Throughout our lifetime, we introduce ourselves to hundreds of new people everywhere we go. Whether it is a formal meeting or a more laid-back meet up, introductions are sometimes tricky. Especially if you want to make a good first impression either way. Here are a few creative ways to show someone who you are within the first precious moments of meeting them.
1. “I’m shy, please come say hi.”: Grab a name tag and write, “I’m shy, please come say hi” in the blank space.
2. A name is worth a thousand conversations: Do you have a name that is unique, or a name that can be spelled 10 different ways? It is okay to spell it out, tell of its origin or give a short but sweet lesson in pronunciation.
3. Highlight something that makes you unique: “I grew up in New York, but I’m originally from Russia.” That is quite an icebreaker! It gives you both something to talk about, something they are at least mildly intrigued by.
4. Start with a pop culture reference: Relate your name back to a character or figure everyone knows. “Hey, my name’s Ross. You know, like the guy from FRIENDS.”
5. Confess your nickname: If you want to be called something other than your name, follow up with that. They just might respond with, “Oh, I have a cousin who goes by that.”
6. Let the way you dress reflect who you are: Dressing style reflects individuality. For example, I know a Chinese girl who deliberately dresses in green to match with her Chinese name “happy to be natural.” Everyone can thus instantly remember her. Hence, the way you dress can become a topic of conversation and help others remember you.
7. Make a T-shirt: On the front: “On the back of this shirt is everything you need to know about me.” The rest is self-explanatory.
8. Make a “business” card: Keep something with you to give away to new people you meet. Instead of your name and contact information, list random facts about yourself, your interests, your hobbies. If nothing else, you will be the most memorable person in the room for taking something old and boring and giving it new life.
9. Just start talking: It is likely the person you are introducing yourself to feels a little nervous and awkward as well. Dare to dive right into conversation and see where it goes. They might feel relieved you talked first and relax immediately.
10. Keep it relevant: Pay attention to your surroundings. There is likely something happening around you that you can use to strike up a conversation without just walking up to a stranger with your hand outstretched for an unsolicited handshake.
11. Be honest: “I came up to you because I felt awkward just standing here not talking to anyone.” Chances are, they were feeling the same way before you approached them.
12. Search for common ground: Do a little digging while you are saying hello. Small talk is only awkward until the two of you find something in common. “I’m studying English, I really love reading classics.” You never know, they might too.
13. Always follow up with a question: Let them know you are interested in getting to know them, too. You do not want to come off as only wanting to talk about yourself.
14. Consider the situation: Draw from the reason you are both in a specific place at the same time. Are you students? Working with the same company? Friends of friends? These are great conversation-starters.
15. Put someone else on the spot: Starting off with a compliment or a question allows you to initiate conversation and introduce yourself without being the first one to stand beneath the spotlight. It also shows you are observant and curious.
16. Pick something in the room to “guard”: “Don’t mind me, I’m just guarding the mozzarella sticks. You can have one if you want.”
17. The mutual friend is the key: “I’ve known Jeremy since college, we took a lot of classes together.” This at least gives you an outlet to talk about yourself relative to someone else the other person knows from somewhere else. It makes you seem more familiar to them, and vice versa.
18. Engage with your surroundings: Even if it is only paying attention to something on T.V., what you are doing can give someone a decent introduction to who you are and what interests you.
19. Help someone out: There is more than one reason why keeping your phone in your pocket is a good idea. Someone approaching might need help opening a door or carrying something, and by assisting, you are automatically introducing yourself as a Good Samaritan, instead of just another person playing Candy Crush.
20. Smile: Your face, particularly your eyes and your expression, is the first thing someone sees when they notice you for the first time. Give off an aura of happiness even if you are uncomfortable. It draws people in.
Besides if you do have any questions give me a call: https://clarity.fm/joy-brotonath