# How to Introduce Yourself to Someone New in Conversation

To introduce yourself casually, say your name, the context that connects you to this person or place, and one small hook they can ask about, then ask their name. For example: 'Hi, I'm Marco. I just moved into the flat upstairs from Lisbon. I don't think we've met?' It takes five seconds and gives them an easy reply.

By the Speaking Coach team at Sodhera Intelligence. Updated 2026-10-22. Source: https://www.orecci.com/speaking-coach/small-talk/introduce-yourself-to-someone-new/

## This is not a speech

A casual introduction is one or two sentences said to one person. It's different from introducing yourself to a room, in a meeting or in class, where you have a turn to speak. (For those, see [how to introduce yourself in a meeting or at an event](/speaking-coach/guides/how-to-introduce-yourself/) and the [self-introduction speech](/speaking-coach/speeches/self-introduction-speech/).)

One-to-one, the goal isn't to tell them who you are. It's to give them enough to start talking back.

## The three parts: name, context, hook

| Part | What it does | Example |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Name** | The basic fact they need | "Hi, I'm Marco." |
| **Context** | Why you're both here, or how you're connected | "I just moved into the flat upstairs." |
| **Hook** | A small detail that invites a question | "…from Lisbon, so I'm still learning where everything is." |

Then finish with their name: "I don't think we've met?" or simply "And you are?"

Put together:

> "Hi, I'm Marco. I just moved into the flat upstairs, from Lisbon, so I'm still learning where everything is. I don't think we've met?"

It's about five seconds out loud. The hook ("from Lisbon", "still learning where everything is") gives them two easy questions: "How are you finding it?" or "What brought you here?"

## Introductions by setting

These are examples. The context and hook change with the setting.

| Setting | Example introduction |
| --- | --- |
| New neighbour | "Hi, I'm Grace from number 8. I think our cats have already met." |
| Kid's sports practice | "I'm Tom, Ella's dad. She's the one in the pink boots. Is yours in the under-8s too?" |
| A friend's party | "Hi, I'm Aisha. I know Ben from our running club. How do you know him?" |
| A class or course | "I'm Kenji. First time doing pottery, so expect some very lopsided bowls. Have you done this before?" |
| Workplace, someone from another team | "Hi, I'm Rosa. I've just joined finance. I think we'll be on the budget calls together." |
| Wedding | "I'm Sam, I went to school with the groom. Are you from the bride's side?" |
| A shared table at a cafe or event | "Mind if I sit here? I'm Lena, by the way." |

## Choosing a hook

A good hook is small, true and easy to ask about. It's not a boast or a CV line.

**Hooks that work**
- Something new: "I just started," "I just moved," "first time here."
- A connection: "I know the host from climbing," "our kids are in the same class."
- A light admission: "I'm terrible with names, so forgive me if I ask twice."
- Something you're doing: "I'm here because my sister dragged me along."

**Hooks that don't**
- Your job title alone: "I'm a senior compliance manager." It closes more doors than it opens in social settings.
- Something too personal: "I just went through a divorce."
- A brag: "I'm the one who organised all of this."

## Get their name and use it

The introduction isn't finished until you know their name. After they say it:

1. **Say it back:** "Nice to meet you, Daniel."
2. **Use it once more** in the next few minutes: "So Daniel, what brought you here?"
3. **If you didn't catch it,** ask straight away: "Sorry, was that Dana or Daniela?" It's much easier now than in ten minutes.

If you forget later, don't panic. See [what to say when you forget someone's name](/speaking-coach/small-talk/forgot-someones-name/).

## When someone introduces themselves first

Match their structure. If they say "Hi, I'm Priya, I'm a friend of the bride," reply in kind: "Hi Priya, I'm Joe. I work with the groom." Then ask one thing about what they said: "How do you know her?"

If they lead with their job, you can too, but add a human detail: "I'm a teacher. Year 4, so mostly I'm good at spotting when people haven't done their homework."

## Shaking hands, waving, or neither

Follow local custom and the other person's lead. In many workplaces a handshake is normal; at a party, a wave or nod is usually enough. If they offer a hand, shake it briefly. If you're not sure, a smile and a small nod is never wrong.

## Common mistakes

| Mistake | Why it falls flat | Instead |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Name only, then silence | They have nothing to respond to | Add context and a hook |
| A long backstory | Too much before they've said a word | Two sentences, then their name |
| Forgetting to ask their name | Feels one-sided | "And you are?" |
| Mumbling your name | They won't catch it and won't ask | Say it slightly slower and louder than the rest |
| Apologising for interrupting | Makes it bigger than it is | Just say hi |

Your own name is the part people most often rush, because you've said it a thousand times. Slow down on it.

## Practice saying it out loud

A casual introduction should feel effortless, which is why it's worth rehearsing. Say your version for two or three settings you'll be in soon, out loud. The [small talk drill](/speaking-coach/tools/small-talk-drill/) gives you openers to respond to. In Speaking Coach, the Introduce yourself and Meet someone new scenes put you with an AI partner who asks you something back, so you can practise what comes after the first line.

## Questions people ask

### How do you introduce yourself casually?

Say your name, how you're connected to the place or person, and one small detail they can ask about. Then ask their name.

### What's a good way to introduce yourself without being boring?

Add a hook: something new, a connection, or a light admission. "I'm Kenji, first time doing pottery" gives them more than "I'm Kenji."

### Should I say what I do for a living when introducing myself?

At work or networking events, yes. In social settings, lead with your connection to the place or people; work can come up later.

### How do I introduce myself to someone I see often but never met?

Name the familiarity: "We keep passing each other on the stairs. I'm Grace, from number 8."

### What if I forget their name right after they say it?

Ask immediately: "Sorry, I didn't catch your name." Asking in the first minute is completely normal.

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