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Giving a Speech About Yourself?

Build your story around people who influenced you the most..

By Patricia Fripp, CSP, CPAE

If you are a successful professional—or you aim to be—it is likely that you will be asked to speak about yourself at some point in your career. Of course, all Toastmasters learn to do this in their Ice Breaker speeches. But a more robust speech about your background and how you attained your current stage in life might be appropriate with a promotion, accepting an award or some other community recognition.

Even seasoned speakers can be shaken by the idea of speaking at length about themselves. Didn’t our parents teach us to be humble, work hard and keep our heads down? Giving a speech about how successful we are might feel immodest or boastful. Not if it’s done properly.

As a professional speaking coach, I advise clients who come to me for help with crafting a speech about themselves to use two simple strategies: 1) Tell your life story in three clearly defined acts; and 2) Remember that no one becomes successful alone. While discussing your experience, be sure to give credit to the family members, colleagues and mentors who guided or supported you through your career. Highlight your success while thanking the people who helped you find it.

The video above is from www.frippvt.com .

Structuring Your Story

Look at your life story as if it were a play: Act I: When you were young; Act II: When you were more mature and starting your career; and Act III: When you achieved success. Audiences want to know your personal story and details about your journey to success. Try to convey where you came from, how hard you worked and what motivated you through your life, and then finally, how it feels to be where you are now—always remembering to mention the people who helped you along the way.

Here’s an example of what I mean: Consider Alex, a successful executive, who was to give a speech about his role as president of a real estate franchise. Speaking at the company’s annual conference, Alex’s audience of 700 realtors knew he was a multimillionaire. They did not, however, know of his humble beginnings.

“This is the secret to talking about yourself comfortably: give the best lines to your characters.”

His opening: “I never met my mother and didn’t meet my father until I was 14 years old. I was raised by my grandmother, and life was perfect.” Scene I, Act I of his life “play” gives the audience a clear sense of who he was as a child. He continued by describing his first hero—his grandmother. He talked about the influence she had on him, her philosophy that would inspire his own, the unconditional love she gave and her death when he was 14. That’s when Alex went to live with his father. Suddenly, he was forced to live with a person he never knew and stepbrothers and sisters he hadn’t known existed.

The owner of the business where Alex worked when he was 20 years old brought in a business consultant who noticed Alex and realized that he had great potential and initiative. The consultant guided him toward going into business for himself. That consultant gave him the courage to pursue entrepreneurism.

In this act, Alex talks about the man he referred to as his adoptive grandfather. This man also encouraged and guided him to expand his business beyond what Alex had believed possible. Alex included the actual words of support his adoptive grandfather said to him. This is a great example of the kind of story you can tell about yourself that helps the audience feel connected. In this way, his three influencers were the “heroes” of the speech, rather than Alex himself.

Alex’s presentation described the influence of his grandmother, a business consultant and his adopted grandfather. This is the secret to talking about your self comfortably: give the best lines to your characters. Repeat their advice in your speech—let them deliver the dialogue.

When you are putting together a speech about yourself, design it in three acts and give credit to all who helped put you on the right path. This strategy will help alleviate any anxiety.

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How to Write a Speech About Yourself?

To write a speech about yourself, start by identifying your key accomplishments and experiences in a concise manner and then structure your speech around these points. When it comes to providing a speech about oneself, it’s crucial to strike a balance between confidently highlighting your achievements and maintaining humility.

Crafting a compelling speech can be challenging, but with a clear structure and effective storytelling, you can effectively convey your personal narrative. This article offers practical tips and insights to help you write a speech about yourself that captivates your audience’s attention and leaves a lasting impression.

Whether you’re preparing for a graduation ceremony, job interview, or a personal event, this guide will ensure your speech is well-organized, engaging and highlights the unique aspects that define you. Let’s delve into the process of writing an impactful speech about yourself.

Table of Contents

2. Crafting Your Personal Story

Crafting Your Personal Story is a crucial aspect of writing a speech about yourself. Through this process, you can effectively highlight your unique experiences, skills, and achievements, capturing the audience’s attention and making a lasting impression.

• Introduction: Start with a captivating opening that grabs your audience’s attention. Introduce yourself briefly and state the purpose of your speech.
• Main Body: Divide your speech into sections or paragraphs, with each focusing on a specific key experience. Start by providing some context for each experience, and then share the details of what happened, including any challenges or lessons learned.
• Transition: Use transitional phrases or sentences to smoothly move from one experience to the next. This will help create a logical flow and maintain the interest of your audience.
• Conclusion: Summarize your key experiences and tie them back to the theme of your speech. Leave your audience with a memorable closing statement or call to action.

Credit: www.wikihow.com

3. Engaging With Your Audience

When delivering a speech about yourself, it’s crucial to engage your audience to capture their attention and make a lasting impression. By establishing a connection, relating to their experiences, and incorporating humor, you can create a memorable and impactful speech.

3.1 Establishing Connection

Establishing a connection with your audience is fundamental to building rapport and keeping them engaged throughout your speech. You can achieve this by:

• Maintaining eye contact to make your audience feel involved and connected to your story.
• Mirroring their body language subtly to create a sense of familiarity and rapport.
• Using inclusive language such as “we” and “us” to establish a shared experience.

3.2 Relating To Their Experiences

Relating to your audience’s experiences helps them connect your story to their own lives, making it more relatable and engaging. Consider:

• Sharing personal anecdotes that your audience can resonate with and find common ground.
• Using examples and analogies that illustrate situations similar to the ones your audience may have encountered.
• Addressing universal struggles or aspirations that your audience can relate to emotionally.

3.3 Using Humor

Integrating humor into your speech not only entertains your audience but also helps them remember your message. Here’s how:

Remember, striking a balance between relatability and humor is key. Make sure the jokes or anecdotes you use are appropriate for the occasion and align with the overall tone of your speech.

Engaging with your audience during a speech about yourself not only captures their attention but also builds a connection and leaves a lasting impact. By establishing rapport, relating to their experiences, and incorporating humor, you can ensure your speech resonates with your audience and creates a memorable experience.

4. Showcasing Your Achievements

Crafting a speech about yourself requires showcasing your achievements effectively. Highlight your accomplishments in a concise and engaging way to captivate your audience. Let your successes shine while staying authentic in delivering your story.

4.1 Highlighting Accomplishments

• Make a list of your top achievements.
• Categorize them based on their relevance to your speech.
• Select the most impressive and impactful achievements to include in your speech.
• Describe each accomplishment briefly, focusing on the challenges you faced and the results you achieved.
• Use specific examples, numbers, or metrics to quantify the success.

4.2 Demonstrating Expertise

• Clearly state your qualifications and relevant experience at the beginning of your speech.
• Provide examples of how your expertise has been applied in real-world situations.
• Share success stories or case studies to illustrate your problem-solving abilities.
• Highlight any certifications, degrees, or training that reinforce your expertise in the topic.
• Show enthusiasm and passion for the subject matter to further establish your credibility.

4.3 Imparting Lessons Learned

• Reflect on your experiences and identify valuable insights or key learnings.
• Craft concise and impactful statements that encapsulate each lesson.
• Explain how these lessons have influenced your growth and success.
• Relate the lessons to the audience’s context to increase relevance and engagement.
• Encourage your audience to reflect on their own experiences and apply the lessons to their own lives.

Credit: www.pinterest.com

5. Ending With Impact

Learn how to write a speech about yourself that leaves a lasting impact with these effective tips. Craft your sentences to be concise, captivating, and memorable, ensuring your audience is engaged from start to finish.

5.1 Call-to-action

• Clearly state what you want the audience to do.
• Make it specific and achievable.
• Highlight the benefits they will gain.

5.2 Summarizing Key Points

• Start by briefly restating your main message or thesis statement.
• Highlight the main supporting points you covered throughout your speech.
• Reinforce the significance and relevance of your main ideas.

5.3 Leaving A Lasting Impression

• End with a powerful quote or thought-provoking statement that encapsulates your speech.
• Share a personal anecdote that leaves a strong emotional impact.
• Reiterate your main message, emphasizing its significance.

Frequently Asked Questions On How To Write A Speech About Yourself?

How do i start a speech about myself.

To start a speech about yourself, introduce yourself with a brief personal background and highlight your expertise or achievements that are relevant to the topic of the speech.

What Are Some Tips To Engage The Audience In A Speech About Myself?

Engage the audience in your speech about yourself by using storytelling, incorporating humor, asking thought-provoking questions, and maintaining eye contact to create a connection.

How Can I Make My Speech About Myself Memorable?

Make your speech about yourself memorable by sharing personal anecdotes, using visuals or props, expressing passion and emotion, and ending with a strong and inspiring conclusion.

Writing a speech about yourself can be a daunting task, but it is also an opportunity to showcase your unique qualities and experiences. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can create an engaging and impactful speech that will captivate your audience.

Remember to be authentic, speak from the heart, and use storytelling techniques to connect with your listeners. With practice and confidence, you will be able to deliver a speech that reflects who you truly are. Good luck!

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• How to give a self-introduction speech

 An example of a self-introduction speech

 - with a step-by-step guide for preparing a short effective speech .

By:  Susan Dugdale  

A self-introduction speech is often called for when a group of people get together first time. It could be a work-based seminar, a break-out group at a conference, a hobby group, or your new class at the start of the term. The occasions are numerous!

If you need to prepare short introduction speech about yourself, you're in the right place.

What's on this page

• the purpose of a self-introduction speech
• content guidelines - 6 areas to cover introducing yourself
• how to avoid blanking out under pressure and prepare a good speech at very short notice
• a 1-minute example of a self-introduction speech 
• resources for more help  

The purpose of a self-introduction speech

One thing a newly formed group generally shares is the need to make a bunch of strangers feel at ease:  to quickly establish a sense of unity or belonging.

And one of commonest ways to achieve that, in a setting where people are expected to work collaboratively together, is to have each person give a brief 1–2-minute self-introduction speech. *

If you've not expecting it and have nothing prepared, that triggers a whole lot of questions about the purpose of the speech and what would be best to say. * This is not an elevator speech - i.e., a brief, carefully worked pitch highlighting your strengths and experience to encourage a potential employer or client to consider taking you on.

You are already a member of the group. You don't need to pitch or advertise yourself. All you need to do is introduce yourself because these people don't know you. 

Common questions people ask themselves 

Usually, the leader will start and around the members of the group you go, one by one.

• What will you say when it's your turn?
• What's the purpose of this speech? What could it to achieve for you if you do it well?
• What can you say that will interest people?
• What topics fit with the occasion?
• What will the people listening expect to hear?
• What tone do you use? Formal or informal?
• And more importantly, if you're anxious about public speaking, what will stop the fear of making a complete fool of yourself?

First impressions count, so let's look at the elements that go together to make a good introduction speech about yourself.

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Self-introduction speech content areas

There are six content areas to cover. The first three are essential. The remaining three lift your speech from 'basic' to something a little more interesting.

• Stating your name clearly
• Placing yourself - where you are from, the organization you belong to, the position you currently hold
• Background - what can you share that is related to the group's core purpose for meeting? Is it an event, experience, a particular skill or educational qualification?
• Interest, passion or goal - what genuinely interests you? What drives you?  Is there a personal goal you want to achieve through being a member of this group?
• Sharing personal details appropriate to the setting of your speech e.g., your hobbies or pet peeves.
• Unity - what do you share in common with someone else in the group? Can you reference something somebody speaking before you said?

Self-preservation techniques for nervous speakers

Ignore everyone else and focus on yourself.

If this is the first time you've made an introduction speech about yourself and, you're inclined to be tongue-tied, awkward and nervous, don't listen to what others are saying before you. 

I know that seems rude, but the situation calls for self-preservation.

If you allow yourself to listen, you'll get mesmerized by everybody else's speeches and be unable to plan anything useful for yourself. That will heighten your anxiety.

Start with making some notes

Grab a piece of paper, or use the notes app on your phone, the moment the round-robin introduction is announced and start jotting down ideas.

Start with the first three items from the list above. That's the basic information:  your name, where you are from and your background.  Then add more as time permits.

Everything you put down should be relevant to the occasion and your audience.  And remember to breathe well while you're doing it!

When we're anxious we tend to hold our breath which makes us feel worse. You'll find these breathing exercises help. 

Watch the timing

Generally, the timing allowed for a self-introductory speech is between 1 - 2 minutes. (About 150-300 words.)

Going over that is poor form because it eats into the time allocated for everybody to speak. In addition, rambling on without being mindful of the larger group could be interpreted as boring and/or egotistical. Just try not to do it! ☺

Example self-introduction speech 

Here's a simple short self-introduction speech sample.  You can use it as a model to prepare your own speech.  All up there are 130 words which will take approximately a minute to say.

Hi everybody!

I'm Masie Smith, Senior Marketing Executive, from Watts and Frederick in Smalltown, Bigstate.

It's great to be finally here. I've been dreaming about the opportunity and possibilities of working collectively and directly with each other for a long time now. Jane and Sam can attest to that. There's been hours put in balancing the schedules to make it happen.

Webinars and email are fine, but nothing beats face to face.

Working collaboratively has always been a passion. Even in kindergarten I tried to set up a group-think session around a one swing and ten children problem.

Years later my master degree focused on harnessing group energy creatively. I've been inspired by agencies that got it right.

Sally you've already said it and I echo you. I'm excited!

Prepare and practice in readiness

If you know you have situations coming up that will call for a self-introduction speech start generating one ahead of time.

Make yourself an adaptable template using the core content elements listed above that you can use whatever the situation you are in.

Practicing your speech out loud will help you refine and hone your message.

It's well worth doing as these few words can set the way in which others view you. They can open doors, as well as close them!

With repetition you'll gain the confidence to speak for yourself concisely and cohesively. You'll find the temptation to succumb to a fit of the blithers will have vanished! (Thank goodness!)

Other related and useful pages: 

• How to prepare and deliver an introduction speech for a guest speaker (with an example speech)
• How to write a speech introducing yourself . This is Wiki How's comprehensive overview of the process, with examples.
• Tips and techniques to manage public speaking anxiety

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Self Introduction Speech – How To Write With Examples

First impressions are very important. Whether it is at school, work, or organization, your introduction is an audience’s first real chance to know you. It will have a huge impact on how they perceive you.

But the good news is: You get to control that narrative.

The key to a good self-introduction speech is balance. You want to present your accomplishments but without coming off as bragging. Typically, this type of speech is known as an “icebreaker” as it aims to break the ice and let others know you. This is your chance to establish good credibility.

Fear not! We will help you craft the best introduction speech with our outline, tips, as well as self-introduction speech samples.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Self-introduction Speech Outline

Sample introduction speech topics, sample self introduction speech objectives, write the outline, including hobbies and interests, sell yourself, use short, simple sentences..

What exactly do you need to cover in your introduction speech? You might choose to include a wide variety of information but there are some things you should not miss. Some of them are as follows:

• What is your name?
• Where are you from?
• What are some of your main interests and hobbies?
• What has been your passion in life?
• Who has been your role model?
• Any fun facts that make you stand out.
• Your credibility or job title.

Tip: If possible you should definitely include a visual aid in the form of pictures to compliment your speech. Pictures of you, your travels, family, or pets are always endearing!

Writing a self-introduction speech always seems easy at first. Besides, you definitely know yourself the best. However, once you begin writing you can find yourself getting lost. What do you want to include in this speech? So, grab a pen and scan through the topics in the list below. Circle any of the ones that speak to you so that you have a better grasp of what direction you’d like to take with your speech.

• What event has played an important part in shaping your life? Tell the story and the lesson you’ve learned.
• What is your goal in life?
• Where are you from? Is there anything about your culture or traditions that you’d like to share?
• How do you like to spend your time?
• What are some of your pet peeves?
• Do you have any special skills that you’re proud of?
• What does a day in your shoes feel like?
• What have been some of the most important milestones in your life?
• Have there been any difficult times that guided your life?
• What is a topic you could talk about for hours?
• What is an object that is dearest to you?
• What quirks make you the individual you are?

Now that you have an idea on how to draft your outline, here are some objectives for you to tick off.

• First off, grab their attention. Just because it is your introduction does not mean that your opening has to be plain. Find something catchy and concise.
• Start with some background. Set up the stage and introduce who you are. Try to present it in chronological order.
• Build a story. The speech is about you but make sure you build a relatable story to keep the audience’s attention.
• Show, don’t tell. Instead of saying how reliable you are, tell a story that shows it.
• For conclusion, try to leave your audience with a takeaway. Whether from your experiences or from a relatable standpoint. Either that or you can build the story leading up to who you are right now and leave the stage on an inspirational note.

How to write a self-introduction speech?

Are you ready to write your self-introduction speech? We’ve got just the steps for you:

The outline of your speech is simply a skeletal draft of your speech. It can initially simply take the form of bullet points. What matters is you figure out what elements are going into the speech. Similarly, figure out what order you will be presenting these elements. Typically icebreakers follow a chronological order so that you can build up to the current you.

It is common to start with your roots. Pick out some childhood traits that are relatable or that make you stand out. You can build on this with stories, talk about your education, and go on to talk about how you got to where you are currently.

If you are introducing yourself in a work setting, make sure you link your interest to your ambition. It will project you in a good light to your superiors and will also make your hobbies a lot more relevant. This is also a great idea to keep your speech concise and to the point. From a professional standpoint, you should follow your hobbies with the steps you are taking to reach the goal. For example, “I’ve always been into sketching, but now I’m taking illustrator courses to put my designing skills to use.”

Your hobbies are a great insight into who you are in your free time. If you’re into a particular niche hobby like bird-watching or pottery, you might even end up finding others in the crowd with similar interests. Similarly, it is a great way to gain credibility on a certain subject.

When people talk about their passion, there is a certain twinkle in their eyes. This is such an endearing quality that is sure to get your audience to respond. Try to give a short insight into you pursuing the hobby or how you came about to discover it in the first place. It is much more effective than simply listing out your interests. Talk about what aspects of the hobby draw you to it. It can help the audience get the bigger picture in getting to know you.

If the icebreaker is being delivered in a much more formal setting, you might want to focus more on your personal skills than your hobbies. The audience there might be more interested in your soft skills than your love of photography.

It might help to list out all your hobbies, interests, and skills along with why you are drawn to those interests. It can help you draw a parallel between them and deliver a much more well-rounded speech.

Knowing a person is an endless process. We’re sure you must have gone through your own journey with highs, lows, milestones and learnings that could be their own feature movies. It can be difficult to decide what exactly gets to make it to the speech when all of it made you who you are. But the longer you pad your introduction, the less are the chances of people actually listening to it.

This is why your self-introduction speech needs to spend a good amount of time on the cutting floor as well. Assess your audience and try to think of it from their perspective. What is relevant? Also, think of the location and if your stories are appropriate for the setting. Make sure you respect the time by picking only the most relevant information and keeping it short.

Even if your usual style is something like self-deprecating humor, for this occasion try to present yourself in a much more positive light. You want to project confidence. This is the impression that most of these people are likely to remember, so make it a good one. Pick your traits and stories well.

A self-introduction speech is almost always a great floor to pitch yourself. When else will you get this open invitation to present yourself to potential clients? Remember, the aim is to boost yourself and not boast about yourself. If you talk too much about what you can do and have done, it is easy to sound pompous and turn people off.

Try to stick to the truth. Instead of listing accomplishments by the dozens, talk about a passion you had and how you turned it into an accomplishment. Stay humble when speaking of future aspirations. And most of all, be grateful. Show appreciation to the people who have helped you so far.

How you sell yourself is not just dependent on the words you speak but also on your delivery. All the words in the world won’t be able to make up for a meek delivery. So make sure you write from your heart as that will be the easiest to deliver. Work on your build-up so that the ending is satisfying. Don’t just give an account for accomplishments by the year. For example: talk about how curious you were about animals from early on, how you got into photography because it lets you keep a moment with you forever, and eventually you got into animal photography. This way, it feels like a complete story.

In a more professional setting, you’d say, “As a freelance photographer, I used my marketing background to promote myself and stayed active in networking. I learned that creativity is wonderful but paired with due diligence, it can get you to much greater heights.” It showcases your skills, your traits, as well as shows you as an individual that is constantly reflecting, learning, and growing. This is the sweet spot you are aiming for.

While we’ve stressed the importance of relatability and humility, it is also important to create your own place on stage. You cannot be yet another person with only music and travel as their interests. Think of things that make you unique.

Put your humble hat aside for a bit. If you’ve assisted in making a big project happen, mention it. Talk about how you’ve led a team through a crisis. Discuss your learning experiences. Present a before and after of a milestone to show how much a role has impacted who you are today. Even if the project wasn’t successful, you can talk about how you’d approach it differently in the present day.

