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RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL <strong>REIA</strong> MEETING<br />
When this happens, the audience naturally becomes skeptical, which<br />
will cause them <strong>to</strong> question the information, rather than absorbing it.<br />
Reading directly from the bio is also incredibly unprofessional. One<br />
of the most important elements in hosting a successful <strong>REIA</strong> event<br />
is making everything feel as professional as possible. (Just because<br />
an environment is professional doesn't mean it's no fun. You can and<br />
should have both!) This might require some rehearsal, just like any<br />
public performance. If you get on stage and start reading from an<br />
index card, it will seem as if you weren't ready and this will reflect<br />
back on the group.<br />
Always make sure <strong>to</strong> memorize the bio or introduction. Practice<br />
delivering it with energy and enthusiasm. Remember that everything<br />
trickles down from the <strong>to</strong>p, so your ability <strong>to</strong> be excited for the<br />
speaker will determine how excited your audience is.<br />
• Give Them A Real Endorsement<br />
While the bio will give you some information about who the speaker<br />
is, you'll still need <strong>to</strong> give them a strong endorsement. Your speaker<br />
is relying on your ability <strong>to</strong> transfer credibility. They need you—or<br />
whoever is introducing them—<strong>to</strong> personally approve of the material<br />
and information they've brought. Without this endorsement, they<br />
will need <strong>to</strong> waste time qualifying themselves <strong>to</strong> the audience. A<br />
third party endorsement (from you) is always much better than me<br />
as a speaker trying <strong>to</strong> tell the audience how good I am. When you<br />
say it, it's a testimony. When I say it, it just comes across as<br />
bragging and being conceited.<br />
If you're at this point in the process, then you've done a lot of work<br />
<strong>to</strong> make the event a reality. You've planned every detail and scoured<br />
the world <strong>to</strong> find the best possible speaker. Let the audience know!<br />
A strong endorsement should leave the audience feeling as if this<br />
person is rare. Your group doesn't invite just anyone <strong>to</strong> speak. Let<br />
them know how selective you are in choosing a speaker. Tell them<br />
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