My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

Self Introduction Speech [Topics + Outline Sample]

Photo of author

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

self introduction speech

This page deals with self introduction speech topics for classroom or other public speaking events an opportunities in life for a good first impression.

In this article:

Sample Introduction Speech Topics

Sample self introduction speech outline.

Another short manner for introducing yourself is the elevator speech, meant for business purposes.

The key question for successful and effective presenting yourself to others in both occasions is: how much and what information do you want the audience to know about you?

Due to the fact you have to write your talk around one theme, I recommend to develop one aspect of your life. That aspect will tell who you are and what you are about. Some people call this type a one-point preliminary, because it is based on one speaking idea.

Can We Write Your Speech?

Get your audience blown away with help from a professional speechwriter. Free proofreading and copy-editing included.

Look at the sample self introduction speech topics and pick out the aspects of your personal life you want to share with the audience. Approach the list below with the who, the what, the whereabouts, for sure the why, the how and when questions. That is an effective way to outline your first thoughts.

  • What activity has played or plays an important part in your life? Tell the story and distract the message.
  • What is your main personal goal?
  • What do you like very much? Your hobby?
  • What do you hate or dislike? Your aversions?
  • Do you have developed a very special skill?
  • What is your lifestyle?
  • Can you come up with a turning point or milestone in you life?
  • What is your hobby or interest in your spare time?
  • What is a pet peeve or another very familiar topic you like to talk about, to do or to discuss?
  • Where you are from? Do your roots reveal something about yourself that is new for the audience? That always works in a small nice text for introducing your biggest personal features.
  • Is there an object or prop that means a lot to you?
  • What distinguishes you from other individuals in class?

Now that you have picked out a central thesis, use this example profiler I have created:

Grab their attention . Immediately bring in your central message and come to the point.

Give some background information . Tell why it is important to you, why you are doing it, why you want to tell them, etcetera.

Now work out your item of discussion in a few sentences. Draw the contours, make it personal.

Give an example .

In conclusion, offer a memorable answer in your self-introduction speech on the question the listeners probably will have when they listen to your public speaking efforts: what’s in it for me? Tell how this aspect of your life makes who you are and what you are. It will be the perfect ending of your spoken presentation.

   

113 Extemporaneous Speech Topics

147 Unique Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative]

2 thoughts on “Self Introduction Speech [Topics + Outline Sample]”

i think that talking about some people that have influenced you the most really gives good base to your speech and it helps you by writing about things that you are familiar with so if you write about what has inspired you and what you care about you can easily write about anything.

Domestic violence

Leave a Comment

I accept the Privacy Policy

Reach out to us for sponsorship opportunities

Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi.

© 2024 My Speech Class

Status.net

50 Inspiring Examples: Effective Self-Introductions

By Status.net Editorial Team on September 22, 2023 — 19 minutes to read

  • Structure of a Good Self-introduction Part 1
  • Examples of Self Introductions in a Job Interview Part 2
  • Examples of Self Introductions in a Meeting Part 3
  • Examples of Casual Self-Introductions in Group Settings Part 4
  • Examples of Self-Introductions on the First Day of Work Part 5
  • Examples of Good Self Introductions in a Social Setting Part 6
  • Examples of Good Self Introductions on Social Media Part 7
  • Self-Introductions in a Public Speaking Scenario Part 8
  • Name-Role-Achievements Method Template and Examples Part 9
  • Past-Present-Future Method Template and Examples Part 10
  • Job Application Self-Introduction Email Example Part 11
  • Networking Event Self-Introduction Email Example Part 12
  • Conference Self-Introduction Email Example Part 13
  • Freelance Work Self-Introduction Email Example Part 14
  • New Job or Position Self-Introduction Email Example Part 15

Part 1 Structure of a Good Self-introduction

  • 1. Greeting and introduction: Start by greeting the person you’re speaking to and introducing yourself. For example, “Hi, my name is Jane. Nice to meet you!”
  • 2. Brief personal background: Give a brief overview of your personal background, such as where you’re from or what you do. For example, “I’m originally from California, but I moved to New York a few years ago. I work in marketing for a tech company.” Related: 10 Smart Answers: “Tell Me About Yourself”
  • 3. Professional experience: Highlight your relevant professional experience, including your current or previous job titles and any notable achievements. For example, “I’ve been working in marketing for about 5 years now, and I’m currently a Senior Marketing Manager at my company. Last year, I led a successful campaign that resulted in a 20% increase in sales.” Related: How to Describe Yourself (Best Examples for Job Interviews)
  • 4. Skills and strengths: Mention any skills or strengths that are relevant to the conversation or the situation you’re in. For example, “I’m really passionate about data analysis and using insights to inform marketing strategy. I’m also a strong communicator and enjoy collaborating with cross-functional teams.” Related: 195 Positive Words to Describe Yourself [with Examples] 35 Smart Answers to “What Are Your Strengths?” What Are Your Strengths And Weaknesses? (Answers & Strategies)
  • 5. Personal interests: Wrap up your self-introduction by mentioning a few personal interests or hobbies, which can help to humanize you and make you more relatable. For example, “In my free time, I love hiking and exploring new trails. I’m also a big fan of trying out new restaurants and cooking at home.”
  • Related: Core Values List: 150+ Awesome Examples of Personal Values Best Examples of “Fun Facts About Me” What Are Your Values? How to Discover Your Values

Part 2 Examples of Good Self Introductions in a Job Interview

Try to cover these aspects:

  • Current or most recent position/job
  • A relevant accomplishment or strength
  • Why you are excited about the company or role

Templates and Scripts

“Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I recently worked as a [Your Most Recent Position] at [Company/Organization]. I successfully managed a team of [Number] members, achieving a [Relevant Accomplishment or Growth]. I’m excited about the opportunity at [Interviewer’s Company] because [Reason Why You’re Interested].”

“Hi, I’m [Your Name], a [Current Job Title or Major Accomplishment]. I’m passionate about [Relevant Industry or Skillset] and have a proven track record of [Specific Result or Achievement]. I believe my skills and experience make me well-suited for this role at [Company], and I’m excited to explore how I can contribute to [Company Goal or Project].”

“Hi, my name is Jane Doe, and I’m the Assistant Marketing Manager at ABC Corp. I recently implemented a successful social media campaign, which increased engagement by 30%. I’m thrilled about the possibility of working with XYZ Inc. because of your innovative marketing strategies.”

“Hello, I’m John Smith, a financial analyst with five years of experience in the banking industry. I’ve consistently exceeded sales targets and helped my team win an award for excellent customer service. I’m excited to join DEF Ltd. because of your focus on sustainable and responsible investing.”

Try to tailor your introduction to the specific interview situation and always show enthusiasm for the position and company. This will show the interviewer that you are the right fit.

Related: How to Describe Yourself (Best Examples for Job Interviews)

Part 3 Examples of Good Self Introductions in a Meeting

General tips.

  • Start with a greeting: Begin with a simple “hello” or “good morning.”
  • State your name clearly: Don’t assume everyone knows you already.
  • Mention your role in the company: Help others understand your position.
  • Share relevant experience or accomplishments: Give context to your expertise.
  • Be brief: Save detailed explanations for later conversations.
  • Show enthusiasm: Display interest in the meeting and its objectives.
  • Welcome others: Encourage a sense of connection and camaraderie.
  • Basic introduction : Hi, I’m [Name], and I work as a [Your Role] in the [Department]. It’s great to meet you all.
  • Involvement-focused : Good morning, everyone. I’m [Name], [Your Role]. I handle [Responsibility] in our team, and I’m looking forward to working with you on [Project].
  • Experience-based : Hello! My name is [Name] and I’m the [Your Role] here. I’ve [Number of Years] of experience in [Skills or Industry], so I hope to contribute to our discussions during the meeting.
  • New team member : Hi, I’m [Name]. I just joined the [Department] team as the new [Your Role]. I have a background in [Relevant Experience] and am excited to start working with you on our projects!
  • External consultant : Hello everyone, my name is [Name], and I’m here in my capacity as a [Your Role] with [Your Company]. I specialize in [Skill or Industry], and I’m looking forward to partnering with your team to achieve our goals.
  • Guest speaker : Good morning, I’m [Name], a [Your Position] at [Organization]. I have expertise in [Subject], and I’m honored to be here today to share my insights with you.

Related: 10 Smart Answers: “Tell Me About Yourself”

Part 4 Examples of Casual Self-Introductions in Group Settings

Template 1:.

“Hi, I’m [your name], and I’m a [profession or role]. I love [personal hobby or interest].”

“Hi, I’m Emily, and I’m a pediatric nurse. I love gardening and spending my weekends tending to my colorful flower beds.”

“Hello, I’m Mark, and I work as a data analyst. I love reading science fiction novels and discussing the intricacies of the stories with fellow book enthusiasts.”

“Hey there, I’m Jessica, and I’m a chef. I have a passion for traveling and trying new cuisines from around the world, which complements my profession perfectly.”

Template 2:

“Hey everyone, my name is [your name]. I work as a [profession or role], and when I’m not doing that, I enjoy [activity].”

“Hey everyone, my name is Alex. I work as a marketing manager, and when I’m not doing that, I enjoy hiking in the wilderness and capturing the beauty of nature with my camera.”

“Hello, I’m Michael. I work as a software developer, and when I’m not coding, I enjoy playing chess competitively and participating in local tournaments.”

“Hi there, I’m Sarah. I work as a veterinarian, and when I’m not taking care of animals, I enjoy painting landscapes and creating art inspired by my love for wildlife.”

“Hi there! I’m [your name]. I’m currently working as a [profession or role], and I have a passion for [hobby or interest].”

“Hi there! I’m Rachel. I’m currently working as a social worker, and I have a passion for advocating for mental health awareness and supporting individuals on their journeys to recovery.”

“Hello, I’m David. I’m currently working as a financial analyst, and I have a passion for volunteering at local animal shelters and helping rescue animals find their forever homes.”

“Hey, I’m Lisa. I’m currently working as a marine biologist, and I have a passion for scuba diving and exploring the vibrant underwater ecosystems that our oceans hold.”

Related: 195 Positive Words to Describe Yourself [with Examples]

Part 5 Examples of Good Self-Introductions on the First Day of Work

  • Simple Introduction : “Hi, my name is [Your name], and I’m the new [Your position] here. I recently graduated from [Your university or institution] and am excited to join the team. I’m looking forward to working with you all.”
  • Professional Background : “Hello everyone, I’m [Your name]. I’ve joined as the new [Your position]. With my background in [Your skills or experience], I’m eager to contribute to our projects and learn from all of you. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.”
  • Personal Touch : “Hey there! I’m [Your name], and I’ve recently joined as the new [Your position]. On the personal side, I enjoy [Your hobbies] during my free time. I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you and working together.”

Feel free to tweak these scripts as needed to fit your personality and work environment!

Here are some specific examples of self-introductions on the first day of work:

  • “Hi, my name is Alex, and I’m excited to be the new Marketing Manager here. I’ve been in the marketing industry for five years and have worked on various campaigns. Outside of work, I love exploring new hiking trails and photography. I can’t wait to collaborate with you all.”
  • “Hello, I’m Priya, your new Software Engineer. I graduated from XYZ University with a degree in computer science and have experience in Python, Java, and web development. In my free time, I enjoy playing the guitar and attending live concerts. I’m eager to contribute to our team’s success and learn from all of you.”

Related: Core Values List: 150+ Awesome Examples of Personal Values

Part 6 Examples of Good Self Introductions in a Social Setting

Casual gatherings: “Hi, I’m [Name]. Nice to meet you! I’m a huge fan of [hobby]. How about you, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?”

Networking events: “Hello, I’m [Name] and I work as a [profession] at [company]. I’m excited to learn more about what everyone here does. What brings you here today?”

Parties at a friend’s house: “Hi there, my name is [Name]. I’m a friend of [host’s name] from [work/school/etc]. How do you know [host’s name]?”

  • Casual gathering: “Hey, my name is Jane. Great to meet you! I love exploring new coffee shops around the city. What’s your favorite thing to do on weekends?”
  • Networking event: “Hi, I’m John, a website developer at XY Technologies. I’m eager to connect with people in the industry. What’s your field of expertise?”
  • Party at a friend’s house: “Hello, I’m Laura. I met our host, Emily, in our college photography club. How did you and Emily become friends?”

Related: Best Examples of “Fun Facts About Me”

Part 7 Examples of Good Self Introductions on Social Media

  • Keep it brief: Social media is fast-paced, so stick to the essentials and keep your audience engaged.
  • Show your personality: Let your audience know who you are beyond your job title or education.
  • Include a call-to-action: Encourage your followers to engage with you by asking a question or directing them to your website or other social media profiles.

Template 1: Brief and professional

Hi, I’m [Your Name]. I’m a [Job Title/Field] with a passion for [Interests or Hobbies]. Connect with me to chat about [Subject Matter] or find more of my work at [Website or Social Media Handle].

Template 2: Casual and personal

Hey there! I’m [Your Name] and I love all things [Interest or Hobby]. In my day job, I work as a [Job Title/Field]. Let’s connect and talk about [Shared Interest] or find me on [Other Social Media Platforms]!

Template 3: Skill-focused

Hi, I’m [Your Name], a [Job Title/Field] specializing in [Skills or Expertise]. Excited to network and share insights on [Subject Matter]. Reach out if you need help with [Skill or Topic] or want to discuss [Related Interest]!

Example 1: Brief and professional

Hi, I’m Jane Doe. I’m a Marketing Manager with a passion for photography and blogging. Connect with me to chat about the latest digital marketing trends or find more of my work at jdoephotography.com.

Example 2: Casual and personal

Hey there! I’m John Smith and I love all things coffee and travel. In my day job, I work as a software developer. Let’s connect and talk about adventures or find me on Instagram at @johnsmithontour!

Example 3: Skill-focused

Hi, I’m Lisa Brown, a Graphic Designer specializing in branding and typography. Excited to network and share insights on design. Reach out if you need help with creating visually appealing brand identities or want to discuss minimalistic art!

Part 8 Self-Introductions in a Public Speaking Scenario

  • Professional introduction: “Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I have [number of years] of experience working in [your field]. Throughout my career, I have [briefly mention one or two significant accomplishments]. Today, I am excited to share [the main point of your presentation].”
  • Casual introduction: “Hey everyone, I’m [Your Name], and I [briefly describe yourself, e.g., your hobbies or interests]. I’m really thrilled to talk to you about [the main point of your presentation]. Let’s dive right into it!”
  • Creative introduction: “Imagine [paint a visual with a relevant story]. That’s where my passion began for [the main point of your presentation]. My name is [Your Name], and [mention relevant background/information].”
  • Professional introduction: “Hello, my name is Jane Smith, and I have 15 years of experience working in marketing and advertisement. Throughout my career, I have helped companies increase their revenue by up to 50% using creative marketing strategies. Today, I am excited to share my insights in implementing effective social media campaigns.”
  • Casual introduction: “Hey everyone, I’m John Doe, and I love hiking and playing the guitar in my free time. I’m really thrilled to talk to you about the impact of music on mental well-being, a topic close to my heart. Let’s dive right into it!”
  • Creative introduction: “Imagine standing at the edge of a cliff, looking down at the breathtaking view of nature. That’s where my passion began for landscape photography. My name is Alex Brown, and I’ve been fortunate enough to turn my hobby into a successful career. Today, I’ll share my expertise on capturing stunning images with just a few simple techniques.”

