For many of us, the hardest part is being the one who speaks first. It's much easier to respond to someone who comes up to us. It's more intimidating to have to choose a particular person out of the crowd.  

            This is where we could all take a lesson from politicians. The successful ones have made an art out of walking up to a stranger, sticking a hand out to shake, and saying with a big, warm smile, "Hi, I'm (name), I'm running for (office) and I hope you'll vote for me." They make it look so easy to walk up and introduce yourself to a stranger. Well, surprise, surprise, they're right. It is easy... if you've planned ahead and know exactly what you want to say.

            Remember that every time you speak to someone, you have the opportunity to influence and inspire them. Being influential and inspirational makes you a very sexy speaker. There's never a better moment to practice than at a social or business event.

            Ask yourself the two big questions: 1) What is my goal in meeting these new people?, and 2) What do they want that I can offer? In other words, what's in it for me and what's in it for them? WIIFM and WIIFT are two acronyms that apply to almost any occasion where you need or want to influence and inspire new people.

            If your goal is to get new business, offer them an example of a benefit you can provide. Especially if you're a member of a large profession, i.e. accounting, law, insurance, real estate, etc., find something unique about the way you do it that will pique your listeners' interest. There are certain universal benefits that appeal to everyone, i.e., the measurable results of working with you, or something you can provide that no one else can. In those first 10 seconds or so, you'll grab their attention by showing what makes you special. There'll be plenty of time later to say, "I'm an accountant."

            If your goal is to build a social relationship, look for something you have in common, like the fact that you've both chosen to be at this event. You might know some of the same people, or you can use the nature of the event as a springboard to find other tastes you have in common.

            In my brief Intros, I don't start out with, "Hi, I'm a speaker's coach." That just makes folks' eyes glaze over and they start looking around for someone else to talk to. But when I say, "I'm the Speaking Is Sexy Coach," their eyes usually light up, a smile breaks over their face, and they want to know more.

            In your 30-Second or 60-Second Intro, offer your listener the three most important benefits you provide and the three special ways you can provide them. That's all you have time for, and it's enough for them to decide if you're someone they'd like to know more about. Memorize these if you need to, but definitely know them well enough to say them in your sleep.

            You never know who might be listening!