It may have happened that you didn’t know what to say or missed an important point when introducing yourself. Maybe you get stressed, your voice is hoarse, and you can’t even introduce yourself properly. The first impression is always essential; introducing yourself to others is the first step to establishing a lasting relationship. So, join us to provide a framework for introducing yourself to others and suggest some tricks to open your conversation.
A framework for self-introduction
This framework can be used in any situation, although it is most commonly used in formal face-to-face or virtual meetings.
1. Current information
First, you must state your name, surname, and current job. Depending on the situation, you can explain the generality of what you are doing now and the activity you are engaged in in one or two sentences. Consider the following example:
“Hello. I am Javid Farjamnia. “Besides teaching physics, how do I work with the team as a translator and content writer?”
2. Information about the past
If you had more time, you could say a sentence or two about your essential experiences, education, and past, for example:
“Before joining the team, I was working in the field of science promotion.”
3. Information about future time
The last part of your introduction should show your enthusiasm for the future. For example, if you are in a job interview, you can mention your motivation for future cooperation, or in a business meeting, you can say the goals of the meeting. For example:
“I hope we can benefit from each other’s experiences and knowledge in this meeting.”
14 creative ways to introduce yourself
In addition to the mentioned framework, there are also methods that you can use to introduce yourself (either in this framework or outside of it) to make a more significant impact in the first meeting and to be remembered. In the following, we have explained these methods.
1. Use an ID card
An ID card is not a document like a national card! In various conferences and events where people do not know each other, the organizers record the names of the participants on a card and present it to each person. Instead of saying your name, you can show it to someone who approaches you and asks for it. Sometimes, editing and writing additional or creative phrases on the ID card is possible at more informal events. In these cases, you can use humor and write, for example: “Hello! I am a quiet and introverted person. Please greet me so we can get to know each other.”
2. Tell others about a unique feature of yours
When introducing yourself to others, if you have a special feature, you can express it. For example, maybe you are the only person from a place that others are not familiar with or find attractive, or you can point to your exceptional works or achievements; for example, maybe you are the inventor of something essential or the innovator of a new method. In this way, others will remember you more and may want to continue the conversation.
3. Wear clothes that reflect your personality
Although the way to wear clothes at every assembly and event has its customs, you can introduce yourself with your clothes. For example, if you are lively and humorous, you might want to wear a dress with a happier color.
4. Get a business card
An attractive way to introduce yourself to others is to use a business card. In addition to your name, this card usually contains essential information such as your occupation and contact methods. You can present this card to others when you introduce yourself or say goodbye to them. With such a card, they will remember you more. It will also be possible to communicate more in the future.
5. Pay attention to your surroundings
Well, you said hello. Now, you want to continue the conversation. Look around. Please pay attention to the events that are going on and point to one of them. For example, if you start a conversation with someone at a conference, you can point to the presentations, posters, or other related issues. Maybe this is the way to start talking.
6. Point out the similarities
Many friendships begin by expressing similarities. You can look for similarities if you want to start talking to someone, but you don’t know them. For example, if a person tells you that he is interested in a specific topic and you are, be sure to mention this. Then you can talk more about it.
7. Find mutual friends or companions
When two people who don’t know each other share a friendship, they immediately find something to discuss. There are different ways to find these mutual friends or colleagues. For example, maybe your partner has experience working with an ordinary person. Just mention his name to open the door to further conversation about this shared experience.
8. Offer to help others
Helping others is an efficient way to get to know each other. For example, when you see someone involved in lifting a heavy object, you can create familiarity by helping him.
9. smile
Usually, smiling at others shows you are a loving person. However, it is better to accompany smiling with other body language gestures, such as respectful hand movements and greetings. Smile gently.
10. Start talking
Another way to start a conversation is to talk about yourself or your day. There is no need to introduce or ask the other party for this. If he is willing to speak to you, he will ask follow-up questions after your brief explanation.
11. ask
In contrast to the previous method, ask instead of you starting to talk. Depending on the situation, you can ask any question you think is appropriate. Try to ask questions that require clarification. Avoid asking questions that have a yes or no answer.
12. make a joke
Be humorous. Making others laugh is always a good way to get people’s attention. You can mention a funny incident or incident that happened to you at the beginning of the discussion. If the other person does, ask them questions about their experience to let them know you care about what they have to say and keep the conversation going.
13. Make eye contact
Appropriate and polite eye contact is always essential when talking to others. At the beginning of getting to know someone, look him in the eyes and smile while introducing yourself. Eye contact increases the feeling of trust. On the other hand, eye contact allows you better to understand the meaning of the other person’s words.
14. Pay attention to what others are doing
If you’re going to open up to someone, you can pay attention to what they’re doing. If the situation and time are correct, make a short comment about it. Most people use this method to get to know someone else. If someone comments on your actions, realize they may want to talk to you. It doesn’t have to be unique or important; even small things out of habit may become an excuse to comment or ask.
Final advice
Along with all the suggested methods, the most important thing is to be yourself. Honesty and avoiding showing off or deception are moral principles and essential strategies for getting to know and communicate with others.
