Now Introducing

A message from Steve...

“Let’s set the stage.” 

That’s a phrase I heard often as an actor. It encouraged us to make sure everything was in place for the performance, and to ensure the audience was positioned to understand and enjoy the show. But over the years, I’ve realized setting the stage has so many applications outside the theater. 

Setting the stage can refer to how we prepare a room, how we frame a conversation, how we set up a meeting, how we share a Google Calendar invite, and how we connect people. And sometimes, it’s as simple and important as how we introduce someone while doing our best to set the stage for their success. 

I’ve been presenting and public speaking for over 30 years now. I’ve had the opportunity to introduce others, and I’ve been on the receiving end of more introductions than I can count. And I can tell you from experience, a proper introduction matters more than we realize. 

When we’re introduced well, something shifts. The audience leans in, and the speaker can take the stage with clarity, momentum, and support. There’s a sense of anticipation, energy, and respect when an introduction is done well. And when it’s not done well, the speaker now has the burden of correcting a miss, filling gaps, or trying to rebuild what should have already been set. The result is, the moment can get delayed, and the connection can get diluted. 

A good and thoughtful introduction isn’t about reading a long bio or making it about yourself. It’s about honoring the person who is about to step into that space. Their story, their experience, their authority, and their name matter. It’s about setting the stage, so the presenter can focus on their message and so they are set up to better connect to the audience. 

I’ve always appreciated when someone takes the time to be intentional with an introduction. You can feel it. They’ve done their homework, they truly care, and they genuinely want to bridge that gap between speaker and audience. That energy transfers, because the truth is, when you introduce someone well, you’re not just handing off a microphone, you’re handing off trust. You’re telling the audience this is someone who has earned the right to be in this room, and this will be both a meaningful and memorable experience. 

And here’s the best part: this doesn’t just apply to keynote stages. We introduce people at work, in meetings, at social gatherings, at sporting events, and in everyday conversations. And how we make that introduction matters. 

So, if we want to become better at setting the stage for others, here are a few simple things that I have learned over the years, through both trial and error. 

#1. Be intentional. Know who you’re introducing. Take some time to understand their background, their message, and why they’re there. Being thoughtful and concise is more powerful than being long and drawn out. 

#2. Make it about them. As the introducer, it’s not your moment. Keep it focused on who the presenter is and what they bring to the room. Your role is to honor and elevate, not to upstage and compete. 

#3. Build the bridge. Help the audience understand why this person matters to them. Create a sense of relevance and anticipation so when the speaker steps up, the room is already with them. 

When we introduce well, we don’t just set up a speaker for success, we’re creating an experience, and setting the stage for something meaningful. We’re giving someone the opportunity to walk in with confidence, and we’re giving the audience a reason to listen with anticipation, curiosity, and intention. 

So, the next time you find yourself with the responsibility to make that introduction, take a moment, take a deep breath, and take it seriously. You’re not just making a basic introduction, you’re setting the tempo, setting the tone, setting the standard, and setting the stage, for optimal impact for both the audience and the presenter. 

Introduction On. 

Game On.