Effective Templates for Self-Introductions

Part 9 name-role-achievements method template and examples.

When introducing yourself, consider using the NAME-ROLE-ACHIEVEMENTS template. Start with your name, then mention the role you’re in, and highlight key achievements or experiences you’d like to share.

“Hello, I’m [Your Name]. I’m currently working as a [Your Current Role/Position] with [Your Current Company/Organization]. Some of my key achievements or experiences include [Highlight 2-3 Achievements or Experiences].”

“Hello, I’m Sarah Johnson. I’m a Senior Software Engineer with over 10 years of experience in the tech industry. Some of my key achievements include leading a cross-functional team to develop a groundbreaking mobile app that garnered over 5 million downloads and receiving the ‘Tech Innovator of the Year’ award in 2020.”

“Hi there, my name is [Your Name]. I serve as a [Your Current Role] at [Your Current Workplace]. In my role, I’ve had the opportunity to [Describe What You Do]. One of my proudest achievements is [Highlight a Significant Achievement].”

“Hi there, my name is David Martinez. I currently serve as the Director of Marketing at XYZ Company. In my role, I’ve successfully executed several high-impact marketing campaigns, resulting in a 30% increase in brand visibility and a 15% boost in revenue last year.”

Template 3:

“Greetings, I’m [Your Name]. I hold the position of [Your Current Role] at [Your Current Company]. With [Number of Years] years of experience in [Your Industry], I’ve had the privilege of [Mention a Notable Experience].”

“Greetings, I’m Emily Anderson. I hold the position of Senior Marketing Manager at BrightStar Solutions. With over 8 years of experience in the technology and marketing industry, I’ve had the privilege of spearheading the launch of our flagship product, which led to a 40% increase in market share within just six months.”

Part 10 Past-Present-Future Method Template and Examples

Another template is the PAST-PRESENT-FUTURE method, where you talk about your past experiences, your current situation, and your future goals in a concise and engaging manner.

“In the past, I worked as a [Your Previous Role] where I [Briefly Describe Your Previous Role]. Currently, I am [Your Current Role] at [Your Current Workplace], where I [Briefly Describe Your Current Responsibilities]. Looking to the future, my goal is to [Your Future Aspirations].”

“In the past, I worked as a project manager at ABC Corporation, where I oversaw the successful delivery of multiple complex projects, each on time and within budget. Currently, I’m pursuing an MBA degree to enhance my business acumen and leadership skills. Looking to the future, my goal is to leverage my project management experience and MBA education to take on more strategic roles in the company and contribute to its long-term growth.”

“In my earlier career, I [Describe Your Past Career Experience]. Today, I’m [Your Current Role] at [Your Current Company], where I [Discuss Your Current Contributions]. As I look ahead, I’m excited to [Outline Your Future Plans and Aspirations].”

“In my previous role as a software developer, I had the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies, including AI and machine learning. Today, I’m a data scientist at XYZ Labs, where I analyze large datasets to extract valuable insights. In the future, I aspire to lead a team of data scientists and contribute to groundbreaking research in the field of artificial intelligence.”

“During my previous role as a [Your Previous Role], I [Discuss a Relevant Past Achievement or Experience]. Now, I am in the position of [Your Current Role] at [Your Current Company], focusing on [Describe Your Current Focus]. My vision for the future is to [Share Your Future Goals].”

“During my previous role as a Sales Associate at Maplewood Retail, I consistently exceeded monthly sales targets by fostering strong customer relationships and providing exceptional service. Now, I am in the position of Assistant Store Manager at Hillside Emporium, where I focus on optimizing store operations and training the sales team to deliver outstanding customer experiences. My vision for the future is to continue growing in the retail industry and eventually take on a leadership role in multi-store management.”

Examples of Self-introduction Emails

Part 11 job application self-introduction email example.

Subject: Introduction from [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to introduce myself and express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your Profession] with [Number of Years] of experience in the field.

I am impressed with [Company Name]’s reputation for [Company’s Achievements or Mission]. I am confident that my skills and experience align with the requirements of the job, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the company’s success.

Please find my resume attached for your review. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further and learn more about the position. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Related: Get More Interviews: Follow Up on Job Applications (Templates)

Part 12 Networking Event Self-Introduction Email Example

Subject: Introduction from [Your Name]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am excited to introduce myself to you. I am currently working as a [Your Profession] and have been in the field for [Number of Years]. I am attending the [Networking Event Name] event next week and I am hoping to meet new people and expand my network.

I am interested in learning more about your work and experience in the industry. Would it be possible to schedule a quick call or meeting during the event to chat further?

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing back from you.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Part 13 Conference Self-Introduction Email Example

Subject: Introduction from [Your Name] – [Conference or Event Name]

I am excited to introduce myself to you as a fellow attendee of [Conference or Event Name]. My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your Profession or Industry].

I am looking forward to the conference and the opportunity to network with industry experts like yourself. I am particularly interested in [Conference or Event Topics], and I would love to discuss these topics further with you.

If you have some free time during the conference, would you be interested in meeting up for coffee or lunch? I would love to learn more about your experience and insights in the industry.

Part 14 Freelance Work Self-Introduction Email Example

Subject: Introduction from [Your Name] – Freelance Writer

Dear [Client’s Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a freelance writer with [Number of Years] of experience in the industry. I came across your website and was impressed by the quality of your content and the unique perspective you offer.

I am writing to introduce myself and express my interest in working with you on future projects. I specialize in [Your Writing Niche], and I believe my skills and experience would be a great fit for your content needs.

Please find my portfolio attached for your review. I would love to discuss your content needs further and explore how we can work together to achieve your goals. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Part 15 New Job or Position Self-Introduction Email Example

Subject: Introduction from [Your Name] – New [Job Title or Position]

Dear [Team or Department Name],

I am excited to introduce myself as the new [Job Title or Position] at [Company Name]. My name is [Your Name], and I am looking forward to working with all of you.

I have [Number of Years] of experience in the industry and have worked on [Your Achievements or Projects]. I am excited to bring my skills and experience to the team and contribute to the company’s success.

I would love to schedule some time to meet with each of you and learn more about your role in the company and how we can work together. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to meeting all of you soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you create a powerful self-introduction script for job interviews.

To make a strong impression in job interviews, prepare a script that includes:

  • Your name and current role or profession.
  • Relevant past experiences and accomplishments.
  • Personal skills or attributes relevant to the job.
  • A brief mention of your motivation for applying.
  • An engaging statement that connects your aspirations with the role or company.

How can students present a captivating self-introduction in class?

For an engaging self-introduction in class, consider mentioning:

  • Your name and major.
  • Where you’re from or something unique about your upbringing.
  • Hobbies, interests, or extracurricular activities.
  • An interesting fact or anecdote about yourself.
  • Your academic or career goals and how they connect to the class.

What are tips for introducing yourself to a new team at work?

When introducing yourself to a new team at work, consider the following tips:

  • Be friendly, respectful, and approachable.
  • Start with your name and role, then briefly describe your responsibilities.
  • Mention your background, skills, and relevant experiences.
  • Share a personal interest or fun fact to add a personal touch.
  • Express how excited you are to be part of the team and your desire to collaborate effectively.

How do you structure a self-introduction in English for various scenarios?

Regardless of the scenario, a well-structured self-introduction includes:

  • Greeting and stating your name.
  • Mentioning your role, profession, or status.
  • Providing brief background information or relevant experiences.
  • Sharing a personal touch or unique attribute.
  • Concluding with an engaging statement, relevant to the context, that shows your enthusiasm or interest.
  • Self Evaluation Examples [Complete Guide]
  • 42 Adaptability Self Evaluation Comments Examples
  • 40 Competency Self-Evaluation Comments Examples
  • 45 Productivity Self Evaluation Comments Examples
  • 30 Examples of Teamwork Self Evaluation Comments
  • How to Live By Your Values

Public Speaking Mentor

Self-Introduction Speech Ideas, Topics And Outline

man delivering a self-introduction speech

One of the most difficult things to do in life is to introduce yourself. In any social situation, whether it’s a job interview or a first date, you only have one chance to make a good first impression.

And yet, so often, people freeze up when it comes time to say something about themselves. Part of the reason is that most of us don’t want to say the wrong thing and be judged. But another reason is that we simply don’t know what to say about ourselves.

But there’s no need to worry. With a little bit of planning, composure, and balance you can introduce yourself in a way that will make people want to know more about you. You’ll also learn how to over the fear of public speaking when introducing yourself.

What is a self-introduction speech?

A self-introduction speech is an act of introducing yourself to a large group of people. This could be during an event or a function, such as a conference, seminar, or meet-and-greet. It can also be for a more personal purpose, such as giving a speech at your wedding.

A self-introduction speech is also a type of one-point speech. This means that it has one purpose or goal: to give the audience a brief overview of who you are, what you do, and what you’re interested in.

What are the purposes of a self-introduction speech?

The primary purpose of a self-introduction speech is to give the audience a quick overview of who you are and what you do.

However, there are other purposes as well. For example, a self-introduction speech can also be used to:

  • Build rapport with the audience : By introducing yourself and sharing a little bit about your background, you can build a rapport with the audience. This is especially important if you’re giving a presentation or working with them in some capacity.
  • Establish credibility : If you’re going to be asking the audience to do something or believe what you’re saying, it’s important to first establish your credibility. A self-introduction speech can be a good way to do this.
  • Get the audience’s attention : If you’re going to be giving a longer presentation, it’s important to get the attention of the audience from the start. A self-introduction speech can help you do this by getting people interested in what you have to say.

Characteristics of a self-introduction speech

The key to giving a successful self-introduction speech is to be natural, sincere, and positive. You want to sound like yourself and not like you’re reciting a script.

There are four main characteristics of a self-introduction speech. These are:

  • Concise : A self-introduction speech should be short and to the point. You want to give the audience a quick overview of who you are and what you do, without going into too much detail. You don’t want to bore the audience or take up too much of their time.
  • Focused : A self-introduction speech should have a clear purpose. This could be to introduce yourself, build rapport, establish credibility, or get the attention of the audience. You should avoid talking about topics that are not relevant to them.
  • Prepared : It’s always a good idea to plan, prepare and rehearse your self-introduction speech. This will help you to stay focused and avoid rambling. It doesn’t mean that you need to memorize your speech, but you should have a general idea of what you’re going to say.
  • Confident : A self-introduction speech should be delivered with confidence. This doesn’t mean that you need to be overly confident or cocky, but you should believe in what you’re saying and project a sense of assurance.

What to talk about in a self-introduction speech

A self-introduction speech should not be more than 1-2 minutes long. This is enough time to give the audience a quick overview of who you are and what you do.

Here are a few things you can include in a self-introduction speech:

  • Your name and background : Share your name and tell the audience a little bit about your background. Where are you from? What do you do? What are your interests?
  • Your experience : If you have relevant experience, such as in the field you’re speaking about, be sure to mention it. This will help to establish credibility.
  • Your achievements : Share any relevant achievements or awards that you have received. This will show that you’re an expert and recognized in your field.
  • Your goals : Share any goals or ambitions that you have. This will give the audience a sense of your drive and motivation.

Outline for a self-introduction speech

Some people tend to overthink the process of introducing themselves. They believe that they need to say something witty or impressive in order to make a good impression. But the truth is, being yourself is usually the best policy.

Here is a basic outline for a self-introduction speech:

  • Introduction : Start with a brief introduction, such as your name and background.
  • Main body : In the main body of the speech, share more information about who you are and what you do.
  • Conclusion : End with a brief conclusion, such as your current goals or an ongoing project.

Self-introduction speech topics

If you’re giving a self-introduction speech for a class or work, you may be given a specific topic to talk about. If you’re giving a self-introduction speech for a meeting or event, you can choose your own topic.

1. Your Name, Background, Experience, and Achievements

Introduce yourself by sharing your name followed by a brief overview of your background. Mention your upbringing, education, and career. Highlight key experiences and accomplishments that have been significant in your journey so far.

2. What You Currently Do and Your Goal in Life

Describe your current professional or personal engagements and articulate your overarching goal in life. Offer insights into how your current work aligns with or is a stepping stone towards achieving this goal.

3. How You Got Started in Your Field/Career

Share the story of how you embarked on your current career or field of interest. Mention initial inspirations, challenges faced, and what propelled you to continue pursuing this path.

4. An Upcoming Project or Goal You Are Working Towards

Share about a project or goal that you are currently focusing on. Explain its importance in your personal or professional growth and what you hope to achieve through it.

5. A Recent Success or Failure that Has Taught You a Valuable Lesson in Life

Discuss a recent event or experience, whether it was a success or failure, and share the valuable lessons you learned from it. Emphasize how this experience has equipped you to handle similar situations in the future.

6. A Hobby You’re Passionate About

Talk about a hobby you are particularly fond of, and share how you developed an interest in it. Mention how this hobby helps you unwind, learn, or grow as a person and add value to your life.

7. How Did You Get to Where You Are Today?

Detail your journey to your current position, highlighting significant moments, decisions, and experiences that played a crucial role in shaping who you are today.

8. What Has Been Your Biggest Challenge in Life?

Discuss a major challenge you have faced in your life, explaining how you approached the situation and what strategies you utilized to overcome it. Share how this experience has contributed to your personal growth.

9. What Are Some of the Things that Make You Happy?

Share about the simple pleasures or activities that bring joy to your life. Elucidate why these aspects are significant and how they contribute to your overall well-being.

10. Do You Have Any Advice for Others Who May Be Going Through a Tough Time?

Offer a piece of advice or encouragement for individuals who might be experiencing difficulties, drawing from your own experiences and learnings to provide a comforting and uplifting message.

11. How Do You Like to Spend Your Time?

Describe how you generally prefer to spend your time, during work or leisure. Share insights into your daily routine, favorite pastimes, and activities that help you recharge and stay productive.

12. What Are Some of Your Pet Peeves?

Discuss a few of your pet peeves, explaining why these particular things bother you and how you manage to deal with them or avoid them daily.

13. Do You Have Any Special Skills that You’re Proud Of?

Highlight any special skills or talents you possess. Share how you acquired them and why they are a source of your pride. Mention how these skills have benefitted you in personal or professional spheres.

14. What Are Some of Your Favorite Things to Do?

Share the activities you enjoy during your free time. Provide details about your preferences and personality. Explain how these activities help you relax, learn, or connect with others.

15. Inspirational Figures in Your Life

Discuss the individuals who have been a guiding force in your life, highlighting their positive traits and how they have influenced your outlook or decisions. Share stories or instances that showcase their impact on your personal or professional journey.

