I am in charge of an event at my highschool on Friday where Jonathan Safran Foer is reading and I have to introduce him. What do I say?

Yes and yes. That is, I have done it and do plan the intro. Do a bit of research.

Keep it brief as the audience came to hear him. Include a brief bit of bio on him. In your own words, something like “Our distinguished speaker tonight has been published in 24 countries and won numerous literary awards including the National Jewish Book Award and was named one of Granta Magazine’s 2007 Best of Young American Novelists. He is a talented author and illustrator. etc. Here with a reading for you today from his (insert work type and title), Mr. Jonathan Safran Foer.”

What a treat! Don’t be nervous. People are really focused on him. You’ll do fine.

HEEeeere’s Jonny!

Yes and yes. Learning how to speak in front of a crowd is a terrific asset; it gets easier every time. Being prepared and rehearsing is a very good idea. Later on, you can make some notes on an index card and trust your improv. skills. But not yet.

Memorize what you are going to say so that you can make eye contact w. the audience. Keep head up and try not to read….

Let us know how it goes. Knowing what I do of your verbal skills and sense of humor, I have every confidence in you. G

He is such an amazing writer, I can understand being somewhat starstruck. But you must be pretty cool yourself, since you have been chosen to introduce him. Have confidence in yourself, and your abilities. Do the research, keep it short, and have fun up there!

Hi Ez, yes you should definitely write something out in advance. Something short – just a paragraph or so is fine…Marina gave a good example. It may help to write it on index cards, since they are small and you don’t have to unfold a paper or shuffle it in front of the mic. And just remember, writers are just people like the rest of us…you may be nervous, but he is probably also a little nervous too!

Why don’t you tell the truth? He is an overrated, pretentious writer and there is no reason at all for all the hype.

I noticed this question is really old, but still… how did it go?

Ezra Glenn is at the end of his second year at a good college near me. I’d guess this is history for him.