Even for relatively common interests like travel, you can pick unique memories and what aspects of travel have changed you for the better. Take every opportunity to spin a story to showcase a trait or talent. Think of the unique things that make you, you.

It can be easy to get lost in your stories. Try not to ramble too much and stick to the point. When writing your script, use varied sentence structures to keep things interesting. It will help if you read it out loud or record yourself so you can track how you’re doing. Try not to use too much jargon. Keep it simple and clear.

Self-Introduction Speech Examples & Tips to Help You Be Confident & Calm

Here's how you can nail your self-introduction speech, without the sweaty palms! Go from nervous to natural with these tips.

It's time! The moment for your self-introduction speech is upon you. Are your palms sweating just at the thought? There are two secrets to making it easier to give an introduction speech about yourself: practice and preparation.

And with those two things already on your to-do list, we took care of some of the lifting for you with these self-introduction speech examples. Plus plenty of tips to help you not only get through it but get through it and feel good about it after. Yes, it is possible. And you're on your way!

Easy Self-introduction Speeches for School

It's the first day of school or of the semester. Perhaps you've found yourself in a new classroom halfway through the academic year. No fear, these intros will ease you into things and hook you a few new friends and classroom groupmates, too.

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Self-Introduction for Elementary or Middle School Kids

For the younger kiddos, these intros are all about who they are and what makes them happy.

• "Hi, everybody! My name is [Your Name], and I'm super excited to be in this class with all of you. I'm [Your Age] years old. I live with my family, and we have a dog named [Dog's Name] who likes to eat all my homework. I really love dinosaurs, especially the T-Rex because he's big but has tiny arms, just like my baby brother when he tries to reach for cookies on the high shelf. In my free time, I love building rocket ships from Legos. One day, I hope to become an astronaut and find aliens -- friendly ones, of course!"
• "Good morning, everyone! I'm [Your Name], and I'm really excited to be part of this class. I am [Your Age] years old. At home, I'm the queen/king of board games, although my cat [Cat's Name] often tries to join in and messes up the pieces. My favorite food is pizza, because who can say no to pizza? And when I grow up, I want to be a detective because I love solving mysteries, like where my missing socks go in the dryer. I'm looking forward to learning and having fun with all of you this year!"

Self-Introduction Speech for High Schoolers

Give new classmates an in or let people know that you're just like them so you can make friends once you find the cafeteria.

• "Hey everyone, I'm [Your Name]. I'm new here, so please go easy on me if I can't find my way to the cafeteria. A few facts about me: I love music and play the guitar -- it's like a six-stringed stress buster for me. I'm a total sci-fi geek. If you need someone to debate Star Wars vs. Star Trek, I'm your person! And I have a secret ambition: to try every ice cream flavor in the world. Looking forward to getting to know all of you."

Self-Introduction Speech for College Kids

A quip about your major is a great way to start, but you can also loop in anything you love (or avoid) on your campus too, even if it's the steps by the library that seem to go on for eternity.

• "Hello everyone! My name is [Your Name] and I'm majoring in [Your Major]. When I'm not elbow-deep in textbooks or caffeine, I love exploring the city, one coffee shop at a time. Yes, I'm a self-confessed coffee addict and my dream is to find the perfect cup of coffee. I also enjoy [Another Hobby], because what's life without a little variety, right? Excited to be on this journey with you all!"

Job Interview Self-Introduction Speech

There's nothing like the dreaded "tell us about yourself" comment at an interview. The good news? You won't have any more nightmares because this intro is the perfect way to ease into the answer.

• "Good morning/afternoon! I'm [Your Name], and it's a pleasure to meet you. I graduated from [Your University] with a degree in [Your Major], and since then, I've gained [Number of Years of Experience] years of experience in the [Your Field] field. During my previous role at [Your Previous Company], I was responsible for [Key Responsibility] and I [Describe a Key Achievement or Impact You Made]. What I particularly enjoyed about that role was the opportunity to [Something You Enjoyed that Relates to the New Job]. In my free time, I enjoy [Briefly Mention a Hobby], which helps me to [Explain How It Applies to the New Role]. For example, [Concrete Example of How Hobby Relates to Job]. I'm excited about the possibility of bringing my unique experience and passion for [Mention Something About the Company or Role] to this position. Thank you for this opportunity to interview."
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Work Self-Introduction Speeches

Make a smooth, witty, and warm self-introduction when you land the job or want to kick off an introduction with ease.

Introduction for a New Job

You're the new kid on the block at the office, you have enough to learn, here's an easy intro on your first day before jumping in.

• "Hello team, I'm [Your Name]. I'm thrilled to be joining the [Company Name] family as your new [Your Job Title]. I come with a background in [Relevant Skills or Experience], and most recently, I was at [Previous Company] where I [Describe a Key Achievement or Project]. Outside work, I love [A Personal Interest or Hobby]. I look forward to collaborating with all of you and contributing to our shared success."

Introduction for a Presentation or Meeting

Before you launch into the important information, take a moment to let people know who you are, why you're giving this presentation, and why you're qualified to do it. After all, you've done all the hard work, allow your accolades to shine.

• "Good morning/afternoon everyone, for those who don't know me yet, I'm [Your Name], the [Your Job Title] here at [Company Name]. I oversee [Briefly Describe Your Responsibilities]. I've been with [Company Name] for [Duration at the Company], and before that, I worked at [Previous Company]. Today, I'm excited to discuss [Topic of Presentation or Meeting]. Although if you want to chat after, I also love [Hobby]."

Introduction for a Networking Event

You'll be introducing yourself a lot at networking, so now is the time to make yourself pop and be memorable.

• "Hello, I'm [Your Name], currently serving as a [Your Job Title] at [Company Name]. I've been in the [Your Industry] industry for [Number of Years], specializing in [Your Specialty]. When I'm not [Job-Related Activity], I like to [Personal Interest or Hobby]. I'm eager to meet like-minded professionals and see how we can help each other grow in our careers."

Introducing Yourself at a Funeral

Whether you're delivering a eulogy, poem, or making a brief introduction of yourself to other family and friends, you can rely on this intro to make things a little easier.

• "Good morning/afternoon, everyone. My name is [Your Name], and I had the honor of being [Deceased's Name]'s [Your Relation to the Deceased, e.g., friend, colleague, neighbor]. We shared many [memories/experiences] together, and I am here to pay my respects and celebrate the remarkable life they led. Their [specific quality or memory] has always stuck with me, and it is something I will carry in their memory."

How to Introduce Yourself at a Party

It's party time! Keep the intro laid back and casual.

• "Hi! I'm [Your Name]. I may know some of you from [How You Know Some People at the Party]. I'm [a brief sentence about yourself, e.g., your job, where you're from]. I'm a bit of a [Hobby] enthusiast, so if you ever want to chat about [Topic Related to Hobby], I'm all ears."

Examples of How to Introduce Yourself to a New Group

You're the newbie, and there's nothing wrong with that. Start your clean slate with a short and sweet intro.

• "Hello, everyone! My name is [Your Name]. I'm thrilled to be joining this group! I have always been passionate about [Your Hobby]. It all started when [A Short Story About How You Got Started With This Hobby]. Over the years, my love for it has only grown, and I've spent countless hours [Describe Something You Do Related to The Hobby].
• Apart from this, I'm [Something About Your Job or Other Interests]. In my day-to-day life, I'm a [Your Profession], which can be pretty demanding, but [Your Hobby] has always been my perfect stress-buster.
• I joined this group because I wanted to meet people who share this passion, learn from your experiences, and hopefully contribute with some of my own insights. I'm really excited to be a part of this community and can't wait to get to know all of you better!"

10 Tips for Writing and Making a Self-Introduction Speech

Here are some tips to keep in mind while writing and giving your self-introduction speech. The most important tip, however, is to do what feels natural and flows easily.

• Know Your Audience : Tailor your introduction to the context and the audience. A self-introduction at a professional event will be very different from one at a casual party.
• Start Strong: Grab the audience's attention from the beginning. You can start with an interesting fact about yourself, a short story, or a joke if the setting is informal.
• Keep It Brief: Your introduction should be concise and to the point. Stick to key details about who you are, what you do, and perhaps one or two interesting facts or hobbies.
• Be Authentic : Genuine introductions are the most memorable. Be honest about who you are and don't be afraid to show some personality.
• Highlight Key Moments : Especially in a professional setting, it can be helpful to highlight a few key experiences or achievements that have defined your career or personal life.
• End on a Positive Note: Conclude your introduction on a positive or forward-looking note. You could express excitement about the event or meeting, or share a hope or goal for the future.
• Practice, Practice, Practice : Rehearse your introduction speech so you can deliver it confidently and naturally. This will help reduce any nerves and ensure you come across as polished and professional.
• Be Engaging : Use body language to engage your audience. Make eye contact, smile, and use gestures where appropriate.
• Relate It to the Purpose of the Event : If there's a specific reason for your introduction (like starting a new job, or joining a club), make sure to mention your relationship to the event or group and your expectations or goals.
• Provide A Personal Touch : Share a little about your personal life (like a hobby or interest) to make your introduction more unique and memorable.

Remember, the goal is to introduce yourself effectively, not to tell your entire life story. Keep it brief, engaging, and genuine .

Introducing Yourself With Ease

Sit yourself in front of the mirror, and run through your lines like an actor for a play, and in no time at all, the words will flow and you'll find a natural cadence. You may even surprise yourself with how easily your introductions flows once you take the stage. Don't be surprised if people ask how you were so calm and cool.

How to Write a Speech About Yourself

Use this extensive guide to learn everything that you need to know about giving speeches. Nobody has to be born with an overwhelming amount of confidence and charisma to be good at speeches, even if that helps a lot.

Moreover, to deliver a great speech, you’ll need to come prepared with the written version of it. So, there’s no skipping this step. After that, it’s just practicing until it feels right. With the knowledge we will provide in this article, you can become more confident and skilled at speech writing.

We will also provide persuasive speech examples for you to have a clear reference for what you can write, so there’s no need to fret. Let’s go through this step by step with our write my dissertation service .

What We’ll Cover 

Don’t skip anything in this article if you want to make a stellar self-introduction speech about yourself that delivers your message and leaves an impact on your audience. The impact that you want, of course. 

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Moving on, this article will help you with:

• Making a speech outline
• To learn what to say about yourself
• Writing a 2-minute speech
• Writing persuasive speeches
• Learning how to write in the correct tone, as well as learning how to create an interesting hook

This info will be very useful if you want to create a well-written self-introduction speech about yourself. '

What Is an Introductory Speech? 

An introductory speech is a speech talking about yourself and particular aspects of yourself to persuade a crowd or perhaps reach a certain goal. Too burnt out? If you need a writer to help you make a speech, then you should consider outsourcing some of the writing to a professional.

But if you decide to take on the challenge of writing a self-introduction speech, after all, you should remember that the point of it is to communicate who you are to your audience first and foremost. 

Start With an Outline 

Preparation is key when writing an introductory speech. As an example, we’ve given you an entire speech outline that focuses on personal achievements at work and school. Of course, the content of your speech can change depending on the context. But the basic structure stays the same. Here it is:

Introduction. In the intro, state any fundamental information about you. This includes your full name, faculty, expertise, and college/university if you are attending one. Use a hook to get your audience invested in what you have to say.

‍ Informative Body Part . If the goal is to persuade and present oneself in a good light through personal achievements, then the body part should be as straightforward as possible. You can start by talking about:

• Personal experiences and achievements 
• Professional experience, work life, and professional achievements, your expertise, and specialty
• Social activities like volunteering, community work, charities, etc. 
• Your educational background 

Bonus Information. Include info on your skills, hobbies, and any additional languages you might speak.

Conclusion. You can write about future goals, dreams, and ambitions here. 

You are slowly learning how to write a speech about yourself the right way. Keep reading. 

What You Can Write About Yourself in a Speech

When writing and delivering an engaging ‘all about me’ speech, you can consider including the following (if it’s context-appropriate): 

• Telling a personal story about your life and experiences
• Using quotes that motivate and inspire. Only use quotes that have a significant meaning to you 
• Asking questions to further engage the audience  

Speeches are similar to rhetorical analysis, so you might learn a thing or two from reading up on them. Moreover, there is no one way to answer the question ‘how to write a persuasive speech’, but you can interject these elements in between information about yourself to keep it dynamic. 

Writing a Two Minute Speech About Yourself 

If you want to write a 2-minute speech about yourself, then it’s important to write about what matters since time is so limited. If you want to freshen up your writing, review types of sentences for a memory boost. But don’t stretch yourself too thin.

Let’s look at an example of how to write a speech. Let’s say you’re writing a speech for a job opportunity. Here are some things you can keep in mind but can also be applied to other contexts: 

• Mention your current job and your educational background, and don’t forget to talk about your dreams and goals.
• Get into detail. Mention what you did in your job and your professional achievements. Don’t be vague. You want to radiate confidence and provide concrete information.
• Talk with enthusiasm . Charisma can sometimes be seen from a mile. Do you think a recruiter would hire a monotonous and overly hesitant speaker over someone charismatic, precise, and enthusiastic? 

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Persuasive Speech Outline 

An introductory speech could also be persuasive, especially if you’re trying to get the audience to agree with your point of view. That’s the essence of a persuasive speech - to persuade. If you’re confused, start with a persuasive speech outline of the course. It could resemble this:

• Introduction : Include a hook, information about the topic, and perspective that you want to talk about, and then hit the audience with your thesis/claim.
• Body : Extrapolate on the points you made in the intro, just like in an essay. Start with the main ideas, then follow up with evidence.
• Conclusion : Restate the main idea/claim of your choosing. Restate your arguments, then write why you think your arguments are positive and have value. Then, depending on the context, call the audience to action.

And that basically answers the question of ‘How to write a speech outline for persuading?’. If you need some inspiration material - you can look up any TED talk. You’ll see that they tend to follow this structure pretty often.

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Persuasive Speech About Yourself 

Speaking of persuasive speech examples, let’s look at an example of how to write a speech. If you need more references, then use ours below to refine your writing. It’s good to look at references since it can easily help you with any individual blocks in your creative process.

Persuasive Speech Example

Persuasive speech for a business presentation, step by step tips.

We’ve come this far in answering the questions of ‘How to write a speech about yourself?’, and for those who are still confused - it’s okay. We’re going to break it down for you, simple and clear. Follow our step-by-step guide, and you’ll overcome hurdles while writing what you need to. 

And on that note, for any writing difficulties you may have, the college essay writing service is ready and accessible through the click of your mouse. If your burdens are piling up, it’s time to get a helping hand. 

Now let’s go through our guide to help you learn how to start a speech about yourself and how to end a speech about yourself. 

Tone of Voice

Let’s not forget to cater the language and tone of your speech to the context and audience. We’ve learned that in speeches for a change in education or career opportunities, it’s best to keep a professional tone of voice and highlight your achievements. 

However, if the introductory speech is for a toast, or perhaps to persuade a general audience, a more relatable tone of voice is acceptable. 

Write a Hook

A hook should be intriguing, attention-grabbing, strong, and catchy. Its goal is to capture an audience, so try to think of something that subverts the audience’s expectations. For example, if your speech is going to be about yourself, don’t start with, “My name is Jeff.” Start things with something like, “I’ve always wanted to speak in front of an audience and share what’s important to me, and here I am now.”

Any speech class deals with this part of a self introduction speech in great detail. It will help you capture the audience’s attention. And once you have that - you are pretty much golden. Any speech is about capturing the audience’s attention first and foremost.

Make an Outline

As we’ve stated time and again, an introduction speech about yourself should be written after you’ve made a solid outline. Outlines streamline the process of making the speech and can help clear out any brain fog as well as give you a sense of direction. 

Write Your Speech

Now that you’ve got an outline, it’s time to take all the pieces together and write them down. And just like that, you’re halfway there already. By following what you’ve learned in the whole article, the writing part should have been made easier. Take the time to write your speech, edit it, and then it’s on to the next. Stick around to see an example of how to write a persuasive speech example.

Start with a short speech at first. A couple of sentences will be more than enough. You can then work your way up, adding some fluff to the opening statement, mentioning your professional life, and utilizing bullet points to make a stronger impression. Just be sure not to lose your main point, provide only relevant information without too much derailing, and use simple sentences to make a stronger impression.

You can also use some minimal prompts to push you in the right direction. Your first rough draft should not be perfect. But as you move forward, it should be getting better and better with every revision up until you arrive at your final draft. Introductory speeches require a lot of detailed feedback to polish. Run your draft by your friends, and see what they can help you with. This is going to be a turning point in your writing process. Public speakers are used to rehearsing their speeches multiple times in advance.

Practice It! 

It’s crunch time. All the effort, preparing, writing, and researching ideas come down to this point. While there are individuals who are great at improvising, don’t take a chance if you’ve never given a speech before. It’s best to be prepared. Being prepared can help you gain confidence in what you’re saying. Even if you’re not very good at public speaking - this is how you make it work.

If you have enough time, you can even take a speech class. It will help you be more confident about your public speaking. Giving some smaller speeches could also help you improve your public speaking skills. A self-introduction speech is not really that hard. And public speaking is not a talent, it’s an acquired skill. So work on improving it.

If you’re still looking for ideas, then here are some about me speech ideas that can help and might still give you some more insight on how to write a good speech about yourself. 

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How to Write a Speech About Yourself

The initial introduction in public speaking is crucial as it sets the tone, captures attention, and signals the nature of the presentation. It can take various forms, such as a captivating statement, a resonant quote, or a surprising fact that elicits interest. The artistry of this introduction lies in its ability to intrigue and engage, creating a magnetic pull that draws the audience into the speaker’s narrative.

In professional arenas, an introductory speech about yourself is pivotal as a bridge between strangers, unlocking the potential for meaningful connections. They are instrumental in building rapport and establishing common ground, facilitating networking, fostering collaborations, and leaving a lasting impression on colleagues and potential collaborators.

The significance of self-introduction extends beyond formal settings into everyday social interactions. An effective self-introduction speech catalyzes connection, sparking conversations and weaving the fabric of lasting relationships. In casual encounters, it acts as a conversational anchor, providing a starting point inviting others to engage and share their stories.

The overarching goal of this guide is empowerment, aiming to empower individuals with the knowledge of how to write a speech about yourself. By providing a step-by-step journey, the guide encourages individuals to navigate the nuances of audience understanding, content creation, and delivery techniques, making every self-introduction speech a memorable and impactful experience.

Writing a Speech About Yourself: Tone and Language

To effectively write an intro speech about yourself, choose the right tone for your self-introduction. Consider the formality of the occasion and adjust your tone accordingly. Opt for a polished and professional tone in more formal settings while adopting a more informal tone in casual or personal settings. Reflect on the occasion and setting by assessing the atmosphere and setting. Tailor your tone to align with the overall mood of the event to ensure your self-introduction resonates with the audience and enhances engagement.

Avoid common pitfalls by balancing boasting vs. humility. Highlight your achievements modestly, focusing on lessons learned and collaborative efforts contributing to your success. Humility adds a relatable dimension to your self-introduction, fostering a positive connection with the audience. Balancing confidence and relatability is essential. Speak with assurance about your experiences and skills but avoid creating an emotional distance by appearing overly confident or detached. Share personal stories or challenges demonstrating vulnerability, making you more relatable to your audience.

By carefully navigating these considerations in tone and language, you can tailor your self-introduction to the specific dynamics of the situation, making it more impactful and resonant with your audience.

What Is an Introductory Speech – Clear Explanation

An introductory speech is a verbal presentation where an individual provides information about themselves, their background, and other details to an audience. The primary purpose of an introductory speech is to establish a connection with listeners, create a good first impression, and set the tone for the interaction or event.

The introductory speech typically begins with the speaker’s formal or informal introduction, including their name, title, and role. The speaker briefly outlines the purpose of their presentation, which could range from introducing themselves in a new environment to providing context for their presence at an event. Personal information such as name, age, place of origin, and current location are shared to provide a foundation for the audience to get to know the speaker.

Educational and professional background details are often included, such as academic achievements, degrees earned, and significant milestones in their career. Hobbies and interests are shared to add a personal touch and make the speech more relatable. Key achievements and accomplishments are highlighted to establish the speaker’s credibility and showcase their expertise in a particular field. Future goals and aspirations are discussed to provide insight into the speaker’s ambitions and foster a shared purpose with the audience.

Connection to the audience is established by finding common ground through shared experiences, values, or goals. The introductory speech typically concludes with a closing statement summarizing key points and leaving a positive impression.

