These Are The Top Self-Introduction Tips For 2026

TL;DR: Introducing yourself sounds simple, but summing up your entire career in 30 seconds is no easy task. Focus on what’s unique about your experience in a way that highlights your expertise. If it’s relevant, you can throw in some personal stories that make your expertise clear. And don’t forget to throw it to the other person when you’re done talking about yourself — otherwise, the conversation might never move beyond “hello.”

 By Kara McGrath

When transitioning to a new role or hunting for a next career move, life becomes a series of introductions. That initial conversation is often brief, but since it only takes a few milliseconds for someone to form a first impression, it’s crucial.

“Your eloquent introduction is a verbal calling card,” Molly Sargent, Master Coach and CEO of ProImpress, said in a LinkedIn Learning course. “The same way a website needs to be optimized for search engines, you need to optimize the way that you introduce yourself so that you're more memorable.”

You’ve probably got a handle on telling people your name; here are a few more tips for crafting a memorable self-introduction. 

1. Keep Body Language Top of Mind During Introductions 

Your introduction starts before you begin to talk. Nisha Trivedi, a certified business etiquette trainer, said in a LinkedIn Learning course that making eye contact and smiling is “the most important element of the first 30 seconds of meeting anyone.” 

This applies to larger networking situations too. “If you know someone in the group, go over to them, make eye contact, and smile so they can greet you,” Trivedi said. “If you don't know anyone in the group…go ahead and approach it with a smile, and there's a good chance that they'll let you in.” 

Body language is still important online. For virtual introductions, make “eye contact” by looking directly into the camera. Even if you’re busy or having a bad day, “you need to rally for the 30 seconds it takes to do your introduction,” Kevin Kruse, founder and CEO of leadership development platform LEADx, said in Forbes. 

2. Why Good Lighting Matters for Virtual Introductions

Screens may create comfortable separation that can lead to a casual approach. Guard against that by creating a professional setting for video calls. 

“Get a $50 webcam and light,” Erica Dhawan, the author of “Digital Body Language: How to Build Trust and Connection, No Matter the Distance,” told Get Hired by LinkedIn News. “Remember this is the new dressing up at work.”

3. Follow the Past, Present and Future Format for Introductions

In the LinkedIn Learning course An Introvert’s Guide to Succeeding in the Workplace, career coach Eilis Wasserman recommended thinking about the “past, present and future” when it comes to crafting an introductory spiel.

Lead with what you’re doing professionally, then cover how you got to where you are, and, if it makes sense for the situation, end with what you hope to do next — like working with whoever you’re talking to. 

4. It’s OK to Brag a Bit During Introductions

Highlight career accomplishments right off the bat. It can be uncomfortable, but it helps set you apart from other people with similar experiences. “If you're stating facts about yourself, then you're not bragging,” Sargent said. “You're actually helping people to latch on to critical information that lets them know they can trust you.”

Starla Sampaco, who specializes in teaching women and people of color how to advocate for themselves at work, said in Forbes that women are more often mistakenly assumed to hold support roles. So, emphasize expertise by explicitly stating how many years you’ve been in the industry. 

During an introduction, it’s OK to use something more descriptive than the corporate job title listed on HR documents. “I shifted from introducing myself as a former TV ‘host’...to identifying myself as a former ‘news anchor,’ as this title better describes the scope of my work and commands more respect from the types of clients I work with,” Sampaco said in Forbes. 

Whatever you say, it should stick in the other person’s mind. 

“They might not really need the kinds of services you're talking about for a while,” Sargent said. “Make sure you leave them with something that's memorable.” 

Sharing a specific recent career win can help set you apart. 

5. End the Introduction With a Question 

Ending an introduction with a question ensures the conversation continues beyond saying hello. “Make sure to always end your story with a question to engage the listener,” Wasserman says. 

Open-ended prompts — like “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your goals for the next three months?”— work well. 

6. Practice a Few Versions of Your Introduction 

You should be able to introduce yourself in 30, 20, or 10 seconds. “You want to be able to introduce yourself in a really tight and pithy way,” Sargent said. “Have various versions of your introduction based on time.” 

All of these should roll off your tongue. “You want to feel really conversational,” Sargent said. “The more you practice, the more conversational you’ll sound.” 

Do a few dress rehearsals, especially before a big introduction. Talking about yourself is harder than it sounds. 

Trivedi recommended enlisting a friend to help you rehearse. “That might sound awkward but this will help you become even more confident about meeting new people.”

Just don’t memorize your speech: “You don't want it to sound rehearsed,” Wasserman said. The person you’re talking to can always go read your resume for specific job details. Keep introductions personal, rather than too polished.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Introduce Yourself

• What details should I include when I’m introducing myself? When introducing yourself in a professional setting, you should include your name, your relevant experience, and how long you’ve been in the industry. Make sure to mention any recent career wins that set you apart from other people with similar experiences. 
• Should I share personal details when I introduce myself? You can share personal details when you introduce yourself, as long as they are relevant to the conversation and further demonstrate your unique experience and expertise. 
• How do I start a conversation at a networking event? You can start a conversation at a networking event by making eye contact, then walking over to the person and introducing yourself. If you’re introducing yourself to a group, wait for a natural break in conversation, then tell the group your name, what you do and what you’re hoping to get out of the event. 
• How do I make my introduction memorable? To make your introduction memorable, focus on parts of your career that are unique to your experience. Highlight recent wins and don’t be afraid to describe your job title in a way that doesn’t exactly match what HR might have on their records.