Are you holding your breath? Just thinking about introducing yourself can trigger a flight or freeze response BUT it doesn’t have to. All you need is a well prepared script and the understanding that we all dislike introducing ourselves. Let’s make it fun and as awkward as we need to!
There are three main situations where you would need to introduce yourself: At work, in a friend/family group setting, and running errands.
At work when there is a new person added to your team or a client meeting.
- Begin with the obvious items are your name (first and last) and title.
- Add information that tells the new person why they might reach out to you professionally.
- Let them know you are human by giving them something to ask you about when you meet in the break room.
- One example could be: My name is Parker West. I am the project manager of the new software upgrade being completed for the finance team. Feel free to reach out to me if you have questions about the software or need a recommendation to a great local boardgame lounge.
- Once you see them again in the break room you can ask one of these questions suggested by indeed.com
- What do you like to do outside of work?
- What has changed the most about your career field since you started?
- What is your favorite city?
When you are with family you haven’t spoken to in a while or with friends at a party / happy hour event.
- Again. Start with the obvious, your name. It doesn’t have to be the full government name. Whatever the people in the group know you by works here.
- Admit to the legacy, the embarrassing hobby or start off with a genuine compliment.
- Come up with a non-work or weather related open ended question to use if there is an awkward silence. Some examples from The Good Trade are:
- What is your earliest memory?
- If you didn’t have any responsibilities, how would you spend your days?
- What do you love most about yourself?
- Do you enjoy solo travel?
- What is your preferred creative outlet?
When you are running errands and find yourself standing next to an interesting person.
- This is where I switch up the script. I give my first name at the end of the conversation, but only if I think I will see the person again.
- Wait for eye contact then say “Hi” or “Hello”.
- If they reply and keep eye contact, ask one of these questions from Museum Hack or some other open ended question you are more comfortable with. You might want to warn them a random question is about to happen so they can brace themselves.
- What is your favorite meal to cook and why?
- If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?
- What is your favorite time of the day and why?
- If you could add anyone to Mount Rushmore who would it be; why?
- What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Pick a few and be brave!
Pick one or two and try them out on people you talk to more often to see how comfortable they feel. Then try it with a stranger. It might be awkward but people will be thankful for the effort.
Links to help you dig in:
Life Coach Patience 