Structure Examples of Introduction Speeches About Yourself

A speech should contain three sections: Introduction to a speech about yourself, body, and conclusion. The introduction should grab attention with an attention-grabbing anecdote, compelling quote, or rhetorical question, establishing the narrative. The body should include two or three key themes or experiences that align with the overall message, such as pivotal moments in your career, personal achievements, or transformative experiences.

Organizing content coherently is crucial, either chronologically taking the audience through your life’s journey or thematically focusing on specific aspects of your identity or experiences. Transitions should guide the audience smoothly from one point to the next. Balancing personal and professional aspects is essential, integrating stories from professional achievements with personal anecdotes that showcase your values or character.

In conclusion, summarize the key points covered in the self-introduction, reinforcing the main themes or takeaways to ensure a clear understanding of who you are and what you’ve shared. Craft a memorable closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on the audience, such as a reflective comment on your journey, an inspiring quote, or a call to action that aligns with your overall message.

By paying attention to each section, incorporating engaging elements, and ensuring a seamless flow, you learn how to write a speech about yourself that captures attention and resonates deeply with your audience.

Understanding the Audience

To know how to write a speech about yourself that is compelling, it is crucial to understand the target audience, including demographics, interests, and expectations. This helps tailor the speech to resonate with their experiences and aspirations, establishing a genuine connection.

Once the target audience is identified, align the speech content with their interests and concerns. Highlight key themes that resonate with them, such as your background, experiences, and achievements. Incorporate relevant anecdotes or examples to make the self-introduction more meaningful and memorable.

Tailoring tone and language for audience engagement is essential. Match the tone to match the occasion’s atmosphere and your listeners’ preferences. Maintain a polished and professional tone in formal settings while injecting warmth and relatability in casual settings. Consider the cultural context and strive for inclusivity in language nuances and communication styles. Avoid unfamiliar jargon and opt for clear, accessible language.

Review and Revision

Actively seek out the opinions of a wide range of people, such as mentors, friends you can trust, and peers. Their diverse viewpoints provide valuable insights that can reveal blind spots and provide your self-introduction with a comprehensive assessment. Encourage candid and detailed comments to identify areas that might need improvement.

Audience Simulation

You can advance the process by performing a practice or simulated presentation in front of a small audience. You may measure responses in real-time in this live environment, picking up on subtleties that could be overlooked in one-on-one feedback sessions. Using this hands-on exercise, keep a close eye on audience participation, facial expressions, and any questions or concerns expressed to pinpoint possible areas for improvement.

Explore the narrative components of your self-introduction in detail, realizing how important they are to its impact and clarity. Make sure the story is convincing, coherent, and transparent by evaluating it. To improve the general flow, reorder the major themes or events and cut out any extraneous information that could divert attention from your core point.

Optimize Crucial Points

Go over the main ideas you emphasized in the introduction about yourself speech. Ensure every point flows naturally from your main point, significantly contributing to the desired effect. Adjust the wording to effectively and succinctly communicate your ideas; strive for accuracy and avoid excessive detail. Aim for a balance between clarity and captivating your audience.

Grammar Accuracy

Examine the wording you choose in your self-introduction very carefully. Make sure the words you use to express what you mean. Remove any excessive jargon or extremely complicated language that could make it difficult to understand. Balance simplicity and eloquence when selecting words for your audience.

Consistency of Tone

Check to see if your tone remained the same throughout your introduction. Ensure it flows naturally from the presentation’s background to the audience’s expectations. Any sudden changes in tone that can throw off how your speech flows overall should be smoothed out. Maintaining a consistent tone strengthens your emotional bond with your audience and improves the coherence of your message.

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Topic ideas.

Speeches given at introductions are potent tools for illuminating the nuances of a person’s personality, morals, and experiences. In this process of revelation, choosing a topic is essential, and there are many exciting examples of introduction speeches about yourself to delve into. “My Journey Through Passion and Profession,” “Navigating Crossroads,” and “From Student to Professional” are a few examples that offer frameworks for telling stories about personal and professional development. “The Influence of Travel” and “Bridging Cultures” provide a platform for discussing the impact of many experiences, while “Unveiling the Layers” invites the speaker to explore the many facets of their identity.

Furthermore, you can focus on particular facets of their journeys by choosing an example of speech about yourself like “My Leadership Philosophy,” “Overcoming Adversity,” “Passion Projects and Side Hustles,” and “Finding Purpose in Volunteerism.” These speeches should explore the feelings, lessons, and personal growth connected to these situations rather than just retelling the facts.

The transformative power of travel, the rewards and difficulties of being a global citizen, the pursuit of passion projects, the resilience shown in the face of adversity, the fulfillment found in volunteer work, and the guiding principles that shape one’s leadership philosophy are additional topics for introduction speeches beyond the ones listed above. Authenticity is the key to a solid first speech.

The speaker’s story should authentically represent their character, morals, and life lessons learned from their experience.

To know how to start speech about yourself requires adjusting the topic to the speaker’s passions, experiences, and areas of interest. The speech should also be tailored to their needs and tastes to establish a connection with the audience that goes beyond words. The speaker can effectively share their perspective and personal progress by selecting a topic that speaks to them. When delivered with ability on these subjects, introductory speeches can create a strong bond between the speaker and the audience by allowing them to participate in the natural and proper parts of the speaker’s narrative.

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How Can I Write A Speech About Myself: 7 Tips

Table of contents

• 1.1 “Speech about me” plan example:
• 2 Common Mistakes You Must Avoid At All Cost
• 3 How To Make Your Autobiographical Speech Excellent?
• 4 Example Of A Speech

Why do you need to compose an autobiographical speech outline, and what is it at all? Its concept is to demonstrate one’s personality to achieve a specific goal. Make a competent self-presentation about yourself. You can achieve significant success in life because a person who understands how to present himself in a favourable light can always find a good job, maintain friendly relations with others, and influence people to achieve any goals.

How does one prepare an autobiographical speech and correctly present it? In this case, every detail is important. Our speech writing services have created detailed guidelines for you! Want to know how to write a speech about yourself? Well, we can help you with that as well, and the answers you seek are below.

7 Main Tips To Create A Persuasive Speech About Yourself

While writing a speech about you does not appear to be such a complicated task, there are a number of possible issues that you can face, which is why being aware of some efficient writing tips is not a bad idea! Therefore, if you are not sure how to write a speech of this kind, read the tips below and with their help, you will be able to create a perfect speech regardless of a lack of experience or a tight deadline! However, if you feel that you might have difficulties with writing your speech, you can always speech writing service at PapersOwl.

1. Gather information

Find out the most about where to whom and in which circumstances it will be necessary to present an informative speech, everything is important:

• the time of the performance and its timing;
• the place: the meeting room or the hall, the presence of a microphone;
• who is the audience: the number of listeners and speakers.

2. Make a plan

It is important to plan your paper. First, make it easier for you to track the time of the performance, and secondly, it helps you set priorities. Also, when making a plan, move from bigger points to smaller ones. The points should not be too long.

“Speech about me” plan example:

Introduction: The introduction should be short and simple. Start with the greeting and present yourself. State your name and surname, faculty, specialty, and course (if in a university). Add a hook to make it interesting. To make it flawless, look for good self-intro speech ideas.

Basic information part (the most informative part):

• Participation in academic events, contests, and competitions (indicate only those events or works that are relevant to the persuasive speech topics );
• Internships, work experience (indicate the type of work; indicate the place of work and position);
• Participation in public events (social activities within the university, not counting studies);
• Additional education (courses, certificates, training).

Additional information part:

• Knowledge of foreign languages (specify language and level of knowledge);
• Computer skills (list of computer programs that you work with);

Conclusion. Typically about plans for the future and ambitions:

• Continuing education (outline what kind of education you plan to receive after finishing college);
• Employment (you can specify the type and scope of activities in which you would like to work or the name of the positions that you are interested in).

It is important to write my speech well. However, it is only one small step in the whole process, after which you should spend enough time proofreading and editing it, making it as good as possible. Writing a persuasive speech should not take much effort. Make adjustments by reading the text again and again. Ask a friend to read your text or listen. It’s important to have an independent opinion, and maybe he or she will bring some new speech ideas, and you will know how to write a persuasive speech .

4. Keep in mind the details

If you do not know how to give a speech about other person or yourself, and it will be your first experience, you should pay attention to details. Wear clothes should fit the format and be comfortable. This will always make a good impression on the audience, your appearance will conclude a general impression of you, and this is why your appearance should be nice and appropriate. Keep this in mind.

Before the beginning of the speech, outline yourself, pause – pull out the papers, smile, and straighten the microphone. This will set the audience to a dialogue, and you will be given the opportunity to prepare and assess listeners psychologically.

Watch gestures. Sometimes, they speak louder than words. Hands are your helpers, so do not grip them behind your back and do not put them in your pockets, a crossed arm on the chest is evidence of a defensive position or lack of confidence. However, to freeze, like a monument, is also bad as it’s unnatural, so ensure that your movements during the performance are light and accurate, slightly subtle and unobtrusive.

6. Practice

Believe it or not, even public speakers can be nervous before public connection or speaking, but for newcomers. They are distinguished by the fact that they know how to cope with the excitement. The simplest thing you can do is to work through the speech, first read it to yourself, then read it aloud several times in front of a mirror.

7.  Learn by heart

Be sure to ask your family, friends, or colleagues to listen to you. This is an excellent opportunity to practice and learn an engaging monologue with a nice tone that doesn’t sound like you are reading a piece of paper. It is very important to learn speech by heart to make your performance great and look confident when you speak in public.

If you feel lost while writing a speech about yourself, you can always hire an essay writer to help you create a compelling narrative. It is important to remember that you should be honest and confident when writing a speech about yourself. An experienced essay writer can help you create an outline and structure the speech according to your desired goals.

Common Mistakes You Must Avoid At All Cost

Your speech is a similar thing to communication skills in public speaking. Hence, we can see that the same tips should be used, and the same mistakes must be avoided. You may need this for professional connections or even for your best friend. If you are delivering this speech live, make sure to keep eye contact all the time. One of the main points here is to make sure you know what you are doing, and for that, you have to read the basics from above. They can help you more than you can imagine. Anyway, here are the mistakes you have to avoid.

• Not tailoring the speech for your audience An important piece of information here is that you need to tailor the speech for your audience. Is this for your family members or something else? The goal is to optimize your speech for the people who will hear it. Try to understand them more and realize what they need and what they want to hear, and then focus on that from the start. If you are writing about personal development, it is possible that a teacher will read it. Try to put an accent on education and similar elements.
• Using too much data Maybe you are writing about time attending apps, or you think that a rough draft is boring, so you add a lot of data to it. The mistake here is obvious. If you add tons of data to the speech, you will make it boring, and you will end up with a low grade. The goal is to make a speech interesting and not boring.
• Presenting a not inspiring speech The tone for the rest should be slow and casual. But, at the same time, it must be inspiring. One of the main points here is that if your speech can inspire, you are looking at a much better result. Yes, you can use body language here as well. That will make all things even better if you can use it.
• Not making a pause You need to use a research source and also use pauses. These can make a massive difference. They have been known for helping people understand speech better and easier. At the same time, they make the speech sound better and more professional. If you have to read it in front of a class (writing speech for a class), make sure you use pauses.

How To Make Your Autobiographical Speech Excellent?

It is impossible to write a speech about yourself and make it 100% perfect, but who needs it to be perfect? During the performance, anything can happen: the microphone will break, someone will sneeze loudly, or perhaps the lights will go out. Whatever happens, keep yourself calm and appear confused, react with humor and try to somehow beat the situation, so, you show that you completely control what is happening. At the end of the performance, be grateful to the listeners. If you still have any questions about how to write a letter about yourself, just sit and start to write it.

Keep in mind that this self-presentation does not end only in your performance. You present yourself further, answering any questions from teachers or people from the audience, so it is important to be ready for it.

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Example Of A Speech

The content of your speech must be detailed, simple, and straightforward. For this purpose, you need to know a few things. It must have a simple intro, an idea about your future plans, and something from your past. Once you have all of these, audience members and business partners will be impressed. Keep in mind that this is not as simple as it may sound. Hence, we will want to help you even more by providing an example of the speech. The example here will give you an excellent idea of what you should write and how to make the writing process simple but effective.

This is a short speech, but you get an idea of what is needed to include in these creations and what you need to make sure your speech contains. A good idea is not to go with a lot of details and use long sentences and complicated words. Your audience may get bored or may want you to speed things up. It is always a good idea to practice as well and try to create a speech that is ideal for you and can help you get the desired effect.

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

Self Introduction Speech [Topics + Outline Sample]

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

This page deals with self introduction speech topics for classroom or other public speaking events an opportunities in life for a good first impression.

In this article:

Sample Introduction Speech Topics

Sample self introduction speech outline.

Another short manner for introducing yourself is the elevator speech, meant for business purposes.

The key question for successful and effective presenting yourself to others in both occasions is: how much and what information do you want the audience to know about you?

Due to the fact you have to write your talk around one theme, I recommend to develop one aspect of your life. That aspect will tell who you are and what you are about. Some people call this type a one-point preliminary, because it is based on one speaking idea.

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Look at the sample self introduction speech topics and pick out the aspects of your personal life you want to share with the audience. Approach the list below with the who, the what, the whereabouts, for sure the why, the how and when questions. That is an effective way to outline your first thoughts.

• What activity has played or plays an important part in your life? Tell the story and distract the message.
• What is your main personal goal?
• What do you like very much? Your hobby?
• What do you hate or dislike? Your aversions?
• Do you have developed a very special skill?
• What is your lifestyle?
• Can you come up with a turning point or milestone in you life?
• What is your hobby or interest in your spare time?
• What is a pet peeve or another very familiar topic you like to talk about, to do or to discuss?
• Where you are from? Do your roots reveal something about yourself that is new for the audience? That always works in a small nice text for introducing your biggest personal features.
• Is there an object or prop that means a lot to you?
• What distinguishes you from other individuals in class?

Now that you have picked out a central thesis, use this example profiler I have created:

Grab their attention . Immediately bring in your central message and come to the point.

Give some background information . Tell why it is important to you, why you are doing it, why you want to tell them, etcetera.

Now work out your item of discussion in a few sentences. Draw the contours, make it personal.

Give an example .

In conclusion, offer a memorable answer in your self-introduction speech on the question the listeners probably will have when they listen to your public speaking efforts: what’s in it for me? Tell how this aspect of your life makes who you are and what you are. It will be the perfect ending of your spoken presentation.

113 Extemporaneous Speech Topics

147 Unique Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative]

2 thoughts on “Self Introduction Speech [Topics + Outline Sample]”

i think that talking about some people that have influenced you the most really gives good base to your speech and it helps you by writing about things that you are familiar with so if you write about what has inspired you and what you care about you can easily write about anything.

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Writing an elevator pitch about yourself: a how-to plus tips

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Why write an elevator pitch?

When to give an elevator pitch about yourself, how to write an elevator pitch about yourself: 5 steps.

How to deliver an elevator pitch about yourself

Pitch with confidence

Sometimes, you only have 30 seconds to make yourself stand out.

Whether you’re at a networking event, job interview, or career fair, you need to make a good first impression to gain your audience’s interest. Everyone has their own agenda. You must make the most of their time by providing them with all the information they need to understand who you are and what you offer. That’s where a personal elevator pitch comes in.

An elevator pitch, or elevator speech, is a concise explanation of your professional or personal brand. You write and memorize one you can deliver like a speech when the time is right. It usually lasts less than a minute — or about the time it takes to ride an elevator.

Creating and presenting an elevator pitch about yourself forces you to consider your strengths, describe your skills with brevity, and remember why you’re an asset.

Even though it’s a small sample size of you and your ideas, an elevator pitch can leave a lasting impression. It only takes a few milliseconds for someone to judge your character . If you use your time wisely with a well-prepared pitch, you’ll make your mark. 

You can also use an elevator pitch to encourage an emotional response from your audience. As Maya Angelou said , “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Psychology backs this up: emotional memories are often more powerful and long-lasting . If your elevator pitch includes a brief anecdote from your childhood that resonates with your audience, for example, they might remember who you are and what you offer long after the interaction. 

And because you’re meant to pull out an elevator pitch at a moment’s notice and make it concise, crafting one is a great way to learn to efficiently present your thoughts. Creating one can help you develop your writing, editing, and communication skills , among others. You’ll also develop research skills since you should customize every pitch to your audience or the networking event.

Drafting a personal elevator pitch is also an opportune time to affirm your value. If you experience imposter syndrome , or the feeling that you’re not good enough or prepared as well as you should be, brainstorming what makes you or your product valuable convinces you of this as well.

You can treat drafting, practicing, and delivery as a self-affirmation process that reminds you of your worth. Lastly, writing an elevator pitch is a fantastic time to discover any kinks in your business model. If you’re just starting out with a business idea, you can begin the brainstorming process by jotting down a one-minute speech about your offering.

Then, go off of this information to note any shortfalls, risks, and issues with your idea. This will help you develop a more comprehensive and thoughtful business plan to move forward with.

Some pitch-worthy situations are subtle, like when a professional in your industry starts chatting you up at your kid’s favorite park. Others are more obvious, like in an interview when asked , “Tell me about yourself.”

Here are some more settings that are perfect for delivering a pitch about yourself:

• Networking events : The purpose of networking opportunities is to connect with like-minded professionals. Use these events to broaden your circle and share your offering with as many people as possible.
• Job interviews: Typically right at the start, a recruiter or hiring manager will ask you to briefly describe yourself and your career up to that point. They usually want more than a reminder of your cover letter and resume , instead hoping to gain a well-rounded summary of your work ethic , personality, and employee strengths .
• LinkedIn professional summary and messages: Your professional social media presence speaks volumes about who you are and what you’re capable of. Make your LinkedIn profile reflect your offering and differentiators to increase the chance viewers consider you for opportunities.
• Career fairs: A career fair tests your ability to carry small talk and practice your elevator pitch. If you’re trying to land a job, you might consider creating a networking plan to execute at a job fair. To take some pressure off, remember that employers want you to be the one — they're looking for a good match for their organization and hope every person they encounter is it.
• Reunions: Be it a “Class of '09” school get together or a professional dinner for previous colleagues, reunions can be valuable networking opportunities in disguise. You never know what industry your high school best mate ended up in — and whether he might have the resources necessary to help you climb the corporate ladder of your choosing.

Your elevator pitch should be straight to the point, error-free, and compelling enough that they remember you. After reading or hearing about your expertise and offering, they should know precisely the opportunities they ought to keep you in mind for. 

Follow these five steps to craft your personal proposal.

1. Explain who you are

Start by introducing yourself — your name and current profession. Then find a couple key explanatory words to describe yourself further, perhaps altering your word choices to your audience.

If you’re a graphic designer, you might say, “Hey, I’m [name], a graphic designer focusing on search-engine-optimized websites. But really, I love any project that gets the creative juices flowing.” The listener now knows your name, what you do, your specialty, and that you’re a creative individual who might take on any fun project that comes your way. 

2. Explain what you want

Next, get to the point of what you want. If you’re looking for funding for your startup, say so — right off the bat. People appreciate transparency , so being honest puts you in a good light right away. You also can only gain what you ask for, and mentioning your needs immediately ensures you share this information before they lose interest. 

3. Explain what makes you unique

Your unique selling point depends on what you’re selling and could be anything from a great accomplishment, unique product feature you worked to create, or an interesting hobby.

If you’re trying to make a good impression on a coworker, you might express interest in an activity you know they enjoy. And if you’re pitching yourself to a hiring manager, you might note an employee strength that perfectly suits a role they’re hiring for. 

4. Create a call to action (CTA)

A CTA is an action you prompt the reader or listener to take after an interaction. When an email ends with a “Sign up for our newsletter!” button, that’s a CTA. 

In most situations, the best elevator pitches end with a CTA to keep the momentum going and spur engagement from your audience. You might direct them to check out your website or look at a demo you’ve sent. Or you might simply leave them with your contact information, like on a business card, and extend the offer for them to reach out. And you can let them know you’ll follow up to show your proactivity and care. 

But sometimes, like in a job interview, you won’t close a pitch with a CTA. Instead, you can simply leave them on the intriguing note of your unique differentiator.

5. Edit what you’ve written

Editing helps you condense information and ensure only the most important bits remain. Grammar and spelling errors also seem unprofessional so you can make a better impression if your work is error-free. 

If your pitch is verbal, you can still edit the content you memorize, reading it aloud several times to catch sticky areas or confusing sentences.

How to deliver an elevator pitch about yourself 

As Malcolm Gladwell argued, it takes 10,000 hours to perfect any craft . You likely won’t require this much time to write and memorize a great elevator pitch, but practice helps. You’ll feel more confident and comfortable knowing you won’t forget any details.

