How to Introduce Yourself in 3 Easy Steps

Not all people are comfortable introducing themselves. Those with an introverted preference, for example, often keep to themselves in a social or networking environment. Not because they are disinterested or rude, but because they have to take it all in and process what is going on before they are comfortable interacting with others orally. 

Some people may feel inferior in a certain situation and believe they are unworthy of speaking to a particular person or group. This often happens when public figures or celebrities are involved. However, etiquette dictates that we properly introduce ourselves to those we do not know, especially in a business situation.

Whatever the reason for your lack of comfort with self-introductions, the strategy for forging ahead is the same. You will see that with three easy steps, you will learn to introduce yourself with confidence.

Step 1: Plan Ahead

Decide before attending an event that you will introduce yourself. Visualize yourself with a smile on your face, firm hand offered to someone you haven’t previously met, and an audible, clear voice. Now imagine yourself saying, “Hi, I’m Patty Slupecki.”

Prepare a second line for your introduction that offers a bit more information about who you are or why you are in attendance. For example, “I’m a business coach with Professional Etiquette Consulting and I’m speaking at today’s workshop.” This gives enough information for the other person to respond and ask questions and follows proper business etiquette.

Step 2: Practice

Practice your self-introduction in front of mirror or record yourself and watch the playback. Take note of the volume and tone of your voice, the speed with which you speak, and your body language. You should be heard with a strong, clear voice and speaking at a comfortable pace. Your shoulders should be squared to your audience and relaxed. You are standing tall and your hand is fully open to accept the grip of another. A warm smile is present; don’t fake this.

Step 3: Assume Confidence

Act as though you are confident in meeting and greeting a new person. You are the only one who knows about your discomfort, so simply pretend that for that moment in time, you are confident!

Introducing yourself is really as easy as 1, 2, 3: plan ahead, practice, and assume confidence. This strategy takes less than five minutes to follow and saves hours of agonizing over how to avoid talking to a new person. You just might meet your next best client!

 ©Professional Etiquette Consulting llc