Introducing Yourself: The One Minute Method
If your introduction were a Super Bowl ad, how much would it cost?
Would you run an ad on any television show without careful planning?
Not at current media prices! So why would you discount the value of
your personal appearance – meaning the value of your personally
delivered introduction? This IS your advertisement for Me, Inc.
Have an overview of yourself ready at all times – it can be used to position your ‘self’, your strengths, and your career direction. Using a formula can save you from brain-freeze and catch the listener’s attention. Use it while being personal enough and specific enough to convey the ‘living color’ of who you are. As you begin, memorize the flow – you can extemporize later!
- Opening/positioning statement – 10 seconds – after stating your first and last name, say something about your profession or career field, your values, early life, family, or where you grew up – but remember that in 10 seconds you cannot address ALL of these! Pick one that relates to your listeners.
- Recent experience – in 20 seconds, describe your experience (role/title, employer), skills, and key achievements
- Earlier work experience and accomplishments – 15 seconds
- Current direction – 15 seconds – what you want to accomplish in your career, the kind of position you are or will be seeking next, or the contribution you wish to make
By following this formula, you end on a strong note – it will keep you from trailing off…or talking too long.
This is ‘marketing’. It shows that you know how to present yourself, and it conveys clarity of thought and courtesy toward the listener as well showing that pay attention to the typical attention span. Once you have practiced the formula, substitute different stories – perhaps one version will start with things your family taught you and end with your community development goals; another might relate your career field during the first years of your career to your intentions of switching to another field or becoming your own boss.
Develop several story lines and practice the timing. At first it will seem difficult, but with practice, you will get the important things in, and the presentation will put you in your best light.