Here are five tips to help you deliver a fantastic personal pitch. 

1. Speak naturally and articulately 

For verbal pitches, your delivery is just as important as its content. You don’t want to sound like a pushy salesperson — even though you’re selling yourself. And you want them to understand your words well so they catch important information.

If you animate some of the highlights of your speech by adjusting your intonation or adding emotion, they might retain this information more because you’ve increased their engagement. 

When deciding how to deliver a pitch, work on cultivating welcoming body language but respecting their personal space. You should also make eye contact to keep them listening and try to convey a calm and relaxed demeanor to show them your confidence .

2. Tweak your pitches

Make your pitch more effective by customizing it to your audience. This builds rapport and shows you respect their time and aren’t simply delivering a generic speech. Instead, you’ve taken the time to research who they are, their interests, and how you might fit into their plans.

If delivering this pitch during a job interview, use language from the job description to show you’re a great fit. And if introducing yourself at a networking event, include industry-specific achievements those around you might care about.

3. Take it slow

While you have a lot you want to say in 30–60 seconds, don’t rush through your pitch. This makes it difficult for the listener to catch important details (like what you do or offer) and makes you seem nervous. You also want them to become engaged in your pitch — asking questions is the best outcome because this means the conversation can continue and you can provide even more information. 

Slowing down requires practice. Deliver your speech to a trusted friend or coworker and ask for feedback about your speed. Once they approve of a certain pace, figure out how long it takes for you to deliver it that way and practice always reaching that allotted time. 

You can also practice breathing exercises to train yourself to deliver comfortably. Your vocal power, tone, and pace are all connected to your ability to control your breathing and, therefore, your pulse . Breathing exercises also help control anxiety (the jitters) and allow you to focus on what matters — making a good impression.

4. Engage with a question

Ending your speech with a question is a fantastic way to keep the conversation going and show interest in your audience instead of just talking about yourself. You might ask a hiring manager if they could tell you more about the company’s origin story, for example, or a fellow industry professional about what their career path has looked like thus far.

5. Avoid rambling

You’ll typically ramble if you’re nervous or your thoughts are disorganized, and this is especially likely if you haven’t practiced your pitch and feel put on the spot. But rambling means you’ve lost the story’s point — and so will your audience. You’ll likely focus on unimportant details, missing the highlights you need your listener to remember. 

The best way to avoid rambling is to practice your pitch. And if you expect you’ll need to sell yourself on the spot in situations where you can’t prepare, like a large networking event, you can memorize several key points about yourself to make conversing easier.

If you notice yourself rambling, don’t fret — simply return to your point to strengthen this habit and with time, you’ll rarely lose your train of thought.

Expressing who you are and what you offer can be difficult, but doing so reminds you of your worth and ensures others understand the solutions you provide.

When presenting your personal brand, make sure the elevator pitch about yourself is snappy, informative, and memorable. You’ve got a 30-second elevator ride — and hopefully tons of practice — to get your point across.

If possible, rehearse several versions of your speech so you’re prepared for every occasion. You’ll know how to effectively sell yourself to the interested hiring manager and the distracted investor. And you’ll have gained priceless professional growth , like researching your audience and adjusting your body language and tone of voice to the situation.

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Madeline Miles

Madeline is a writer, communicator, and storyteller who is passionate about using words to help drive positive change. She holds a bachelor's in English Creative Writing and Communication Studies and lives in Denver, Colorado. In her spare time, she's usually somewhere outside (preferably in the mountains) — and enjoys poetry and fiction.

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Thinking outside the box: 8 ways to become a creative problem solver, do goal statements actually work find out here, personal branding 101: how to showcase your unique value, positive psychology lessons from an olympic medalist and navy seal, peer vs. colleague learn the difference for smoother sailing, thought leadership: 6 ways to develop and share your unique voice, is personal time off paid how to navigate employer pto plans, books to grow with in 2022, discover your positive personality traits and learn to develop more, make the connection: 10 effective ways to connect with people, use a personal swot analysis to discover your strengths and weaknesses, 10 essential negotiation skills to help you get what you want, 9 elevator pitch examples for making a strong first impression, 6 ways to leverage ai for hyper-personalized corporate learning, the 5 business communication skills worth perfecting, how to introduce yourself in an interview: examples & tips, 3 ways to solve your performance management problems, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

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How to Write a Speech About Yourself

Speeches may be used as spoken communication tools to engage, convey, and inspire your target listeners with your tales, discoveries, and other knowledge. Composing your speech in a customized style may set you apart from the crowd and motivate your audience easily.  There are certain tactics you may adopt to improve the efficacy of your speech, whether it is at a business meeting or a product release. Thus, keep on reading to learn how to write a speech about yourself that your audience would want to listen to. 

What is a Speech About Yourself?

A speech about yourself is also known as an introduction speech. It is a type of oral communication that enables you to present yourself to others in various circumstances. Experts in a variety of sectors utilize inaugural speeches for a variety of purposes, including presenting themselves to a new colleague or delivering a corporate presentation in the presence of departmental bosses.

A successful opening speech may illustrate who you are and describe your narrative. As a result, it helps your audience to connect with you on a more personal level. Besides, introductory speeches about oneself often aid in engaging the audience while establishing credibility.

Moreover, some of the essential benefits of writing a good speech about yourself are:

• Helps you gain the attention of your audience.
• Arouses interest of your audience
• Helps in building credibility and relevance between the speaker and the audience
• Allows share a tale on a personal level

How to Write a Speech About Yourself in 2023

Although preparing a speech about yourself may not seem to be a difficult job, there are a variety of challenges that you may encounter. Therefore, we recommend that you should at least have some effective writing tips and techniques.  If you are unsure about how to write a speech about yourself, follow the instructions below and you will be able to construct a fantastic speech irrespective of your lack of expertise or a strict deadline. 

Step 1: Gather Data

The first step in learning how to write a speech about yourself is to start gathering relevant data. Find out everything you can about where, to whom, and under what conditions you will need to deliver a speech about yourself.

For instance, find out the date and hour of the performance of your speech. Then, look for the location including the conference room or hall. Besides that, do not forget to check the existence of a microphone to make sure it is working properly. In addition to everything, you will also need to know who the target audience is.

Step 2: Make a Plan or Outline

When crafting an opening speech about yourself, preparation is essential. As an illustration, we will provide you with a whole speech outline that concentrates on your own accomplishments not only at work but also at school, college, and university. Moreover, the subject of your speech will vary based on the situation. However, the fundamental structure remains unchanged. 

Introduction

Basically, the introduction of your speech about yourself contains any important information about your own self. This contains your entire name, profession, area of expertise, and, if applicable, college or university. Besides, you can use a hook to attract your audience’s interest in what you are saying.

The body of your speech is the main part of your speech and it is used to inform your listener. If the objective is to convince and display oneself in a positive way through personal accomplishments, the body of your speech should be as simple as feasible. You can begin by discussing the followings:

• Personal accomplishments and experiences
• Professional work experience, work history, and professional accomplishments
• Activism, community service, and charitable donations
• Your academic credentials
• Information about your talents, interests, and any more languages you may know

The last part of your speech should be the conclusion. Here you can choose to write about your future goals, desires, and aspirations.

With that being said, we hope that you have learned what you should include in your speech. Thus, continue reading to learn more about how to write a speech about yourself.

Step 3: Start with an Introduction

Write the beginning section of your speech in a way that grabs your audience’s interest and makes them want to hear more about what you have to say. This step is critical to ensuring that your audience does not become distracted while listening to your speech. 

To create an effective beginning, consider the topic’s relevancy for your audience. Then, instantly inform them of the value or advantages they will receive after listening to your speech. Because all kinds of verbal communication involve a beginning to attract the interest of the audience. Thus, you might begin with an opening line like the following below.

“My grandmother always taught me that stories had the ability to influence masses easily. And I intended to change the world. Thus, I began writing and eventually turned it into a career. I believe my tale can also inspire you and everyone.”

How to Write an Excellent Story – Story Writing From Introduction to Conclusion

Step 4: address the subject of your speech.

After you have successfully captured your audience’s attention and aroused their interest in the subject, it is the best time to discuss the major topic of your speech. In addition to that, also consider talking about the reason for writing and delivering your speech. 

For instance, if you are making an inaugural speech to your staff about business lessons you have learned up until now in your career. Thus, the first thing you do is pick the main issue or subject you want to develop your narrative around. 

Then, consider which components of your work experience you want to offer that will add value and have a good impact on your audience. So, here is an illustration:

“Throughout my early undergrad days, my teachers used to quiz my knowledge and skills by providing me with hard and tough tasks or assignments. Those experiences assisted me in developing critical problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Currently, I employ these essential skills in my work life. Moreover, I have learned that to boost my  chances of overcoming problems and reaching my goals in the business sphere, I approach them with a positive attitude and mentality.”

Step 5: Relat Your Tale to Your Audience

Adding trustworthiness to your speech is an important component of the speech-writing process. Thus, maintain your tone in accordance with your audience’s comprehension by providing relevance. Moreover, establishing oneself as a leader, might assist to communicate positively, pleasantly, and humbly.

As a result, y our audience will respond more positively if your speech is upbeat and optimistic about the future. With that being said, you can use the following example while speaking to your coworkers at a software design training conference:

“I was concerned about my future prior to actually starting my job as a software developer and analyst. I lacked the passion and understanding required to create good software and services. This understanding motivated me to enhance my professional skills. However, I  was determined to educate myself on new talents and abilities. Besides, that perseverance may be seen in all of us here now.”

Step 6: Add Some Relevant Examples

Including case studies in your story might assist to enhance your speech and make it more credible and convincing. People want to see evidence of everything you claim before they can trust and believe you. So, rather than simply presenting instances, it might be beneficial to show them proof.

Thus, consider writing and speaking interactively to allow your audience to participate in your experiences. Besides, you may also add photographs or proof in a PowerPoint presentation to give your message additional weight.

Assume you are the brand ambassador for your clothing line such as any sportswear and you are addressing the public at a fitness marathon.

You would want to share your experience as a marathoner and fitness enthusiast. Rather than telling your story, show photographs of you participating in a marathon or interviews you conducted after the marathon. It might aid in instilling faith and confidence in your tale.

Step 7: Check the Tone and Potential Errors

Once you have finished writing the full speech, review the tone, structure, and faults in your speech to verify that you are conveying your intended meaning as effectively and nicely as possible. 

This exercise also allows you to clean up any structural or grammatical flaws in your speech. Thus, make sure that you proofread and revise the content of your speech to ensure that your message is easily understood by your audience.

Moreover, use simple terms to ensure that your audience knows what you are attempting to express without becoming confused about your goal.

For instance, if you are addressing some freshly recruited employees in an IT business on the long-term advantages of a technical job, we recommend you focus on crafting your speech clearly. So, consider using less technical and scientific phrases to express the same point.

This is crucial to ensure that your audience can connect and participate in your speech.

Speech About Yourself Sample

Here is an example of an inaugural speech for a corporate convocation:

“Good day, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Ali, and I serve as a corporate consultant for a Digital learning business. As a kid, I would sit in a group of children and offer free mentorship services to children my age in order to inspire them for the future. Thinking back on my experience, I can conclude that such group mentoring sessions aided me in realizing my goal of encouraging others. It enabled me to perceive, trust in, and establish myself as a leader. Thus, now I deliver group counseling and consulting to organizations all over the world.

In the business world, consulting is a developing and important domain. I have seen firms develop and thrive with effective consulting. On the other hand, there are organizations that fail due to terrible consulting advice. Thus,  I sought to distinguish between the two by assisting businesses in expanding their footprint in both local and worldwide markets. Moreover, more than academic credentials, self-belief, conviction, and a genuine desire to see businesses flourish enabled me to excel in my industry. Now, I recognize myself in everyone who has come to this gathering.

I used to attend other people’s talks and wonder, ‘What might I gain from their personal experience?’ I know you are in the same situation currently. However, if I were to speak honestly, I would advise you to take my enthusiasm, patience, and tenacity from my narrative and apply it to your own. Since I envision you all in roles of leadership. I am convinced that I will shortly hear your success stories and perseverance. Thank you so much for coming to this event today and enabling me to tell you about my experience.”

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How to Write an Icebreaker Speech

Last Updated: February 1, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 482,486 times.

An icebreaker speech is any kind of speech that introduces yourself to an audience. You can give an icebreaker speech in a lot of different contexts: when you're accepting an award, toasting a couple at their wedding, or making a business pitch. Choosing the topic of your icebreaker, carefully drafting and editing your speech, and practicing it before you give it can help you write a successful icebreaker speech.

Icebreaker Speech Template and Example

Choosing the Topic of Your Icebreaker

• For example, if you're accepting an award, you'll want to introduce yourself to the audience. A chronological account of your life tells your audience where and when you were born, the first memory you can remember, and where you went to college.

• For example, if you're giving your speech at a business meeting, you might want to focus on your most impressive business-related accomplishments.
• If you're giving your speech in an academic setting, you might want to highlight your academic accomplishments, including degrees and certifications.

• For instance, if you are a veterinarian , you might talk about your first pet, your first job caring for animals, your decision to become a veterinarian, your current practice and your current pets.
• This is also a great approach if you're writing a wedding toast. Focus on your friendship with the couple (or just one of them) and how it has influenced your life over time.

• For example, if you're a surgeon , you might talk about your most difficult case and how it led you to pioneer a new technique. If you're a military veteran, you might talk about being in combat and how it changed you.

Drafting Your Icebreaker

• 1 Brainstorm what you want to say. Now that you have an idea of a topic, write down everything you want to include in your speech. Be sure to introduce yourself first. Organize the information chronologically as you plan to say it, then go through and cut out any unnecessary or irrelevant information.

• For example, if you're giving your speech at a business gathering, you could start with a quote from the company's founder.
• If you're giving a wedding toast, it's generally best not to joke—what you think is funny can sometimes come across as mean or embarrassing to the couple getting married.

• For example, if you're giving a speech that focuses on when you became a doctor as a key moment in your life, your first body paragraph might talk about how you liked helping people as a kid, the second paragraph might talk about your decision to go to medical school, and the last paragraph might talk about what it felt the first time someone called you “doctor.”

• For example, if your icebreaker speech has been about how you became a doctor, you could end by saying something like "Little girls who help clean up their friends' 'booboos' on the playground grow up to be doctors. Thank you so much for having me. Have a great day."
• You could also say something like "If you want to be a doctor, remember that there is nothing more important than a passion for helping people and a commitment to hard work."

Preparing for Your Icebreaker

• You don't have to memorize the speech, but it should be clear that you know what's coming next while you're speaking.

Community Q&A

• Don't forget to introduce yourself! This seems like the most obvious thing to include in your speech, but a lot of people forget when they're nervous. Your audience needs to know who you are! Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://virtualspeech.com/blog/tell-story-delivering-presentation
• ↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-publicspeaking/chapter/topical-organization/
• ↑ https://icebreakerideas.com/writing-icebreaker-speech/
• ↑ http://toastmastersd17.org/resource/icebreaker-speeches/

About This Article

To write an icebreaker speech, start by choosing a topic, which could be a chronological account of your life. Then, brainstorm all the points you want to make in your speech, keeping in mind that the speech shouldn't be longer than 4 to 6 minutes. You should begin with an introduction where you introduce yourself to the audience and include a fun quote or joke you can relate to so you grab their attention. Then, write 3-5 body paragraphs based around the theme of your speech. Finish with a 30-second conclusion where you thank the event's organizer and sum up your main theme. For tips on how to prepare to give your icebreaker speech, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Myself Speech - 10 Lines, Short and Long Speech

Myself speech.

A speech about yourself, also known as a personal introduction or self-introduction speech, is a type of speech in which you talk about your own background, experience, skills, interests, and goals. The purpose of this type of speech is to introduce yourself to an audience and give them an understanding of who you are and what you stand for.

10 Lines About Myself

Allow me to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Varsha Patil and I am a 19-year-old aspiring lecturer.

Growing up in a close-knit family has been one of the greatest blessings of my life.

My parents, grandparents, older brother, and I make up a family unit that is overflowing with love, care, and support.

We have a strong bond and spend much of our time together, enjoying meals, vacations, and just being there for each other.

It is these shared experiences and memories that have helped shape me into the person I am today.

I have always had a passion for education and teaching, which is why becoming a lecturer has been my childhood dream.

My love for learning and helping others is what drives me towards this goal.

In my free time, I love to immerse myself in music, watch movies, and engage in creative pursuits such as drawing, cooking, and reading.

My mother is a homemaker and my father is a farmer, and I strive to repay their love and support by working hard and giving them a good life.

Having such a loving family is truly a blessing, and I am grateful for all the joy and love they bring into my life.

Short Speech On Myself

My name is Varsha Patil. I'm an undergraduate student and I'm 19 years old. I live in Maharashtra and I am a second-year B. Com. student. We have six people in our family. My mother works as a homemaker, and my father is a farmer. One of my siblings is older than I am. I consider myself to be a very quiet and shy person. People usually assume from my shy attitude that I am unable to communicate confidently.

However, it is not true because I am very knowledgeable about many various topics. But before I talk, I want to consider the surroundings and the circumstances. I would like to be humble and considerate enough to respond to queries when someone approaches me. I enjoy a variety of things, including listening to music, reading books, and watching movies. I adore reading romantic novels and gripping thrillers.

There are many alternative careers that may be pursued, but Animator & Graphic Designer is the one that interests me the most. I think one should choose the career path according to their interests and passion. An animation course is time-consuming to study. It is quite challenging and calls for a great deal of perseverance and hard work. I have faith that I can overcome these obstacles and achieve my dream.

Long Speech On Myself

Greetings, I'm Varsha Patil, a 19-year-old student who is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree from University Of Mumbai. I'm in my second year of study and call the state of Maharashtra my home.

I'm blessed to be part of a loving family of six, where my father is a farmer and my mother a homemaker. Despite being the youngest, I wear many hats, including being a supportive sister to my siblings, a dutiful daughter to my parents, and a dependable friend to those in my life. My neighbours are good people and are like my family; we communicate well with one another and never fight. We plan picnics during the winter and summer breaks since I adore them so much.

I'm a dreamer who is driven to achieve my goals and make the most of my opportunities. I have a passion for basketball and also enjoy developing my musical skills through piano lessons. Like everyone, I have areas I need to work on, but I am constantly striving to better myself and overcome my flaws. That's a brief snapshot of who I am. I hope it provides you with a clear picture of my character and what I stand for.

My Work Ethic

I excel academically at my college. I take part in all of the college's extracurricular activities and do well. I excel in both intellectual and athletic pursuits. My college has a sizable garden, and a sizable playground offers all the gear needed for athletics. The atmosphere at my college is pleasant, wholesome, and tranquil.I always prefer to finish my work by the deadline. I'm very good at organising my time and upholding discipline in my life. I always do my best to help others and find solutions to their problems. I offer them advice and suggestions when they ask for them whenever they require support and assistance.

I firmly believe in having great dreams and establishing personal objectives. I have a lot of goals and activities I want to do consistently in life. It entails looking after my parents, siblings, and neighbours. The most crucial thing is that I commit to serving others. Nothing is more fulfilling than lending a helpful hand. I must therefore thoroughly educate myself on the things I want to do. In addition, I enjoy learning something new every single day. I focus on acquiring critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, analytical, and communication skills while I'm studying. In addition, I pride myself on being on time and being very punctual.

My Temperament

I am a really happy person because I am very friendly to everyone around me. Spending time with friends makes you feel happier. Additionally, it offers the chance to participate in their life. We all hang out and enjoy excellent meals cooked at home or occasionally out at restaurants. We occasionally take trips or picnics with friends and family. I have the good fortune to go to lovely places and gain new knowledge there.

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3 Minute Self Introduction Speech Examples (5+ Examples)

Whether you’re giving your first speech in front of your class or vying for that promotion, impressing your audience with your self introduction speech can make all the difference in the world. Whether you are writing out your speech ahead of time or winging it on the spot, these three-minute self-introduction speech examples will give you great ideas to stand out from the crowd and leave a lasting impression.

How to write 3 Minute Self Introduction Speech Examples?

This is how to craft a 3 Minute Self Introduction Speech that shows why you are qualified for the job or position you seek while engaging your audience simultaneously.

1. Write the script with a handful of ideas to introduce yourself.

Remember that you’re not writing a speech. You’re writing an introduction. And the goal is to get the person on your side, not make them feel like they’ve been hit with a brick.

To write a speech and make it sound natural, you must consider how people introduce themselves in real life. They don’t sit down and think, “I’m going to give this speech,” they start talking, and then they keep talking until they run out of things to say.

