Follow the Introduction Verbatim

Many introducers offer an ad-hoc lines, which squelch a speaker’s planned opening. One of my introducers once added his own line to my introduction. It was his attempt at a joke. It was lame, fell flat, and went nowhere. It also conflicted with my intended opening line, and I had to quickly say something else.

Do your conference speakers a favor: tell your introducers in no uncertain terms not to improvise. I know of one meeting planner who asks, "Can you deliver this introduction as the speaker has requested?" If the introducer does not pledge to deliver the introduction free of these remarks, she suggests another introducer.