How to Introduce Yourself in English With Confidence (Both Formally and Informally)

You surely know how to introduce yourself.

But some of us are shy, and when it comes to introducing ourselves in English, things somehow don’t go as we’ve planned it out. At those moments, we look even weirder than we really are no matter if we speak English fluently.

So, if you don’t want these odd situations to happen to you, keep. reading because, in the following lines, we will go through all the English words and phrases related to introductions. You will also find tips on how to introduce yourself in English both formally and informally.

Now, let’s get started.

General Tips on How to Introduce Yourself

The tips below apply to every situation related to the introduction. How to introduce yourself to a group of people you see for the first time, or to one person is the same.

Follow these tips and you won’t have to worry about your shyness or uncertainty anymore.

• Be clear. The essential thing is not to mumble so that your speaker doesn’t have to ask you several times. Speak clearly and use concrete and precise sentences.

• Be friendly. Even on formal occasions, you can behave friendly. A little smile while introducing yourself says that you want to meet new people and that you are a pleasant, friendly person.

• Be polite. No matter if you introduce yourself to a group of people or one person, you have to behave politely. Being friendly and having a smile is one thing, but telling a joke in a formal meeting is entirely inappropriate. So, when you introduce yourself, we suggest you stand up. You also use body language so that people have a good first impression.

How to Introduce Yourself Informally

If you are meeting with a group of people your age, you can informally introduce yourself.

Introductions Phrases

Here are some of the commonly used phrases for the introduction.

• Hello, I’m … (here, you say your name). It is recommended to offer your hand for shaking.  The other part will shake your hand and probably introduce himself the same way as you, that is ‘Hello, I’m…’

• Nice to meet you.

• I’m from… (here, you say the name of the town or country)

These English greeting phrases are a great way to break the ice and start a conversation using other phrases related to the introduction.

Here are some phrases:

• How are you?

• Where are you from?

• What brings you here?

• Are you having a good time?

• How long have you been learning English?

Giving a compliment to your speaker is always a good thing to continue the conversation. However, avoid mentioning physical characteristics. Try the following compliments, for example.

• I like your dress/ suit.

• What a beautiful dog you have.

• You dance really nicely.

Questions And Answers to Continue The Conversation

When you’ve introduced yourself to someone if you want to continue speaking to that person, you have to prepare some questions so that the conversation flows naturally.

You and also prepare your answers to the questions.

Here are some common phrases:

• Q: What do you do?

A: I’m the manager/ assistant/ teacher. (Here, you can put any other profession you do)

• Q: Do you like your job?

A: Well, I have a lot of work every day, but I like my job.

• Q: What do you think of the movie/restaurant/ event? 

A: I think it’s really nice, especially the pasta.

• Q: How was your trip?

A: Even though it was lost, mostly, it was fine.

• Q: What do you like to do in your free time?

A: I like taking a walk in the park and reading.

Phrases to Keep The Conversation Going

If your speaking skills aren’t so good, you can always keep the conversation going by asking for more information about the topic you are talking about with others.

Here is one example:

Person A: Where are you from?

Person B: I’m from Canada.

Person A: Well, that’s quite far away. How did you arrive?

Person B: I came here by flight. 

Person A: Was the flight long?

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Person B: Luckily, it wasn’t. The flight was comfortable too, so I had a feeling that I’ve arrived in less than an hour.

Phrases to Politely Stop The Conversation

Imagine the situation: you introduce yourself, start a conversation, but in the middle of the topic you realize that you simply can’t connect to that person.

In these situations, you have ‘to be equipped’ with some phrases that can help you finish the conversation politely.

Here are some common phrases you can use.

• It’s been lovely talking to you.

• Nice to meet you.

• Enjoy your time here

• I’m so sorry, I don’t like it, but I have to go.

• Excuse me, I need to go to a meeting.

While using these phrases, don’t forget to shake hands with your speaking partner. This way, you will sound polite and sincere.

How to Introduce Yourself Formally

Formal conversations are different from informal ones. Even though you can smile and be friendly, there are some expressions that you can use, while others, more informal, aren’t recommended.

As you probably know, the first impression is very important, especially in formal conversations, such as business meetings or job interviews, so you have to pay attention to the phrases you are going to use. 

Using specific, formal phrases you have to show the other side that you are a professional who is worth being a part of a team or someone whose business opinion can be considered.

Starting A Formal Introduction

Let’s take a look at the example of a job interview. When you enter the room, don’t forget to put on a little smile and introduce yourself. Behave friendly but politely, too.

Here are phrases you should use.

• Good morning/ afternoon. My name is ….(here, you say your full name). Nice to meet you.

• It’s a pleasure to (finally) meet you, Mr. X. My name is…( say your full name). I come from … ( here, you say where you come from)

• Good morning/ afternoon. I’ve heard a lot about you, Mr. X.

 Phrases For a Short Business Conversation

In cases like this, you don’t want to talk too much, nor too little. 

Finding a perfect balance can be pretty challenging.

What you need to have in mind is that you have to be specific and choose to talk about your skills that match the occasion.

That’s why we suggest you remember phrases like the ones from the following examples:

• I work for a PR company in London.

• I’ve been working for an IT company as an administrator for 10 years.

Just like on job interviews, at business meetings it is essential to be clear, polite, and formal. 

Here are examples of how two colleagues can talk about it.

Person A: I’ve been working as a teacher in high school for five years. After that, I’ve decided to change my career and since then I work for a translation company.

Person B: I’ve been working for a translation company for about six years when I decided to move and started working as a freelance translator.

In situations like these, don’t forget to ask questions similar to the following ones:

• Do you have any experience in administration, Mr. X?

• What do you do for a living, Mr. X?

• And what about you, Mr. X?

Always Find Some Time to Practice

You can never know in which direction the conversation goes, but you can be prepared in general.

Professionals don’t necessarily always have a perfect experience and the best education. In the end, it is all about knowing how to act and what to say at that moment and that with words you can show others that you can be a professional the others can rely on.

To understand the goal, take a look at the following example:

Person A: Goog morning, Mr. X. It very nice to meet you. I’m Mr. Y. 

Person B: Nice to meet you, too Mr. Y. Your colleague, Mr. Z, talks wonder about you and your career.

Person A: That’s nice to hear. And what Mr. Z said about me?

Person B: He was talking about your fascinating career and your skills to solve any kind of business issue.

Person A: Thank you for the compliment as well as Mr. Z. I’ve heard that you’ve recently moved to the country. How are you liking it?

Person B: I like it very much. At first, I thought it would be difficult to get used to, but I can say that I’m entirely satisfied with this way of life.

Final Thoughts

At first sight, the introduction may seem hard.

It isn’t difficult, but, as we’ve mentioned, you have to be prepared in a way to know your audience so that you can act according to the situation.

You surely wouldn’t like to talk informally at a business meeting or be too formal at a party.

Phrases and expressions that have to be used in these situations are an ideal opportunity to practice your speaking skills with others. If you are still unsure about your skills, you can always practice with English tutors first.