And even if you find yourself with a lot of things to say, there’s no reason you can’t put them into three minutes or less. As long as it’s something that makes sense, it doesn’t matter if it’s long or short.

2. Start with a greeting and your name.

Start with a greeting and your name. This is important because it helps you get your audience’s attention and allows them to be more interested in what you have to say.

Then, use the most important words from your speech outline to introduce yourself and talk about what you’re passionate about. Remember to keep it short and sweet!

3. Add your educational background.

If you’re like me, you may have started your career in education.

Add your educational background. If you graduated from a university or college, mention it in the introduction. You can also use your educational background to help explain how you became interested in becoming a speechwriter.

For example, if you were a student at a school like Johns Hopkins University, which is known for its strong writing program and has been ranked as one of the top 5 colleges for writers by The Princeton Review, mention that fact in your introduction.

If you attended an Ivy League institution, use it as part of your introduction. This will make people think you are intelligent but not necessarily impressive (since most Ivy League graduates have impressive resumes).

You can also use your degree to show that you have experience with specific topics: if you majored in English and minored in creative writing, mention this fact in the introduction so that people know that this interests you.

4. Your current position should be next in the introduction speech outline.

Your current position should be next in the introduction speech outline. This is where you will explain why you have chosen this particular job. You can also talk about how it fits into your career goals, what skills and experiences are needed for the job, and any other relevant information that might help a hiring manager understand your qualifications.

If you are not currently employed, then use this opportunity to create a list of all your skills and interests and any accomplishments or projects you’ve undertaken in the past. This will help show how you can fit in with other employees at your new company.

This is where you will explain why you have chosen this particular job. You can also talk about how it fits into your career goals, what skills and experiences are needed for the job, and any other relevant information that might help a hiring manager understand your qualifications.

5. Include brief information about your family.

Your family is probably the essential thing in your life. Include brief information about your family in your self introduction speech. If you are a parent, tell them how proud you are of their achievements and how much you love them. If you are not a parent, tell the audience about your siblings or cousins and how they mean the world to you.

6. Mention anything about your hobbies or interest that make you unique.

Mention anything about your hobbies or interest that make you unique. This can be anything from a particular sport you play to your favorite TV series. It’s important to mention something that makes you stand out from the crowd, but it’s also important not to go too far off-topic. Suppose you don’t have any hobbies or interests. In that case, it’s best to focus on what makes you unique as a person instead of listing everything about yourself.

Make sure you correct all of your facts in the introduction speech. Make sure everything is accurate, including your years of experience, where you live, and who your parents are. Do not leave anything out!

7. Wrap it up by telling something about your plans and aspirations.

Wrap it up by telling something about your plans and aspirations. You may want to mention that you are looking for a job in the same field or industry as the company, or you may plan to move on to a different one.

Finally, you can take a final moment of reflection and thank the audience for listening.

Takeaway:  It takes practice to write a healthy polished introduction speech, but it will be well worth the effort when you are finished!

• How To Introduce Yourself In Zoom Interview? (With 3 Examples)
• 5+ Examples of Self Introduction For Blog

You can check the video to learn more about it.

3 Minute Self Introduction Speech Examples

Example 1: 

Hi, I’m [name], and I’m going to talk about what I do for a living.

I’m a [type of business/job]. Many people have told me they love doing what I do. It makes them feel better when they’re sad or stressed out and gives them hope when things are tough.

I work with [people]. They come from all different backgrounds, but they all have one thing in common: they want to be successful. And by being successful, I mean successful! They want to make a lot of money and live in a big house with their family somewhere beautiful.

They are amazed when I tell my clients that this is what I do (and how much money we can make together). They always say something like, “That’s not possible!” But then, when we start working together, they see how much money they can make and get excited about the possibilities. Do you see? That’s why people hire me—because there’s no limit!

Example 2: 

Hey, I’m [name], and I’m here to help you build your brand.

My name is [name], and I’m going to be talking to you today about how you can use the power of social media to build your business.

Social media can feel like a minefield, but don’t worry! I’ve got some great tips for using it effectively and getting the most out of it.

I’ll also share with you some tools that make it easy for businesses to create content without worrying about writing or editing—it’s as simple as drag-and-drop!

If you’re ready, let’s get started!

• How To Introduce Yourself In College Class?( With 5+ Examples)
• 5+ Examples of Self Introduction For Work

Example 3: 

Hi, I’m [name], and I’m an [job] at [company].

I started in the field as a [category 1] and then transitioned to [category 2] while still working in that role. Now, I’m working as a [category 3] at [company], where I’m doing what I love most: learning new things every day.

I enjoy working with people, which is why I love my job. I also love coming to work daily—you never know what you’ll get!

Example 4: 

Hi! I’m [name]. I’m so excited to be here today, and I hope you are too.

I’ve been a freelance writer for over five years, but this is my first time speaking at an event like this. It’s so exciting to me!

I write about many different things, including fitness and nutrition—and even though it sounds boring, I think it’s pretty cool that we can learn things from each other.

A few years ago, I was working on a project about teens’ healthy eating habits, and one of my friends recommended that I try writing for [company name]. I just loved creating content that helps people make better choices, especially ones that aren’t flashy or expensive (like gym memberships). And once I started working with them, they helped me grow as a writer by giving me opportunities to write about topics like how to eat healthy while traveling abroad or what’s good for your skin when you live in a city with air pollution is high.

It’s been a fantastic journey so far! If you have any questions about our services or would like to schedule an interview with one of our writers, please feel free.

Example 5: 

Hi, my name is [name] and I am a [job title] at [company].

I’m a [age] year old, single mom of two amazing kids who are now getting ready to go to college.

I have been working at this company for three years now and love every minute of it.

My job is fascinating because it involves helping others succeed in their careers, whether they are looking for a new job or just starting on their own.

I love to travel, especially visiting other countries like England!

The Verdict: 3 Minute Self Introduction Speech Examples

We hope you found the speech examples in this article helpful. They’re certainly intended for your entertainment. Hopefully, they’ve helped you see how simple it is to develop a self-introduction of your own. But whether or not you want to put on a slide show as Mike did, you can still achieve that same personal touch with the self-introductions you give next week.

Just ask yourself how you want to influence those around you and what kind of image you want to project. And above all else: have fun!

Hi, I a Usmaan Ali, a content writer. I’ve always been passionate about writing and blogging. I hope you enjoy my blog posts as much as I enjoy writing it!

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3 Minute Self Introduction Speech Examples: Make an Impact

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Delivering a self-introduction speech can be a powerful tool when making a lasting first impression. Whether meeting new colleagues at a networking event or introducing yourself to a new team, a well-crafted self-introduction can help you establish credibility, connect with your audience, and leave a lasting impact.

This article will explore the importance of a self-introduction speech and provide 3 minute self introduction speech examples to help you craft your own. Following our tips and guidance can make a memorable impression on your audience.

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Key Takeaways:

• A self-introduction speech can help you establish credibility and connect with your audience.
• A successful self-introduction speech follows a specific format, including the opening, body, and closing.
• Incorporating personal stories, highlighting achievements and expertise, and conveying your goals and passions can make your self-introduction speech engaging.
• Polishing your delivery and presentation skills can ensure your message resonates with your audience.

3 Minute Self Introduction Speech Example

In a three-minute introduction, you have the opportunity to delve deeper into your narrative, showcasing your personality and achievements in a manner that fosters a memorable connection. Here’s an example that strikes a balance between professionalism and personal connection:

A Strong Opening

“Hello and warm greetings to everyone here. My name is [Your Name], and in these next few minutes, I hope to take you on a brief journey through my professional landscape, sharing the milestones that have significantly shaped my career and aspirations.”

Laying the Foundation

“I began my academic career at [Your University], where I pursued a degree in [Your Field of Study]. My time there was not just about gaining knowledge; it was about challenging the status quo. I was involved in [Projects/Research], which ignited my passion for [Industry/Field of Interest].”

Professional Growth

“After graduating, I stepped into the world of [Your Industry/Field], starting at [Your First Job] and eventually finding my way to [Current Position and Company]. Along this path, I’ve embraced roles that demanded [Skill #1] and [Skill #2], each position offering a unique set of challenges and learnings.

Sharing Success Stories

“One of my proudest achievements to date has been [Describe a Significant Achievement or Project], which not only impacted our [Client/Customer/User] base by [Result of Project], but it also taught me valuable lessons in leadership and innovation.

Personal Insights

“While my professional life has been a whirlwind of excitement and challenges, I also find joy in [Personal Interests]. Whether it’s [Hobby #1] or [Hobby #2], these activities keep me grounded and have honed skills that I often draw upon in my professional life, such as [Skill or Trait].”

Vision for the Future

“As I look to the future, I am driven by a vision to [Your Professional Aspiration], aspiring to contribute to [Field/Industry/Society] in meaningful ways. The road ahead is full of possibilities, and I am eager to collaborate with others who share this vision.”

Call to Engage

“I am here today because I believe in the power of connection and the incredible outcomes that can arise when like-minded individuals come together. I look forward to exchanging ideas and exploring how we can make a collective impact.”

Grateful Acknowledgment

“To conclude, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this opportunity to introduce myself. I’m enthusiastic about the potential conversations and partnerships that may emerge from this gathering. Thank you for your attention, and I hope to speak with many of you afterward!”

Understanding the Purpose of a Self-Introduction Speech

Before we dive into more examples of effective self-introduction speeches, let’s discuss why this presentation skill is crucial. A self-introduction speech establishes credibility, connects with your audience, and creates a memorable first impression. When done correctly, it can help you win over an audience and set the tone for the rest of your presentation.

Key Components of a Self-Introduction Speech

A well-structured self-introduction speech can captivate your audience and leave a lasting impression. A successful self-introduction speech typically consists of three key components: the opening, body, and closing. Here’s a breakdown of each:

Following this basic format, you can create an effective and engaging self-introduction speech to impress your audience. In the following sections, we will explore each component in more detail and provide tips on maximizing your self-introduction speech .

Crafting a Memorable Opening

The opening of your self-introduction speech is your chance to capture your audience’s attention and establish a connection. A strong opening sets the tone for your entire presentation and can make a lasting impression on your listeners.

Using a Quote

One way to start your self-introduction speech is by using a memorable quote. The quote should relate to your topic or personal story and be brief but impactful. For example:

“As Maya Angelou once said, ‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'” This quote encapsulates my belief that it’s not just about what we achieve, but how we impact the lives of those around us. My name is [Name], and I’m excited to share my story with you today.”

Asking a Rhetorical Question

Another way to start your self-introduction speech is by asking a rhetorical question. This can pique your audience’s interest and get them thinking about your topic. For example:

“Have you ever experienced something that completely changed your life? That’s what happened to me last year when I…” Starting with a rhetorical question can make your audience feel like they are part of the presentation and make them more engaged in your story.

Sharing a Personal Anecdote

You can also start your self-introduction speech by sharing a personal anecdote. This can make you more relatable to your audience and establish a connection. For example:

“I remember the first time I walked into a courtroom. I was intimidated, nervous, and unsure of myself. But then I took a deep breath and reminded myself of all the hard work I had put in to get there. Hi, my name is [Name], and I’m a lawyer who’s passionate about helping others overcome their fears and achieve their goals.”

Remember, the opening of your self-introduction speech should be short, memorable, and relevant to your topic. Use one of these techniques or devise a creative way to start your speech on a strong note.

Engaging the Audience with Your Personal Story

Sharing your personal story can be one of the most effective ways to hook your audience and make a lasting impression. By revealing your experiences and challenges, you can connect with your listeners on a deeper level, making your self-introduction speech more relatable and engaging.

One way to incorporate your personal story is by using anecdotes or specific events that have shaped who you are today. For example, you could share a story about overcoming a difficult obstacle or achieving a significant milestone. This not only showcases your achievements but also highlights your resilience and determination.

Another approach is using humor to lighten the mood and entertain your audience. Sharing a funny or embarrassing story can help break the ice and make your speech more memorable. Ensure the story is appropriate and doesn’t detract from your overall message.

Highlighting Your Achievements and Expertise

One effective way to capture your audience’s attention during your self-introduction speech is by highlighting your achievements and expertise. This establishes credibility and demonstrates why you are the right person for the job or opportunity.

When discussing your achievements, focus on those relevant to the topic or situation. For example, if you’re introducing yourself at a networking event for entrepreneurs, highlight any successful businesses you’ve started or projects you’ve launched. It’s also important to keep your tone humble and avoid appearing arrogant or boastful.

As for showcasing your expertise, highlight your relevant skills and experiences. For example, if you’re a marketing professional, discuss any successful campaigns you’ve led or any innovative strategies you’ve implemented. This can help demonstrate your value and expertise in the field.

Conveying Your Goals and Passions

An effective self-introduction speech should provide your audience with your background and accomplishments and convey your passions and goals. Sharing your aspirations with your listeners can inspire and deepen their connection with you.

When incorporating your goals and passions into your self-introduction speech, it’s essential to be authentic and passionate. Enthusiasm is contagious, and your audience will be more likely to engage with you if they can feel your passion.

Consider sharing a personal story highlighting your field interest or commitment to a particular cause. This can help establish your credibility and make you more relatable to your audience.

Wrapping Up with a Strong Conclusion

Now that you have crafted an engaging and effective self-introduction speech , it’s important to wrap up with a strong conclusion. Your conclusion should leave a lasting impression on your audience and encourage them to remember you.

To conclude your speech, summarize the key points you have discussed and reiterate your main message. You can also share a memorable quote or personal anecdote that ties in with your overall theme. Consider incorporating a call to action, such as inviting your audience to connect with you on social media or to continue the conversation after the presentation.

Remember to emphasize the importance of your topic and show gratitude for your audience’s attention. End your speech with a confident and enthusiastic tone, leaving your audience inspired by your words.

Polishing Your Delivery and Presentation Skills

Delivering a successful self-introduction speech requires excellent content and effective delivery. Here are some tips to help you polish your presentation skills:

Crafting a self-introduction speech can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following the key components outlined here and practicing your delivery skills, you can create a powerful and memorable introduction that will leave a lasting impact on your audience.

Remember to personalize your speech and highlight your achievements, expertise, goals, and passions. Incorporate storytelling techniques and hook your audience from the start. Conclude your speech with confidence and leave your listeners inspired.

Whether you’re delivering a self-introduction speech for a job interview, a networking event, or simply to introduce yourself to a new group of people, these tips and examples will help you make a positive and influential first impression. Good luck!

How do you introduce yourself in 3 minutes?

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How To Talk About Yourself (+ 12 Good Things To Say)

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“So, tell me about yourself…”

Is there a more dreaded question out there?

Other than your grandparents repeatedly asking if you’ve met anyone nice, that is!

It can be really hard to talk about yourself without accidentally sounding pretentious or arrogant, but you also don’t want to do yourself down.

Whether you’re in a job interview, on a first date, or meeting new people at a party, we’ve got some tips on how to master the ‘humble brag’…

1. Keep it short and snappy.

Interesting as you probably are, nobody expects an essay as a response.

While people are genuinely keen to find out more about you, they want to know the concise version of your personality… to start with, at least.

In an interview, for example, your answers should be snappy and to the point – most potential employers want to know that you can condense information down to the most important bits.

If you’re meeting new people, conversations tend to follow a certain pattern. Although there is so much more going on in your life, people generally want to know what your job is within three seconds of meeting you.

We know, we know – our jobs don’t define us, but they do help others make snap judgements, and that’s what a lot of introductory conversations are about.

By responding relatively speedily in this kind of situation, you’ll be able to identify a potential bond early on.

You can ask questions too, of course, meaning you’ve got a fast-track ticket to finding out a lot about each other in a short space of time.

After a few minutes of back-and-forth, you’ll both know if you want to carry on the conversation and get into more detail.

Think of it like speed-dating – you give lots of short, punchy titbits early on to interest and engage each other, and then decide whether to get a second drink and divulge more information.

Example – on a first date, mention where you live, what your job is, and one of your hobbies. These three punchy statements will probably answer the next few questions the other person had, and you’ll be on the way to establishing some common ground.

2. Be honest – you’ll appreciate this later, trust us!

There is no point lying or embellishing your interests or achievements.

Take our word for it.

From personal experience, there is nothing more excruciatingly painful than having your brand new boss ask about something you pretended to be really interested it…

…the results of last night’s game? Not a clue, but they’ll assume you know as you were so passionate about it in your interview.

Equally, saying that you can speak a foreign language when you can’t may look impressive on a CV, but will look pretty silly in a meeting when you struggle to remember your GCSE Spanish. Not a great move!

Remember that episode of Friends where Joey says he can speak French and tap dance? Didn’t work out so well. If you can down a gallon of milk in under a minute, though, go for it…

This works with friendships and relationships, too. It might feel good to agree with someone on a certain hobby or job role, but, by pretending, you’re putting yourself in a dangerous situation.

You’ll become so worried about slipping up and revealing that you told a white lie that you’ll stop enjoying any interactions with that person.

Try to remember that you’re great as you are and that you can be honest about what you do, as well as what you don’t do.

There’s nothing wrong with not agreeing with someone, and not every hobby is going to be shared. If you’re not interested in the same initial thing, keep going and find a different, common ground. There’ll be one in there somewhere!

Example – reveal a secret, interesting fact about yourself or just go for something genuine, like being able to speak a foreign language or touch-type. It might not seem thrilling to you, but it might just spark a great conversation.

3. Engage and respond (appropriately!)

If someone has mentioned that they enjoy something you also enjoy, this is a really easy way to talk about yourself without bragging.

It will help you engage the person you’re speaking with, they’ll be able to relate to you more, and the conversation will feel much more natural.

On a first date, for example, finding common ground can be a huge relief compared to those stretches of awkward silence.

By sharing your passion for something, you’ll appear way more ‘human’ and are likely to have a genuine connection.

If you’re in an interview, it’s always great for the employer to feel like they’d actually get on with you on a day-to-day basis.

We’re all capable of being professional when we need to, so the human touch is really important and shows that you’re an authentic, interesting person that they’ll actually talk to.

By responding and interacting more, you open yourself up as a person and come across as genuine, which can only ever be a good thing.

Make sure you’re appropriate in an interview, of course. Going out and drinking every weekend may be a hobby of yours, and of theirs(!), but you don’t need to bring that up.

Focus on your love of the French language, passion for rock-climbing, or weekly trip to the local library. Much safer.

Example – tell them that you also love going to farmers’ markets at the weekend and start a conversation about one you’ve been to locally. Who knows, you might even end up going to one together some day…

4. Be confident – or pretend to be!

You know yourself better than anyone, and you’re in a great position to present yourself in the best possible light.

Whether it’s an interview or a date, you’re starting with a blank slate, which means that all anyone will know about you is what you tell them and how you tell it.

Being confident is a challenge for a lot of people. Try to remind yourself that whoever you’re talking to doesn’t know you, so they won’t know that you’re actually shy and hate speaking to strangers.

If you pretend to be confident, they’ll just assume that you are. We know it’s not quite that easy, which is why we’d suggest that practice makes perfect.

Your loved ones will always be there to offer support, so why not run through a few mock interviews with them? The more you become used to talking about yourself in this way, the more genuine confidence will build up. It feels quite silly at first, but it’ll really pay off.

This whole article is about helping you feel comfortable and confident in talking about yourself. The fact that we’ve written it shows just how much of an issue it can be for a lot of us, so try to take comfort in the fact that you’re not alone.

Like we said – fake it till you make it. You’ll be surprised by how quickly you’ll settle into your new role as an outgoing individual and while it may not become second nature, you’ll be able to pull it off when required.

Example – don’t hold back, be bold with what you’re saying. Your loved ones are interested when you talk because they know you – those who don’t are interested because they want to know you, so try to remember that.

5. Accept potential judgement.

We’d love to tell you that nobody is judging you, but it may not be true. What we will tell you, however, is that it doesn’t matter.

Sure, people will make snap judgements , but there is no point in worrying what they might be. You just need to accept that this will happen and remind yourself that it’s not always a negative thing.

A snap judgement could be, “Wow, firm handshake!” or, “Oh okay, I love playing tennis as well, that’s great” – it doesn’t always need to be what the voice in your head is suggesting.

If you focus too much on what people may or may not be thinking, you’ll completely lose yourself and you’ll forget how to just be you .

Remember that whoever you’re talking to wants to find out more about you, whether it’s for a job or as a new friend. If they judge and they don’t like you , it’s just not the right match.

Remember that whatever happens, you’ll be fine – if you don’t get a job offer from that boss you felt was judging you, it’s for the best. Would you really want to work for someone who you felt was constantly looking down on you?

