Holiday Party Hello’s…Who Are You Today?
December 2010
How many holiday parties will you attend this holiday season? How many times will you introduce yourself and how many different ways will you introduce yourself?
We often times don’t think about our introductions – what we should include or how it might vary depending on the situation. But I learned the hard way why it is important to keep the situation in mind and ensure the introduction you give is the most effective.
I was attending my very first Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting and the president asked us to introduce ourselves. I was first and thought nothing of it. I introduce myself all the time!
“Hi! My name is Tricia Berry. I’m Director of the Women in Engineering Program at The University of Texas at Austin.”
The next person introduced herself, “Hi! I’m so and so. I’m mom of kid 1 and kid 2 in this grade and that grade. I live in neighborhood x.” And each person followed with a similar introduction. I simply sat there wondering what they all thought of this crazy loser working person who either didn’t have kids or if she did, didn’t even think to mention them. My introduction absolutely did not fit the situation and provided no value to the meeting or to how I might be able to contribute and participate in the organization.
Needless to say, I have always remembered to consider the situation before giving my introduction since that night. I now have my “PTA mom” introduction, “my UT Austin work”, my “825 Basics work” introduction and many, many more.
Your introduction defines you. It represents who you are and how you see yourself. It provides a framework for a first impression and sets the stage for the conversation or presentation to follow.
■What do you include in your introduction?
■How do you portray yourself to others?
■What does your introduction say about who you are?
■What does your introduction say about what is important to you?
Studies have shown that a first impression is made within the first thirty seconds to two minutes of interaction with a new acquaintance. I was mortified of the first impression I left in that PTA meeting but it created an awareness that I carry with me now. I will introduce myself differently at my work party than I will at my husband’s work party or my kids’ school parties.
Know your situation.
Know yourself.
And create your own best first impression!
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