How to Introduce Yourself

professional team workHow you introduce yourself depends on the kind of person that you are meeting.

This article gives a brief explanation of:

  • how to introduce yourself at work (not too formally),
  • how to introduce yourself to more important people (more formal),
  • and how to introduce yourself to friends socially( less formally).

How to Introduce Yourself at Work and in the Office

This situation requires more formality than meeting friends and usually less formality than meeting clients or important people at work.

Introduce Yourself – the basic rules

Look at the person and make eye contact. This shows that you are directing your attention at them and are about to do something. Do not wait too long before moving onto the next step otherwise they may think you are strange.

Once you have made eye contact, a smile is good (but not always necessary), and say “Hello” or “Hi”. Followed by “I’m Peter.” (substitute your real name). Whilst saying these words, offer your hand for a handshake.

If you work as an auditor or a regulator it may be more effective not to smile. This would show that you are a serious person and are not particularly friendly.

Once you have introduced yourself, they should introduce themselves. Probably they will reply ” Hi Peter, pleased to meet you. I’m John.”

After establishing each others names you can tell them more about yourself or ask them questions. Try and make any statements about yourself relevant to the situation you are in. Also with any questions you ask, try and make them relevant to the business situation.

Introduce Yourself – examples of further questions

  • Have you traveled far? (if they have come from somewhere else).
  • Which department are you from?
  • What are you responsible for?
  • How’s business?

Introduce Yourself – further introductory sentences

When you introduce yourself, you may be asked the above questions and more. You should explain areas of your job and then return a question, often the same question unless they have already answered it. Here are some examples:

Have you traveled far? – Not too far. I had a 2 hour train journey from Manchester. What about you?

Which department are you from? – I’m from the Sales department. A very challenging area at the moment. What about you?

What are you responsible for? I’m responsible for the Northern region covering Manchester to basically Scotland. It’s a large area. What about you?

How to Introduce Yourself to Important People at work

The above rules can be followed however you may need to use Mr or Mrs or Miss and the important persons surname (family name) e.g. Mr Smith (not John) or Mrs Smith (not Jane) or Miss Smith (not Jenny). Or use their full name e.g. John Smith. The precise rules should be established when you first join the organization or if it is an organization you are visiting, establish the rules with your contact or introducing contact.

The general rules are:

  • show respect
  • be polite
  • let them lead the conversation
  • and always laugh at their jokes.

How to Introduce Yourself to Friends (Socially)

The above rules can be used except you can be less formal and you don’t have to make the subjects relevant to any business agenda. You can talk about girls, boys, politics, humor, etc. You can be crude, rude, and eccentric.

The general rules are:

  • try and use humor and be funny,
  • don’t offend or be rude to your friends,
  • don’t talk about boring things or depressingly serious news events,
  • be supportive and positive,
  • don’t ask for too many favors or money.