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In this article, we talk about tips that one can follow to introduce yourself in any setting. It focuses on 4 pillars of making the introduction effective which are simplicity, clarity, evocativeness, and eloquence. We have also provided a few sample templates and techniques to identify the key points to introduce oneself efficiently. We aim to give our readers suggestions that they value.
An impressive introduction is not a luxury but a necessity in these times.
Most people start judging you from the first 30-60 seconds of a conversation.
A good introduction will put you ahead in making a cordial agreement with any individual in just about any situation!
Start taking notes because we are here to give you pieces of advice that no school has taught ever. We are here to guide you with a simple 4-pillar formula.
Let’s discuss them one by one with examples
We have to learn to put our thoughts in a straight manner without making the reader confused. We have to connect the dots in a manner that it becomes easy to imagine a picture/timeline.
Whenever you are introducing yourself to someone, try to make it as crisp and uncomplicated as you can. Since it is the first thing you’re going to tell the other person about you, it’s less likely that you want to repeat it.
Hence, the more straightforward and simple your introduction will be, the easier it will be for the listener to grasp it!
Bad Example: Hi, I’m Vartika, I am a commerce student born in Delhi. I did my schooling at XYZ Public School and I have a family of four, with my parents and one elder sister.
Good Example: Hello, My name is Vartika Gupta and I am a commerce graduate with a major in human resources from XYZ College, University Batch-202X. I would like to tell you a little about my background, my parents are originally from Shamli and they shifted to Delhi back in 1998. I have been born and brought up in Delhi along with my elder sister.
The idea is to make your introduction brief,concise-to the point and not verbose, slow, and heavy.
When giving an introduction, do not underestimate the power of clear thoughts. It is important to know what to say! Just because one wants to sound fancy, the information provided should not sound vague.
The first step is to define the motive for the introduction, for example,
Now that you know your focal point, learn to project your thoughts in the clearest way possible. Let’s talk in examples when introducing yourself in a corporate environment.
Bad Example: Hi, I am working in an M.N.C as a business development analyst. My name is xyz, I am skilled in finance. I have studied commerce.
Good Example: Hello, I am xyz. A commerce graduate with 2 years of experience working as a business development analyst at Chegg India.
The idea is to make the introduction sharp, bright and focused.
Let’s talk about the sentence structure and image building through the art of writing an introduction with flair. The structure should be such that it connects the dots for itself, just like when we talked about simplicity.
The sentence structure should not exceed 12-15 words. The introduction should flow in the mind of the listener without having to take a pause.
Hence, we take appropriate pauses while giving our introduction in English to make it as evocative as possible.
Let’s talk about an example of talking about introducing your career objective in a formal setting.
Bad Example: I wish to pursue a career in marketing where I get to put my talent to good use because it has been my favorite subject in my graduation as well.
Good Example: I am looking for job opportunities in the area of marketing. It was my favorite subject during my bachelor’s. I have a proven record of skillset to become a competent marketer.
We aim to leave the reader with a clear picture which he will retain for a long time.
You can also read our blog on how to introduce yourself in an interview.
This pillar talks about the elegance in the art of writing an introduction.
We aim to not only inform but also impress the listener with our introduction.
If we follow the above 3 pillars, we will get a concise introduction that does its job. Adding eloquence will act as a cherry on top.
Eloquence is adding a rhythm, it aims to break the monotony. It adds to the vividness of the introduction.
Let’s take the example of a friendly introduction.
Bad Example: Hi, My name is xyz. I am a resident of Delhi. I like to play football sometimes. Constantly, I listen to music. I like to read the news.
Good Example: Hi, Myself xyz. I’ve been born and brought up in Delhi. Football and Music are my two getaways during my leisure time. I like to keep myself updated about the world-Hence, an avid reader of news.
You see how we can say the same things, so differently. One sounds so rhythmic and other so dull! You can keep improvising your sentences according to the mood of the conversation. Practice will make you master the art of eloquence.
After, you have worked on these 4 pillars. I bet you will get a better understanding as to how to introduce yourself in English.
Now, we will be summarizing some Do’s and Don’ts while preparing your introduction.
Don’ts
1) Avoid using abbreviations for a written introduction
For eg: I’m, I’d, M.N.C, Grad. etc.
2) Refrain from using the same sentence formation and repetition
For eg: My name is, My hobbies are, My place of birth is
3) Make longer sentences, stick to the word limit of 12-15 words for each sentence.
4)Get into too much detail about something unless a counter-question is asked.
5) Use flowery language
For eg: Extraordinary individual, Ambivert nature
No need to obsess over sounding fancy
Dos
1) Keep in mind the flow of points while you introduce yourself
For eg: I am a commerce graduate, my name is xyz
Every other relevant information should follow your name and not vice- versa.
2) Stick to a conversational tone and general vocabulary. Use the most appropriate and suggestive terminology. Choose the easiest alternatives which can be interpreted in one go.
3) Always make points per the purpose of the introduction
4) Focus on the relevant points for the listener
5) Know when to pause and put a full stop!
A) Agenda: Job interview introduction for an opening as a software developer
Key points:
1) Work experience
2) Academic background
Sample:
Good morning Sir, Myself A. I am a computer science graduate with a major in coding languages from Delhi University- batch 2017. For the past 3 years, I have been working with Microsoft as a software engineer. I was responsible for the user interface development of their website. I have proven skills in SQL and javascript.
B) Agenda: Introduction on a phone-interview for a freelance content writing position
Key points:
1) Work experience
2) Certifications, Skillset
Hello, Nice to hear from you. My name is B. I have been freelancing as a content copywriter for 4 years. Previously I worked with x,y, and z.
I am trained to write press releases, marketing copies, and storyboards.
Along with that, I also completed a certification in writing from XYZ university recently.
If you map down key points for your introductions, you will instantly know what all to say.
We suggest you to not follow any template strictly while curating an introduction. In the times of DIY ( Do-It-Yourself) , It is important to know how to improvise according to the need.
Not everyone can be an incredible writer but if you follow these guidelines, you can surely eradicate the chances of looking like a fool.
We hope you have taken some notes and these provide value to you in the future. In the end, time for action. It is always better to be prepared. Get onto writing and introduce yourself with simplicity, clarity, evocativeness, and eloquence.
