It can be hard to introduce yourself in class.It's important to decide what to share, overcome anxiety, and present yourself as an interesting and engaged person in order to introduce yourself in a classroom or online setting.
Step 1: Stand up when you are introduced to yourself.
If you were to stay seated, this will help you speak more clearly and make you appear more confident.Your introduction will be over more quickly than you think, even though it may feel awkward to stand up.If you are sitting in the middle of the room, you might want to turn your head back and forth occasionally to address the class.
Step 2: You should smile when you talk.
If you smile, your voice will sound calmer and you will be able to mask your nerves.It shows your teachers and classmates that you are friendly.You are helping yourself to feel a little happier by smiling.Scientific studies show that smiling makes others want to smile back.
Step 3: Speak confidently.
Even if your voice is shaky, others won't notice.If you introduce yourself in a loud voice, everyone will be able to hear you.Don't stare at the ground.Lots of people are nervous when speaking in front of others.You will be through your introduction before you know it if you take a steadying breath and project confidence.It's a good idea to practice your introduction in a mirror.A lot of the people in your class will be thinking about what they are going to say when it's their turn and may not even be watching you.
Step 4: First you should give your name.
It is helpful to pause and give your first and last names, like "Hello, my name is June, June Thompson." The repetition makes it more likely that others will remember your name.If you prefer to go by a nickname, this is the time to give that detail.Say something like, "Hello, my name is Marcella Smith, but you can call me 'Marcie'."
Step 5: Tell us why you are taking the class.
You can share your intended major if you are in a college course.You could share what you do for work if you are taking a class for a certification.You could say, "I'm Mark, Mark Palmer."You don't need to say that if you're only in the class because you have to be, like a general education course that all students are required to take.
Step 6: If you have hobbies or interests, you should give them personable details.
If you have pets or like to travel, the end of your introduction is a good place to give this information.It is possible to say something like, "When I'm not studying, I like to train for and run in half-marathons." This gives your classmates and teacher a memorable activity to tie to your name.If you lose your job or go through a divorce, don't share too much personal information.You don't want your first impression to be negative or make other people uncomfortable, so try to keep things positive and upbeat.
Step 7: You can add a photo if you haven't already done it.
It's nice to be able to put a face to a name, and in an online course, the feeling of community has to form in a different way than a traditional class.If you add a photo to your profile, it will show every time you post, or you can add an additional picture.Adding a photo for privacy reasons is okay if you are uncomfortable with it.Send an email to your instructor to let them know why you aren't following their guidelines if it was requested.
Step 8: Your tone should be professional and friendly.
Because you are posting online, it is possible to slip into an informal way of speaking, so pay extra attention to your introduction post.Try to read what you wrote out loud to hear how it sounds, this may help you reword or restructure your introduction for the best flow.
Step 9: Sharing personal and professional information is important.
Information about why you are in the class and what you do during the rest of your time should be included.You could write "Hello, my name is Sharon Izzo, and I work at a nursing home during the day."If you are comfortable with sharing what city you live in, many students who are in online classes form study groups that either meet in person or online.Your classmates will be less likely to read 5 paragraphs than 1 succinct paragraph.
Step 10: You can respond to your classmates posts.
This is the best way to get to know each other.You can reach out to people who share the same interests as you.You might have multiple courses with them over the next 1 or 2 years if you are in the same program.It will help you engage more with the material if you have an active presence in your online class.
Step 11: Once everyone is seated, introduce yourself to the students.
You should include your name, academic background, and interests.You could say, "Good morning class, my name is John Smith, you can call me John or Professor Smith."I received my masters degree in communications from ABC University.Sharing details that students can identify with, but be wary of sharing too much personal information, is helpful.You can share any awards you have won, areas of study you are interested in or involved in, publications, or boards you serve on.You want to establish as much credibility as possible.
Step 12: As you speak, smile and address the whole room.
Make sure to look around the room as you introduce yourself.Try not to make eye contact with the students if you are nervous.If you feel comfortable, move your body and walk around the room.Students see you as the authority in the room.They won't notice if you forget something or are nervous.There is always time to cover anything you forget.
Step 13: If you want to pass out class instructions, answer questions.
The students should be given the class syllabus before you give your introduction.You can refer to it after your personal introduction to share your expectations for the class.It's important to set the tone for the class on the first day.You should practice in front of your students.