16. Community Engagement

Talk about your active involvement in community or group activities. Share projects or initiatives you have participated in. Emphasize how these engagements have helped foster a sense of connection and contribution towards the community and what you have learned from these experiences.

17. Personal Growth Journey

Detail your path of self-improvement or personal development. Focus on the strategies and habits you have adopted over time. Share how this journey has aided in your personal growth, enhanced your understanding of yourself, and improved your interactions with others.

18. Work-Life Balance

Discuss your approach to maintaining a healthy balance between work responsibilities and personal life. Share tips or strategies that have worked for you and contributed positively to your overall well-being and happiness.

19. Cultural Influences

Narrate how your cultural background has played a significant role in shaping your beliefs, values, and personality. Share anecdotes or instances where your culture has notably influenced your decisions or perspectives.

20. Future Aspirations

Talk about your aspirations for the coming years. Outline the goals you have set for yourself both personally and professionally. Discuss the steps or plans you intend to implement to reach these goals and how you envision these aspirations for your growth and fulfillment.

Remember that a self-introduction speech should be short, and you should be able to give the audience a general idea of who you are and what you do within a minute or two.

Choose a topic that is relevant and interesting for your self-introduction speech. Make sure you appear confident and avoid rambling to leave a great first impression.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

  • Self Introduction
  • Start Conversation
  • Self Introduction Generator
  • Introduction in Other Languages

My Self Introduction

10+ Self Introduction Speech Examples to Introduce Yourself

Presenting yourself to others can be difficult, mainly if you’re not accustomed to public speaking or don’t know what to talk about. However, there are many situations where self-introduction speeches are expected and necessary, such as at school, work, or when meeting new people. Even though you may feel nervous and anxious about it, learning how to give a self introduction speech can help you get your point across and leave a good impression on your audience.

What Is A Self Introduction Speech?

A Self Introduction Speech:

A self introduction speech is a short speech you deliver to introduce yourself and sell yourself to the people you’re speaking to. The purpose of this speech is to make your audience feel comfortable with you, and it’s usually done in person.

You’ll typically give a brief overview of your background, including education and work experience, then talk about what you do now. You’ll also include some personal details—like where you grew up or what sports teams you like—that make you come across as more relatable.

Self introductions are also called “opening statements” or “introductory remarks.”

How To Start A Self Introduction Speech?

1. Start with a quote.

2. Give a brief account of your experiences, goals, aspirations, family background, etc.

3. Talk about your interests and hobbies.

4. Describe your personality in one word (e.g., energetic, funny, serious)

5. Mention the qualities you feel will make you suitable for the job (e.g., hard-working, dedicated, creative).

6. Talk about what motivates you.

7. Mention any personal achievements or awards that are relevant to the position at hand.

8. Talk about your unique skills (e.g., languages, musical instruments, etc.)

How To End A Self Introduction Speech?

1. Summarize what you said.

2. Keep it short and sweet.

3. Mention your beneficiaries.

4. Finish with a question.

6. Make a strong ending statement.

7. Be sure to include an ending that ties everything together

Self Introduction Speech Example

Hi, I’m [name]. I’m [job] and I am currently the [position] at [company].

I have been in this industry for over 10 years, and while my career has been different every time, it’s always been a blast. I love what I do because it allows me to use my creativity and artistic side in a way that makes everyone around me feel great about themselves. Every day is a new opportunity for growth and learning, which is why it’s so exciting when you get to work with new people every day!

I’m really excited to be here today and learn from you all!

Hello, everyone! I’m [Name], and I’m so glad you could join me today.

I’ve been a fan of this site for a while now—I love how it connects authors to readers, and I look forward to sharing my writing with you every day.

I won’t keep you in suspense: my book is about [title]. It’s a coming-of-age story about high schoolers who undergo significant changes and how they navigate their lives as adults.

It’s not your typical high school story—it covers topics like mental health, social media addiction, sexual assault… all the things that can make your life complicated when you’re young and vulnerable. But it’s also full of heart, hope, and joy—which is why I think it’ll resonate with many people looking for something like this in fiction right now.

I am [Name], and I am here to tell you about myself.

First, I am a native speaker of English who has been learning Spanish for four years. My goal is to become a professional translator shortly.

Second, I have a passion for art and design. I believe my future career will be one where I can combine these two passions with my language skills.

Third, my favorite food is pizza, and my favorite color is red because it stands out from everything else.

Finally, I really enjoy being outside whenever possible. Whether it’s hiking or just sitting by a lake on a sunny day, nature is always something worth spending time with!

  • 5+ Examples of Self Introduction For Work
  • How to Ace a self introduction for interview? (with examples )

Self Introduction Speech Outline

Hello, everyone!

My name is [Name], and I am thrilled to be here today.

I’m a recent college graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, and I’m ready to take my career in [industry] to the next level.

[Name] was born and raised in [city], and he loves spending time with family and friends. He also enjoys traveling, playing video games, and watching movies.

You can find him at the gym or hiking up mountains in his free time when not working.

Hi, My Name is {your Name}, and I’m here to tell you about myself.

I’m a [job title] at [company name], and I’ve been working there for {several years}.

I love my job because I get to work with people who are passionate about what they do, and they always have fresh ideas that can help me improve my skills.

My mom says I thrive on challenges, so she’s proud of how much I’ve accomplished in such a short time. My dad says he’s proud because he knows how hard it is for me to find something new to learn every day. He also likes that I’m not afraid of failure—he thinks it shows a real strength of character!

My name is [Name], and I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone.

I know what it’s like to feel like no one understands your struggle and like the world is just out to get you. But I also know that there are others for whom this has happened too, who are here with you now.

I’ve been through it all—a bad breakup, a bad job interview, a bad day at work—and I’ve found that the worst thing about going through something difficult is not feeling like anyone else can relate because when we feel alone. We feel isolated in our pain. But when you find other people who have been there and can understand what you’re going through now… well… that’s when hope starts shining again!

For those of us who are dealing with loneliness right now, today’s the day to start building those relationships with other people who understand your pain. Today is the day we start becoming friends—friends made on shared experiences of loneliness, loss, and pain. The day we take those first steps towards becoming a community of people who care about each other even though they might not have known each other at first glance.

Self Introduction Speech Examples For Students

Hello, and thank you for inviting me to speak today. I’m [name], and I’m a student at [college]. I’ve been here for two years, but this is my first year in the [program].

I was born in [country] and moved to [city] when I was three. My mom worked as a seamstress, and my dad was a mechanic. They were both very hard workers who ensured the family had what we needed.

I studied at home with my parents until high school, when they both retired because of their age. After that, we had some financial difficulties—but that doesn’t mean we weren’t happy! We still managed to make ends meet by opening a small restaurant together. It wasn’t much money, but it helped us out quite a bit in our time of need.

After high school, I decided to return to school to get better job opportunities in the future. That’s when my mom taught me about her struggles with being an immigrant and working long hours to make ends meet for herself.

Hi, my name is [name]. I’m a student in the [school name] program.

I’ve enjoyed learning about the world through the history, and I’m excited to learn more about how you guys use technology to improve your lives. I was born and raised in [town] and lived there until I graduated from high school a few years ago. Now I’m going to be living in [city], where I hope to find a fulfilling and challenging job at the same time!

I’d love to tell you more about myself. First, let me tell you about my favorite part of history class: learning about how our ancestors lived their lives before we had access to technology like cell phones or computers. It was so amazing hearing their stories—how they used to write letters by hand; how they had no access to electricity; how they would use candles or oil lamps instead of lights during parties or other gatherings. It’s just so cool that we can now take advantage of all these things without even thinking about it—and that makes me feel very lucky!

Hi, my name is [name]. I’m so glad you’ve come to class today.

I’ve been studying English for over three years now, and I’m finally getting the hang of it. It’s incredible how much you can learn in just a few months!

I love writing—it’s my favorite thing to do! If I don’t get enough writing practice, I’ll also start having trouble with other subjects. So if you see me struggling with anything else in the class, please don’t hesitate to ask me questions or offer help.

I’m also into sports—especially basketball and soccer—and I play them whenever possible. My favorite team is the Dallas Mavericks because they have an awesome mascot named Mr. Mavs (can you tell we’re big fans?).

Self Introduction Speech Conclusion Example

I want to conclude by thanking my audience for giving me such a warm welcome and allowing me to share my thoughts on the topic of self-introduction. I hope you’ve enjoyed this presentation as much as I have and that it’s encouraged you to take steps toward improving your own self-confidence.

I’d also like to thank my friends for their support—it means the world to me that you’re here with me today. You are the ones who keep me going through the hard times, and without you, I don’t know if I’d be able to keep at it!

Thank you so much for taking the time to listen to me and my story. I really appreciate it!

I hope that by sharing this experience with you, I can help others who are going through similar struggles.

I learned a lot about myself and am excited about the future.

Thank you again!

I want to conclude by thanking you all for attending this workshop. I hope you’ve been able to learn a lot and have made connections with other people who are interested in our work today.

Thank you so much for your participation!

Takeaway:  A good introduction is essential, so take time to get it right.

How To Introduce Yourself In A Speech Or Presentation?

1. Spend less time on other parts of your speech.

2. Accept that it’s human to be nervous.

3. Practice your delivery with someone you trust.

4. Use the exact words when introducing yourself in person and in writing.

5. Don’t put yourself down.

6. Take credit for your achievements.

7. Practice saying the exact words each time you introduce yourself (it also helps with memorizing the words).

8. Please make a list of questions that people typically ask you and practice answers to them (to avoid forgetting points when asked in real life).

9. It is essential to how you introduce yourself. Take time to make it good.

Related Queries

What to talk about in a self introduction speech.

In a self introduction speech, you’ll want to make sure that you can describe who you are. It would help if you ensured everyone knew your strengths and what makes you unique. Also, they must know how well you work with others and can count on you if they have questions or concerns about your work.

You may want to talk about your career path, how long you’ve been doing this kind of work, and how much experience you have in the field. It’s also important to talk about any awards or recognition you’ve received for your work—this can help show off what kind of professional you are!

What Should Be Included In A Self Introduction?

A Self Introduction is a formal way of introducing yourself to someone. It’s a formal approach to starting a conversation with someone, and it’s the first thing you say when you meet someone new.

When writing your Self Introduction, you should include all the information you want your reader to know about you. This includes your Name, occupation, education, experience, and other essential details about who you are and what makes you unique.

The Verdict: Self Introduction Speech

When it comes to giving a speech, it can sometimes seem like a daunting task. But with some preparation and a few simple tips, you may find that it is not as bad as you thought! This blog will go over how to give a speech, write a speech, and prepare a speech. We hope this blog post will help you feel more confident about your following speech.

http://www.medytox.com/-/demo-slot/

bocoran admin slot zeus

https://www.mededuinfo.com/slot-server.html

https://sbus.org.br/wp-content/

https://energiacaribemar.co/Fonts/slot-dana/

slot winrate tertinggi

situs judi slot online

https://arryadia.snrt.ma/tmp-gopay/

https://alanitatravel.com/tv-slot/

http://www.medytox.com/-/slot-gacor-2022/

energiacaribemar.co/slot-online/

slot terbaru

slot deposit pulsa tanpa potongan

https://toyotabacgiang.com.vn/Images/agen-slot/

bocoran admin jarwo

http://www.medytox.com/-/sweet-bonanza-slot-hoki

https://www.salentoit.it/case-bandar/

bonus new member 100

http://www.medytox.com/-/sayabet-bonus-new-member-100-to-5x-8x-10x-di-depan-2023/

http://uecsc.com/pragmatic/

http://egspec.org/nama-nama-situs-judi-slot-online-dan-judi-resmi-terpercaya.php

https://arryadia.snrt.ma/football-news/47-daftar-bermain-di-situs-judi-slot-online-pragmatic-terpercaya

https://threehillssoap.ie/wp-dana/

https://www.reemfinance.ae/css-dana/

https://www.smuc.fr/wp-gacor/

https://ventura.com.tr/wp-link/

https://bvpnlcpune.org/slot-online-jackpot-terbesar-anti-rungkad.aspx

https://alpar-alhayyanparung.sch.id/index.php/2022/09/23/daftar-link-game-slot-hoki-terpercaya-no-1-indonesia-2023/

https://icm.ilearning.me/situs-main-slot-demo-pragmatic-play-indonesia-2023-gratis/

http://iat.iain-jember.ac.id/berita/detail/link-slot-pg-soft-gacor-2023-deposit-20000-jackpot-terbesar

http://md.iain-jember.ac.id/berita/detail/situs-bermain-akun-demo-slot-pragmatic-play-dan-pg-soft-2023

https://stte.ac.id/app-pages/wp-content/

https://dapenmapamsi.co.id/img/

Hi, I a Usmaan Ali, a content writer. I’ve always been passionate about writing and blogging. I hope you enjoy my blog posts as much as I enjoy writing it!

Related Posts

5+ examples of business self introduction email, self introduction in interview for experienced candidates, self introduction for medical representative interview, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Stay ahead of the AI revolution.

neuron ai hero image

How to Write a Self Introduction Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introducing yourself effectively in public speaking situations can be a challenging task. From business presentations to networking events, knowing how to deliver a strong self-introduction speech can make all the difference in making a lasting impression. In this article, we’ll take a step-by-step approach to help you craft a compelling self-introduction speech that will impress any audience.

Understanding the Purpose of a Self Introduction Speech

A self-introduction speech is a brief presentation that aims to introduce you to an audience. The primary goal is to create a positive first impression and establish a connection with the listeners. Your self-introduction speech should give the audience a brief overview of who you are, what you do, and what you hope to accomplish. Whether you’re introducing yourself in a professional setting or trying to make a personal connection in a networking event, the key is to make your introduction memorable.

Introducing Yourself in Professional Settings

When introducing yourself in a professional setting, it’s important to keep things concise and to the point. You want to communicate your qualifications, experiences, and current role, while still maintaining a professional demeanor. For example, you may start your introduction by saying something like:

“I’m Jane, and I’m the senior manager of marketing at XYZ company. I’ve been in the industry for over a decade, and my expertise is in digital marketing and brand management. I’m excited to be here today to share my insights on the next generation of marketing strategies.”

Remember to keep your tone confident, but not arrogant, and always focus on the value that you can bring to the audience.

Making a Personal Connection in Social Situations

When making a personal connection in social situations, you can be more casual and conversational in your tone. While it’s still important to communicate your background and interests, you can add some personal anecdotes or stories to make your introduction more engaging. For example, you may start your introduction by saying something like:

“Hi, my name is John. I’m a big fan of outdoor activities like camping and hiking, and I love to travel whenever I can. I actually just came back from a backpacking trip in South America and had an amazing time exploring new cultures and meeting new people. I’m excited to be here tonight and get to know everyone a little better.”

By sharing something personal and relatable, you can create a genuine connection with the audience and make a lasting impression.

