3 Tips to Write a Better Speaker's Bio
One novice mistake some speakers make is to substitute their website bio for their introduction. Don’t do it!
I’m talking about when you have to present, or deliver a training. Having a speaker bio (aka your introduction) is essential, especially if someone else is introducing you.
But it should not be a list of everything you’ve ever done.
Your speaker bio (Introduction) serves 3 purposes:
To establish cred.
Your audience wants to know that you know what you’re talking about. What’s your background? Why are you the person to speak about this? How do we know you bring expertise to the table?To entice your audience.
Let them know this is going to be good, that they can trust you. You want your audience to look forward to your speech - not dread what’s coming.To generate enthusiasm for the speaker (you!)
What will your audience get out of this? Can you drop a teaser into your bio? I recently helped a client rework their intro. Rather than a list of their credentials, they shared how they’ve helped hundreds of people find their passion in their own work. Hello, I’m listening!
You don’t need every single piece of information from my website when I’m introduced to you. A speaker’s intro should be short, informative, and tease the audience with what’s coming up.
3 Tips to Write a Better Speaker Introduction or Bio
Keep it short.
This should not be a list of every accomplishment or every job you ever had. What are the most potent, or most impactful? Which ones will illustrate to your audience, “Yep, she’s the expert in [________]”?
Your intro should take no longer than 30 seconds. Sixty, tops, but even then, I’d tune out a bit.Include something ear-catching.
Share an unusual fact or accomplishment that will either make you memorable, or that ties to the topic. (Bonus points if you can do both!) The last line of my speaker intro is: “…and she is a horrible ukulele player.” It’s silly, but it’s also true. And the audience always perks up. And I always promise that I will not break out my uke at the event.Adjust and customize the intro based on your speech and audience.
Don’t re-write it every time. But if you’re speaking to a Public Health Department, include mentions of the hospitals and health care companies you’ve worked with. If you’re speaking about Time Management, how can you illustrate that you won’t waste your audience’s time? Or that you have expertise?
A customized intro for the event shows you care, and that you’re making the effort.
Randy Ford shares tips for writing a better speaker bio and introduction.
Want to polish up your intro or bio? Let’s talk! Set up an intro call or book a one-hour Power Hour with me.
In one hour, we’ll work together and take your intro from “blah” to “Whoo! Tell me more!”
What to read or hear next:
My talk with Randy Ford on “How to Write a Better Bio”
Is it okay to drink before I give a toast? 2-minute Voice Memos
For Women Only: Three Speaking Tips
About The Author
Hi! I’m Marianna. I make public speaking easier for my clients. In addition to Presentation Skills workshops, I offer executive coaching and Keynote speeches. To learn more, schedule a call with me.