The EASIEST Way to Introduce Yourself in English (4 Simple Steps!)

Added: 2026-06-03

[00:00:10]Hey English learners, welcome back to Speak English with Jay and May, your cozy little place to build your English confidence. I'm May.

[00:00:20]>> Hello May. And hello everyone. I'm Jay.

[00:00:24]How are you today, May?

[00:00:26]>> I'm doing great, Jay. Actually, I'm a little excited today because our topic is something every single English learner needs. Like, every single one.

[00:00:38]>> Ooh, every single one. Okay, now I'm curious. What is it?

[00:00:42]>> Today, we're talking about how to introduce yourself in English the easy way.

[00:00:48]>> Oh, wow. Okay, that sounds simple. But honestly, I used to panic when someone said, "Tell me about yourself."

[00:00:55]My brain just stopped working.

[00:00:59]>> Yes, that is the most common thing I hear from learners. And you know what?

[00:01:05]It's not because they don't know English. It's because nobody taught them what to actually say.

[00:01:12]>> Right. Like, I knew words. I knew grammar. But when someone looked at me and said, "So, who are you?" Blank.

[00:01:20]Total blank.

[00:01:22]>> Exactly. And here's the thing.

[00:01:24]Introducing yourself is the very first door to every conversation. If you open that door confidently, everything else becomes so much easier. Okay. So, Jay, when someone asks you to introduce yourself, what do you think they actually want to know?

[00:01:42]>> Um, your name, where you're from, what you do.

[00:01:47]>> Yes, that's it. It's really that simple.

[00:01:50]A basic self- introduction only needs four things. Your name, where you're from, what you do, and one small personal detail.

[00:02:00]>> Wait, only four things?

[00:02:02]>> Only four? Most people think they need to say everything about their whole life. But actually, a good introduction is short, clear, and interesting. Think of it like a movie trailer.

[00:02:15]>> Oh, I like that. A movie trailer. You give just enough to make people want more.

[00:02:21]>> Exactly. You're not giving the whole movie. You're giving the best parts so people want to keep talking to you.

[00:02:28]>> Okay. So, let's go through each part.

[00:02:30]Number one, your name. That should be easy, right?

[00:02:33]>> You'd think so. But actually, many learners say their name so quietly or so fast that people don't catch it. So, the tip here is say your name slowly and clearly and smile when you say it.

[00:02:49]>> Oh, that's a small but important tip.

[00:02:51]Like, hi, my name is Jay. Say it like you mean it.

[00:02:56]>> Yes. Own your name. Say it with confidence because your name is the first gift you give someone in a conversation.

[00:03:04]>> I love that. Your name is a gift. Okay.

[00:03:08]Number two, where you're from. How do you say that naturally?

[00:03:12]>> So, a very natural way is to say I'm from and then your city or country. But here's the interesting part. You can add a tiny detail to make it memorable.

[00:03:24]>> Like what?

[00:03:25]>> For example, instead of just I'm from Japan, you could say I'm from Japan, actually from a small city near Tokyo.

[00:03:34]It's known for amazing ramen. Now people remember you.

[00:03:38]>> Oh, wow. That's clever. You gave a little bonus detail, something interesting, >> right? It gives the other person something to respond to. They might say, "Oh, really? I love ramen." And suddenly you have a real conversation going.

[00:03:53]>> So, it's like giving them a conversation hook, something to hold on to.

[00:03:58]>> Beautifully said, Jay. A conversation hook. Yes.

[00:04:02]>> Okay. Number three, what you do. Now, this one always confuses me. What if your job title is complicated? Or what if you're a student?

[00:04:11]>> Great question. If your job title is complicated, just simplify it. Don't say, "I'm a multilateral stakeholder engagement coordinator." Just say, "I work in communications or I help companies connect with people."

[00:04:28]>> Yeah. Nobody wants to hear multilateral stakeholder in the first 10 seconds of meeting someone.

[00:04:35]>> Nobody. And if you're a student, that's perfectly fine. Say, "I'm currently studying." And add what you're studying and why you love it.

[00:04:44]>> Like, I'm studying engineering because I love building things. Something like that.

[00:04:50]>> Perfect. See, you're already getting it.

[00:04:53]Adding a because makes it personal and interesting.

[00:04:57]>> Okay. And the fourth part, the personal detail. What kind of detail works? Think about something you enjoy or something unique about you. A hobby, a passion, something that makes you smile when you talk about it.

[00:05:11]>> Like, I love hiking or I make really good pasta.

[00:05:15]>> Yes, exactly. Those small details are what people remember, not your job title. They remember, oh, she's the one who makes great pasta.

[00:05:27]>> I want to be known as the pasta person now. Then make great pasta and tell everyone.

[00:05:33]>> Okay. So, May, can you put all four parts together in one example? Like, show me what a full introduction sounds like.