The guy you had a date with might have thought your hobbies were lame, so you’ve had a lucky escape by avoiding a second date. Things would never really work out if you have such differing opinions on things that matter so much to you.

If you try to start new interactions with this mindset, you’ll worry so much less about the outcome and be able to focus on just being your wonderful self. Odds are, everything will work out much better in the end anyway.

Example – say what you want and ignore your own anxiety around what others might think .

6. Prepare something in advance.

If you’re feeling nervous about any new interactions, planning is one of the best ways to eradicate those anxieties.

Write down a list of things of things you do at the moment – run through your daily routine and your weekend activities over the past few months. Think about the things you do and the things that you enjoy, and remember that these can be very different!

If you’re struggling, ask your loved ones what they think of when they think of you. This might help trigger some memories of what you’ve been up to. It can be really hard to remember our hobbies when we’re put on the spot, and recalling what we had for breakfast is hard enough some days!

Make another list of things you’d like to be doing with your life. This is probably quite different to what most of us actually do.

Talking about yourself doesn’t just need to be arbitrary facts about your everyday life. Someone’s future plans and interests can be really engaging, and it’s always nice to hear about the direction people are trying to steer their lives in.

Mentioning that you want to up and travel the world isn’t the best thing to say in a job interview, but it’ll spark off a great conversation with a date or new friend.

Talk about your wishes to join a dance club or start swimming again. These kinds of things might not be that interesting to you because you’re not actually doing them yet, but they’ll help give people more of an impression of your personality.

Someone who introduces themselves as a banker might not seem instantly fascinating, but their future goal to skydive across Australia? Pretty cool and definitely conversation-worthy.

By preparing yourself for this type of question, you’ll go into social situations feeling much more confident.

Example – mention what you did a few weekends ago – they don’t need to know that you’ve been planning your answer since then! You can talk about future plans, too, and run through a list you’ve already made of your life goals.

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7. Reverse the question.

If you feel like you need a few minutes to regroup after this kind of question, give a little bit of information and then put the question back to them.

It won’t come across as ‘weak’ and they won’t know that you’re partially doing it to deflect attention. You’ll come across as invested and genuinely interested in whatever the situation is.

If you’re on a date or meeting someone new, the other person will feel flattered that you’re paying them attention and seem to really care. You’ll also find out some new information about that person, which is always exciting.

In an interview, you’re allowed to ask questions! Just because you’re the one in the hot seat, doesn’t mean you can’t reverse the system and ask a few questions.

Make sure they’re relevant and appropriate (don’t ask about the salary!), but try to feel comfortable exploring a bit more. You’re more than entitled to ask more about the role, or about whoever your departmental manager will be.

Show that you’ve done your research by asking what the interviewer’s reaction to X or Y was – they’ll be impressed that you’re aware of what’s going on in their work-world and will appreciate the opportunity to bond.

It also shows that you’re interesting, switched on and want to be engaged in the business.

Example – ask them what they’re expecting from you as an employee or how they find working in the team.

8. Don’t be scared of talking yourself up…

There’s nothing wrong with being proud of yourself and your achievements.

Be careful with how you’re wording this kind of thing (we’ll go into that next!), but don’t feel as though you can’t celebrate yourself and your achievements.

In an interview, it’s good to talk about positive impacts you’ve had on businesses in the past. You’ll probably have written your achievements on your CV anyway; this is just giving you the opportunity to go into more detail and add a personality to the words.

If you’re meeting a new friend or potential date, it’s always good to be confident. Don’t be arrogant, of course, but feel free to talk positively about yourself. Stories are always so much more interesting when the person telling them is genuinely interested in what they’re saying!

Talk about the things you enjoy with passion – it will say a lot about you. Speak with pride about the things you’ve accomplished, as this shows that you have respect for yourself and understand your worth.

That’s such an important quality in many ways. People who shy away from celebrating their own successes may appear very insecure or unsure – this is obviously fine, but it may not be an accurate representation of your personality.

Try to work on speaking openly about the things you’re good at – you can practice on your loved ones as you know that they’ll be supportive of you and join in with talking you up!

Example – don’t hold back from opening up about some interesting and exciting things you’ve done. Interviews are a space for you to talk about your accomplishments so don’t shy away from talking about your successful moments!

9. …But don’t talk yourself up too much!

Making yourself sound like a great person (which you obviously are!) is absolutely fine. Going overboard and coming across as a bit brash? Not so great.

There’s a fine line between pride and arrogance, and we’ve got some tips on how to stay on the right side of that line.

If you’re in an interview, talking about your accomplishments is key. It’s really important to talk about times you’ve worked and performed really well, but make sure you’re telling the full story.

One of your biggest achievements may have been when you were working as part of a team. Don’t discredit this as an example just because it doesn’t reference you doing something alone! Doing things incredibly well while working alongside others is still doing things incredibly well.

Reference your co-workers where needed – taking solo credit for a group effort could very easily blow up in your face later on if it’s discovered that the work you did involved other people.

Being able to recognize your own efforts as well as your ability to work with others is great and employers really like hearing that people are versatile.

This may actually make you feel more comfortable in talking about yourself as well – you can reference your contributions within a team, so there’s less pressure to just talk solidly about yourself.

If you’re on a date or meeting new people, staying a little bit humble is probably a good idea, at least to start with.

Imagine how you’d feel if you met someone new and all they spoke about was how brilliant they are, how good at their job they are, and the expensive car they just bought themselves.

By all means, as we’ve suggested, be confident when sharing things about yourself, but remember that conversations go both ways.

Keep the other person involved by inviting opinion and asking questions back, not just talking yourself up the whole time!

You’ll find this kind of thing much easier the more you talk to new people, don’t worry – it’s not as tricky as it sounds.

Example – mention the team you’ve been working within when talking about work successes. This shows that you’re not selfish when it comes to taking credit for hard work, but that you also have self-respect and understand the importance of your contributions.

10. Keep it casual.

Even if you’ve planned out what you’re going to say to the nth degree, try to act casual.

It’s great that you’re prepared, but people may find it a bit strange if you seem to be reading from a mental script.

Going over what you want to say is great, as we’ve mentioned, but try to keep things loose and casual when you speak.

By the time your interaction (interview, date, party etc.) comes up, you’ll have been over your ideas so many times that they’ll feel like second nature. This means that you’ll know your ‘topic’ inside and out and the words will just flow.

Trust that this will happen and try to relax. If you’re already a naturally nervous person , this can be really tricky. Remind yourself that you’ve rehearsed, as it were, and you’re now ready to ad-lib based on your knowledge.

People will understand if you take a few moments to respond to a question, especially a big meaty one like this!

Interviewers will actually be expecting you to take a pause here. They’ll want you to be prepared but they won’t want it to feel thoroughly choreographed. Take it slowly, breathe and try and be as natural as you can.

Example – write yourself a script if you need to, then convert it to flashcards. That way, you’ll learn the key points rather than the order of words in a sentence. This will help you talk naturally and you’ll remember the prompts rather than reciting what you planned word for word!

11. Back yourself up.

If you’re going to an interview, some props can really work in your favor. Portfolios can be fantastic for a lot of jobs and statistics are a great way to back up what you’re saying about yourself.

If you’re talking about the clients you converted to sponsors, or the extra sales you achieved by working with another company, bring the figures to explain it.

Talking about yourself in this kind of sense can be quite tricky – no matter how convincing you are, a lot of people want to see some evidence to back it up. Saying that you’ve done things is a good start, but being able to prove it on paper (or laptop!) really packs a punch.

Make sure you’re fully prepared going into this kind of thing. You don’t want to give a presentation, but you do want to ensure you’ve got the right documents with you and that you’re on the right track.

Think of the best way to present your data and tailor that to the company you’re interviewing with. If you’re applying for a creative role, reflect that aspect of the job in your documents. If it’s more of a straight-laced company, go old-fashioned and show off a pie chart or graph.

Go over things with someone you trust before you go into the interview. They’ll be able to sense-check what you’re doing and point out any glaring errors you’re making.

They’ll give you a confidence boost and help you figure out the order you should present things in. The rest is down to you.

Example – your involvement in a company’s marketing campaign increased sales by X%, so show that off with a pie chart or, if it’s appropriate, creative infographic.

12. Be consistent.

This mainly applies to job interviews – keep what you’re saying relevant to your CV.

If you randomly remember something in your interview that you didn’t put on your CV, bringing it up is fine! But try to stick to what you’ve already submitted.

The interviewer was impressed enough with your CV to take you to interview, so they’ll want to hear more about what they’ve read there.

Run through your CV again a few times before any interview. This will remind you of the things that are on there and can help you remember why you included them.

Recalling dates can be tricky at times, especially when you’re feeling stressed or nervous. Being inconsistent with this type of thing will really stand out, however, and the panic you’ll then feel will be horrible.

If someone questions something on your CV, try to stay calm and run back through your mental notes. If you’re really stuck, try to make a joke about it or ask a question in return, like “Sorry, what do you mean by that?” or something to buy you time and help you clarify what it is you should be saying!

This really links in to everything we’ve been saying above and ties it all together. Be honest and you’ll be able to stick to the same story – because it’s true!

By planning beforehand, you’ll know exactly what you want to talk about and you’ll be talking the interviewer through your CV, essentially.

If the interaction is more casual, with a date or new friend, this still applies…

…you’ll instantly appear trustworthy if you’re consistent. People who are all over the place can come across as flaky or slightly suspicious.

We’re not saying that you have to stick to just one topic of conversation, however. Talk about yourself and the various things you’ve done with your life, but stay consistent to yourself.

Example – if you’ve written that you worked at your last job from 2013 – 2017, make sure this is what you’re saying. As soon as you deviate from something you previously wrote/ said, you give the interviewer a chance to doubt you.

So, now that we’ve run through these easy ways to talk about yourself, there’s just one thing left to do – practice!

You can read about it as much as humanly possible, but the steps aren’t going to make real sense unless you start putting them into motion.

Talking about yourself can feel very intimidating at first, even though you know yourself better than anyone else. The more you’re exposed to these types of interactions, the sooner you’ll find a way that works best for you so that can feel truly comfortable and confident.

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About The Author

Lucy is a travel and wellness writer currently based in Gili Air, a tiny Indonesian island. After over a year of traveling, she’s settled in paradise and spends her days wandering around barefoot, practicing yoga and exploring new ways to work on her wellbeing.

5 Minute Self Introduction Speech

5 minute self introduction speech generator.

What can you do within five minutes? You can do several things for sure, and one of those is giving a 5-minute self-introduction speech. Public speaking, especially a timed one, is overwhelming. What should I say? What are the things I should or should not share? Those questions might be running to your mind right now. Learn the answers to these questions by reading this article. 

4+ 5 Minute Self Introduction Speech Examples

 1. 5 minute self introduction speech template.

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2. Sample 5 Minute Self Introduction Speech

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3. Basic 5 Minute Leader Speech

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4. Public Communication Speech

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What Is a 5 Minute Self Introduction Speech?

As stated in the name, a 5-minute self-introduction speech is an informative speech about yourself with a time limit of five minutes. In this duration, you can talk freely about yourself. You can share facts about your strengths and weaknesses. Your hobbies, your accomplishments, and your future goals are also a good addition. You can include everything appropriate for the occasion or context. 

How to Compose a 5 Minute Self Introduction Speech

Whether you are a student given the assignment of introducing yourself during the beginning of the school year, or a newly hired employee assigned to do the same in your office, your speech will always be one the people will remember about you. To avoid them seeing you in a bad light, write your self-introduction speech in advance. 

1. Create Your Speech Outline

Before devising a proper introduction or body of your speech, create an outline first. This step is essential for structuring your thoughts. In this outline, you would write down the personal information or the stories you want to share. Decide which part of the speech the information would be appropriate to share. If you do not know how to create one, there are sample blank outline templates on the internet. 

2. Write an Engaging Introduction

Introductions, from essay writing to speech writing , are always an essential part. Considering that it would be the first thing you listeners will hear, it will also be where they would judge whether to listen to you attentively or not. To capture their attention as early as the start of your speech, make your hook compelling. Do not forget to include your greeting and saying your name as a part of your introduction.

3. Construct the Body of Your Speech

In introducing yourself, avoid enumerating irrelevant facts about yourself like a robot. Before the date of your speech, conduct an audience analysis . Doing this would help you determine what appropriate information or stories you can tell to fit the situation. If you are doing it in front of professionals, you should include things that would sell yourself. On a more casual occasion, such as in a classroom, you can share a fascinating story in the body of your speech. 

4. Record Yourself

After writing your speech, record yourself while doing it. If it ends up lasting longer than 5 minutes, then you should revise and trim it down a little. This action will also serve as a practice to get your tongue familiar with your speech and avoid stuttering. It is better to deliver an extemporaneous speech than to read a manuscript. Avoid looking down at your script too much. You should prepare index cards and glance at them casually. 

What is an elevator pitch?

Elevator pitch or sometimes called an elevator speech mostly lasts for 30 seconds. Within that short time, the speaker should explain a concept or an idea or introduce something that should be comprehensive to the audience. People give this type of speech in introducing themselves or an organization.

What is a telegraphic speech?

The field of psychology explains telegraphic speech as the form of communication 2 to 3-year-olds use to communicate. This speech belongs in the two-word stage in the process of a child’s language development. Telegraphic speech is often two to three words and consists of a noun and a verb. “I hungry” and “Mommy come” are some examples of it.

What are the dos and don’ts in self-introduction?

If you have a complicated name, it is one of the dos to spell your name. Another tip in introducing yourself is to state your origin, in case some people live in the same neighborhood as you, then you can start establishing a connection instantly. In contrast, one of the don’ts you should remember is exaggerating your accomplishments.

When you enter a new environment, the first thing that comes to mind to most people is how to develop a rapport with other people. The best way to do it is to leave a lasting impression. Come up with a self introduction speech that would be worthwhile for their 5 minutes. 

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Create a 5 minute self introduction speech for a professional conference

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Introduce Yourself - Make an Impact

Introduce yourself with panache!

Sooner or later you will be asked to present an icebreaker introductory speech about yourself.

It may be at school , at church , in the workplace or at a team building conference .

We all know a great deal about ourselves! So sell yourself and create a positive and memorable impression.

Follow the icebreaker guidelines below to help you structure your introductory speech . The stage is all yours - insight into you ...for a positive impact and impression !

An introductory speech about yourself to your fellow students / colleagues / book club / delegates

Preparation

Remember, you only have a few minutes , so you cannot tell your audience everything about yourself.

So, choose 3 or 4 main areas of your life and elaborate with a few key ideas on each of them.

Depending on your age and the composition of your audience , you may want to select a few of the categories below to include for further discussion:

• your education and qualifications
• your work experience
• your family and background
• why you are currently on this course or with this group of people
• your future ambitions, dreams and aspirations
• favorite hobbies
• favorite sports
• significant experiences
• something that the audience may find surprising to learn about you

Practical Tip

Keep a key card and pen handy.

Jot down the 3 or 4 main categories in a mind map as sub-headings.

Flesh out the sub-headings with bulleted keywords [4-5] under each main point.

Find a quote that is significant and meaningful to your life.

Memorize it and conclude your icebreaker speech with a powerful, relevant quote that leaves the audience with insight into YOU!

Self introduction is also your key to interview success because you are starting from a baseline position where they have no experience of who you are or what you are like.

Be prepared to introduce yourself -  it will allay your fears and you'll present a great introductory speech!

Thoughtful, structured and logical - you can't go wrong!

How to Introduce Yourself Clearly at the Start of Your Speech

The introduction is arguably one of the most important parts of a speech. We all know that an audience will form an impression of you within seconds after you walk onto a stage and begin speaking. What happens during those first few seconds when you introduce yourself and your topic is crucial to capturing and holding your audience’s attention.

So, how do you introduce yourself and your topic when you are making a speech?

There are several methods available, such as the following:

Let someone else introduce you

Use audience participation, skip formal introductions.

• Tell a story
• Ask a question

Open with a provocative statement

There are many different types of speeches given on a wide range of topics, so knowing which approach to use and what is appropriate for the setting you are speaking in, is critical to building a lasting connection with the audience. Read on to learn more about how you can introduce yourself and your topic at the start of a speech.

You only have a few precious seconds to establish rapport with the audience. Because of this, you should spend as little time introducing yourself as possible unless your personal story is one of the main reasons people are coming to hear you speak.

If people are coming because they are interested in the topic rather than your story, you should focus your introduction on the topic rather than on yourself. Speaking about yourself for too long in an introduction can make you seem uninteresting at best and arrogant at worst. One way around this is to let someone else introduce you and your topic.

This way, a master of ceremonies can brag about you a bit more and give you some credibility based on your achievements that you couldn’t gracefully list off about yourself without coming across as self-absorbed. If you plan to be introduced by someone else, make sure that you make the necessary arrangements ahead of time.

Use humor to introduce yourself and your topic

Humor can be a very useful tool when introducing yourself and your topic during a speech (Gregory). It accomplishes several different objectives:

• Humour puts the audience at ease.
• It gets the audience’s attention.
• According to Psychology Today , humor humanizes the speaker and makes the audience like them, especially if the speaker is an intimidating subject matter expert.
• Using humor illustrates knowledge and timing, which gives a speaker credibility with the audience.

Of course, there are some speaking situations where humor is not appropriate. Let’s take the example of a funeral service. Humour might be appropriate when telling an anecdote about a deceased loved one at a wake, but it would be considered impolite when delivering a formal eulogy.

Ultimately it is up to you as the speaker to decide whether using humor in the introduction of your speech is appropriate, given the context of the speaking venue. In some cases, it may be preferable to remain calm and authoritative. Humour can be a double-edged sword!

Audience participation is one way of ensuring that the audience is paying attention because no one wants to be caught off-guard, not paying attention when the speaker calls out on them specifically. There are two techniques that you can use audience participation:

• Asking individual audience members questions Getting a few of the audience members to introduce themselves as an icebreaker can take some pressure off you to introduce yourself and your topic, as it becomes a reciprocal activity.
• Show of hands Polling the audience for how many believe or favor a position with regard to a topic is one surefire way to draw the audience’s attention to an introduction. You can follow up with questions to the audience to clarify their answers. This, in turn, can be a great transitional point to move into discussing the topic at hand.

Rather than a lengthy formal introduction, it is sometimes preferable for a speaker to go right into the topic of the speech, and then spread bits and pieces of information about themselves throughout the talk.

This is a good way for a speaker to use themselves as practical examples so that they can demonstrate the subject matter throughout the speech.

This is also a good strategy to use when the speaker is not as important as the topic being discussed. If the topic’s importance outweighs the speaker’s importance, then it’s best to get introductions out of the way as quickly as possible, so the audience’s attention is not lost.

Tell a story to introduce yourself

Telling stories to introduce yourself and your topic in a speech or a presentation is a long-standing approach used by public speakers going back centuries and with good reason. Humans are naturally a storytelling species by evolutionary decree, and whenever someone begins to frame information into a story, it automatically draws the attention of the audience.

One way of using a story in the introduction is to tell only the beginning of the story at the start of the speech and then finish the story at the conclusion. This is a good way to structure a speech so that it feels well thought-out and is a smart way to make an impression on the audience at the start and the end of the speech.

Ask a question relating to the topic

Asking the audience a question is a good way to get their attention immediately because it puts them on the defensive and forces them to think about what you just said. That is not an exaggeration: science has proven that a question can hijack the brain in a cognitive process known as instinctive elaboration (Simon).

This means that you start your talk by asking the audience an icebreaker question, so that everyone in that audience is focused on the answer, and the rest of your talk can then be used to answer that question.

The power of this introductory method comes not only in its capacity to capture the audience’s attention but also in its ability to prevent the audience from thinking about anything else, even if they wanted to

Giving a talk at the end of a long day can be challenging, especially if the audience has already been subjected to hours upon hours of other people’s presentations, such as a multi-talk seminar or a large business conference.

Humans already have a rather low attention span, and scientific studies have shown that they can only focus effectively for ten to fifteen minutes at a time. This means that if you are the last or near the last speaker in a long line of speakers, your speech should have more impact than someone who gets to speak first.

Provoking the audience can be done either orally or visually. You can project a powerful image behind yourself on the stage to bring the audience’s attention forward and keep them focused, or you can open your introduction with a provocative statement.

This statement can be either related to the topic or not: an absurd or facetious provocative statement can be passed off as humor when the speaker moves on to their real subject matter, but it still gets the attention of the audience.

Introducing yourself at a speech can make or break it

Since an audience can form an opinion about a public speaker in less than a second (Wargo), it is critical that you know your audience , so that you know what approach to take to grab the audience’s attention as quickly as possible.

