The Sound of Your Voice | "Stand Up and Introduce Yourself" Article

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Stand Up and Introduce Yourself
By Dr. Carol Fleming

What a good idea! Opportunities to get our name out there and let other's know something about us.

This is especially true for those of us who have to do our own promotion or even if you are someone who just wants to meet people. You would think, that people would do their best to take full advantage of this. Some do, of course. Yet, so many others just lurch into their name (I can't hear it!), and do not command an ounce of attention (and usually do not get it). Although they are probably perfectly fascinating people, what image do you think others take away with them?

Here are a few practical tips that will help you be much more effective in getting your self-introduction heard and remembered. First, before you even walk into the room you have to prepare to go in with an honest intention to make yourself heard. If it is just a miserable "gotta-get-through-it" experience for you, your attitude will most certainly muffle your words and hide your face. Your discomfort will be evident to all, and this is exactly the opposite of what you are hoping to achieve. Here is a hint, before you begin, you need to examine the purpose of this introduction and all the ways you can benefit by doing it well, this supplies the motivation for improved performance.

How to do it better:

Think about what you want to say before you engage your mouth. If I am in a business situation, I will mention the name and location of my office and a bit about what I offer. If I am in a social situation, I might want to give an entirely different spin on my personal situation or interests. You are giving people enough information so that they can approach you and start a conversation easily, based on what you have told them.
Be mindful of your 'get up'. As you see your turn is approaching, push your chair back from the table, making sure you've removed the napkin from your lap, and that you do not knock over a glass of water, your chair , or your neighbor's briefcase. These little upsets distract others and make you feel foolish, so be mindful in order to be graceful. It just takes a moment of thought.
Make your face available to your listeners. This helps them 'hear' your speech. In noisy conditions, especially, we need the clues on the face. Do not talk to the table. Keep your hands away from your face. Did I mention that you should swallow any food in your mouth before speaking? Do.
Speak to the people seated the farthest away from you. The greater the distance, the more effort will be required. The more people, the slower you will need to speak, especially if it is noisy. Some turning of the head will help more people get your message.
If your name is at all unusual, it will really help people if you would have a tiny pause just before and after you say it. For example, "My name is ...Hodess Abler... and I specialize in...."

So, get your attitude in shape, think before you speak, take care in the 'get up', keep your face available, speak out to people, with an honest effort to help them hear you. You can do this.

Contact us today to discuss how our workshops, coaching and training products can improve your Personal Professionalism and Communication Impact.

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