How to Introduce Yourself

Introducing yourself isn’t just about introducing yourself by name, it’s also how you connect with new people by exchanging words and, more often, shaking hands or making physical contact. Introducing yourself to strangers can be quite difficult because what you say depends entirely on the communication context. You may have to introduce yourself in a completely different way at a networking event than you would at a party. You need to pay attention to the following important points so that you can properly introduce yourself and make people love and remember you.

Table of Contents

Introduce Yourself In Any Social Situation

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Eye contact. Eye contact shows that you are actually engaged in the interaction. Eye contact is a way to connect with others and show them that you’re paying attention to them. When you initiate eye contact, you show openness and interactivity. ^{[1] X Research Source}

If you feel uncomfortable looking people straight in the eye, look at a point between the eyebrows, they will not notice the difference.
If you are communicating in a group, make regular eye contact with the people around you.

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Smile. Always smiling brightly and politely when you meet someone new is a very important gesture. Express your joy subtly so that you can easily communicate with new people and share positive experiences that will result in a subtle smile. ^{[2] X Research Source}

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Use appropriate body language. Body language should convey confidence and comfort. Keep your head and shoulders upright, don’t slouch. Learn the body language of the people around you. Learn both the speed of speech and the tone of the people around you to build rapport. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Introducing Yourself to Others

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Name exchange. If you are introducing yourself in a formal setting, say “Hi, I’m [last name][first name]”. If under normal circumstances, say “Hello. I’m [name]”. As soon as you introduce yourself, ask the other person’s name by asking “What is your name?” with a comfortable voice. Once you know the other person’s name, repeat it by saying “Nice to meet you, Mr. Viet Dung” or “Nice to meet you, Ms. Mai Ha.”

Repeating the other person’s name helps you remember their name, and makes the introduction more intimate.

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Reach out for a handshake or make a culturally appropriate greeting. Most cultures have a form of body communication that goes with greetings. In the US, it’s usually a handshake. Be sure to carry a handkerchief with you at all times, and don’t shake hands too loosely (a light grip) or too tight (to the point of causing hand pain).

Understand cultural differences. For example, if you shake hands too tightly, it will be considered rude if you are in China. ^{[4] X Research Sources}
Greeting with a hug is quite appropriate, especially when you are meeting a friend of your friend or a close relative. A hug is more open than a handshake. Compared to men, women often prefer a hug to a handshake. ^{[5] X Research Sources}
In many cultures, greeting with a kiss is still considered perfectly appropriate. In South America, for example, all women greet each other with a kiss, and in France, women often greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. If you’re not sure which greeting is appropriate, follow the lead or observe how people around you greet.

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Make a question. You need to show your interest in the other person. Ask them where they come from, what they do, or ask about common connections, if any. Ask them what they like to do and what passions they have in life. Show that you are focused and interested in what they have to say.

You can talk a little bit about your education to easily join the conversation and share about yourself. Telling them where you work and sharing that you enjoy climbing is appropriate and can help prolong the conversation.
Don’t take it as an opportunity just to talk about yourself. You will be seen as selfish or uninteresting.

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Finished the conversation. After you meet someone for the first time, you should end the conversation by re-emphasizing that you enjoyed the meeting. If you’re communicating in a formal setting, say something like, “Miss Mai Ha, I’m glad to meet you. Hopefully we will have a chance to talk to each other again soon.” If your conversation is more casual, you can say, “Nice to meet you, Mr. Hope to see you soon.”

Introduce Yourself Before Speaking

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Greet the audience and introduce yourself. If you’re giving a speech, it’s best to include your full name. When you say hello and say your name, be sure to speak clearly and confidently.

Say “Hi, I’m Nguyen Manh Hung” or “Hello everyone, Nguyen Manh Hung”.

Introduce Yourself at a Career Event

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Full name introduction. Make sure you state your full name so others can remember your name. You can say, “Hi, my name is Nguyen Viet Dung”, or “Hi, I am Tran Ha Vy” so they will be easier to remember your name.

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Say a brief sentence about your job. If you’re at a networking event, it’s best to share your expertise with as many people as possible. So what do you say when a new acquaintance asks you, “What do you do?” Thao Thao talked about his work for a whole ten minutes? Do you brag about your achievements in your field? Never do that. Unless you are having a long conversation, prepare yourself with a brief statement about your work that can provide the following information: ^{[6] X Research Source}

What is your expertise? Are you a teacher, project manager or healthcare professional?
Who do you work with? Do you work with children, on a cross-cultural project team or in microorganizations?
What do you do? Do you have second graders developing their writing skills, do you help your cross-cultural team accomplish goals within budget, or do you help micro organizations expand their markets in developing countries? develop?
Now put the above sentences together. Tell them who you are, who you work with, and what your job is.

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Please respect everyone’s space. If you bring your own, don’t put them on the recruiter’s or speaker’s desk. Please respect their space and don’t take it over. You also can’t accidentally touch their belongings, for example, tampering with their brochures or flipping their pamphlets. Wait until asked to exchange business cards, resumes, etc. ^{[7] X Research Source}

Advice

Focus on the person you’re meeting – show them the same respect you want from them.
Avoid eating or drinking anything that can stick to your teeth.
Don’t look away or act as a distraction – it will make you look bored and uninterested.
Do not speak while there is food in your mouth.
Focus on the positives. An introductory talk is not the time to say negative things about yourself and others.
Try to stir the mood with a joke or a compliment.
If your hands are sweaty, wipe them off with a tissue before starting the conversation.

Steps

Introduce Yourself In Any Social Situation

Introducing Yourself to Others

Introduce Yourself Before Speaking

Introduce Yourself at a Career Event

Advice

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