Building Confidence in Public Speaking

Before you start preparing your self-introduction speech, it’s important to work on building your confidence in public speaking. The more confident you feel, the more it will show in your delivery. Here are some tips on how to build confidence:

  • Practice your speech in front of a mirror.
  • Record yourself and analyze your delivery.
  • Join a public speaking club or take a class.
  • Breathe deeply and practice relaxation techniques to manage anxiety.

By working on building your confidence, you can deliver your self-introduction speech with ease and make a lasting impression on the audience.

Preparing Your Self Introduction Speech

Identifying your key points.

Before you start writing your speech, it’s important to identify your key points. These are the key ideas and information you want to communicate to the audience. When identifying your key points, consider your audience and what they need to know about you. Are you introducing yourself in a professional setting or a personal one? What are the most important qualifications and experiences you want to highlight?

Tailoring Your Speech to Your Audience

When giving a self-introduction speech, it’s important to tailor your message to your audience. Consider the level of familiarity your audience has with you and your background, and adjust your message accordingly. You may have to modify your language, tone, or examples to make your speech more relevant to the audience. The more tailored your message is to the audience, the more engaging and memorable it will be.

Organizing Your Thoughts and Ideas

Once you have identified your key points and tailored your message to your audience, it’s time to organize your thoughts and ideas. A good self-introduction speech generally has three parts: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. You should aim to keep your speech concise and focused, but also allow room for personal anecdotes and stories that will help make your message more memorable.

Writing Your Self Introduction Speech

Crafting a strong opening.

Your opening should be attention-grabbing and set the tone for the rest of your speech. Whether you start with a personal story or a bold statement, make sure it relates to your key points and engages the audience from the start.

Highlighting Your Accomplishments and Experiences

Use specific examples to highlight your qualifications, experiences, and accomplishments. These examples should be relevant to your key points and demonstrate your expertise in your field.

Sharing Personal Anecdotes and Interests

Add personal anecdotes and interests to your speech to make it more engaging and relatable. These should be relevant to your key points and help the audience understand your personality and values.

Concluding Your Speech with a Call-to-Action or Future Goals

End your speech with a call-to-action or future goals that relate to your key points. This will help the audience remember your message and understand how they can connect with you further.

Tips for Delivering Your Self Introduction Speech

Practicing your speech.

Practice your speech several times to ensure that you’re confident in your delivery. Pay attention to your pace, tone, and body language, and make sure that your message is clear and concise.

Engaging Your Audience with Eye Contact and Body Language

Make eye contact with your audience and use appropriate body language to connect with them. Avoid fidgeting or looking down at your notes too frequently, as this can distract from your message.

Managing Nervousness and Anxiety

Even the most experienced public speakers get nervous from time to time. If you find yourself feeling anxious or nervous, take deep breaths and focus on positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your expertise and why you’re the best person to deliver your message.

Adapting Your Speech to Different Situations

Remember to adapt your message and delivery to different situations and audiences. Whether you’re introducing yourself in a professional or personal setting, your message should always be tailored to the audience and their needs.

ChatGPT Prompt for Writing a Self Introduction Speech

Chatgpt prompt.

Compose a detailed and comprehensive self-introduction speech that clearly and effectively conveys your personal background, experiences, interests, and goals to your audience. Ensure that your speech is engaging, informative, and well-organized, and that it showcases your unique qualities and strengths in a positive and compelling manner.

[ADD ADDITIONAL CONTEXT. CAN USE BULLET POINTS.]

Writing a self-introduction speech can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can also be a very rewarding experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can craft a compelling self-introduction speech that will impress any audience. Remember to keep things concise, engaging, and tailored to your audience, and you’ll be sure to make a lasting impression.

Recommended Articles

How to write a toast speech: a step-by-step guide, how to write a presentation speech: a step-by-step guide, feeling behind on ai, get the latest ai.

email graphics

Best Speech Topics Logo

  • Choosing Good Topics
  • Controversial
  • Demonstration
  • Extemporaneous
  • Informative
  • School/College
  • Special Occasion
  • Public Speaking Help
  • Writing a Speech
  • Free Sample Speeches
  • Share Your Speech

Self Introduction Speech

Bonjour Self-Introduction Speech

Giving a self introduction speech is something you have to do relatively often in most business and academic settings. Introducing yourself can be awkward enough in one-on-one situations. But, having to introduce yourself to a group of strangers can be even more awkward and intimidating!

Unfortunately, in the business and academic worlds, these types of introductions happen all the time.

Many times a group of people will get together for the first time, and the leader of the meeting will ask everyone to give a short self-introductory speech.

These requests can catch you off guard if you're not prepared, and you only get one chance to make that all-important "first impression."

But, forewarned is forearmed. Make sure you spend time now preparing and practicing what you will say in these situations. Ensure that your self introduction speech puts you in the best possible light.

Practicing and Preparing Your Self Introduction Speech

Thankfully, most speeches of this type are only around a minute long, at the most. You don't have to come up with lots of content or witty remarks.

Self-Introduction Speech

The purpose of a self introduction speech is to make everyone present feel a bit more at ease and familiar with the people around them.

So make the most of your speech by sticking to the essential facts.

During your self introduction speech, tell your listeners the following:

  • Your position
  • Brief background information
  • Interests, hobbies or passions
  • A closing statement relevant to the meeting

If you can get all of those details put together in a short introductory speech, you'll be golden! Remember, though; you are speaking only to introduce yourself. Do not take the opportunity to brag, joke excessively, or to register complaints!

The idea of this type of speech is not to give any individual the platform for personal gain or self-promotion. Avoid any "Alpha Wolf" tendencies to make your introduction a competitive statement.

Here is an example of a self-introduction speech:

"Hello, everyone.

My name is Jim Smith, and I'm a systems analyst.

I've been with the company for five years now. I started as a technician and over the years progressed to my current role.

When I'm not working, I like to spend time with my son. We do a lot of fishing and camping together. My wife isn't a big fan, but she tags along with us most of the time.

It's good to be here and to meet you all in person. We all exchange emails and phone calls, but it's hard to know someone until you've met face to face. I'm looking forward to talking about our upcoming project with all of you."

This self introduction speech is just an example, but it hits on all of the significant points that you want to include in a self-introduction statement.

Keep these kinds of brief speeches ready in your mind for these types of group gatherings. If you know you have one coming up, take some time to practice yours to be prepared before the meeting takes place.

You might like these

How to practice public speaking at home

Practice Public Speaking at Home

How to practice public speaking at home

Public speaking exercises you can do at home. Discover some simple exercises to help you prepare for your next public speaking presentation.

Public Speaking Exercises You Can Do at Home

Public speaking exercises you can do at home. Discover some simple exercises to help you prepare for your next public speaking presentation.

Public speaking made easy! Giving a speech doesn't have to be as scary as it sounds. With some tried and true tips you can become a better public speaker!

Public Speaking Made Easy

Public speaking made easy! Giving a speech doesn't have to be as scary as it sounds. With some tried and true tips you can become a better public speaker!

Free email delivery

MASTER INFORMATIVE SPEAKING WITH OUR FREE CHECKLIST!

We are offering you a  FREE   SpeakFlight Informative Speaking Preparation Checklist. This valuable resource is packed with step-by-step guidance to help you create compelling, memorable, and effective informative speeches.

Share this page

Related content, tips, and techniques.

  • Dealing With Public Speaking Anxiety
  • The Importance of Public Speaking
  • Public Speaking Exercises
  • Best Speech Topics
  • Self-Introduction Speech

informative speaking checklist product

Easily search your speech type

Just check out the sitemap for best-speech-topics.com , which lists all the pages on the site, or use the search box below:

Return to the Top of the Page

Get to Know Us

  • Privacy Policy

Attention Grabbers

  • Positive Quotes for Kids
  • Quotes for Graduation Speeches
  • Poems & Quotes on Death
  • Quotes on Retirement

Most Popular Pages

  • Free Samples
  • Good Speech Topics
  • Hypnotize Your Audience
  • Welcome Speech

Select a Speech Topic

  • Argumentative
  • Commemorative
  • Inspirational
  • Interesting
  • Other Topics

Let Us Help You

  • How To Write a Speech
  • Demonstration Outline
  • Informative Outline
  • Introductions
  • Using a Microphone
  • Speech Help
  • Speeches Made Easy

Self-Introduction Speech Examples & Tips to Help You Be Confident & Calm

Here's how you can nail your self-introduction speech, without the sweaty palms! Go from nervous to natural with these tips.

It's time! The moment for your self-introduction speech is upon you. Are your palms sweating just at the thought? There are two secrets to making it easier to give an introduction speech about yourself: practice and preparation.

And with those two things already on your to-do list, we took care of some of the lifting for you with these self-introduction speech examples. Plus plenty of tips to help you not only get through it but get through it and feel good about it after. Yes, it is possible. And you're on your way!

Easy Self-introduction Speeches for School

It's the first day of school or of the semester. Perhaps you've found yourself in a new classroom halfway through the academic year. No fear, these intros will ease you into things and hook you a few new friends and classroom groupmates, too.

  • Student Council Speech Ideas & Tips to Help You Win
  • Editorial Writing Examples & Tips to Share Your Opinion
  • 47 Fun & Relaxing Things to Do When You Want to Unwind

Self-Introduction for Elementary or Middle School Kids

For the younger kiddos, these intros are all about who they are and what makes them happy.

  • "Hi, everybody! My name is [Your Name], and I'm super excited to be in this class with all of you. I'm [Your Age] years old. I live with my family, and we have a dog named [Dog's Name] who likes to eat all my homework. I really love dinosaurs, especially the T-Rex because he's big but has tiny arms, just like my baby brother when he tries to reach for cookies on the high shelf. In my free time, I love building rocket ships from Legos. One day, I hope to become an astronaut and find aliens -- friendly ones, of course!"
  • "Good morning, everyone! I'm [Your Name], and I'm really excited to be part of this class. I am [Your Age] years old. At home, I'm the queen/king of board games, although my cat [Cat's Name] often tries to join in and messes up the pieces. My favorite food is pizza, because who can say no to pizza? And when I grow up, I want to be a detective because I love solving mysteries, like where my missing socks go in the dryer. I'm looking forward to learning and having fun with all of you this year!"

Self-Introduction Speech for High Schoolers

Give new classmates an in or let people know that you're just like them so you can make friends once you find the cafeteria.

  • "Hey everyone, I'm [Your Name]. I'm new here, so please go easy on me if I can't find my way to the cafeteria. A few facts about me: I love music and play the guitar -- it's like a six-stringed stress buster for me. I'm a total sci-fi geek. If you need someone to debate Star Wars vs. Star Trek, I'm your person! And I have a secret ambition: to try every ice cream flavor in the world. Looking forward to getting to know all of you."

Self-Introduction Speech for College Kids

A quip about your major is a great way to start, but you can also loop in anything you love (or avoid) on your campus too, even if it's the steps by the library that seem to go on for eternity.

  • "Hello everyone! My name is [Your Name] and I'm majoring in [Your Major]. When I'm not elbow-deep in textbooks or caffeine, I love exploring the city, one coffee shop at a time. Yes, I'm a self-confessed coffee addict and my dream is to find the perfect cup of coffee. I also enjoy [Another Hobby], because what's life without a little variety, right? Excited to be on this journey with you all!"

Job Interview Self-Introduction Speech

There's nothing like the dreaded "tell us about yourself" comment at an interview. The good news? You won't have any more nightmares because this intro is the perfect way to ease into the answer.

  • "Good morning/afternoon! I'm [Your Name], and it's a pleasure to meet you. I graduated from [Your University] with a degree in [Your Major], and since then, I've gained [Number of Years of Experience] years of experience in the [Your Field] field. During my previous role at [Your Previous Company], I was responsible for [Key Responsibility] and I [Describe a Key Achievement or Impact You Made]. What I particularly enjoyed about that role was the opportunity to [Something You Enjoyed that Relates to the New Job]. In my free time, I enjoy [Briefly Mention a Hobby], which helps me to [Explain How It Applies to the New Role]. For example, [Concrete Example of How Hobby Relates to Job]. I'm excited about the possibility of bringing my unique experience and passion for [Mention Something About the Company or Role] to this position. Thank you for this opportunity to interview."
  • Wedding Reception Introductions for Every Type of Couple

Work Self-Introduction Speeches

Make a smooth, witty, and warm self-introduction when you land the job or want to kick off an introduction with ease.

Introduction for a New Job

You're the new kid on the block at the office, you have enough to learn, here's an easy intro on your first day before jumping in.

  • "Hello team, I'm [Your Name]. I'm thrilled to be joining the [Company Name] family as your new [Your Job Title]. I come with a background in [Relevant Skills or Experience], and most recently, I was at [Previous Company] where I [Describe a Key Achievement or Project]. Outside work, I love [A Personal Interest or Hobby]. I look forward to collaborating with all of you and contributing to our shared success."

Introduction for a Presentation or Meeting

Before you launch into the important information, take a moment to let people know who you are, why you're giving this presentation, and why you're qualified to do it. After all, you've done all the hard work, allow your accolades to shine.

  • "Good morning/afternoon everyone, for those who don't know me yet, I'm [Your Name], the [Your Job Title] here at [Company Name]. I oversee [Briefly Describe Your Responsibilities]. I've been with [Company Name] for [Duration at the Company], and before that, I worked at [Previous Company]. Today, I'm excited to discuss [Topic of Presentation or Meeting]. Although if you want to chat after, I also love [Hobby]."

Introduction for a Networking Event

You'll be introducing yourself a lot at networking, so now is the time to make yourself pop and be memorable.

  • "Hello, I'm [Your Name], currently serving as a [Your Job Title] at [Company Name]. I've been in the [Your Industry] industry for [Number of Years], specializing in [Your Specialty]. When I'm not [Job-Related Activity], I like to [Personal Interest or Hobby]. I'm eager to meet like-minded professionals and see how we can help each other grow in our careers."

Introducing Yourself at a Funeral

Whether you're delivering a eulogy, poem, or making a brief introduction of yourself to other family and friends, you can rely on this intro to make things a little easier.

  • "Good morning/afternoon, everyone. My name is [Your Name], and I had the honor of being [Deceased's Name]'s [Your Relation to the Deceased, e.g., friend, colleague, neighbor]. We shared many [memories/experiences] together, and I am here to pay my respects and celebrate the remarkable life they led. Their [specific quality or memory] has always stuck with me, and it is something I will carry in their memory."

How to Introduce Yourself at a Party

It's party time! Keep the intro laid back and casual.

  • "Hi! I'm [Your Name]. I may know some of you from [How You Know Some People at the Party]. I'm [a brief sentence about yourself, e.g., your job, where you're from]. I'm a bit of a [Hobby] enthusiast, so if you ever want to chat about [Topic Related to Hobby], I'm all ears."

Examples of How to Introduce Yourself to a New Group

You're the newbie, and there's nothing wrong with that. Start your clean slate with a short and sweet intro.

