We have all been to countless meetings where everyone has to introduce themselves. This is a
key first impression, and many people do not realize how important it is. You have only a minute
to let people know who you are.
Having facilitated and taken part in hundreds of meetings, here are five suggestions to
help you utilize your self-introduction to your best advantage.
1. Always stand up and look directly at your audience. Even if others choose to stay seated
for their introductions, standing up shows you are confident and authoritative. Looking at
people directly is a sign of wanting to engage with them, which is why you are at the
meeting in the first place.
2. Speak up -and at a tempo that is not too slow or too fast. I cannot tell you how many
times I have listened to people mumble or quietly talk about who they are. Or tried to
understand someone racing through their introduction like they can’t wait to stop talking.
It may be against your nature but speaking up at a pace that is moderate and
conversational makes a statement about your confidence. Also—when you don’t speak
loudly enough for people to hear you, they tune you out. And basically, you have just
wasted an opportunity for people to get to know you. If they can’t hear or understand
what you are saying, they are not getting any information at all.
3. Be clear about your position and what you do. Please do not drone on or talk about all
your accomplishments. Important points are: 1) You name, 2) Title or position, 3) How
long you have been in this capacity, 4) Brief description of what you job oversees or
contributes to the organization – if it is not obvious. Some titles are not very descriptive.
4. Smile and look like you are glad to be taking part in the meeting. Emanating a positive
attitude will draw people to you.
5. Throw in something memorable about yourself. This can be anything like “people call me
‘the fixer”—or “my nickname is “the idea lady”—or “I spend a lot of time (your hobby)-
when I am not working.” This is, of course, optional, but it makes for a more memorable
introduction and it gives people a hint about your personality. You can state this after
your name—or at the end.
It helps to PRACTICE!