You may have as little as three seconds to connect with your audience once you step on stage — which is why Peter George argues you should start connecting before you ever arrive. In this QuickBites episode, Peter reveals the single most underused tool for establishing rapport with an audience before your first word: your introduction.
Most speakers hand over a bio when asked. A bio lists accomplishments. An introduction shows the audience exactly what’s in it for them. Peter walks through a side-by-side comparison that makes the difference unmistakable — and shares a simple coaching tip that ensures the person introducing you delivers it the way it was meant to land.
Welcome to QuickBites, public speaking tips and techniques you can digest in five minutes or less.
You Have Three Seconds — Use Them Before You Arrive
Experts disagree on how long it takes to establish a connection with an audience. Three minutes? Thirty seconds? Three seconds? Peter sides with those who say three — and then argues that three seconds is nearly impossible to work with. The solution: begin connecting with your audience before you ever walk on stage. The most powerful tool for doing this is something almost every speaker ignores.
The Difference Between a Bio and an Introduction
When organizers ask for a bio, most speakers hand one over — a list of degrees, positions held, awards won, and personal details that establish credibility but say nothing about what the audience is about to receive. An introduction is different. It isn’t about the speaker. It’s about the audience and what they’re going to gain. It relates your experience and expertise directly to their needs, building anticipation before you say a single word. Peter walks through a side-by-side comparison that makes the difference impossible to miss.
“Your bio is about you. Your introduction is about your audience — and what they’re going to gain from your experience and expertise.”
The next time someone asks for a bio, send an introduction instead. And if you really want to take it further, coach the person who’ll be delivering it. By the time you walk on stage, the connection is already made — and you’ll have three seconds to spare. I’ll see you next time.
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