Introduction

Introducing oneself is a vital skill that high school students will use throughout their lives, whether at school, in social situations, or when applying for jobs. This blog post will explore the importance of teaching students how to introduce themselves to adults confidently and effectively. We will cover a no-prep activity to help students practice this skill, provide discussion questions to stimulate further conversations, and suggest related skills to reinforce the learning process. By the end, you will be equipped to guide your students in mastering the art of introducing themselves.

No-Prep Activity: Role-Play Scenarios

This engaging activity requires no preparation or materials and allows students to practice introducing themselves in various contexts. Divide the class into pairs, and assign each pair a role-play scenario. For example, one student could be a job interviewer, while the other is the interviewee. The students should then take turns practicing their introductions, following these steps:

1. Say your name
2. Find out the other person’s name
3. Repeat their name to help you remember it
4. Say “Nice to meet you”
5. Shake hands, using your right hand and maintaining a firm grip for a couple of seconds

After each pair has completed their role-play, invite volunteers to demonstrate their introductions in front of the class. This will provide an opportunity for constructive feedback and further practice.

Discussion Questions

• Why is it important to introduce ourselves confidently and effectively to adults, particularly in professional settings?
• What are some challenges students might face when introducing themselves to others? How can they overcome these challenges?
• How can body language and tone of voice impact the impression we make when introducing ourselves? What are some ways to ensure that our non-verbal cues convey confidence and professionalism?
• Why is it helpful to repeat someone’s name when meeting them for the first time? What other memory techniques might be useful for remembering names?
• What are some cultural considerations to keep in mind when introducing ourselves to people from different backgrounds?

Related Skills

Beyond introducing themselves, students can benefit from learning other valuable social-emotional skills that will serve them well in various life situations. Some related skills include:

• Active listening: Being attentive and responsive when engaging with others in conversation.
• Assertiveness: Expressing one’s thoughts and feelings openly and respectfully, without aggression or passivity.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others, fostering stronger connections and deeper relationships.
• Conflict resolution: Resolving disagreements and misunderstandings in a respectful and constructive manner.
• Networking: Building and maintaining professional relationships to enhance career prospects and personal growth.

Next Steps

Now that you have a better understanding of how to teach high school students the important skill of introducing themselves, you’re ready to help them make a great first impression. To further support your students’ social-emotional learning journey, we encourage you to sign up for free sample materials covering the discussed skill and others at Everyday Speech. These resources will provide you with additional tools and strategies to empower your students to thrive in their interactions with others.