  • "Hello, everyone! My name is [Your Name]. I'm thrilled to be joining this group! I have always been passionate about [Your Hobby]. It all started when [A Short Story About How You Got Started With This Hobby]. Over the years, my love for it has only grown, and I've spent countless hours [Describe Something You Do Related to The Hobby].
  • Apart from this, I'm [Something About Your Job or Other Interests]. In my day-to-day life, I'm a [Your Profession], which can be pretty demanding, but [Your Hobby] has always been my perfect stress-buster.
  • I joined this group because I wanted to meet people who share this passion, learn from your experiences, and hopefully contribute with some of my own insights. I'm really excited to be a part of this community and can't wait to get to know all of you better!"

10 Tips for Writing and Making a Self-Introduction Speech

Here are some tips to keep in mind while writing and giving your self-introduction speech. The most important tip, however, is to do what feels natural and flows easily.

  • Know Your Audience : Tailor your introduction to the context and the audience. A self-introduction at a professional event will be very different from one at a casual party.
  • Start Strong: Grab the audience's attention from the beginning. You can start with an interesting fact about yourself, a short story, or a joke if the setting is informal.
  • Keep It Brief: Your introduction should be concise and to the point. Stick to key details about who you are, what you do, and perhaps one or two interesting facts or hobbies.
  • Be Authentic : Genuine introductions are the most memorable. Be honest about who you are and don't be afraid to show some personality.
  • Highlight Key Moments : Especially in a professional setting, it can be helpful to highlight a few key experiences or achievements that have defined your career or personal life.
  • End on a Positive Note: Conclude your introduction on a positive or forward-looking note. You could express excitement about the event or meeting, or share a hope or goal for the future.
  • Practice, Practice, Practice : Rehearse your introduction speech so you can deliver it confidently and naturally. This will help reduce any nerves and ensure you come across as polished and professional.
  • Be Engaging : Use body language to engage your audience. Make eye contact, smile, and use gestures where appropriate.
  • Relate It to the Purpose of the Event : If there's a specific reason for your introduction (like starting a new job, or joining a club), make sure to mention your relationship to the event or group and your expectations or goals.
  • Provide A Personal Touch : Share a little about your personal life (like a hobby or interest) to make your introduction more unique and memorable.
  • 15 Powerful Attention Getters for Any Type of Speech

Remember, the goal is to introduce yourself effectively, not to tell your entire life story. Keep it brief, engaging, and genuine .

Introducing Yourself With Ease

Sit yourself in front of the mirror, and run through your lines like an actor for a play, and in no time at all, the words will flow and you'll find a natural cadence. You may even surprise yourself with how easily your introductions flows once you take the stage. Don't be surprised if people ask how you were so calm and cool.

  • How to Order

User Icon

Speech Writing

Introduction Speech

Barbara P

Introduction Speech- Tips & Examples

10 min read

introduction speech

People also read

The 10 Key Steps for Perfect Speech Writing

Understanding Speech Format - Simple Steps for Outlining

How to Start A Speech - 13 Interesting Ideas & Examples

20+ Outstanding Speech Examples for Your Help

Common Types of Speeches that Every Speechwriter Should Know

Good Impromptu Speech Topics for Students

Entertaining Speech Topics for Your Next Debate

Understanding Special Occasion Speech: Types, Steps, Examples and Tips

How to Write A Good Acceptance Speech?

Writing A Presentation Speech In English: Tips And Examples

Commemorative Speech - Writing Guide, Outline & Examples

Farewell Speech | Writing Tips & Examples

How to Write an Extemporaneous Speech? A Step-by-Step Guide

A Graduation Speech Writing Guide with Examples

Introduction speeches are all around us. Whenever we meet a new group of people in formal settings, we have to introduce ourselves. That’s what an introduction speech is all about.

When you're facing a formal audience, your ability to deliver a compelling introductory speech can make a lot of difference. With the correct approach, you can build credibility and connections.

In this blog, we'll take you through the steps to craft an impactful introduction speech. You’ll also get examples and valuable tips to ensure you leave a lasting impression.

So, let's dive in!

Arrow Down

  • 1. What is an Introduction Speech? 
  • 2. How to Write an Introduction Speech?
  • 3. Introduction Speech Outline
  • 4. Introduction Speech Example
  • 5. Introduction Speech Ideas
  • 6. 7 Tips for Delivering the Best Introduction Speech

What is an Introduction Speech? 

An introduction speech, or introductory address, is a brief presentation at the beginning of an event or public speaking engagement. Its primary purpose is to establish a connection with the audience and to introduce yourself or the main speaker.

This type of speech is commonly used in a variety of situations, including:

  • Public Speaking: When you step onto a stage to address a large crowd, you start with an introduction to establish your presence and engage the audience.
  • Networking Events: When meeting new people in professional or social settings, an effective introduction speech can help you make a memorable first impression.
  • Formal Gatherings: From weddings to conferences, introductions set the tone for the event and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

In other words, an introduction speech is simply a way to introduce yourself to a crowd of people. 

How to Write an Introduction Speech?

Before you can just go and deliver your speech, you need to prepare for it. Writing a speech helps you organize your ideas and prepare your speech effectively. 

Here is how to introduce yourself in a speech.

  • Know Your Audience

Understanding your audience is crucial. Consider their interests, backgrounds, and expectations to tailor your introduction accordingly.

For instance, the audience members could be your colleagues, new classmates, or various guests depending on the occasion. Understanding your audience will help you decide what they are expecting from you as a speaker.

  • Opening the Speech with a Hook

The best speech introduction starts with a hook or opening line that grabs your audience's attention. This could be a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or a thought-provoking question about yourself or the occasion.

  • Introduce Yourself

Introduce yourself to the audience. State your name, occupation, or other details relevant to the occasion. You should have mentioned the reason for your speech clearly. It will build your credibility and give the readers reasons to stay with you and read your speech.

  • Keep It Concise

So how long is an introduction speech?

Introduction speeches should be brief and to the point. Aim for around 1-2 minutes in most cases. Avoid overloading the introduction with excessive details.

  • Highlight Key Points

Mention the most important information that establishes the speaker's credibility or your own qualifications. Write down any relevant achievements, expertise, or credentials to include in your speech. Encourage the audience to connect with you using relatable anecdotes or common interests.

  • Rehearse and Edit

Practice your introduction speech to ensure it flows smoothly and stays within the time frame. Edit out any unnecessary information, ensuring it's concise and impactful.

  • Tailor for the Occasion

Adjust the tone and content of your introduction speech to match the formality and purpose of the event. What works for a business conference may not be suitable for a casual gathering.

Introduction Speech Outline

To assist you in creating a structured and effective introduction speech, here's a simple speech format that you can follow:


Here is an example outline for a self-introduction speech.

Outline for Self-Introduction Speech

Introduction Speech Example

So if you are wondering what to say in an introduction speech we have you covered! We have compiled introduction speech examples to help you understand how to put your ideas into practice for different scenarios. 

Introduction Speech Writing Sample

Short Introduction Speech Sample

Self Introduction Speech for College Students

Introduction Speech about Yourself

Student Presentation Introduction Speech Script

Teacher Introduction Speech

New Employee Self Introduction Speech

Introduction Speech for Chief Guest

Moreover, here is a video example of a self-introduction speech. Watch it to understand how you should deliver your speech:

Want to read examples for other kinds of speeches? Find the best speeches at our blog about speech examples !

What Are Some Famous Introduction Speeches?

Here are the best introduction speeches for students to get inspired:

  • Malala Yousafzai's Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech (2014) : Malala's speech upon receiving the Nobel Peace Prize introduced her advocacy for girls' education and youth empowerment globally.
  • Elon Musk's Presentation on SpaceX Interplanetary Transport System (2016) : Elon Musk introduced SpaceX's ambitious plans for interplanetary travel, outlining a vision for the future of space exploration.
  • Michelle Obama's Democratic National Convention Speech (2008) : Michelle Obama's speech introduced her as a potential First Lady, sharing personal stories and values that resonated with the audience.
  • J.K. Rowling's Harvard Commencement Speech (2008) : Rowling's speech introduced themes of failure, imagination, and resilience, drawing from her personal journey as an author and philanthropist.

Introduction Speech Ideas

So now that you’ve understood what an introduction speech is, you may want to write one of your own. So what should you talk about?

The following are some sample introduction speech topics and ideas that can provide an engaging start to a presentation, meeting, or social gathering. 

  • Personal Story: Share a brief personal story or experience that has shaped you.
  • Professional Background: Highlight your career achievements and expertise.
  • Hobby or Passion: Discuss a hobby or passion you're enthusiastic about.
  • Volunteer Work: Talk about your involvement in volunteer work or community service.
  • Travel Adventures: Share anecdotes from your travel adventures.
  • Books or Literature: Provide an introduction related to a favorite book, author, or literary work.
  • Achievements and Milestones: Highlight significant achievements and milestones in your life or career.
  • Cultural Heritage: Explore your cultural heritage and its influence on your identity.
  • Social or Environmental Cause: Discuss your dedication to a particular social or environmental cause.
  • Future Aspirations: Share your future goals and aspirations.

You can deliver engaging speeches on all kinds of topics. Here is a list of entertaining speech topics to get inspiration.

7 Tips for Delivering the Best Introduction Speech

Now that you know how to write an effective introduction speech, let's focus on the delivery. The way you present your introduction is just as important as the content itself. Here are some valuable tips to ensure you deliver a better introduction speech:

Tip# 1: Maintain Eye Contact

Make eye contact with the audience to establish a connection. This shows confidence and engages your listeners.

Tip# 2: Use Appropriate Body Language 

Your body language should convey confidence and warmth. Stand or sit up straight, use open gestures, and avoid fidgeting.

Tip# 3: Mind Your Pace

Speak at a moderate pace, avoiding rapid speech. A well-paced speech is easier to follow and more engaging.

Tip# 4: Avoid Filler Words

Minimize the use of filler words such as "um," "uh," and "like." They can be distracting and detract from your message.

Tip# 5: Be Enthusiastic

Convey enthusiasm about the topic or the speaker. Your energy can be contagious and inspire the audience's interest.

Tip# 6: Practice, Practice, Practice

Rehearse your speech multiple times. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself or seek feedback from others.

Tip# 7: Be Mindful of Time

Stay within the allocated time for your introduction. Going too long can make your speech too boring for the audience.

Mistakes to Avoid in an Introduction Speech

When crafting and delivering an introduction speech, it's important to avoid common pitfalls that can reduce its impact. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

  • Rambling On: Avoid making the introduction too long. Keep it short and sweet to set the stage without stealing the spotlight.
  • Lack of Preparation: Not preparing enough can lead to awkward pauses or losing your train of thought. Practice your speech to feel more confident.
  • Using Jargon or Complex Language: Steer clear of technical jargon or complicated language that might confuse the audience. Keep it simple and clear.
  • Being Too Generic: A bland introduction can set a dull tone. Make your speech specific to the event and the speaker to keep it engaging.
  • Using Inappropriate Humor: Be careful with humor. Avoid jokes that could offend or alienate the audience.
  • Overloading with Background Information: Providing too much background information can overwhelm the audience. Offer just enough to give context without bogging down the introduction.

To Conclude,

An introduction speech is more than just a formality. It's an opportunity to engage, inspire, and connect with your audience in a meaningful way. 

With the help of this blog, you're well-equipped to shine in various contexts. So, step onto that stage, speak confidently, and captivate your audience from the very first word.

Moreover, you’re not alone in your journey to becoming a confident introducer. If you ever need assistance in preparing your speech, let the experts help you out.

MyPerfectWords.com offers a custom essay service with experienced professionals who can craft tailored introductions, ensuring your speech makes a lasting impact.

Don't hesitate; hire our professional speech writing service to deliver top-quality speeches at your deadline!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a speech introduction be.

FAQ Icon

A speech introduction should be concise, typically lasting about 1 to 2 minutes. It should set the stage, capture the audience's attention, and provide a clear direction for the rest of the speech.

What Is the Best Speech Introduction Greeting?

The best greeting for a speech introduction depends on the formality of the event. Some examples include:

  • Formal: "Good morning/afternoon/evening, distinguished guests."
  • Semi-formal: "Hello everyone, thank you for being here today."
  • Informal: "Hi everyone, thanks for coming."

What Word to Start a Speech?

Starting a speech with an engaging word or phrase can capture the audience's attention. Here are a few speech starting lines:

  • "Imagine..." to prompt the audience to visualize something.
  • "Today..." to ground the speech in the present moment.
  • "Have you ever..." to ask a thought-provoking question.
  • "In our lives..." to make a personal connection.
  • "Picture this..." to create a vivid mental image.

AI Essay Bot

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Barbara P

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

Get Help

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

speech writing

how to write a self introduction speech outline

How to Write an Effective Speech Outline: A Step-by-Step Guide

  • The Speaker Lab
  • March 8, 2024

Table of Contents

Mastering the art of speaking starts with crafting a stellar speech outline. A well-structured outline not only clarifies your message but also keeps your audience locked in.

In this article, you’ll learn how to mold outlines for various speech types, weaving in research that resonates and transitions that keep listeners on track. We’ll also show you ways to spotlight crucial points and manage the clock so every second counts. When it’s time for final prep, we’ve got smart tips for fine-tuning your work before stepping into the spotlight.

Understanding the Structure of a Speech Outline

An effective speech outline is like a map for your journey as a speaker, guiding you from start to finish. Think of it as the blueprint that gives shape to your message and ensures you hit all the right notes along the way.

Tailoring Your Outline for Different Speech Types

Different speeches have different goals: some aim to persuade, others inform or celebrate. Each type demands its own structure in an outline. For instance, a persuasive speech might highlight compelling evidence while an informative one focuses on clear explanations. Crafting your outline with precision means adapting it to fit these distinct objectives.

Incorporating Research and Supporting Data

Your credibility hinges on solid research and data that back up your claims. When writing your outline, mark the places where you’ll incorporate certain pieces of research or data. Every stat you choose should serve a purpose in supporting your narrative arc. And remember to balance others’ research with your own unique insights. After all, you want your work to stand out, not sound like someone else’s.

The Role of Transitions in Speech Flow

Slick transitions are what turn choppy ideas into smooth storytelling—think about how bridges connect disparate land masses seamlessly. They’re not just filler; they carry listeners from one thought to another while maintaining momentum.

Incorporate transitions that feel natural yet keep people hooked. To keep things smooth, outline these transitions ahead of time so nothing feels left up to chance during delivery.

Techniques for Emphasizing Key Points in Your Outline

To make certain points pop off the page—and stage—you’ll need strategies beyond bolding text or speaking louder. Use repetition wisely or pause strategically after delivering something significant. Rather than go impromptu, plan out what points you want to emphasize before you hit the stage.

Timing Your Speech Through Your Outline

A watchful eye on timing ensures you don’t overstay—or undercut—your moment under the spotlight. The rhythm set by pacing can be pre-determined through practice runs timed against sections marked clearly in outlines. Practice will help ensure that your grand finale isn’t cut short by surprise.

