HOW TOSPEECHES- INTRODUCTORYSPEECHES

WHO- If you have been asked to introduce the guest speaker, remember to introduce yourself first. Giveyour name, surname and your title or position within the organization.Guard against assuming that everyone knows who you are.

WHY- A effective and well-structured introduction sets the tone and focuses the audiences' attention - it is their cue to settle down. It also has the added benefit of whetting the audiences' appetite. Aim to keep your introduction short and to the point -don't encroach on the speaker's time or content.

WHAT- A meaningful introduction will tell the audience who the speaker is, why they will be listening to the speaker'saddressand what the speaker will be talking about in their presentation.Remember, don't be tempted to "steal their thunder".

WHEN- Check with the speaker first. Are they ready, have they set up and tested all visual aids and are there any last minute glitches to sort out? Alwaysmake surethat there is a carafe of water and a glass on the podium. Make your way to the podium, pause for a while as the audience settles and present your introduction.As nerve-racking as it may be - don't rush to your seat.Wait at the podium, lead the applause and shake the guest speaker's hand.

HOW-Askyour guest speaker for a brief outline of their curriculum vitae to use as the "research" for your speech.Findout the exact pronunciation of the speaker's name and surname.Determinetheir position and title.Highlightthe salient points that make them a knowledgeable speaker.Bepositive and encouraging.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all tonight. This is a very special function. Today, on behalf of the government of India, I wish to extend, in the presence of this august gathering in Dhaka, our heartiest felicitations and congratulations to Professor Anisuzzman for the conferment of the Padma Bhushan on him. The award was announced on the eve of India's Republic Day in January this year and was formally conferred on Prof Anisuzzaman by the President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee at an investiture ceremony in the Rashtrapati Bhavan on March 31, 2014.Prof Anisuzzaman has been conferred with the Padma Bhushan in recognition of distinguished service of a high order in the field of Literature and Education. His citation notes that Porf Anisuzzaman taught Bengali literature at the Universities of Dhaka and Chittagong for several decades, and his researches have opened new vistas into the history of Bengali literature and society. His works have inspired generations of scholars in Bangladesh and around the world, especially in India. His role in the struggle for democracy and secularism and promotion of international understanding has been exemplary.Apart from having authored several books, Prof Anisuzzaman has been a recipient of many honours, including the Ekushey Padak. He has been a Visiting Fellow at several Universities, including Calcutta and Visva Bharati.Professor Anisuzzaman is the first Bangladeshi recipient of the Padma Bhushan, which is the third highest civilian award in India. Last year, Ms. Jharnadhara Chowdhuri of the Gandhi Ashram Trust, Noakhali was conferred the Padma Shri for her distinguished contribution to social work.The Padma Awards were instituted by the Government of India in 1954 to honour work of distinction and exceptional achievements. The Awards are open to all persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or gender. There have traditionally been only a few foreign recipients of the awards. Out of the 127 recipients of all the Padma Awards this year, seven were conferred in the foreigners, NRI and PIO category.The conferment of the Padma Bhushan on Prof Anisuzzaman is recognition not only of his personal contributions but also a tribute to the values for which he stands and the great intellectual and literary traditions for which Bangladesh has always been known. It is a well established fact that Bangladesh has been home to the best minds of our region. It has provided inspiration to the arts, poetry, music and painting. It is home to world renowned pioneers in the fields of social work, non-profit activity, micro- finance and women's empowerment. Bangladesh is unique in the world for its pride and commitment to its language and the cultural heritage which flows from it. No other country has fought for its cultural, social and political emancipation as has Bangladesh. The sacrifices of its martyrs are remembered to this day and are a lesson for all of humanity.The conferment of an award is more than recognition of an individual's lifetime work. When a country recognizes outstanding work of citizens of another country, it is an act of honouring the values for which the country of the recipient stands for. It is a reminder of the universality of goodness that cuts across borders. Many Indians are beholden to the government and people of Bangladesh for the honour that they have also been given. Such acts of recognizing and celebrating each other's achievements are an example for the rest of the world. They contribute to building better understanding and better world citizens.Tonight we meet here to recognize one such world citizen - an individual who has led by example, who is inspired by his strong conviction and who has enriched the lives of generations through his works and kept the lamp of knowledge and learning burning in an age when we seem to have become consumed by our material pursuits.I convey our heartiest congratulations to Professor Anisuzzaman for this well deserved honour. I would like to convey a special word of appreciation to Mrs. Anisuzzaman for the quiet but unwavering support she has always given to Prof. Anisuzzaman, a person I have had the privilege of knowing for over 25 years.I am most grateful to each and everyone of you for joining us in this function tonight. We have to thank Prof Anisuzzaman for bringing us together to celebrate this achievement. I wish Prof Anisuzzman continued good health, happiness and even greater glory ahead.