[00:05:41]>> Of course. So, imagine someone says, "Tell me about yourself." A great response would be, "Hi, I'm May. I'm originally from Thailand, but I've been living in Canada for about 3 years now.

[00:05:55]I work as an English coach and I love helping people feel confident when they speak. Outside of work, I'm really into cooking, especially trying new recipes on weekends.

[00:06:06]>> Wow, that was smooth. And it didn't sound rehearsed at all.

[00:06:10]>> That's the goal. It should feel natural, like you're just chatting, not like you're reading from a paper.

[00:06:16]>> Wait, here's the interesting part I want to ask. What if someone asks a follow-up question and you get nervous again? Ah, yes. This is where things change because a lot of people prepare their introduction, they say it great, and then when the follow-up comes, panic returns.

[00:06:36]>> Yes, the follow-up question panic is real.

[00:06:40]>> So, the trick is when you add those small details to your intro, you're actually controlling what the follow-up question will be. You're setting the path of the conversation. Oh, so if I say, "I love hiking," the followup will probably be, "Oh, where do you hike?"

[00:06:59]And I'm ready for that.

[00:07:01]>> Exactly. You already know what's coming, so you don't panic. You planned it without them knowing.

[00:07:07]>> That's so smart. You're like a conversation chess player.

[00:07:12]>> I've never been called that before, but I'll take it.

[00:07:15]>> Okay, May. I have to ask. What about formal situations like a job interview?

[00:07:21]Is the introduction different?

[00:07:23]>> Yes, a little. In a formal setting, you keep the same four parts, but you make your language a little more professional and you focus more on your experience and skills.

[00:07:35]>> So, instead of talking about pasta, you talk about your achievements.

[00:07:40]>> Yes. Probably leave the pasta for a casual networking event, not the job interview.

[00:07:46]>> Fair point. So, what would a formal version sound like? something like, "Good morning. My name is May. I have 5 years of experience in language education and I specialize in building communication confidence in adult learners. I'm passionate about making English accessible and practical for everyone."

[00:08:07]>> Wow. Same person, totally different energy.

[00:08:10]>> Same person, same information, just dressed differently. Like wearing a suit instead of jeans. You're still you, just adjusted for the room.

[00:08:20]>> I love that analogy. Dressed differently, adjusted for the room.

[00:08:24]>> And here's one more thing. Informal introductions always end with something that shows you're interested in being there. Like, I'm really looking forward to this opportunity. Or, I'm excited to learn more about your team.

[00:08:38]>> Oh, that shows enthusiasm. People like that.

[00:08:42]>> Absolutely. Nobody wants to hire or work with someone who seems bored to be there.

[00:08:48]>> Okay, so real quick, let's imagine a scenario. Imagine you're at an international conference. First day, you don't know anyone. Someone sits next to you and says, "Hi, I haven't seen you here before. Are you new?"

[00:09:01]>> Ooh, good scenario. So, what would you say, Jay?

[00:09:05]>> Um, yes. It's my first time. I'm Jay.

[00:09:09]I'm from Korea. I work in marketing and I really love food. Nice to meet you.

[00:09:15]>> Perfect. Short, warm, four parts covered. That is a great introduction.

[00:09:21]>> Really, it felt too simple.

[00:09:23]>> That's the beauty of it. Simple is powerful. Simple is memorable. When you try to say too much, people remember nothing.

[00:09:33]>> You won't believe how long it took me to learn that. I used to think more words meant more impressive. Most learners think that, but actually clarity is the most impressive thing you can offer in a conversation.

[00:09:47]>> Clarity over complexity. I like that.

[00:09:50]>> Always. Now, Jay, let's talk about something important. What about nerves?

[00:09:56]Because even with the perfect words, nerves can destroy everything.

[00:10:01]>> Oh, yes. The shaky voice, the forget everything feeling. What do we do? Okay.

[00:10:08]So, here's a trick I use and I teach all my students. Before you introduce yourself, take one slow breath. Not a dramatic breath, just a quiet one. It tells your brain, "I'm safe. I can do this."

[00:10:23]>> Just one breath.

[00:10:24]>> Just one. And then you smile. Because smiling, even before you feel confident, actually tricks your brain into feeling a little more relaxed. It's science.

[00:10:35]Wait, smiling tricks your brain? You mean like >> Yes. When you smile, your brain releases small amounts of feelgood chemicals. So, even a fake smile helps reduce nervousness. Smile first, feel better second.

[00:10:52]>> That's wild. I'm going to try that next time. One breath, smile, go.

[00:10:58]>> One breath, smile, go. That's the formula.

[00:11:02]>> Okay, May. I know we talked about what to say, but what about what not to say?

[00:11:07]Any common mistakes?

[00:11:08]>> Oh, yes. Great question. Mistake number one, apologizing before you speak.

[00:11:15]Sorry, my English is not very good.

