My podcast this week is from the Effective Public Speaking book. I'm now listening to my computer read me the book. That will help me realize where things might be out of order, not just where they do not make sense!
Enjoy.
The Podcast:
The Transcript:
This is 60 Seconds of Writing in Public with Johanna Rothman for July 11, 2025, where I read an excerpt of just a minute of some writing in progress.
This is from the Effective Public Speaking book.
Clarify the Introduction Timing
At many technical conferences, no one introduces the speaker. Instead, the speaker introduces themselves. For in-person conferences, I put my title slide up as people enter the room. Then, when it's time to start, I say, “I'm Johanna Rothman, and my topic today is …”
For a virtual presentation, I often send the organizer my bio or an introduction. Sometimes, they even read what I send them. Too often, I have to warn the introducer that I do not want a long introduction–I want to offer value.
Some speakers think they need to explain their expertise before they speak. They spend four or five minutes at the start of the presentation talking about themselves, not the audience.
That's not relevant to the audience, not yet. Instead, offer value before you introduce yourself. No one cares about your experience until they can see your value.
The Video:
Here's the link to the video.