Speaking up
How to introduce yourself to a group
You’re talking to the group leader. The goal: your name, what you do, and one interesting thing, in about 20 seconds.
Your first line
The group leader starts with “Let’s go around the room. Tell us your name and a little about you.”
“Hi, I’m Jordan. I work in customer support, and I’m teaching myself to bake bread. Three loaves so far, one was edible.”
Open on the point: your name first, said clearly, then one line on what you do and one specific detail people can ask about.
What the group leader might say, and what to say back
the group leader: “Sorry, what was your name again?”
You: “Jordan. I’m the one learning to bake bread.”
the group leader: “What kind of customer support?”
You: “Internet service, mostly over chat. I’m good at calming people down.”
the group leader: “Wait, really? How did you get into that?”
You: “A friend gave me some sourdough starter and I didn’t want it to die. Now I bake every Sunday.”
Two things that trip people up
- “Um, I’m not really that interesting.”Skip the apology. Say your name like you’re glad to be there.
- A long life story, or a generic hobby like “I like music.”One specific detail, about 20 seconds total, then stop.
Now say it out loud
Reading the words isn’t the same as saying them. Practice this one with the group leader pushing back like the real person would. Then your coach, Lee, fixes your exact words. The move to focus on: Open on the point.
Practice this one free3 free reps a day. No sign-up. Out loud or typed.