[00:11:18]Please don't start with that.

[00:11:20]>> Oh, I've done that so many times.

[00:11:23]>> I know so many learners do, but it immediately tells the other person to lower their expectations. Start with confidence. Even if you don't feel it yet.

[00:11:34]>> Okay. Fake it till you make it, basically.

[00:11:37]>> Exactly. Mistake number two, going on too long. Remember the movie trailer rule. Keep it short. Two to four sentences is enough for a first introduction.

[00:11:50]>> Two to four sentences, not your whole life story.

[00:11:55]>> Not the whole life story. No. And mistake number three, speaking too fast.

[00:12:01]because you're nervous. Slow down.

[00:12:04]Clarity is kindness to the listener.

[00:12:07]>> Clarity is kindness. Wow, May, you have so many quotable lines today.

[00:12:14]>> I'm on fire today. What can I say?

[00:12:16]>> You really are. Okay. So, should learners write their introduction and practice it?

[00:12:22]>> Yes. Write it. Read it. Say it out loud in front of a mirror. Record yourself on your phone. Listen back.

[00:12:31]>> Oh, recording yourself is a great idea, even though it feels so awkward the first time.

[00:12:38]>> So awkward. Nobody likes the sound of their own recorded voice, but it's the fastest way to improve. You hear things you never notice when you're speaking.

[00:12:49]>> Like, oh wow, I say um 40 times in 10 seconds.

[00:12:54]>> Exactly. And once you hear it, you fix it. That's how you growl. Okay, listeners, I hope you're taking notes because this is gold. All right, May, vocabulary moment time. I know you have five key phrases for us today.

[00:13:10]>> Yes. Okay, let's go through them quickly. Phrase number one, I'm originally from This is great when you live somewhere different from where you were born. It adds depth to your introduction.

[00:13:23]>> Like, I'm originally from Brazil, but I live in Canada now. Got it.

[00:13:28]>> Phrase number two. I specialize in this is a professional and confident way to talk about your area of work or study.

[00:13:38]>> I specialize in graphic design. Yeah, that sounds so much better than I do design stuff.

[00:13:45]>> Much better. Phrase number three. I'm really into this is casual and great for sharing hobbies or passions in a natural way. I'm really into photography. Easy and natural. I like it.

[00:14:01]>> Phrase number four. I'm looking forward to. This is perfect for ending a formal introduction on a positive, enthusiastic note.

[00:14:11]>> I'm looking forward to working with your team. That's smooth. That's professional.

[00:14:16]>> And phrase number five, nice to meet you. Simple, classic. Never skip it.

[00:14:22]Always end your introduction with this.

[00:14:25]It shows warmth and good manners.

[00:14:28]>> Nice to meet you. Three words, but they matter so much.

[00:14:32]>> They really do. Those three words open a door. They tell the other person, I see you and I'm glad we met.

[00:14:40]>> Oh, that's beautiful, May.

[00:14:43]>> Okay, I'm getting a little too poetic.

[00:14:46]Let's wrap this up.

[00:14:47]>> No, I love it. But yes, let's bring it home. So to summarize, a great self-introduction has four parts. Name, where you're from, what you do, and one personal detail.

[00:15:00]>> Keep it short, keep it clear. Adjust the tone for the situation, casual or formal. And always end with nice to meet you.

[00:15:10]>> Don't apologize for your English. Don't rush. One breath, one smile, and go.

[00:15:16]>> And practice it. Write it. Say it out loud. Record yourself. The more you practice, the more natural it feels.

[00:15:24]>> Honestly, today's episode reminded me that the basics are actually the most powerful things. We over complicate everything.

[00:15:33]>> Always. Simplicity wins every time. And confidence isn't about perfect English.

[00:15:39]It's about showing up and trying.

[00:15:41]>> I really needed to hear that today, and I think our listeners did, too.

[00:15:45]>> Now, here's our question for you today, English learners. We want to hear your introduction. Write it in the comments below. Tell us your name, where you're from, what you do, and one fun fact about yourself.

[00:15:59]>> Yes, use the phrases we talked about today. Practice in the comments. We read them. We love seeing your progress.

[00:16:06]>> And if this episode helped you, share it with a friend who's learning English.

[00:16:11]Also, if you haven't subscribed yet, please hit that subscribe button right now. We drop a new episode every single day and you don't want to miss any of them.

[00:16:21]>> Every day people, we show up for you every day. The least you can do is hit subscribe. It's free and it means the world to us.

[00:16:30]>> It really does. Thank you so much for spending this time with us. You are doing amazing just by showing up and learning today.

[00:16:38]>> Keep practicing. Keep showing up. And remember, your English is growing every single day, even when you can't see it.

[00:16:46]>> This is May >> and this is Jay >> saying keep speaking, keep smiling, and we'll see you in the next episode. Bye >> bye everyone. See you tomorrow.