Using the above methods to introduce yourself and your topic clearly can help ensure that the audience remains engaged regardless of the topic being introduced.

References:

• Gregory, K. “Tune Up! Tips and Tricks for Your Audience to Get the Most From Your Presentation.” SIGUCCS Conference 08 , 2008, pp. 243-246
• Simon, H. Administrative Behaviour . Free Press, 1997.
• Wargo, E. “How Many Seconds to a First Impression?” Association for Psychological Science , 2006, July

Latest Posts

15 Powerful Persuasive Speech Examples to Inspire Your Next Talk

• The Speaker Lab
• June 24, 2024

Table of Contents

Crafting a persuasive speech that captivates your audience and drives them to action is no easy feat. If you’re hitting the books, climbing the corporate ladder, or just dreaming of rocking the stage with your speeches, having a killer set of persuasive speech examples can totally change your game. In this post, we’ve curated some of the most compelling and inspiring persuasive speech examples to help you elevate your own speaking skills. So buckle up and grab your pen, because we’re diving into the secrets behind these unforgettable speeches.

What is a Persuasive Speech?

When we talk about a persuasive speech , we refer to a form of communication that seeks to influence the audience’s beliefs or actions. In the course of a persuasive speech, a person will present compelling arguments—backed by evidence and persuasive techniques—in order to convince listeners to embrace a specific viewpoint or take a particular course of action. Persuasive speeches are used in many different areas of life, such as in a school or university setting, in a job, or in a social setting.

When preparing to give a persuasive speech, always choose a topic or cause you’re interested in and passionate about. If you want to convince other people to agree with your stance, you must be seen to believe in it yourself. In addition, it helps to choose a topic that people care about and hasn’t been overdone.

Funny Persuasive Speech Examples

Looking for some funny persuasive speech examples to inspire your next presentation? You’ve come to the right place. Humor is a powerful tool when it comes to persuasion. It can help you connect with your audience, make your message more memorable, and even diffuse tension around controversial topics.

One classic example comes from David McCullough, Jr.’s high school commencement speech entitled “You Are Not Special.” While the title might not sound funny, McCullough delivers a hilarious reality check to graduates, poking fun at the coddling and praise they’ve received growing up. His ultimate message—that true success comes from hard work and taking risks—is made all the more powerful by his humorous approach.

But what makes funny persuasive speeches so effective? For one, humor helps the speakers build rapport with their audiences. Laughter is a shared experience that brings people together and makes them more open to new ideas. Additionally, injecting some levity into a speech can make the overall message more palatable and less preachy.

Of course, using humor in a persuasive speech requires some finesse. The jokes should be tasteful, relevant to your overall message, and not offensive to your audience. When in doubt, err on the side of caution. After all, a flat joke is better than one that leaves listeners cringing.

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Persuasive Speech Examples About Public Policy

Policy persuasive speeches advocate for a particular course of action on a public policy issue. These speeches go beyond simply raising awareness about a problem – they propose concrete solutions and try to sway the audience to support a specific plan.

One powerful policy persuasive speech example comes from Greta Thunberg’s address to the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019 . Thunberg doesn’t mince words when lambasting world leaders for their inaction on climate change. But she also lays out clear policy demands, like immediately halting fossil fuel subsidies and drastically reducing carbon emissions. Her message is clear: we know what needs to be done and we need to do it.

When crafting your own policy persuasive speech, it’s important to back up your arguments with solid evidence. Use statistics, expert testimony, and real-world examples to show why your proposed solution is feasible and necessary. Anticipate counterarguments and address them head-on. And most importantly, make a clear call to action. Ask yourself: what exactly do you want your audience to do to support your policy goals?

Value Persuasive Speech Examples

Value persuasive speeches aim to change people’s beliefs or attitudes about a particular issue. Rather than advocating for a specific policy, these speeches try to shift the audience’s underlying values and assumptions.

A classic example of a value persuasive speech is Mary McLeod Bethune’s “ What Does American Democracy Mean to Me? ” address. As an African American woman born into poverty, Bethune faced countless obstacles and injustices throughout her life. But in this speech, she reframes the narrative around American democracy, arguing that our nation’s highest ideals are worth fighting for, even if we haven’t yet lived up to them. By appealing to shared values like freedom, justice, and equality, Bethune inspires her audience to keep pushing for change.

The key to a successful value persuasive speech is tapping into your audience’s existing beliefs and values. Use vivid language and storytelling to paint a picture of the world you want to see. Make your case in moral and ethical terms, not just practical ones. And don’t be afraid to show some vulnerability. By sharing your own experiences and struggles, you can create an emotional connection with your listeners.

Persuasive Speech Examples About Social Issues

Social issues make for compelling persuasive speech topics because they touch on deeply held beliefs and affect people’s everyday lives. Whether you’re talking about racial justice, gender equality, or income inequality, these speeches require a deft touch and a willingness to engage with complex, often controversial ideas.

Talking About Mental Health

One powerful example of a persuasive speech about mental health is Kevin Breel’s “ Confessions of a Depressed Comic ” from TEDxKids@Ambleside. As a stand-up comedian, Breel knows how to get laughs, but he also knows the pain of living with depression. In this speech, he shares his own story of struggling with mental illness and calls on society to break the stigma around talking about mental health. By speaking vulnerably, Breel makes a compelling case for why we need to take depression seriously and support those who are struggling.

Addressing Physical Health

Another great example of a persuasive speech about health is Jamie Oliver’s TED Talk “ Teach Every Child About Food .” As a celebrity chef, Oliver has seen firsthand the impact of poor nutrition on people’s health. In this speech, he makes a passionate plea for better food education in schools, arguing that it’s a matter of life and death. With shocking statistics and personal anecdotes, Oliver paints a grim picture of the obesity epidemic and calls on parents, educators, and policymakers to take action.

Persuasive Speech Examples About the Environment

Environmental issues are some of the most pressing challenges we face as a society. From climate change to pollution to habitat destruction, the stakes couldn’t be higher. That’s why persuasive speeches about the environment are so important. By inspiring people to take action, they make a true difference.

One of the most famous environmental speeches of all time is Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” lecture, which was later turned into an Academy Award-winning documentary. In this speech, Gore lays out the scientific evidence for climate change and argues that we have a moral imperative to act. With compelling visuals and a sense of urgency, Gore makes a powerful case for why we need to reduce our carbon footprint and transition to renewable energy sources.

Another great example of an environmental persuasive speech is Severn Suzuki’s address to the UN Earth Summit in 1992. At just 12 years old, Suzuki delivered a heartfelt plea for action on behalf of her generation, arguing that adults were stealing children’s future by destroying the planet. Her speech went viral and helped galvanize the youth environmental movement. By speaking from the heart and calling out the hypocrisy of world leaders, Suzuki showed that you’re never too young to make a difference.

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FAQs on Persuasive Speech Examples

What are some examples of a persuasive speech.

Think climate change action, voting rights, or the importance of mental health awareness. They push for change.

What are 5 examples of persuasive essay?

Gun control laws, school uniforms debate, death penalty perspectives, animal testing ethics, and social media impacts make the list.

What’s an easy persuasive speech topic?

“Why recycling matters” is straightforward and impactful. It connects with everyday actions and broader environmental goals.

What is an example of a persuasive statement?

“Switching to renewable energy sources can significantly reduce our carbon footprint.” This urges action towards sustainability.

Persuasive speech examples show us how to inspire, motivate, and transform the way we communicate our ideas to the world. By studying these remarkable speeches, you’ve gained valuable insights into the art of persuasion and the techniques that make a speech truly unforgettable.

Remember, winning people over with your words takes more than just knowing the right things to say. It’s about practice, caring deeply, and tuning into the folks listening. Take the lessons you’ve learned from these examples and apply them to your own unique style and message. Pouring your soul into your speech can truly move an audience emotionally, altering their thinking for good.

Now your moment in the spotlight is here, so show off those persuasive speech skills. Go forth and create a speech that not only informs and entertains but also inspires and empowers your audience to take meaningful action. The world is waiting to hear your voice, so make it count!

• Last Updated: June 21, 2024

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Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Presentations > How to introduce yourself in a presentation

How to introduce yourself in a presentation

A well-executed presentation should captivate your audience and listeners. The first step to gaining their attention is creating an engaging introduction. Learn why presentation introductions are important and how to properly execute one for your presentation.

Why are presentation introductions important?

Presentation delivery impacts your audience’s reception and listening skills. A dull delivery can deter listeners and potentially leave them disinterested. Conversely, an effective delivery can engage your audience, promote active listening, and stimulate substantive discussion.

Presentation introductions also help to establish the outline of your presentation and give the audience an idea of what is to come. Introductions play a crucial role in captivating listeners from the onset and building momentum. They address who you are, why the audience should be invested, state the topic, establish credibility, preview the main points, and establish the cadence and tone of your presentation. Before you dive into the content of your presentation, ensure you establish an effective introduction to captivate your audience.

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How to begin a presentation introduction

To establish rapport with your audience, here are some tips to effectively introduce yourself and your presentation:

Be clear and concise

A succinct introduction makes it easier for your audience to follow. Keep your introduction simple, short, and include only necessary information. State your name and topic clearly so your audience knows you from the beginning. Avoid unnecessary details or lengthy anecdotes in your introduction to keep things focused and to the point.

Provide pertinent background information

In addition to your name and topic, highlight anything else that is relevant. You can include your education, work background, qualifications, and other information. Most importantly, ensure the information you disclose is directly relevant to yourself and presentation.

Create a hook or attention getter

Once you’ve established your name and topic, create an engaging hook or attention getter. Your introduction can be funny, clever, or it can captivate your audience. Have fun creating an introduction, but be sure to align your tone and delivery to your audience.

Outline your presentation

Let your audience know what your will be discussing. Establish a roadmap of your presentation: outline your contents, topics, and main points in an easily digestible format. This makes it easier for your audience to follow your presentation and prepare for its contents.

Practice and refine

Once you’ve created a solid introduction, rehearse your introduction until the delivery is organic and smooth. Confidence is key for an optimal delivery. Speak clearly, practice eye contact, and use storytelling to engage your audience.

Be authentic

Above all, be yourself—authenticity helps you build trust and connection with your audience. Carry you character, speech, and personality into your presentation to draw in your audience.

A successful introduction establishes tone, cadence, topic, and showcases your personality. Gain your audience’s attention and effectively deliver your presentation with an effective introduction. For more ways to engage your audience and improve presentation delivery , learn more presentation tips .

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Here’s to those that love us! And for those that do not love us, may God turn their hearts. And if he cannot turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles; so that we may know them, by their limping. Irish Blessing/Curse

Cheers ,  slainte ,  skal ,  prost , and  salud ! A toast speech is a type of tribute speech meant to honor someone. Your goal as a speaker should be to make that person feel special and to allow others in the room to be included in the celebration.

Ceremonial Speaking Wheel

All ceremonial speeches should include the trio –narration, magnification, and identification.

Identification

When thinking about your toast, don’t just think about the person you are toasting but about everyone in the room and think about how to bring them into your speech.  Saying “we” are here to honor the recipient and reminding the audience of shared values helps the audience to be a part of the process.  Say things that invite the audience in several times throughout the speech.

Wedding Toast Instead of saying:  Amy and I played Barbie as children and always made sure that Barbie found her perfect soulmate. Say : As many of you know, Amy and I played Barbie for hours as children.  What you may not know is we always made sure that Barbie found her perfect soulmate.

———-

Graduation Toast Instead of saying: I wish you the best in your journey ahead as you graduate and start your new career. Say: We here, your family and friends, all wish you the best in your journey ahead as you graduate and start your new career

Retirement Toast Instead of saying: Dad, I was so happy you let me come and play in your office even if I ran your stapler out of staples by shooting them at the invisible villains that were hiding under your desk. Say: As many of you here now, dad would sometimes let me come to work with him.  And while most of you thought that I was the perfect little bosses’ kids, you may not have known that I was really a super hero executing the invisible villain that I found in dads desk. I killed it with all the staples from dad’s stapler.

The use of story helps the audience to be drawn in and want to listen. In short toasts, you can tell a series of one-sentence stories. In larger toasts, you can tell one long story or numerous little stories. Tell your story in a way that the audience relives the moment with you.

Magnification

Take a trait of the individual and magnify it. I’m not talking about superfluous embellishment; I’m talking about honest elaboration. For example, you might talk about

• Triumph over obstacles
• Unusual accomplishment
• Superior performance
• Unselfish motive
• Benefit to society
• The greatness of a simple thing

Now you know of the key elements that should be in your speech, let’s talk about the process of building a toast, writing a toast, and delivering a toast.

Gather the Details

What type of toast is it.

Always adapt your toast to the occasion: Wedding, graduation, retirement, business celebration, award celebration, birthday.

Who will attend?

You will give a different speech to your old college roommate on his birthday if it is just you and the gang versus if his conservative parents are in the room. It will be an even different speech if his new employer is present.  Remember, a toast is not just about the person being celebrated but it is about others in the room.  As you write your toast, keep imagining the key people present at the event.

Are there expectations about how long the toast will be?  It is always good to ask. It can be awkward if there are several people toasting and each gives a five-minute toast and you have prepared only a two-minute toast. Typically wedding-type toasts, retirement toasts, and graduation toasts are longer speeches and people speak from notes.  On the other hand, shorter toasts are usually memorized

Sit down and just start jotting ideas.  Think of your brain as a water faucet. You are not going to get any water until you turn the thing on. Many people complain they can’t think of ideas, but they never actually turn on the idea faucet. Think of brainstorming as turning those ideas on and getting your creative juices flowing.   Start brainstorming ideas and memories one day and then give it a day or two to think about more memories.

When I turn off my faucet at home, there are usually a few drips that happen as the rest of the water gets out of the line. Think of your brain that way. Give it time to drip out the last ideas and be there to catch them. They just might be the best ideas of all. Some people find if they brainstorm before bed that they wake up with the best ideas. Always assume that you will forget your ideas, so write them down as soon as you think of them.

For more on brainstorming

  Sit Down and Write

At this point, just get your ideas down. Put down more ideas than you will use.  Allow yourself to write down some cheesy things—by cheesy, I mean those ideas that are silly, extreme, or not right for the occasion. Just go with it. Write those cheesy ideas down, maybe you will use this somehow but probably not. Most importantly, the creative ideas are hiding in your brain behind the cheesy ones and if you don’t get the cheesy ideas out of the way, you will never get to the next level.

Now. Let’s think about that faucet again. Imagine there is something clogging it. You have to put some pressure on it so you can get it working. I like to think of cheesy ideas as that clog in the line. I have to get the cheesy clog out of the way by giving my mind permission to go there and once that line is clear. I need to be ready for all the great ideas that will come out in force after the clog comes out.

Taking It to The Professional Level

If you want to give your toast the professional edge, try using a theme and then adding in some parallel construction. In this next section, I will show you how that works.

Use a Theme

Pick a theme for your toast and carry it throughout the whole toast. I like to think of the theme as the container that holds the speech together.

For example, Drew gave a best man speech and used the theme of a road trip. He told stories of him and his best friend and their adventures (at least the adventures you the ones that you can tell when mom is in the room). He talked about fighting over which music is played, he told stories about bathroom breaks, and he confessed that his friend was always getting lost. These were fun stories and by hearing them we could all imagine the friendship they shared. In his speech, he told us that whoever was in the passenger seat was called the “roundtrip captain.” He gave the new bride advice on how to navigate the relationship since he knew so much about his friend from all these road trips. The speech wrapped up with Drew telling the bride that she was the map reader now and he passed to her the title of “road trip captain.”

Erin gave a graduation toast to her family members who supported her through college. She used the theme of climbing hills. It was the perfect theme since the University of Arkansas campus that she graduated from seems to be arranged so everything is uphill–both ways.  She talked about walking the hills both physically and symbolically. In her speech, she talked about how beautiful the view is from the top. She wrapped up her speech by saying now that she is graduated how she has new hills to climb.

Keep in mind the theme is just the container.  If you have only a container, it will seem cliché and sound like a cheap greeting card. The theme is not the speech, it is the container that holds your many stories.  Make sure to develop those stories.

Use Parallel Construction

Parallel construction is where you take one sentence and you repeat it. It lets you tell a lot of little stories in a short period.  Always have at least 3 sentences, keep them together, and try to give them rhythm.

Consider this format and how it might be used for the different toast types.

At a Wedding Toast

I remember when ___ I remember when ___ I remember when ___ I knew you were the “one” because… I knew you were the “one” because… I knew you were the “one” because…

At a Retirement Toast

Many of you know dad for selling insurance, but I know dad for selling me on the idea to go to college Many of you know dad for working long hours at the office, but I know dad for working long hours on school projects that I only mentioned to him the night before they were due. Many of you know dad as a business profession, but I know dad as my super hero. Many of you know dad for …., but I know dad for …. Many of you know dad for …., but I know dad for …. Many of you know dad for …., but I know dad for ….

TOAST PATTERNS

When picking a speech pattern for the toast, consider the audience and occasion. Many toasts are just one to two minutes while others can be five to seven minutes.

Short Toasts Pattern

• Let us raise our glass to… Today, I would like to recognize…
• Make a list of attributes/accomplishments of the person. With each statement there is a building sensation –each statement you make is better than the next.
•  Build to a climax. Create a building sensation using parallel construction.
• Raise your glass near the end.
• End with a poem, quote, or wish them well. (I really think a well-chosen quote makes these speeches special…it is worth the time to look for one to make it really special)

Note: Typically short toasts are memorized and longer toasts are written as a manuscript.

  Wedding Toasts Possible Patterns

Give Their New Spouse the Manual of How to Get Along with Them

• Tell a story or two about your friendship with your friend
• Tell a story about when your friend met the person they are marrying. What did they say about this person? What were your first impressions? Tell anything about the two of them together? What are they like as a couple? How do you know they are right for each other? Tell something you observe about them when they are together?
• Give the person advice on how to navigate life with your friend since you know them so well. Think of this as passing on the manual.

Three Stories

• Tell three stories about the couple.
• Maybe, how they met, the engagement, and a story they tell on themselves.
• Maybe, three ways you know they are in love.
• Maybe, three things you noticed about how they care for each other.

I Knew It Was Love…

• Tell five ways that you knew it was love. Tell a story attached to each of the ways
• Tell what your friend was like before and how they are better now than they are with the one they love.

Note: Never mention old girlfriend/boyfriends, never give away secrets to clueless family members (they are living together, that you and your friend snuck out in high school), and always keep it positive. You likely have inside information about the person you are toasting–their wedding is not the time to reveal it. 

Retirement Toast Possible Patterns

If you are a work colleague of the person retiring:

• These are the three things that set this person apart.
• These are the three things that I learned from this person.

If you are the child or the spouse of the person retiring:

• Talk about what their career looked like from your position. How were they dedicated?
• How did it help you benefit from their job and friends? What did you learn from watching them work?

Note: It can be fun to use their job as the theme. For example, if the person is a coach make the whole speech in the theme of a game. If the person is in sales, use marketing terms to hold it together. If they collected something interesting that was displayed in the office, it lends itself to the theme.

Graduation Toast Possible Patterns

Looking back, looking ahead

• Tell a few stories about them before graduation and tell what you expect to see in the future.

We’ve come through a lot together, Here’s some advice for your next step.

• Tell stories of your relationship, how that relationship talks about character attributes that led them to graduate.
• Give advice on how to navigate the next step.

Top Ten List

• Ten things you need to know about (surviving college, having your first real job, etc.).
• This can be especially fun coming from the sibling that is in college to the one headed to college.
• Top ten things you learned in school that you can use in life.
• Top ten things about you that will make you successful.

Let Us Not Forget

• A series of memories that you and most of the group present share. Great for a group of friends
• Find some great meaning to it all. What did it all mean? what did you learn?

Note: It can be fun to use their major, their future job, or their hobbies as the theme. 

Anniversary Toast Patterns

• Maybe how they met, the engagement, and a story they tell on themselves.
• Tell five ways that you knew it was love and tell a story attached to each of the ways. Interview five of their friends and tell the five stories from their friends about love.

How They Taught You What Love Is

• What have you learned by watching them love each other well?

A Biography of Love

• Tell a story about their love when they met when they overcame when they did things together.
• Tell a timeline of love events and stories about every major milestone.

Ending a Toast Speech

Typically, a toast speech ends with a thoughtful saying, witty quote, or poem.  There are many toast websites with great one-liners or short poems you can use to end a toast. If it is a longer toast, consider using a theme and connecting the ending with the theme.

“May misfortunes chase you all of your life and never catch up.” “As you slide down the banister of life may the splinters never point the wrong way.”

