How do you start?
By dolce_vita78
@dolce_vita78 (8062)
Philippines
March 22, 2008 9:01am CST
When you are asked to introduce yourself to a group of people, how do you go about it? How do you start?
I remember back in college, we were asked to introduce ourselves to our classmates. This was a common activity especially at the start of every semester. I also remember doing the same thing everytime I attend seminars and workshops where the participants come from different organizations and places. I often start off with my name and where I am from. From time to time, I would share a short anecdote.
2 people like this
11 responses
@jeanniemay (1798)
• Philippines
22 Mar 08
Wow! This is a nice discussion.
I usually start with my name and what I'm busy with or my affiliations and add up something if they got some theme or sparkle on that certain meeting. My ending will go something like, "... and I am half American!" Of course, since I am petite and got some Chinese look, they will all wonder and chuckle. Pause for a moment and say, "I am half of an American, don't you see? That makes me half American."
I am wondering now if you got my joke. Just imagine a 4'10 petite slim Chinese looking woman with an Igorot blood (that's one Filipino tribe in the Cordillera mountain ranges)in your front describing herself to be half American. haha! Good morning!
1 person likes this
@dolce_vita78 (8062)
• Philippines
23 Mar 08
I understand what you mean.. I grew up in Baguio City so I think I know how you look like. You must be really pretty! I always thought Igorot women are really beautiful.
@jeanniemay (1798)
• Philippines
24 Mar 08
Haha! Thank you! You may look up into my profile for the single photo of me.
And, really, you grew up here? Wow! Good to know.
@whiteheron (4222)
• United States
23 Mar 08
It seems that introductions depend on the setting.
If I am at an informal event, I may just give my first name.
If I am at a more formal event, I may give my first and last name and then I am prepared for the questions about the last name as it is eight letters long and hard to pronounce for most people... They always want to know where it is from...When I say it was a French name but when my ancestors came here they took off an accent over the e and added a "y" at the end to make it sound more American they smile.
In most cases, I try to move from the name introduction to asking the other person about themselves, what they do, if they are enjoying wherever we are if it is a social event, or if I know that it is something that is postively horrible, joining them in talking about the event which could be a boring meeting without anything good to snack on.
If I am at a training for work, I then move to the really formal introduction: full name, degree, license held, specialty areas of practice (if I see that others are listing theirs), where I came from (company, city, state)
And if I am seeing a client for the first time, I go into the name, license held, years of experience in my profession and what I do as some think I can do what I cannot do.
Introductions can be quite complicated or very simple depending on the setting and situation.
@dolce_vita78 (8062)
• Philippines
23 Mar 08
You are right! The way an individual introduces himself/herself depends greatly on the setting as well as the situation.
@roniroxas (10560)
• Philippines
23 Mar 08
when i was in college i always introduce myself like the usual do. say my name and have a sit. i dont want to make much of a scene. but on seminars i always start on Dont get mistaken im not maricel soriano.... or any popular actress that i have in mind. i am a funny person and i want always people to laugh and smile.
@teison2 (5921)
• Norway
22 Mar 08
It vaies a bit what I will say. I usually tell what I think is most relevant on the setting i am in.
usually people say what their name is, where they live and work and what education they have. I think next time I am asked to present myself i will tell them something about me. Like what music and books I like. What makes me more happy than anything, what kind of food i like or what really makes me mad.
What I work with is to some extent chance and coinsident - what music I like say much more about me. I also think we should try to connect our self-worth to something other than what we do - more to what we are
1 person likes this
@ratyz5 (7808)
• Philippines
23 Mar 08
If I'm up to it, I would also give my interests as well as my expectations with the group that I'm introducing myself to.
If I ain't as much as motivated, I'll just state the usual, my name, how other people know me as and then say that I wish that I'd have a pleasant time with them..
1 person likes this
@williamjisir (22819)
• China
23 Mar 08
When I have to make a self-introduction before audience, either big or small, I would like to begin with, "Hello, everyone. I am Williamjisir from ,,,. I am engaged in ,,,. I am very happy to have this great chance to be present at such a meeting with a great honor..., Thanks". Thanks for it. lol
1 person likes this
@stacyb726 (29)
• United States
22 Mar 08
For me it always depends on the situation that i am in... If i am in a professional settin i always start with my name and where i am from... if it is amoung class mates I would start with my name and maybe a short joke or some information about me..
@vanitha3186 (104)
• India
23 Mar 08
Well one should start with their names and places ofcourse... then their strenghts and weaknesses their hobbies etc...
@wnbwnbwnb (426)
• China
23 Mar 08
I would rather start with a smile,along with eye contact with everybody. and then, tell them some detail information about myself(name,home,family,hobit...).this way is always impressive and really works!
you can try next time!