Speaking at events determines how everything else unfolds. Those first moments can leave a lasting impression on the audience. Professional speakers understand this, yet many still need help with creating introductions that grab attention and build anticipation for the main speaker.
A strong introduction energizes the room and builds a connection between the audience and the upcoming speaker. Need examples of effective keynote introductions? These sample speeches show different approaches you can adapt for different occasions.
Keynote Introduction Speech Samples
Here are six carefully selected introduction speeches that demonstrate different styles and approaches for various events.
Sample Speech 1
Ladies and gentlemen, good evening.
Tonight’s speaker has climbed Mount Everest twice, sailed solo across the Atlantic, and built three successful tech companies. But that’s not why we invited her here.
Michelle Chen stands out because she uses her adventures to help others push past their limits. Through her foundation, she’s helped over 5,000 young people from disadvantaged backgrounds start their own businesses. Her motto? “The biggest obstacle is the voice that says you can’t.”
As the CEO of TechForward and winner of the National Leadership Award, Michelle brings fresh ideas about taking smart risks and building strong teams. She’s here to share lessons from her journey that you can apply to your own path.
Please welcome to the stage, Michelle Chen.
— END OF SPEECH —
Commentary: A punchy, high-energy introduction that builds curiosity by first mentioning impressive achievements, then revealing the deeper purpose behind the speaker’s work. Perfect for business conferences, entrepreneurship events, or leadership summits.
Sample Speech 2
Good morning everyone.
Some people change our outlook completely. Dr. Sarah Martinez is one of them. Her groundbreaking research on ocean microplastics led to the development of new biodegradable materials now used by major manufacturers globally.
The technologies she created have reduced plastic waste in our oceans by 30% over the past five years. Her work combines scientific innovation and environmental protection, showing how research creates real change.
Dr. Martinez serves as the head of Environmental Sciences at Pacific University and advises several governments on sustainability policies. She’s here today to share her latest findings and discuss the next steps in the fight against plastic pollution.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Sarah Martinez.
— END OF SPEECH —
Commentary: This introduction establishes authority through concrete achievements while highlighting the broader impact of the speaker’s work. Well-suited for academic conferences, environmental symposiums, or scientific gatherings.
Sample Speech 3
Thank you all for being here on this special evening.
Michael Torres started cooking at age seven in his grandmother’s kitchen in Mexico City. Today, his restaurants hold five Michelin stars, but he still uses his grandmother’s wooden spoon to test every new recipe.
Beyond his culinary achievements, Michael has changed the restaurant industry’s approach to sustainability. His innovative food waste reduction program has been adopted by over 400 restaurants nationwide.
He’s also launched a mentorship program that gives aspiring chefs from low-income backgrounds full scholarships to culinary school. Under his guidance, 85% of these students now run their own successful food businesses.
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome chef Michael Torres.
— END OF SPEECH —
Commentary: A warm, personal introduction that combines heritage, achievement, and social impact. Great for culinary events, charity galas, or industry award ceremonies.
Sample Speech 4
Good afternoon, distinguished guests.
Rebecca Wong has lived many lives. She’s been a street artist in Paris, a teacher in rural Thailand, and a documentary filmmaker in Antarctica. Her photographs hang in galleries from New York to Tokyo, but she considers herself a storyteller first.
Her latest project, “Faces of Change,” captures the stories of 100 grassroots environmental activists across 50 countries. This work earned her the Global Arts Achievement Medal and started environmental protection movements in twelve communities.
Rebecca’s here to show us how creativity can turn passion into action.
Please welcome Rebecca Wong.
— END OF SPEECH —
Commentary: A creative introduction that showcases a multi-talented force while emphasizing social impact. Ideal for creative festivals, photography conferences, or social change forums.
Sample Speech 5
Good evening, everyone.
David Foster writes code that saves lives. His healthcare algorithms help doctors spot diseases earlier, leading to better outcomes for thousands of patients. But that’s just the start.
After losing his sister to a rare genetic condition, David dedicated his career to making healthcare technology accessible to everyone. The free diagnostic tools he developed now serve millions of people in remote areas who lack access to specialists.
His work has earned recognition from the World Health Organization and started a revolution in digital healthcare delivery. Tonight, he’ll share his plans for the future of medical technology.
Ladies and gentlemen, David Foster.
— END OF SPEECH —
Commentary: A powerful introduction that connects personal motivation with professional achievement and societal impact. Perfect for medical conferences, tech summits, or healthcare innovation events.
Sample Speech 6
Good morning.
Meet Lisa Chen. She teaches math at Lincoln High School in Detroit. But her students learn much more than equations. They learn to believe in themselves.
Five years ago, only 20% of her students passed advanced math. Today, that number stands at 95%. Eight of her former students have won national math competitions. Twelve now study engineering at top universities.
These numbers tell just part of the story. Lisa created a mentorship program matching struggling students with local tech professionals. This program has spread to 50 schools across three states.
Please welcome an extraordinary teacher, Lisa Chen.
— END OF SPEECH —
Commentary: A focused introduction that uses specific results to demonstrate impact while maintaining emotional connection. Excellent for education conferences, teaching awards ceremonies, or community recognition events.
Wrap-up
Great introductions go beyond listing achievements. They tell stories that connect speakers with audiences. Each sample here shows how to balance credentials with character, achievements with accessibility. Use these examples as starting points, then adjust them to fit your speaker and occasion. The right introduction creates anticipation and sets up your speaker for success.