Ready to Get Your First (Or Next) Paid Speaking Gig?

Download our free 26-page guide and get the 14 exact steps you can follow to book a paid speaking gig right now!

Depending on the type of speech you’re giving, your speech outline will vary. The key ingredients—introduction, body, and conclusion—are always there, but nuances like tone or message will change with each speaking occasion.

Persuasive Speeches: Convincing With Clarity

When outlining a persuasive speech, arrange your arguments from strong to strongest. The primacy effect works wonders here, so make sure to start off with a strong point. And just when they think they’ve heard it all, hit them with an emotional story that clinches the deal.

You might start by sharing startling statistics about plastic pollution before pivoting to how individuals can make a difference. Back this up with data on successful recycling programs which demonstrate tangible impact, a technique that turns facts into fuel for action.

Informative Speeches: Educating Without Overwhelming

An informative speech shouldn’t feel like drinking from a fire hose of facts and figures. Instead, lay out clear subtopics in your outline and tie them together with succinct explanations—not unlike stepping stones across a stream of knowledge.

If you’re talking about breakthroughs in renewable energy technology, use bullet points to highlight different innovations then expand upon their potential implications one at a time so the audience can follow along without getting lost in technical jargon or complexity.

Ceremonial Speeches: Creating Moments That Matter

In a ceremonial speech you want to capture emotion. Accordingly, your outline should feature personal anecdotes and quotes that resonate on an emotional level. However, make sure to maintain brevity because sometimes less really is more when celebrating milestones or honoring achievements.

Instead of just going through a hero’s whole life story, share the powerful tales of how they stepped up in tough times. This approach hits home for listeners, letting them feel the impact these heroes have had on their communities and sparking an emotional bond.

Incorporating Research in Your Speech Outline

When you’re crafting a speech, the backbone of your credibility lies in solid research and data. But remember, it’s not just about piling on the facts. It’s how you weave them into your narrative that makes listeners sit up and take notice.

Selecting Credible Sources

Finding trustworthy sources is like going on a treasure hunt where not all that glitters is gold. To strike real gold, aim for academic journals or publications known for their rigorous standards. Google Scholar or industry-specific databases are great places to start your search. Be picky. Your audience can tell when you’ve done your homework versus when you’ve settled for less-than-stellar intel.

You want to arm yourself with evidence so compelling that even skeptics start nodding along. A well-chosen statistic from a reputable study does more than decorate your point—it gives it an ironclad suit of armor.

Organizing Information Effectively

Your outline isn’t just a roadmap; think of it as scaffolding that holds up your argument piece by piece. Start strong with an eye-opening factoid to hook your audience right off the bat because first impressions matter—even in speeches.

To keep things digestible, group related ideas together under clear subheadings within your outline. Stick to presenting data that backs up each key idea without wandering down tangential paths. That way, everyone stays on track.

Making Data Relatable

Sure, numbers don’t lie but they can be hard to connect to. If you plan on using stats in your speech, make them meaningful by connecting them to relatable scenarios or outcomes people care about deeply. For instance, if you’re talking health statistics, relate them back to someone’s loved ones or local hospitals. By making the personal connection for your audience, you’ll get their attention.

The trick is using these nuggets strategically throughout your talk, not dumping them all at once but rather placing each one carefully where its impact will be greatest.

Imagine your speech as a road trip. Without smooth roads and clear signs, the journey gets bumpy, and passengers might miss the scenery along the way. That’s where transitions come in. They’re like your speech’s traffic signals guiding listeners from one point to another.

Crafting Seamless Bridges Between Ideas

Transitions are more than just linguistic filler. They’re strategic connectors that carry an audience smoothly through your narrative. Start by using phrases like “on top of this” or “let’s consider,” which help you pivot naturally between points without losing momentum.

To weave these seamlessly into your outline, map out each major turn beforehand to ensure no idea is left stranded on a tangent.

Making Use of Transitional Phrases Wisely

Be cautious: overusing transitional phrases can clutter up your speech faster than rush hour traffic. Striking a balance is key—think about how often you’d want to see signposts on a highway. Enough to keep you confident but not so many that it feels overwhelming.

Pick pivotal moments for transitions when shifting gears from one major topic to another or introducing contrasting information. A little direction at critical junctures keeps everyone onboard and attentive.

Leveraging Pauses as Transition Tools

Sometimes silence speaks louder than words, and pauses are powerful tools for transitioning thoughts. A well-timed pause lets ideas resonate and gives audiences time to digest complex information before moving forward again.

This approach also allows speakers some breathing room themselves—the chance to regroup mentally before diving into their next point with renewed vigor.

Connecting Emotional Threads Throughout Your Speech

Last but not least, don’t forget emotional continuity, that intangible thread pulling heartstrings from start-to-finish. Even if topics shift drastically, maintaining an underlying emotional connection ensures everything flows together cohesively within the larger tapestry of your message.

Techniques for Emphasizing Key Points in Your Speech Outline

When you’re crafting your speech outline, shine a spotlight on what matters most so that your audience doesn’t miss your key points.

Bold and Italicize for Impact

You wouldn’t whisper your punchline in a crowded room. Similarly, why let your main ideas get lost in a sea of text? Use bold or italics to give those lines extra weight. This visual cue signals importance, so when you glance at your notes during delivery, you’ll know to emphasize those main ideas.

Analogies That Stick

A good analogy is like super glue—it makes anything stick. Weave them into your outline and watch as complex concepts become crystal clear. But remember: choose analogies that resonate with your target audience’s experiences or interests. The closer home it hits, the longer it lingers.

The Power of Repetition

If something’s important say it again. And maybe even once more after that—with flair. Repetition can feel redundant on paper, but audiences often need to hear critical messages several times before they take root.

Keep these strategies in mind when you’re ready to dive into your outline. You’ll transform those core ideas into memorable insights before you know it.

Picture this: you’re delivering a speech, and just as you’re about to reach the end, your time’s up. Ouch! Let’s make sure that never happens. Crafting an outline is not only about what to say but also how long to say it.

Finding Balance in Section Lengths

An outline isn’t just bullet points; it’s a roadmap for pacing. When outlining your speech, make sure to decide how much time you’d like to give each of your main points. You might even consider setting specific timers during rehearsals to get a real feel for each part’s duration. Generally speaking, you should allot a fairly equal amount of time for each to keep things balanced.

The Magic of Mini Milestones

To stay on track, a savvy speaker will mark time stamps or “mini milestones” on their outline. These time stamps give the speaker an idea of where should be in their speech by the time, say, 15 minutes has passed. If by checkpoint three you should be 15 minutes deep and instead you’re hitting 20 minutes, it’s time to pick up the pace or trim some fat from earlier sections. This approach helps you stay on track without having to glance at the clock after every sentence.

Utilizing Visual Aids and Multimedia in Your Outline

Pictures speak louder than words, especially when you’re on stage. Think about it: How many times have you sat through a presentation that felt like an eternity of endless bullet points? Now imagine if instead, there was a vibrant image or a short video clip to break up the monotony—it’s game-changing. That’s why integrating visual aids and multimedia into your speech outline isn’t just smart. It’s crucial for keeping your audience locked in.

Choosing Effective Visuals

Selecting the right visuals is not about flooding your slides with random images but finding those that truly amplify your message. Say you’re talking about climate change. In this case, a graph showing rising global temperatures can hit hard and illustrate your chosen statistic clearly. Remember, simplicity reigns supreme; one powerful image will always trump a cluttered collage.

Multimedia Magic

Videos are another ace up your sleeve. They can deliver testimonials more powerfully than quotes or transport viewers to places mere descriptions cannot reach. But be warned—timing is everything. Keep clips short and sweet because no one came to watch a movie—they came to hear you . You might highlight innovations using short video snippets, ensuring these moments serve as compelling punctuations rather than pauses in your narrative.

The Power of Sound

We often forget audio when we think multimedia, yet sound can evoke emotions and set tones subtly yet effectively. Think striking chords for dramatic effect or nature sounds for storytelling depth during environmental talks.

Audiences crave experiences they’ll remember long after they leave their seats. With well-chosen visuals and gripping multimedia elements woven thoughtfully into every section of your speech outline, you’ll give them exactly that.

Rehearsing with Your Speech Outline

When you’re gearing up to take the stage, your speech outline is a great tool to practice with. With a little preparation, you’ll give a performance that feels both natural and engaging.

Familiarizing Yourself with Content

To start off strong, get cozy with your outline’s content. Read through your outline aloud multiple times until the flow of words feels smooth. This will help make sure that when showtime comes around, you can deliver those lines without tripping over tough transitions or complex concepts.

Beyond mere memorization, understanding the heart behind each point allows you to speak from a place of confidence. You know this stuff—you wrote it. Now let’s bring that knowledge front and center in an authentic way.

Mimicking Presentation Conditions

Rehearsing under conditions similar to those expected during the actual presentation pays off big time. Are you going to stand or roam about? Will there be a podium? Think about these details and simulate them during rehearsal because comfort breeds confidence—and we’re all about boosting confidence.

If technology plays its part in your talk, don’t leave them out of rehearsals either. The last thing anyone needs is tech trouble during their talk.

Perfecting Pace Through Practice

Pacing matters big time when speaking. Use timed rehearsals to nail down timing. Adjust speed as needed but remember: clarity trumps velocity every single time.

You want people hanging onto every word, which is hard to do if you’re talking so fast they can barely make out what you’re saying. During rehearsals, find balance between pacing and comprehension; they should go hand-in-hand.

Finalizing Your Speech Outline for Presentation

You’ve poured hours into crafting your speech, shaping each word and idea with precision. Now, it’s time to tighten the nuts and bolts. Finalizing your outline isn’t just about dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s. It’s about making sure your message sticks like a perfectly thrown dart.

Reviewing Your Content for Clarity

Your first task is to strip away any fluff that might cloud your core message. Read through every point in your outline with a critical eye. Think of yourself as an editor on a mission to cut out anything that doesn’t serve a purpose. Ask yourself if you can explain each concept clearly without needing extra words or complex jargon. If not, simplify.

Strengthening Your Argument

The meat of any good presentation lies in its argument, the why behind what you’re saying. Strengthen yours by ensuring every claim has iron-clad backing—a stat here, an expert quote there. Let this be more than just facts tossed at an audience; weave them into stories they’ll remember long after they leave their seats.

Crafting Memorable Takeaways

Audiences may forget details but never how you made them feel—or think. Embed memorable takeaways throughout your outline so when folks step out into fresh air post-talk, they carry bits of wisdom with them.

This could mean distilling complex ideas down to pithy phrases or ending sections with punchy lines that resonate. It’s these golden nuggets people will mine for later reflection.

FAQs on Speech Outlines

How do you write a speech outline.

To craft an outline, jot down your main ideas, arrange them logically, and add supporting points beneath each.

What are the 3 main parts of a speech outline?

An effective speech has three core parts: an engaging introduction, a content-rich body, and a memorable conclusion.

What are the three features of a good speech outline?

A strong outline is clear, concise, and structured in logical sequence to maximize impact on listeners.

What is a working outline for a speech?

A working outline serves as your blueprint while preparing. It’s detailed but flexible enough to adjust as needed.

Crafting a speech outline is like drawing your map before the journey. It starts with structure and flows into customization for different types of talks. Remember, research and evidence are your compass—they guide you to credibility. Transitions act as bridges, connecting one idea to another smoothly. Key points? They’re landmarks so make them shine.

When delivering your speech, keep an eye on the clock and pace yourself so that every word counts.

Multimedia turns a good talk into a great show. Rehearsing polishes that gem of a presentation until it sparkles.

Last up: fine-tuning your speech outline means you step out confident, ready to deliver something memorable because this isn’t just any roadmap—it’s yours.

  • Last Updated: March 5, 2024

Picture of The Speaker Lab

Explore Related Resources

Learn How You Could Get Your First (Or Next) Paid Speaking Gig In 90 Days or Less

We receive thousands of applications every day, but we only work with the top 5% of speakers .

Book a call with our team to get started — you’ll learn why the vast majority of our students get a paid speaking gig within 90 days of finishing our program .

If you’re ready to control your schedule, grow your income, and make an impact in the world – it’s time to take the first step. Book a FREE consulting call and let’s get you Booked and Paid to Speak ® .

About The Speaker Lab

We teach speakers how to consistently get booked and paid to speak.  Since 2015, we’ve helped thousands of speakers find clarity, confidence, and a clear path to make an impact.

Get Started

Let's connect.

[email protected]

Copyright ©2023 The Speaker Lab. All rights reserved.

  • Games, topic printables & more
  • The 4 main speech types
  • Example speeches
  • Commemorative
  • Declamation
  • Demonstration
  • Informative
  • Introduction
  • Student Council
  • Speech topics
  • Poems to read aloud
  • How to write a speech
  • Using props/visual aids
  • Acute anxiety help
  • Breathing exercises
  • Letting go - free e-course
  • Using self-hypnosis
  • Delivery overview
  • 4 modes of delivery
  • How to make cue cards
  • How to read a speech
  • 9 vocal aspects
  • Vocal variety
  • Diction/articulation
  • Pronunciation
  • Speaking rate
  • How to use pauses
  • Eye contact
  • Body language
  • Voice image
  • Voice health
  • Public speaking activities and games
  • Blogging Aloud
  • About me/contact

How to write a speech introduction

12 of the best attention getters to start a speech

By:  Susan Dugdale  | Last modified: 01-12-2023

The audience settles in their seats. The lights dim. You walk out to the center of the stage. You pause, take a deep breath, open your mouth and begin.

What you say over the next 30 seconds to introduce your speech or presentation is crucial.

That's how much time you have to make a positive impression on your audience. In it they will decide whether or not you have anything relevant or useful to say. Those first impressions count!

So how do you write an effective speech introduction to grab and hold their attention?

Begin by finding out how to choose the right opener.

What's on this page:

  • how to choose the right opener for your speech

12 of the very best ways to start a speech

3. What if?

5. Key fact

7. Rhetorical

9. Headlines

10. History

11. Challenge

Retro Label: 12 ways to hook an audience.

How to choose the right opener for your speech

The better way to make your choice of opener is after you have carefully considered who you are talking to and why you're talking to them.

One size does not fit all. Different audiences will respond differently. If you are giving the same speech multiple times think about what you may need to change to fit. 

To work well your opening needs to be aligned with:

  • the type of speech you're giving
  • your main purpose for giving it
  • your target audience and,  
  • their interests or needs

Both the hook * to catch their attention and your topic must be relevant to them. Unless they're a captive audience, they've come freely to listen to you and they're expecting something of value from you.

How are you going to let them know they're in the right place? Why should they listen? What are they going to get or gain through listening?

Out of all the different ways to open, what attention getter is absolutely the best way?

The only way I know to work out what is best is to go through each of them, and as you do, consider your audience. Make a short list of those you think might work then try them out before making your final choice.

* hook – an opening statement that immediately captures the audience's attention just like a well baited hook on a fishing line catches a fish.

