Note to meeting planner:
This is a rather lengthy introduction and can be shortened if needed. It does help the audience warm up to Shirley prior to the program. Shirley uses the “5 thing” at the end of the introduction for programs lasting at least 45 minutes. For shorter programs, these should be omitted.

If the introducer has a personal relationship with Shirley then it is appropriate to add comments.

Please review the planned introduction with Shirley prior to the program.

Introduction:

When our speaker was 4 years old, adults labeled her learning disabled because she could not speak an intelligible word. However, she got over it! (Pause) Today, she is a professional speaker, a Doctor of Education and a published author!

Shirley chronicled her own life’s journey in the recently released book, A Tap Water Girl in a Bottled Water World.

The book has received national recognition from Writer’s Digest and was on the Birmingham News top ten best seller list. Additionally, Shirley was a nominee for author of the year by the Ga. Writer’s Association.

From an orphanage to platforms across the country -- from being a junior high physical education teacher to serving on a national health association board, Shirley has embraced her message of helping people connect with who they are, the organizations they serve, and the people they work with.

Shirley is a popular keynote speaker, workshop leader, and retreat facilitator who speaks to associations and organizations throughout the country. Building on her own experiences, Shirley is an in-demand facilitator, helping groups develop practical strategies for working together better.

Her proud accomplishments include being named the 1992 Georgia Woman of Achievement; learning to drive and operate a tractor and a dump truck. And making sure life is never dull for her husband, Randy.

Now I am going to tell you 5 things about Shirley Garrett. Three of these are true, which mean two are false. You’re job during today’s program is to separate fact from fiction:

#1) Shirley graduated at the top of her class from Samford University in 1973.
#2) She was the Betty Crocker Homemaker for her high school class
#3) Shirley is a grandmother of 4
#4) Shirley helped catch a bank robber
and number 5), Shirley spoke at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta

Please join me in welcoming the original Tap Water Girl, Dr. Shirley Garrett