Short, Short Toasts

There may be times you are called to give a quick, one to three-sentence toast. It is a good idea to have a few memorized quotes ready that can be woven into a short, short toast.

Here is to those who’ve seen us at our best and seen us at our worst and can’t tell the difference. May you live for as long as you want, and never want for as long as you live! May we get what we want, but never what we deserve. May you always lie, cheat, and steal. Lie beside the one you love, cheat the devil, and steal away from bad company. Here’s to friends and family who know us well but love us just the same. Let us drink to bread, for without bread, there would be no toast. “Here’s to that long straight piece in Tetris.”

Toast Etiquette

How Do You Hold the Glass?

Both wine and champagne glasses should be held by the stem, not by the bowl. “You should always hold the glass by the stem, no matter what the shape or size of the glass or the type of wine,” says Michael Greenlee, the sommelier and wine director of Gotham Bar and Grill, in New York City. “The most common mistake I see in restaurants and at dinner parties is people holding a wineglass by the bowl.”

Three reasons to hold the glass by the stem: 

• The glass is pretty;  you don’t want your fingerprints to mess it up.
• Putting your hand on the glass would block seeing the color of the wine or block your ability to watch the bubbles dance in the champagne.
• White wine and champagne are chilled, and red wine is served a room temperature. The temperature influences the taste and your hands on the glass will warm up the beverage and change it from its optimal temperature.

What Do You Do When Listening to a Toast?

Those who are listening to someone being toasted should hold their glass when the toast is being made.  At the end of the toast, listeners should raise their glasses, tilt the glass towards the person being toasted, and then take a sip.

What Do You Do If You Are the One Being Toasted?

When you are being toasted, you should sit and listen.  Smile and nod to let the person toasting know you are listening. You should not hold or lift your glass.  Once the toast is over and everyone has had a sip, then you may nod and/or say, “Thank You.”  One of the more common questions I get is, “Do I drink to myself?” and the answer is “no, you do not drink to yourself.”

Should We Clink our Glasses?

Check five different etiquette specialists and you will get five different answers. Some groups clink and some groups don’t clink. It is best to take your lead from those with the highest power of those in the center of the event. For example, if you have dinner with your co-workers and your boss is present, see what the boss does. If you are at a wedding, see what the head table does and copy.

The larger the group, the less likely there will be glass touching because it is difficult to touch everyone’s glasses. If you are in a clinking group, when you touch the bowl of the glasses together, you should always look them in the eye and smile.

“As with many of our food traditions, the clinking of glasses traces its root to the health and safety of the drinker. In this case, it goes back to the tendency of nobles to kill each other off by poisoning their food! Wine was very commonly drunk during medieval days because it was one of the only safe liquids available. Water was often polluted, and milk was both useful for other things and thought to be for children only. As the wine was often full of sediment, a poison was easily introduced into it. To prove that his wine was safe, the host would pour a bit of his guest’s wine into his own glass and drink it first, to prove it was safe. If the guest trusted his host, however, he would merely clink his flagon against that of his host’s when his host offered his cup for the sample. The ‘clink’ (or perhaps ‘clunk’ back then, since wood or metal was more common for drinking vessels) was a sign of trust and honesty.” Text from Wineintro.  Clinking of Wine Glasses and Toasts. Retrieved March 28, 2008, from  http://www.wineintro.com/champagne/clinkglass.html

Toasting Rules

Hold up your glass while giving a toast.

Never toast with an empty glass, it is considered bad luck.

Always hold the glass by the stem.

Avoid getting the beautiful glasses smudged. That means, not touching the bowl. It also means sipping from the same place on the glass.

Always drink to the person being toasted. If you don’t take a sip then it means that you disagree with the nice things that were said about the person. If you are full of liquid or prefer not to sip the alcohol, just put your lips to the glass and fake it.

If you oversee the filling of the glasses, hold the wine bottle near the bottom and only fill glasses halfway up to give the wine room to breathe. Always offer wine to others before pouring your own wine.

In some regions, people will gently use a knife to tap the glass to bring the group to attention.

At some weddings, the quests may tap their glasses to mean the bride and groom should kiss.

Brainstorm About Your Person

Read through these questions and try to answer them about your person. Not all the questions will relate, and that is OK. That question may trigger an unrelated memory that you can use.

Story What is the story of the two of you as children? What is the first memory you have of this person? How did you meet? What is the story of the two of you as teens? What is the story of the two of you as adults? What is an adventure you had together? When did you do something involving this person that didn’t work out as planned? What is a story that is often told about this person? What is a struggle this person has overcome or a story of where you overcame together? What story will history remember about this person? What story will you tell your kids one day? Why is this person special to you in a way that no one else knows? When did you and this person make a difficult situation fun? How have you seen this person grow?

Stuff What do they collect? What are their hobbies? What types of things are important to them? (Pets, cars, shoes) What are they known for having? (Name brand clothes, a great boat) What does their house/car/backpack say about them? What do you have of theirs that means a lot to you? How is their favorite movie, favorite superhero, favorite song a reflection of them?

The Person What are the physical characteristics that become part of their persona (Tall, big feet, curly hair)? What are they known for emotionally (being kind, being passionate, being stubborn)? What are the phrases they say often? What are they famous for? (Cooking, getting lost)

Relationship How did you meet? What has kept your relationship with this person going? What has been the highlight of the relationship? What do their friends say about them?

Wedding Toast

When and how did they meet? What were your first impressions of them as a couple? What did your friend say about the first time they met? If you were given three wishes for them as a couple, what would they be?

Toast Speech Samples from College Students Toasting Other College Students

Today, I would like to raise my glass (raise your glass) to by the far the most gifted athlete in our class. She showed us what it takes to be a student athlete at the University of Arkansas. She opened up her heart and shared the stories about her mother with us. I know we were all touched. She taught us how to improve our puts and She taught us that golf can be fun. We even learned that even the best athletes get nervous sometimes. In the words of Roy, tin cup, McEvoy, “I hit it again because that shot was a defining moment, and when a defining moment comes along, you define the moment… or the moment defines you.” To Ana, may you always define the moment and not let it define you! I ask students to toast their classmates and to give reference to things that student has said or done in class, consider the following speech ending that references three of the student’s former speeches. Sean here this is to you for all you have given us. May your bike never fail you (reference to speech on changing a tire), May your sense of nature keep you wandering (reference to speech on camping) and may your lessons live on, in this lifetime and the next (reference to speech on missionary work).

To someone who Has opened her heart and mind to this class With hopes that they too will join in her efforts to serve God and humanity

To someone who Has made us all feel as if her papaw was our own Pitching and swinging the bat

To someone who Has made each person in this class believe As if we can make a difference in the world One Krispy Kreme doughnut at a time

Anne Frank said, “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment Before starting to improve the world. “

To Haley, we toast to you (raise glass) For you have already begun improving the world.

Best Man Toasts the Couple by Joe Burlingame

Thank you all for gathering here tonight on the beautiful occasion to celebrate the love of Korey and Paola. My name is Joe Burlingame and I know many of you have traveled from long distances to be here and we are so grateful that y’all came. Since the lovely maid of honor spoke so highly of Paola I am going to try and make Korey seem like he is worthy.

When Korey told me that things were getting serious and that he was going to propose,

My initial reaction was “Woah, Korey I am flattered but I am perfectly content with being fraternity brothers,” but everybody knew he was talking about Paola. Korey and I’s relationship started about 5 years ago And to this day I remember my first impression–it was like any first impression when we first meet an accounting major/// Aw—wk–kward.

Our friendship though took off like a rocket ship, and before we knew it we were roommates up to the time he betrayed me and found a permanent roommate. I won’t say any names but she is in this room.

In the 4 years, I lived with Korey, I have found 3 things that make him the perfect roommate.

First, Korey loves spontaneous trips. Korey and I went to 6-7 concerts one semester. We only bought tickets in advance for one and that was because it was the one band I wanted to go see. The others were concerts that Korey had caught wind of last-minute and persuaded me to go. One concert, in particular, was the night of Korey and Paola’s first date. They had gone and got coffee and macaroons I think it was maybe an hour-long date. When he got back Korey talked about it as if they had spent a year with each other. Paola I knew then that you had to be special if you had him talking about you for that long.

Second, Korey is a humble servant. Korey if there is a characteristic that describes you it is being a humble servant. I would complain about how hot it was mowing our yard, but you would not only mow ours but our elderly neighbor’s yard as well. You thought you were invisible– I saw it all. Whether it be cleaning dishes, cooking, or constantly going to our neighbors to see if they needed anything done, you were a servant and  I was thankful for you.

Paola I am jealous, I am now going to have to clean and cook for myself now. Nik Birchfield said it best “Korey doesn’t just talk the talk but walks the walk”

Lastly, Korey is someone who is thoughtful. I remember when we first moved in Korey brought in this huge water jug of change and a little wooden chest, I asked what the heck is that for. He responded with “Man I plan on getting married and in order to get married you need a ring.” I was blown away– I never would have thought of that.

Paola I regret that we never really got to hang out. When I saw Korey take that jug of bills and come back with a ring and he started describing why he picked this specific ring out because it matched your characteristics I knew we would be friends.

Korey and I were roommates the night before he was going to pop the question. He practiced a lot with what he was going to say. I know because he practiced on me. I don’t know how many times we practiced the scenario but I could tell you that the words he was going to say to you were heartfelt and genuine

Paola I was able to have the perfect roommate for a few years, but now you will have the perfect roommate for life.

To Paola and Korey!

Hilarious Father of the Bride Toast

This toast is a good example of how to tell a funny story in a speech. This father’s story is brilliant, and his long pauses are perfect for this speech. He goes from having you crying from laughter to tearing up with sentiment.

Atlasobscura. Raise a glass to our readers’ favorite drinking toasts. https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/best-drinking-toasts-and-cheers

Burlingame, J.  Best man toast. Advanced Public Speaking. University of Arkansas.

Chidi-Ogbonna, K. (2018). Nine wine etiquette habits to know. https://thefinestitallianwine.com

Real Simple (n.d.). From how to hold a wine glass  http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/content/0,21770,712709,00.html

Revelations Video. The most hilarious father of the bride toast.[Video] YouTube.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOKduRf7o4k Standard YouTube License.

Wineintro. (2008). Clinking of wine glasses and toasts.  http://www.wineintro.com/champagne/clinkglass.html

Public Speaking by Lynn Meade is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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126 Good Informative Speech Topics – 2024

June 23, 2024

What is an informative speech? You may be asking this question if you find yourself needing to give one for a class or extracurricular. Unlike a persuasive speech , which is designed to convince an audience of something, or a debate , which can be polemic by nature, an informative speech is meant to educate its listeners on a topic, elucidate an unclear idea, or simply help an audience delve more deeply into a subject. In other words, while informative speeches can persuade or argue, they don’t have to. In this article, we’ll highlight a few tips on how to choose good informative speech topics, and then provide a list of 126 informative speech ideas to get you brainstorming for your next big speech!

How to Choose Informative Speech Topics

Your choice of informative speech topic will depend greatly upon the task at hand: is this speech for a class? A passion project ? A campus rally? A professional development conference? Recruiting for a particular major, club, or community service organization? A high school speech competition? Once you know the purpose and parameters of your speech, it will be easier to select an informative speech topic that is an appropriate subject and size. Additionally, it’s important to consider your audience, expertise, scope, research, and tone before you delve into your writing.

Knowing your target audience is key to creating reciprocity, or the necessary give and take between speaker and listener that creates communication and understanding. Speakers who know their audiences are better able to shape their speeches to be well-received. [i] Imagine, for example, you’re giving an informative speech on “Jane Austen’s narrators.” You must ask yourself: are you giving your speech to a panel of scholars, to educated adult non-experts, or to grade school-aged children? If your audience will be comprised of literature professors, your speech should provide fairly advanced and in-depth knowledge and should be filled with the latest developments in professional literary criticism. If your audience is made up of grade school-aged children, you’ll want to start with the basics, like who was Jane Austen? And what, exactly, is a narrator?

As you give your informative speech, you’ll want to think about not only your audience’s level of expertise in your speech topic, but also your own (and it’s okay if you’re a novice in the subject!). [ii] An informative speech often includes or takes into consideration a synthesis of preexisting scholarship in a field or information around a topic. While you don’t need to apprise your audience of an entire body of research before you begin delivering your speech, you do want to have a working knowledge of the preexisting conversation around your informative speech topic. [iii] This will inform the level of research you’ll need to perform before you begin writing your speech.

In terms of selecting research sources, it’s good to remember the three P’s: peer-reviewed , published , and prestigious . A peer-reviewed source is one that has been evaluated by a group of experts in the field of the writer. It has undergone the most stringent editing and fact-checking and, when first published, is the most up-to-date information in a field. A published source is one that has also usually undergone some editing before publication – though you’ll want to be wary of self-published sources and online publications (these usually don’t receive the same kind of scrutiny as printed texts).

Finally, it’s certainly okay to use online sources, but you want to make sure they are coming from a prestigious or at least well-known source like a national newspaper or even an established commercial website. A good tip for assessing a source’s quality is to check: does this source cite any outside resources in a works cited or in footnotes?

You want to be sure that you are able to cover a topic thoroughly, given the time and resources allotted. For example, if you have five minutes to give an informative speech to your psychology 101 classmates, you could choose a general topic like, “Why was Sigmund Freud important to psychology?” If you have an hour to give an informative speech at a professional psychology conference, you might provide a detailed account of Sigmund Freud’s most important contributions to a particular branch of modern psychology and explain its current significance to the field, including recent developments in research and clinical practice.

Finally, something crucial to consider is the emotional register of your speech. Is the subject matter something serious like an illness or climate change? Or is it a politically charged topic like immigration or gun control? Is it light, like “how to make pizza dough” or “the invention of the roller coaster?” Or is it merely intriguing or educating like, “personality typing and psychology,” “owning a poodle,” or “Ben Franklin’s top five aphorisms?” Gauging the emotional involvement of your audience will help you choose an appropriate informative speech topic for the project at hand and will ultimately let you craft a more effective speech.

The 126 informative speech ideas below run the gamut from broad to very specific and can all serve as starting points as you brainstorm what you’d like to give a speech on. Good luck!

Health & Medicine Informative Speech Topics

1) Ideas on curbing the spread of future global pandemics.

2) What is the endocrine system?

3) What is a physician’s assistant?

4) The importance of blood donation.

5) Disparities in healthcare between different demographic groups.

6) How did Marie Curie contribute to the medical field?

7) What is the role of nurses in primary care settings?

8) What subspecialties are there in women’s health?

9) What recent developments have been made in knee replacement surgery techniques?

Good Informative Speech Topics/Informative Speech Ideas (Continued)

10) What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

11) Telehealth and patient outcomes in recent years.

12) How to MRI machines work?

13) Comparing healthcare systems in different countries.

14) The five most important cancer research innovations in the past five years.

15) What is a plague?

16) How does social media affect mental health?

17) What is the World Health Organization?

18) What are the differences between a midwife and an obstetrician?

STEM Informative Speech Topics

19) What are some important differences between commercial and government-sponsored space flight programs?

20) How do rollercoasters work?

21) The relationship between AI and defense.

22) How are robots used in surgeries?

23) How do you solve a quadratic equation?

24) Why are information systems an important part of modern marketing?

25) What recent innovations have been made in the field of machine learning algorithms?

26) How has cloud computing changed in the past five years?

27) What is the role of engineers in mining and extraction?

28) What is a black hole?

29) What is internal combustion?

30) How self-driving cars work.

31) What are some differences between aeronautical and aerospace engineers?

32) What is Euclidian geometry?

33) How is probability be used in sport management?

34) Why are we running out of helium?

35) What is the relationship between cybersecurity and national politics?

36) The most important uses of 3D printing?

Arts & Humanities Informative Speech Topics

37) What are the most likely interpretations of Hamlet’s “To be or not to be?” speech ?

38) What was the Dadaism movement?

39) Why is the Mona Lisa so popular?

40) The differences between highbrow, lowbrow, and commercial cultural production.

41) What are the major tenets of postmodernism?

42) The influences of Alfred Hitchcock on modern cinema.

43) What is the difference between “performance” and “performativity?”

44) What are the differences between an early novel and a romance?

45) Recent developments in literature and ecocriticism.

46) What is the debate on the Elgin Marbles?

47) In what ways was fashion an important element of the Belle Epoch era?

48) The top five most influential texts in speculative fiction.

49) What is pop art?

50) Who was Andy Warhol?

51) What is The Iliad ?

52) Postcolonial studies as an academic field.

53) The history of the Louvre museum.

54) Jane Austen’s narrators and free indirect discourse.

Psychology and Sociology Informative Speech Topics

55) What is the Enneagram and how is it used in therapeutic settings?

56) How did Pierre Bourdieu define “fields?”

57) What is the Panopticon?

58) What is intersectionality?

59) The role of psychologists in school settings.

60) How is behavior psychology related to consumerism and marketing?

61) What is gentrification?

62) The role of the pharmaceutical industry in psychiatric treatment.

63) Who was Sigmund Freud and why is he important?

64) What is the difference between clinical and research psychology?

65) What is the relationship between social media and mental health?

66) What is neuropsychology?

67) What is an ethnographic study?

68) How did Habermas define the public sphere?

69) What is multiple personality disorder?

70) What is are the “gaze” and the “mirror stage,” according to Lacan?

71) Describe the prisoner’s dilemma.

72) What is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?

Nature and Environment Informative Speech Topics

73) What are some pros and cons of wind farming?

74) Why are microbiomes important for health?

75) What is an axolotl?

76) Death Valley: the hottest place on Earth

77) What threats do spotted lanternflies pose?

78) What are the most significant climate change “points of no return?”

79) Water conservation strategies in the American West.

80) What is biodiversity?

81) How do dolphins communicate?

82) Why was Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring significant for the environmentalist movement?

83) How was the Santorini caldera created?

84) What are plate tectonics?

85) How and why tornadoes happen.

86) What is the El Niño phenomenon and why is it important?

87) Fungus and blue spruce disease in Northeast Ohio.

88) What measures are being taken to curb deforestation in the Amazon?

89) How is the Galapagos ecosystem preserved today?

90) Floridian ecosystems and the Red Tide.

Business, Marketing, Finance and Economy

91) The role of sports merchandising in U.S. women’s Olympic events.

92) Subprime mortgages and the housing market crash of 2008.

93) What are the eight best steps you can take to better your personal finances?

94) Which social media platforms are most lucrative for marketing to each current online generation?

95) What is inflation?

96) What is the relationship between politics and the unemployment rate?

97) What is market saturation?

98) How do we measure the GDP of emergent nations?

99) What developments to we expect to see in the industry competition between EVs and regular automobiles?

100) What is an index fund? What is a mutual fund?

101) Bond holdings late in retirement.

102) The role of social justice in branding.

103) How does search engine optimization work for marketing?

104) Is the influencer economy a bubble?

105) Describe the differences between a CFA and a CPA.

106) What developments have we seen in start-up economies in the past five years?

107) What is embezzlement?

108) What is the history of human resource departments?

History and Travel

109) The religious persuasions of each of Henry VIII’s wives .

110) How the aqueduct system worked in ancient Rome

111) What are the tallest buildings in the world?

112) What was the Black Death?

113) The Watergate Scandal.

114) In what ways was the printing press an important invention?

115) What is the Chernobyl site like today?

116) What was the relationship between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla?

117) Why was the Great Wall of China built?

118) Who were medieval anchorites?

119) The political significance of whistle-stop train tours.

120) What was the significance of the Second Boer War?

121) The Tennis Court Oath .

122) What are the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World?

123) Witch hunting in 1600s New England.

124) What was the Space Race?

125) Why are the bodies of Pompeiians preserved?

126) What is Machu Picchu?

Good Informative Speech Topics – Works Cited

[i] Lloyd-Hughes, Sarah. How to Be Brilliant at Public Speaking: Any Audience, Any Situation . Pearson Educated Limited, Edinburgh 2011.

[ii] Downs, Douglas and Elizabeth Wardle. “What Can a Novice Contribute? Undergraduate Researchers in First-Year Composition,” Undergraduate Research in English Studies (2010) pp. 173-90).

[iii] Graff, Gerard, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing . W.W. Norton & Company, New York, 2006.

Informative Speech Ideas – Additional Reading

• 149 Capstone Project Ideas and Examples
• 100 Best Political Science Research Topics
• 64 Social Issues Topics 
• High School Success

Jamie Smith

For the past decade, Jamie has taught writing and English literature at several universities, including Boston College, the University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University. She earned a Ph.D. in English from Carnegie Mellon, where she currently teaches courses and conducts research on composition, public writing, and British literature.

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