work and many other works. But the hardest is the emotions. You understand that. Emotions.

He doesn’t tell jokes like he used to. One aspect of the war is that his life as a comedian has really come to a close, and he’s become a much more serious public figure.

And I wake up very early and —

He said that he deals with some of the stresses of leadership by working out in the morning.

I can see my wife more often. She’s in the office. But I see my children not that much.

And he was most expressive and went on at some length about his family.

He said that through the course of the war, his children have grown up. His daughter is now 19. His son is 11. And he said that he would spend time with his son working on Spanish homework.

I don’t know Spanish, in fact. But I’m interested just in some time to spend with him, whatever he does.

And these are the happiest moments. And here, I can relax.

Andrew, how did you end the interview?

I asked him what he would do after the war. And I thought his answer was telling.

So what are your plans after the war?

[LAUGHS]: [SPEAKING UKRAINIAN]:

I would like after the war — after the victory, because those are different things.

He said there’s a distinction between the end of the war and victory.

I think that my plans depend on that. So I would like —

And then he described what would happen after victory. He would spend time with his family and his dogs. But what he left unsaid was what his life would look like if Ukraine lost the war.

And what would it look like?

Well, one scenario is that he could die at the end of this. [MUSIC PLAYING]

He’s been the target of 10 assassination attempts, according to his government. Another possible outcome would be that Ukraine could lose a large chunk of its territory in a settlement agreement. So it’s understandable why he didn’t go into the details, but it was still remarkable that he acknowledged just for a moment this vulnerability, this idea that there could be an outcome for Ukraine other than victory.

Andrew, thank you.

Thank you, Sabrina. [MUSIC PLAYING]

Here’s what else you should know today.

[PEOPLE CHANTING]

On Sunday, Mexican voters elected the country’s first woman and first Jewish president, Claudia Sheinbaum.

[SPEAKING SPANISH]

It was a landslide victory for the 61-year-old climate scientist and former mayor of Mexico City. Sheinbaum, a leftist, had campaigned on a promise to continue the legacy of Mexico’s current president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Under Obrador, millions of Mexicans were lifted out of poverty. But he was also criticized for failing to control rampant cartel violence. The election was the largest in Mexico’s history, with the highest number of voters taking part. And it puts a Jewish leader at the helm of one of the world’s largest predominantly Catholic countries.

And President Biden is expected to sign an executive order on Tuesday, allowing him to temporarily seal the US border with Mexico when the number of migrant crossings exceed a certain threshold. The order would suspend protections for asylum seekers in the US, and represents the most restrictive border policy instituted by Biden, who is under intense political pressure to address illegal migration. Polls suggest that there is growing support, even inside the president’s own party, for more aggressive border measures. The executive order is likely to be challenged in court.

Today’s episode was produced by Nina Feldman, Claire Toeniskoetter, Rob Szypko, and Diana Nguyen, with help from Michael Simon Johnson. It was edited by Lisa Chow. Contains original music by Marion Lozano and Elisheba Ittoop, and was engineered by Chris Wood. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sashko Chubko.

That’s it for “The Daily.” I’m Sabrina Tavernise. See you tomorrow.

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Hosted by Sabrina Tavernise

Featuring Andrew E. Kramer

Produced by Nina Feldman ,  Clare Toeniskoetter ,  Rob Szypko and Diana Nguyen

With Michael Simon Johnson

Edited by Lisa Chow

Original music by Marion Lozano ,  Elisheba Ittoop and Sophia Lanman

Engineered by Chris Wood

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Five years ago, a TV personality and comedian, Volodymyr Zelensky, won the presidency in Ukraine in a landslide victory. When Russia launched a full-scale invasion of the country three years later, he faced the biggest challenge of his presidency and of his life. Despite initial success beating back one of the world’s largest armies, the tide has turned against him.

Andrew E. Kramer, the Kyiv bureau chief for The Times, sat down with Mr. Zelensky to discuss the war, and how it might end.

On today’s episode

Andrew E. Kramer , the Kyiv bureau chief for The New York Times.

Background reading

Read The New York Times’s interview with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine .

Explaining the debate over Ukraine’s use of Western weapons .

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

Special thanks to Oleksandr Chubko .

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson, Nina Lassam and Nick Pitman.

Andrew E. Kramer is the Kyiv bureau chief for The Times, who has been covering the war in Ukraine since 2014. More about Andrew E. Kramer

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