A prospective client. A job interview. A new team member. A presentation to your board. All these situations have one thing in common: you need to introduce yourself in a way that creates a positive first impression. Since we all know how important first impressions are, let’s explore some best practices for introducing yourself successfully.

Tips:

1. Relax, breathe, and smile, even if you are feeling uncomfortable.

2. Plan ahead if you need to so you will be prepared to share pertinent information in your introduction.

3. Speak your name clearly. If it is unusual, spell it out or tell what it rhymes with. Make yourself more memorable that way.

4. Use downward inflections, which sound certain, rather than upward inflections, which sound like questions. (“Hello? I am Susan Jones? and I work for Brown Packaging?”)

5. Take your time vs. rushing through your introduction breathlessly.

6. Keep it brief and to the point, but offer something notable like warm greetings, appreciation or humor.

Remember that introducing yourself can be fun and easy if you stay focused and help put others at ease.