I am amazed every time my friend Rob Caldwell introduces a speaker.
Introducing speakers – doing a good job of introducing speakers – that’s an art.
For a couple of years now, I have wanted to talk with Rob about this. I have wanted to know how he came to be so skilled at introducing speakers.
Was Rob born with the talent?
Did he learn it?
If so – when?...and – from whom?
It seemed to me, if I could write about Rob’s experience then that story would help other folks:
- Understand the importance linked to the role of introducing speakers, and
- Perform better when they are called upon to introduce a speaker.
I know no one more capable than Rob of providing advice on this topic.
Earlier this month, I finally took the time to ask Rob these important questions.
I asked Rob how he came to be so skilled at introducing speakers. Now, it seemed to me Rob was truly surprised by my question. He talked about local people who impressed him when they are called to introduce speakers. He talked about the speaking skills of David Johnston…and the speaking skills of his long-time friend John Turner. Perhaps, like many skilled folks, Rob does not understand the exceptional role model he provides when he introduces speakers?
I offered more details to explain what impressed me when Rob served as emcee and we talked.
Then Rob shared a most-memorable story with me:
When Rob was a young man, still in his teens, he was asked to introduce the well-known local politician - Mr. John Wintermeyer. Mr Wintermeyer was our MPP, representing Waterloo North. In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s Mr Wintermeyer had served as leader of the Liberal Party of Ontario. In that position he came close to becoming premier. Following a brief retirement he attempted to run again as a member of provincial parliament, representing the people of Galt.
Rob Caldwell was invited to introduce him to the nomination meeting - as a very young liberal.
Rob was in Grade 12 at the time. Mr. Wintermeyer was a senior politician, with an impressive track record. The audience was about 400 people and the event was held at Southwood Secondary School.
And – Rob did I very good job of it.
That is how Rob began to introduce speakers.
At this point in Rob’s story I began to ask questions:
- How did you come to have such ability at such a young age?
- What did you do that allowed you to stand up in front of 400 people and do a good job of it?
Rob explained…
- As a youth he got tongue-tied, he stammered. This made public speaking a real challenge. This made public speaking a very stressful activity. Rob knew he needed to take action to overcome his difficulty. He decided on two major strategies: to speak slowly and to practice quite a bit.
There is a parallel here. Rob and I talked about the wonderful movie ‘The King’s Speech’. Both Rob and I thought Colin Firth did a tremendous job of the lead role. When I watched him perform I could feel the King’s frustration and his desire to overcome. At the theatre, the audience resonated with Firth’s gripping portrayal of human triumph.
Perhaps, it was this movie that caused me to slow down enough to talk with Rob about this talent – introducing speakers.
Back to Rob’s story…
- Somehow, as a teenager Rob understood it was important to understand the person he was about to introduce. So, Rob did research on John Wintermeyer.
- Somehow, he understood it was important to include personal things. So, Rob talked about Mr Wintermeyer’s ties with our local Mennonite community.
- Somehow, he understood the need to be very well-prepared, leaving nothing to chance. So, Rob studied and practiced and blended in his personal style.
That was an introduction of how Rob began to introduce speakers.
… to be continued