Return to Top

1. Use imagination to create mind pictures

Ask the audience to use their imagination. Get them to build evocative compelling images in their minds. Make them large. Add vibrant color, sound and movement.

For example:

“Let's take a break. Make yourself comfortable. Now close your eyes for a moment. Take a deep breath, and you're there, in the place where you feel the most at ease, the place where all the tensions, all the demands of your normal everyday life disappear. Look around you. See it. Feel it. It's so good, it's perfect."

“Close your eyes. Take a deep breath and a moment to picture in your mind the people dearest to you, the people you feel you could not live without. Now when did you talk to them, or spend real time with them last?"

2. Use an item to build a connection 

Choose an image or an object related to your speech, for instance a pair of shoes, to trigger interest and build a connection.

For example, if I were giving a speech on the lives of upper-middle class 19th century women I could open by holding up a pair of ornately decorated kid leather pumps.

“What's the name of the young woman who wore these? Listen. Can you hear the rustle of her silk skirts? And hear her heart beat bom-biddy-bom as the beau of the ball stepped her way? Would he, or wouldn't he ask her to dance?”

3. Ask a 'What if...?' rhetorical question

'What if...?' invites an audience to consider the possibilities of something becoming real. They can be positive somethings or negative, trivial or something that would have a significant impact if it came to pass.

The power of a 'what if...?' rhetorical question as an opener lies in the potency of the images and feelings it triggers. A well-chosen 'what if...?' will immediately have an audience wanting to hear the rest of your speech.

  • "What if we don't find a way to successfully manage climate change?"
  • "What if we really did solve the affordable housing crisis?"
  • "What if questions of race and color ceased to matter?"
  • "What if medicines were freely available to everybody who needed them?"
  • "What if the person sitting next to you turned, looked into your eyes and said they loved you? Truly. Madly. Deeply."

4. Try a quotation from someone who's impacted your life in some way

To be effective a quotation doesn't have to be the clever quip or snippet of enduring wisdom: a famous quote from a well known person. It's origin could be personal, something someone important in your life said that's remained with you.

For example, my Mother answered all initial wails of outrage, pain or hurt from any of her five children with a command. "Breathe!" That was repeated, interwoven with encouraging asides, until whoever it was, was able to talk clearly and be understood.  "It's OK.", she'd say. "Breathe. Come on. You can do it. Breathe. That's it. Keep going. Good."

Or I could use this line from one of my high school reports which read, "...with further maturity she should do well." (Thank you Mr Phillips. Your prediction was right on target.) 

Or this from our son aged four as he watched me getting ready for another day of teaching: "When I grow up I'm going to wear pretty dresses and go to school just like you."

5. Use an interesting key fact

Choose an interesting key fact as an attention getting device: one of the most rarely known, or a shocking statistic from the body of your speech to open with.

For example: "Take a guess at what the most powerful and frequently used word is in the English language? 

It's not one of those usually thought of candidates.  Love? No. Money? Nope. Neither is it  any member of your family... Mum, Dad, brother, sister, son, or daughter.

It's a three letter word, so common it's overlooked and taken for granted. 'The'. It's the humble 'the'."

(For more see this BBC article:  Is this the most powerful word in the English language?

Or: "Between 2020/21 and 2021/2022, Americans consumed about 11 million metric tons of sugar, up from about 10 million metric tons in 2009/2010. Can you even begin to imagine the size of that sweet white mountain?"

(For more see: US sugar consumption statistics )

6. Share personal stories

Share a personal story related to your specific topic as the beginning of a speech. Done well, it lets the audience know you understand their situation and helps establish your credibility: your right to talk on the subject.

As an example here's the opening of a speech I gave about the impact of suicide on families and friends:

“One fine Spring day I biked home from school and found a policemen guarding our backdoor. Through it came sounds I'll never forget: my quiet Mother screaming. He said, "You can't go in."

I kicked him in the shins and did. It was the 15th of September, three days before my thirteenth birthday and my father was dead. Killed by his own hand. Suicide.”

(If you want to find out more about the speech and read it, it's here: After they're gone . It's an example persuasive speech using the five steps of Monroe's Motivated Sequence.)

7. Rhetorical questions

These are questions that although they are asked, they're never really intended to be answered by anyone other than the person asking them. * Their principal function is to act as a segue, or lead in, to what the person intends to say next. For instance, the first main point of your introduction.

Examples: "What if I were to say to you that there was no such thing as public speaking fear?"

"What do you think the main benefits of being able to speak up in public are?"

* Although there's bound to be someone in your audience who will. Be ready for them, and move on.

8. An empathetic question, aligning yourself with the audience and eliciting a response

These questions bring speaker and audience together, establishing a common ground, a mutual understanding, which is an effective way to ease into a speech. If your question 'works' you'll see heads nodding in agreement.

  • "Have you ever experienced the butterflies in your stomach turning into a herd of rampaging elephants, just before you step up to give your presentation?"
  • "Have you ever wanted a good day to never end?"
  • "How often have you 'lost' your car in the supermarket car park?"
  • "How often have you ever wanted to shout, NO? You want me to prepare a new presentation by tomorrow? NO. You want me to stay late, again? NO."

9. It's in the news

Take headlines from what's trending in media you know the audience will be familiar with and see.

Using those that relate to your speech topic as the opening of your speech is a good way to grab the attention of the audience. It shows how relevant and up-to-the-minute the topic is.

For example: "'Death toll soars to 76 in Florida after Hurricane Ian demolished entire communities.' 'Noru became a super typhoon in 6 hours. Scientists say powerful storms are becoming harder to forecast.' 'Hurricane Orlene strengthens into Category 4 storm as it heads toward western Mexico.'

Three front page headlines from CNN just today. Climate change. Let's do what we can."

10. This day in history

If you're giving a speech to celebrate a special birthday or an anniversary, consider using several carefully selected events that occurred on the same day as a speech opening. They could be either funny or serious, depending on the specific purpose of your speech. They're a great way to place the person in a much wider context and often with exalted company.

For example: "What do the 1863 National Thanksgiving Day proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln, National Boyfriend Day, and Gwen Stefani have in common with Joe? Yes, the 3rd of October! It's a great date made better by being Joe's birthday. And we say Gwen is truly privileged to have the same one as him."

11. Issue a challenge

Let the audience know first thing, at the beginning of the speech, what action you expect they'll be able to take by the time your presentation is complete. Then when you come to the final points, repeat the call to action, or challenge, as part of your closing statement.

For example: "I've a challenge for you. That's to sign up for our public speaking course. Right now you may not see yourself doing that. Public speaking? Me? I'd rather have a root canal done, without painkillers. However, by the end of the presentation...well, let's see. There's a first time for everything!"

Use a startling statement, a fact, or a series of facts, to jolt the audience into paying attention.

"Covid. We've had 1.06 million of us die in the US, so far. Today there are nearly 60,00 new cases. More mothers, fathers, friends, colleagues, children – people. People ill. People who might die. So why have we stopped wearing masks?"

For more: Google: Covid stats US

Other speech writing resources

  • how to end a speech effectively : explanations with examples showing how to close a speech with impact
  • how to write a speech : a detailed guide with examples covering audience analysis, planning, writing oral language, transitions, how to use an outline... 

speaking out loud 

Subscribe for  FREE weekly alerts about what's new For more see  speaking out loud  

Susan Dugdale - write-out-loud.com - Contact

Top 10 popular pages

  • Welcome speech
  • Demonstration speech topics
  • Impromptu speech topic cards
  • Thank you quotes
  • Impromptu public speaking topics
  • Farewell speeches
  • Phrases for welcome speeches
  • Student council speeches
  • Free sample eulogies

From fear to fun in 28 ways

A complete one stop resource to scuttle fear in the best of all possible ways - with laughter.

Public speaking games ebook cover - write-out-loud.com

Useful pages

  • Search this site
  • About me & Contact
  • Free e-course
  • Privacy policy

©Copyright 2006-24 www.write-out-loud.com

Designed and built by Clickstream Designs

how to write a self introduction speech outline

Cart

  • SUGGESTED TOPICS
  • The Magazine
  • Newsletters
  • Managing Yourself
  • Managing Teams
  • Work-life Balance
  • The Big Idea
  • Data & Visuals
  • Reading Lists
  • Case Selections
  • HBR Learning
  • Topic Feeds
  • Account Settings
  • Email Preferences

A Simple Way to Introduce Yourself

  • Andrea Wojnicki

how to write a self introduction speech outline

Think: present, past, future.

Many of us dread the self-introduction, be it in an online meeting or at the boardroom table. Here is a practical framework you can leverage to introduce yourself with confidence in any context, online or in-person: Present, past, and future. You can customize this framework both for yourself as an individual and for the specific context. Perhaps most importantly, when you use this framework, you will be able to focus on others’ introductions, instead of stewing about what you should say about yourself.

You know the scenario. It could be in an online meeting, or perhaps you are seated around a boardroom table. The meeting leader asks everyone to briefly introduce themselves. Suddenly, your brain goes into hyperdrive. What should I say about myself?

how to write a self introduction speech outline

  • Andrea Wojnicki , MBA, DBA, is an executive communication coach and founder of Talk About Talk, a multi-media learning resource to help executives improve their communication skills.

Partner Center

Logo for M Libraries Publishing

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

9.3 Putting It Together: Steps to Complete Your Introduction

Learning objectives.

  • Clearly identify why an audience should listen to a speaker.
  • Discuss how you can build your credibility during a speech.
  • Understand how to write a clear thesis statement.
  • Design an effective preview of your speech’s content for your audience.

Puzzle pieces

Erin Brown-John – puzzle – CC BY-NC 2.0.

Once you have captured your audience’s attention, it’s important to make the rest of your introduction interesting, and use it to lay out the rest of the speech. In this section, we are going to explore the five remaining parts of an effective introduction: linking to your topic, reasons to listen, stating credibility, thesis statement, and preview.

Link to Topic

After the attention-getter, the second major part of an introduction is called the link to topic. The link to topic is the shortest part of an introduction and occurs when a speaker demonstrates how an attention-getting device relates to the topic of a speech. Often the attention-getter and the link to topic are very clear. For example, if you look at the attention-getting device example under historical reference above, you’ll see that the first sentence brings up the history of the Vietnam War and then shows us how that war can help us understand the Iraq War. In this case, the attention-getter clearly flows directly to the topic. However, some attention-getters need further explanation to get to the topic of the speech. For example, both of the anecdote examples (the girl falling into the manhole while texting and the boy and the filberts) need further explanation to connect clearly to the speech topic (i.e., problems of multitasking in today’s society).

Let’s look at the first anecdote example to demonstrate how we could go from the attention-getter to the topic.

In July 2009, a high school girl named Alexa Longueira was walking along a main boulevard near her home on Staten Island, New York, typing in a message on her cell phone. Not paying attention to the world around her, she took a step and fell right into an open manhole. This anecdote illustrates the problem that many people are facing in today’s world. We are so wired into our technology that we forget to see what’s going on around us—like a big hole in front of us.

In this example, the third sentence here explains that the attention-getter was an anecdote that illustrates a real issue. The fourth sentence then introduces the actual topic of the speech.

Let’s now examine how we can make the transition from the parable or fable attention-getter to the topic:

The ancient Greek writer Aesop told a fable about a boy who put his hand into a pitcher of filberts. The boy grabbed as many of the delicious nuts as he possibly could. But when he tried to pull them out, his hand wouldn’t fit through the neck of the pitcher because he was grasping so many filberts. Instead of dropping some of them so that his hand would fit, he burst into tears and cried about his predicament. The moral of the story? “Don’t try to do too much at once.” In today’s world, many of us are us are just like the boy putting his hand into the pitcher. We are constantly trying to grab so much or do so much that it prevents us from accomplishing our goals. I would like to show you three simple techniques to manage your time so that you don’t try to pull too many filberts from your pitcher.

In this example, we added three new sentences to the attention-getter to connect it to the speech topic.

Reasons to Listen

Once you have linked an attention-getter to the topic of your speech, you need to explain to your audience why your topic is important. We call this the “why should I care?” part of your speech because it tells your audience why the topic is directly important to them. Sometimes you can include the significance of your topic in the same sentence as your link to the topic, but other times you may need to spell out in one or two sentences why your specific topic is important.

People in today’s world are very busy, and they do not like their time wasted. Nothing is worse than having to sit through a speech that has nothing to do with you. Imagine sitting through a speech about a new software package you don’t own and you will never hear of again. How would you react to the speaker? Most of us would be pretty annoyed at having had our time wasted in this way. Obviously, this particular speaker didn’t do a great job of analyzing her or his audience if the audience isn’t going to use the software package—but even when speaking on a topic that is highly relevant to the audience, speakers often totally forget to explain how and why it is important.

Appearing Credible

The next part of a speech is not so much a specific “part” as an important characteristic that needs to be pervasive throughout your introduction and your entire speech. As a speaker, you want to be seen as credible (competent, trustworthy, and caring/having goodwill). As mentioned earlier in this chapter, credibility is ultimately a perception that is made by your audience. While your audience determines whether they perceive you as competent, trustworthy, and caring/having goodwill, there are some strategies you can employ to make yourself appear more credible.

First, to make yourself appear competent, you can either clearly explain to your audience why you are competent about a given subject or demonstrate your competence by showing that you have thoroughly researched a topic by including relevant references within your introduction. The first method of demonstrating competence—saying it directly—is only effective if you are actually a competent person on a given subject. If you are an undergraduate student and you are delivering a speech about the importance of string theory in physics, unless you are a prodigy of some kind, you are probably not a recognized expert on the subject. Conversely, if your number one hobby in life is collecting memorabilia about the Three Stooges, then you may be an expert about the Three Stooges. However, you would need to explain to your audience your passion for collecting Three Stooges memorabilia and how this has made you an expert on the topic.

If, on the other hand, you are not actually a recognized expert on a topic, you need to demonstrate that you have done your homework to become more knowledgeable than your audience about your topic. The easiest way to demonstrate your competence is through the use of appropriate references from leading thinkers and researchers on your topic. When you demonstrate to your audience that you have done your homework, they are more likely to view you as competent.

The second characteristic of credibility, trustworthiness, is a little more complicated than competence, for it ultimately relies on audience perceptions. One way to increase the likelihood that a speaker will be perceived as trustworthy is to use reputable sources. If you’re quoting Dr. John Smith, you need to explain who Dr. John Smith is so your audience will see the quotation as being more trustworthy. As speakers we can easily manipulate our sources into appearing more credible than they actually are, which would be unethical. When you are honest about your sources with your audience, they will trust you and your information more so than when you are ambiguous. The worst thing you can do is to out-and-out lie about information during your speech. Not only is lying highly unethical, but if you are caught lying, your audience will deem you untrustworthy and perceive everything you are saying as untrustworthy. Many speakers have attempted to lie to an audience because it will serve their own purposes or even because they believe their message is in their audience’s best interest, but lying is one of the fastest ways to turn off an audience and get them to distrust both the speaker and the message.

