The Art of Introduction

The art of introducing a speaker to an audience is one that should be studied by every gospel worker. Certain well-defined principles need to be understood. To make a successful introduction, one should not depend upon ex­temporaneous speech. Prepare. And because the introduction should be short, it demands extra preparation. Few can ever speak readily without preparation, and none can do so often. If one is to be successful, it is necessary to completely forget self. There must be a sin­cere desire to direct attention to another and prepare the way for his favorable reception. An introduction should never be taken as an occasion to advance oneself or one's interest.

It is commonly understood that the public speaker should always avoid any peculiarity of dress, gesture, or manner that might attract attention to his person and detract from the interest of his subject; so every care must be exercised by the one who is introducing an­other to do nothing or say nothing that would turn attention to himself rather than to the one being introduced. There is no time when genuine courtesy and regard for another show to better advantage than during' an introduc­tion.

There must, naturally, be some reference to the speaker's ability. The purpose is to set him in a good light before his audience, and assure him an attentive hearing and a favor­able reception. A recital of his accomplish­ments in life and his peculiar fitness to deal with the subject matter of the address to be given, is in order. The length of the introduc­tion will vary according to the acquaintance that the audience may have with the speaker. If he has filled public office and his name is frequently seen in print, or if he is known to many by his achievements in science, art, eco­nomics, or religion, the audience will naturally be anxious to hear him, and not merely to hear about him.

If one is to err at all in introducing a speaker, let it be on the side of brevity. Few things are more tiresome or boring than a long-drawn-out introductory speech. Some years ago, William Jennings Bryan was to appear on a Sunday afternoon program at a Chautauqua in a mid-Western city. A United States Sen­ator whose home was in that town had been engaged to introduce the great Commoner. Mr. Bryan's train was late, and he did not arrive until about an hour after his speech was supposed to have begun. The Senator simply walked to the front of the platform and said, "Mr. Bryan." The audience appreciated this so much that there was sustained applause. Mr. Bryan appreciated it so much that, though he and the Senator were of different political faiths, they became fast friends.

It cannot be too strongly emphasized that when one is asked to introduce a public official, he should exercise the greatest care to pay proper honor to the office that is represented. There can be few examples of bad form that are more glaring than an attempt to treat lightly the introduction of a public official. A pleasantry may be allowed; real wit and good humor may have their place in certain circum­stances; but as a rule, earnestness and gravity are more fitting.

The Scripture teaches clearly, in many ref­erences, that those who hold positions of trust and responsibility are worthy of respect. Some people, who would never think of being rude to a guest whom they had invited to their homes, show a deplorable lack of good breed­ing and gentle birth by their attitude toward men in public life who have accepted an in­vitation to give an address.

The finest example of an introduction that I know anything about is that recorded in the Scriptures where John the Baptist presented Christ to the Jewish nation. Notice the set­ting. John had been commissioned of God to do a mighty work. He was a rugged, coura­geous character. His forceful speech brought multitudes to the wilderness to hear his preach­ing, and his fearless condemnation of sin brought before him the rulers. In the full flush of his successes he was called upon to introduce another. How perfect he was! How completely he forgot himself as he said: "He that cometh after me is preferred before me . . . whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose." "He must increase, but I must de­crease." "Behold the Lamb of God."

Washington, D. C.