How to Introduce Yourself in Standard American English
Introducing yourself is an essential skill in both personal and professional settings. Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time at a party or interviewing for a new job, the way you introduce yourself can set the tone for the entire interaction.
In Standard American English, there are a few key phrases and conventions that you should follow when introducing yourself to someone for the first time.
Start with a greeting.
The most common way to start an introduction is with a greeting, such as "Hello," "Hi," or "Good morning." If you’re meeting someone in a more formal setting, you may want to use a more formal greeting, such as "Good afternoon" or "Good evening."
State your name.
After you’ve greeted the person, you should state your name. If you’re meeting someone for the first time, it’s usually best to use your first and last name. If you’re in a more formal setting, you may want to use your full name, including your middle name or initial.
Optional: State your title or affiliation.
If you’re in a professional setting, you may want to state your title or affiliation after you’ve stated your name. This will help the person you’re meeting to understand your role in the organization. For example, you might say, "I’m John Smith, the CEO of ABC Company."
Optional: Shake hands.
In most Western cultures, it’s customary to shake hands when you meet someone for the first time. However, this is not always necessary, especially in more informal settings. If you’re not sure whether or not to shake hands, you can wait for the other person to extend their hand first.
Example introductions:
Here are a few examples of how to introduce yourself in Standard American English:
- "Hello, I’m John Smith."
- "Hi, my name is Mary Jones."
- "Good afternoon, I’m Dr. Jane Doe."
- "Good evening, I’m Professor Michael Brown."
- "Hello, I’m John Smith, the CEO of ABC Company."
Follow-up questions:
After you’ve introduced yourself, it’s common to ask the other person a few follow-up questions, such as:
- "How do you do?"
- "Nice to meet you."
- "What’s your name?"
- "What do you do?"
- "Are you from around here?"
These questions can help to start a conversation and get to know the other person better.
FAQ
Q: What should I do if I forget someone’s name?
A: If you forget someone’s name, it’s best to be honest and admit it. You can say something like, "I’m so sorry, but I’ve forgotten your name." The other person will usually be understanding and will tell you their name again.
Q: What should I do if I’m meeting someone from another culture?
A: When meeting someone from another culture, it’s important to be respectful of their customs and traditions. You should research the other person’s culture and learn about their customs for introductions. For example, in some cultures, it’s customary to bow or curtsy when meeting someone for the first time.
Q: What should I do if I’m meeting someone in a professional setting?
A: When meeting someone in a professional setting, it’s important to be respectful and professional. You should dress appropriately and arrive on time for your meeting. You should also prepare a brief introduction that includes your name, title, and affiliation.
Q: What should I do if I’m meeting someone over the phone?
A: When meeting someone over the phone, it’s important to speak clearly and slowly. You should also state your name and affiliation clearly at the beginning of the conversation. You may also want to use a script to help you stay on track during the conversation.
Additional tips:
- Smile and make eye contact when you introduce yourself.
- Speak clearly and slowly.
- Be confident and assertive.
- Be respectful of the other person’s culture and customs.
- Practice your introduction beforehand so that you can deliver it smoothly and confidently.
Introducing yourself is a simple but important skill that can help you to make a good impression on others. By following these tips,
