How to Introduce Yourself to a Roomful of People

At times, a self-introduction may be one-sided – such as when a roomful¹ of people are asked to introduce themselves. In this case, you may be asked to provide specific information, but at other times you may be free to respond in any manner you choose. The first case is easy – just remember to include a greeting, your name, and all the requested information (regardless² of the responses of previous participants).

Focus On Three Things Only

When the introduction details are your choice, be conversational and brief, focusing on only three things. The idea is to build rapport³. By choosing just three things, your introduction will be more memorable. For example, for a very short introduction I might say something like,

“Hi, everyone. I’m Lisa, Lisa Marshall. I’m a professional speaker and author who enjoys dancing and photography.”

For a longer answer I might say something like…

“Hi, everyone. I’m Lisa, Lisa B. Marshall. I’m a professional speaker and author. I specialize in communication skills and I’m excited because my new audiobook on interviewing skills will be released shortly. I enjoy dancing, although⁴ I’m not that good at it. I really love Latin music and salsa dancing is my favourite. I also enjoy photography. In fact, I am thinking of buying myself a digital SLR⁵ for my upcoming birthday.”

 Lisa B. Marshall

_________________________

¹ roomful – полная комната (людей, гостей и т.п.)

² regardless – не обращая внимания, невзирая на

³ build rapport – установить контакт с кем-л.

⁴ although – хотя

⁶ digital SLR (digital single-lens reflex camera) – цифровой однообъективный зеркальный фотоаппарат  

SPEAKING

Make notes about yourself under the headings, then talk about yourself.

· a greeting;

· some words about who you are and where you are from (name; place of origin / where you live);

· your occupation;

· your likes and dislikes;

· your hobbies;

· your dreams or plans for the future.

GUESSING GAME

56. Work in pairs following the instruction:

Student A. Think about a famous person you know something about (an artist, a musician, a politician ...). Write down in note form some details of their life (date and place of birth; what sort of family he/she was born into; education; career; first job; what he/she was famous for, etc.). Bring your notes to the lesson.

· Do not reveal their identity. Use he or she.

• Use the time expressions (at the age of; after that; during is/her life ...).

Student B. Ask student A questions to find out as much as you can about the famous person and try to guess his/her name.

READING