The third characteristic of credibility to establish during the introduction is the sense of caring/goodwill. While some unethical speakers can attempt to manipulate an audience’s perception that the speaker cares, ethical speakers truly do care about their audiences and have their audience’s best interests in mind while speaking. Often speakers must speak in front of audiences that may be hostile toward the speaker’s message. In these cases, it is very important for the speaker to explain that he or she really does believe her or his message is in the audience’s best interest. One way to show that you have your audience’s best interests in mind is to acknowledge disagreement from the start:

Today I’m going to talk about why I believe we should enforce stricter immigration laws in the United States. I realize that many of you will disagree with me on this topic. I used to believe that open immigration was a necessity for the United States to survive and thrive, but after researching this topic, I’ve changed my mind. While I may not change all of your minds today, I do ask that you listen with an open mind, set your personal feelings on this topic aside, and judge my arguments on their merits.

While clearly not all audience members will be open or receptive to opening their minds and listening to your arguments, by establishing that there is known disagreement, you are telling the audience that you understand their possible views and are not trying to attack their intellect or their opinions.

Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a short, declarative sentence that states the purpose, intent, or main idea of a speech. A strong, clear thesis statement is very valuable within an introduction because it lays out the basic goal of the entire speech. We strongly believe that it is worthwhile to invest some time in framing and writing a good thesis statement. You may even want to write your thesis statement before you even begin conducting research for your speech. While you may end up rewriting your thesis statement later, having a clear idea of your purpose, intent, or main idea before you start searching for research will help you focus on the most appropriate material. To help us understand thesis statements, we will first explore their basic functions and then discuss how to write a thesis statement.

Basic Functions of a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement helps your audience by letting them know “in a nutshell” what you are going to talk about. With a good thesis statement you will fulfill four basic functions: you express your specific purpose, provide a way to organize your main points, make your research more effective, and enhance your delivery.

Express Your Specific Purpose

To orient your audience, you need to be as clear as possible about your meaning. A strong thesis will prepare your audience effectively for the points that will follow. Here are two examples:

  • “Today, I want to discuss academic cheating.” (weak example)
  • “Today, I will clarify exactly what plagiarism is and give examples of its different types so that you can see how it leads to a loss of creative learning interaction.” (strong example)

The weak statement will probably give the impression that you have no clear position about your topic because you haven’t said what that position is. Additionally, the term “academic cheating” can refer to many behaviors—acquiring test questions ahead of time, copying answers, changing grades, or allowing others to do your coursework—so the specific topic of the speech is still not clear to the audience.

The strong statement not only specifies plagiarism but also states your specific concern (loss of creative learning interaction).

Provide a Way to Organize Your Main Points

A thesis statement should appear, almost verbatim, toward the end of the introduction to a speech. A thesis statement helps the audience get ready to listen to the arrangement of points that follow. Many speakers say that if they can create a strong thesis sentence, the rest of the speech tends to develop with relative ease. On the other hand, when the thesis statement is not very clear, creating a speech is an uphill battle.

When your thesis statement is sufficiently clear and decisive, you will know where you stand about your topic and where you intend to go with your speech. Having a clear thesis statement is especially important if you know a great deal about your topic or you have strong feelings about it. If this is the case for you, you need to know exactly what you are planning on talking about in order to fit within specified time limitations. Knowing where you are and where you are going is the entire point in establishing a thesis statement; it makes your speech much easier to prepare and to present.

Let’s say you have a fairly strong thesis statement, and that you’ve already brainstormed a list of information that you know about the topic. Chances are your list is too long and has no focus. Using your thesis statement, you can select only the information that (1) is directly related to the thesis and (2) can be arranged in a sequence that will make sense to the audience and will support the thesis. In essence, a strong thesis statement helps you keep useful information and weed out less useful information.

Make Your Research More Effective

If you begin your research with only a general topic in mind, you run the risk of spending hours reading mountains of excellent literature about your topic. However, mountains of literature do not always make coherent speeches. You may have little or no idea of how to tie your research all together, or even whether you should tie it together. If, on the other hand, you conduct your research with a clear thesis statement in mind, you will be better able to zero in only on material that directly relates to your chosen thesis statement. Let’s look at an example that illustrates this point:

Many traffic accidents involve drivers older than fifty-five.

While this statement may be true, you could find industrial, medical, insurance literature that can drone on ad infinitum about the details of all such accidents in just one year. Instead, focusing your thesis statement will help you narrow the scope of information you will be searching for while gathering information. Here’s an example of a more focused thesis statement:

Three factors contribute to most accidents involving drivers over fifty-five years of age: failing eyesight, slower reflexes, and rapidly changing traffic conditions.

This framing is somewhat better. This thesis statement at least provides three possible main points and some keywords for your electronic catalog search. However, if you want your audience to understand the context of older people at the wheel, consider something like:

Mature drivers over fifty-five years of age must cope with more challenging driving conditions than existed only one generation ago: more traffic moving at higher speeds, the increased imperative for quick driving decisions, and rapidly changing ramp and cloverleaf systems. Because of these challenges, I want my audience to believe that drivers over the age of sixty-five should be required to pass a driving test every five years.

This framing of the thesis provides some interesting choices. First, several terms need to be defined, and these definitions might function surprisingly well in setting the tone of the speech. Your definitions of words like “generation,” “quick driving decisions,” and “cloverleaf systems” could jolt your audience out of assumptions they have taken for granted as truth.

Second, the framing of the thesis provides you with a way to describe the specific changes as they have occurred between, say, 1970 and 2010. How much, and in what ways, have the volume and speed of traffic changed? Why are quick decisions more critical now? What is a “cloverleaf,” and how does any driver deal cognitively with exiting in the direction seemingly opposite to the desired one? Questions like this, suggested by your own thesis statement, can lead to a strong, memorable speech.

Enhance Your Delivery

When your thesis is not clear to you, your listeners will be even more clueless than you are—but if you have a good clear thesis statement, your speech becomes clear to your listeners. When you stand in front of your audience presenting your introduction, you can vocally emphasize the essence of your speech, expressed as your thesis statement. Many speakers pause for a half second, lower their vocal pitch slightly, slow down a little, and deliberately present the thesis statement, the one sentence that encapsulates its purpose. When this is done effectively, the purpose, intent, or main idea of a speech is driven home for an audience.

How to Write a Thesis Statement

Now that we’ve looked at why a thesis statement is crucial in a speech, let’s switch gears and talk about how we go about writing a solid thesis statement. A thesis statement is related to the general and specific purposes of a speech as we discussed them in Chapter 6 “Finding a Purpose and Selecting a Topic” .

Choose Your Topic

The first step in writing a good thesis statement was originally discussed in Chapter 6 “Finding a Purpose and Selecting a Topic” when we discussed how to find topics. Once you have a general topic, you are ready to go to the second step of creating a thesis statement.

Narrow Your Topic

One of the hardest parts of writing a thesis statement is narrowing a speech from a broad topic to one that can be easily covered during a five- to ten-minute speech. While five to ten minutes may sound like a long time to new public speakers, the time flies by very quickly when you are speaking. You can easily run out of time if your topic is too broad. To ascertain if your topic is narrow enough for a specific time frame, ask yourself three questions.

First, is your thesis statement narrow or is it a broad overgeneralization of a topic? An overgeneralization occurs when we classify everyone in a specific group as having a specific characteristic. For example, a speaker’s thesis statement that “all members of the National Council of La Raza are militant” is an overgeneralization of all members of the organization. Furthermore, a speaker would have to correctly demonstrate that all members of the organization are militant for the thesis statement to be proven, which is a very difficult task since the National Council of La Raza consists of millions of Hispanic Americans. A more appropriate thesis related to this topic could be, “Since the creation of the National Council of La Raza [NCLR] in 1968, the NCLR has become increasingly militant in addressing the causes of Hispanics in the United States.”

The second question to ask yourself when narrowing a topic is whether your speech’s topic is one clear topic or multiple topics. A strong thesis statement consists of only a single topic. The following is an example of a thesis statement that contains too many topics: “Medical marijuana, prostitution, and gay marriage should all be legalized in the United States.” Not only are all three fairly broad, but you also have three completely unrelated topics thrown into a single thesis statement. Instead of a thesis statement that has multiple topics, limit yourself to only one topic. Here’s an example of a thesis statement examining only one topic: “Today we’re going to examine the legalization and regulation of the oldest profession in the state of Nevada.” In this case, we’re focusing our topic to how one state has handled the legalization and regulation of prostitution.

The last question a speaker should ask when making sure a topic is sufficiently narrow is whether the topic has direction. If your basic topic is too broad, you will never have a solid thesis statement or a coherent speech. For example, if you start off with the topic “Barack Obama is a role model for everyone,” what do you mean by this statement? Do you think President Obama is a role model because of his dedication to civic service? Do you think he’s a role model because he’s a good basketball player? Do you think he’s a good role model because he’s an excellent public speaker? When your topic is too broad, almost anything can become part of the topic. This ultimately leads to a lack of direction and coherence within the speech itself. To make a cleaner topic, a speaker needs to narrow her or his topic to one specific area. For example, you may want to examine why President Obama is a good speaker.

Put Your Topic into a Sentence

Once you’ve narrowed your topic to something that is reasonably manageable given the constraints placed on your speech, you can then formalize that topic as a complete sentence. For example, you could turn the topic of President Obama’s public speaking skills into the following sentence: “Because of his unique sense of lyricism and his well-developed presentational skills, President Barack Obama is a modern symbol of the power of public speaking.” Once you have a clear topic sentence, you can start tweaking the thesis statement to help set up the purpose of your speech.

Add Your Argument, Viewpoint, or Opinion

This function only applies if you are giving a speech to persuade. If your topic is informative, your job is to make sure that the thesis statement is nonargumentative and focuses on facts. For example, in the preceding thesis statement we have a couple of opinion-oriented terms that should be avoided for informative speeches: “unique sense,” “well-developed,” and “power.” All three of these terms are laced with an individual’s opinion, which is fine for a persuasive speech but not for an informative speech. For informative speeches, the goal of a thesis statement is to explain what the speech will be informing the audience about, not attempting to add the speaker’s opinion about the speech’s topic. For an informative speech, you could rewrite the thesis statement to read, “This speech is going to analyze Barack Obama’s use of lyricism in his speech, ‘A World That Stands as One,’ delivered July 2008 in Berlin.”

On the other hand, if your topic is persuasive, you want to make sure that your argument, viewpoint, or opinion is clearly indicated within the thesis statement. If you are going to argue that Barack Obama is a great speaker, then you should set up this argument within your thesis statement.

Use the Thesis Checklist

Once you have written a first draft of your thesis statement, you’re probably going to end up revising your thesis statement a number of times prior to delivering your actual speech. A thesis statement is something that is constantly tweaked until the speech is given. As your speech develops, often your thesis will need to be rewritten to whatever direction the speech itself has taken. We often start with a speech going in one direction, and find out through our research that we should have gone in a different direction. When you think you finally have a thesis statement that is good to go for your speech, take a second and make sure it adheres to the criteria shown in Table 9.1 “Thesis Checklist”

Table 9.1 Thesis Checklist

Instructions: For each of the following questions, check either “yes” or “no.” Yes No
1. Does your thesis clearly reflect the topic of your speech?
2. Can you adequately cover the topic indicated in your thesis within the time you have for your speech?
3. Is your thesis statement simple?
4. Is your thesis statement direct?
5. Does your thesis statement gain an audience’s interest?
6. Is your thesis statement easy to understand?
7. Does your thesis statement introduce a clear argument?
8. Does your thesis statement clearly indicate what your audience should do, how your audience should think, or how your audience should feel?
Scoring: For a strong thesis statement, all your answers should have been “yes.”

Preview of Speech

The final part of an introduction contains a preview of the major points to be covered within your speech. I’m sure we’ve all seen signs that have three cities listed on them with the mileage to reach each city. This mileage sign is an indication of what is to come. A preview works the same way. A preview foreshadows what the main body points will be in the speech. For example, to preview a speech on bullying in the workplace, one could say, “To understand the nature of bullying in the modern workplace, I will first define what workplace bullying is and the types of bullying, I will then discuss the common characteristics of both workplace bullies and their targets, and lastly, I will explore some possible solutions to workplace bullying.” In this case, each of the phrases mentioned in the preview would be a single distinct point made in the speech itself. In other words, the first major body point in this speech would examine what workplace bullying is and the types of bullying; the second major body point in this speech would discuss the common characteristics of both workplace bullies and their targets; and lastly, the third body point in this speech would explore some possible solutions to workplace bullying.

Key Takeaways

  • Linking the attention-getter to the speech topic is essential so that you maintain audience attention and so that the relevance of the attention-getter is clear to your audience.
  • Establishing how your speech topic is relevant and important shows the audience why they should listen to your speech.
  • To be an effective speaker, you should convey all three components of credibility, competence, trustworthiness, and caring/goodwill, by the content and delivery of your introduction.
  • A clear thesis statement is essential to provide structure for a speaker and clarity for an audience.
  • An effective preview identifies the specific main points that will be present in the speech body.
  • Make a list of the attention-getting devices you might use to give a speech on the importance of recycling. Which do you think would be most effective? Why?
  • Create a thesis statement for a speech related to the topic of collegiate athletics. Make sure that your thesis statement is narrow enough to be adequately covered in a five- to six-minute speech.
  • Discuss with a partner three possible body points you could utilize for the speech on the topic of volunteerism.
  • Fill out the introduction worksheet to help work through your introduction for your next speech. Please make sure that you answer all the questions clearly and concisely.

Stand up, Speak out Copyright © 2016 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Share This Book

How to Write a Speech About Yourself

how to write a self introduction speech outline

Use this extensive guide to learn everything that you need to know about giving speeches. Nobody has to be born with an overwhelming amount of confidence and charisma to be good at speeches, even if that helps a lot.

Moreover, to deliver a great speech, you’ll need to come prepared with the written version of it. So, there’s no skipping this step. After that, it’s just practicing until it feels right. With the knowledge we will provide in this article, you can become more confident and skilled at speech writing.

We will also provide persuasive speech examples for you to have a clear reference for what you can write, so there’s no need to fret. Let’s go through this step by step with our write my dissertation service .

What We’ll Cover 

Don’t skip anything in this article if you want to make a stellar self-introduction speech about yourself that delivers your message and leaves an impact on your audience. The impact that you want, of course. 

On a side note, if you’re looking for expert writing help via the web, then EssayPro is a paper writing service with hundreds of expert writers ready for your beck and call. 

Moving on, this article will help you with:

  • Making a speech outline
  • To learn what to say about yourself
  • Writing a 2-minute speech
  • Writing persuasive speeches
  • Learning how to write in the correct tone, as well as learning how to create an interesting hook

This info will be very useful if you want to create a well-written self-introduction speech about yourself. '

What Is an Introductory Speech? 

An introductory speech is a speech talking about yourself and particular aspects of yourself to persuade a crowd or perhaps reach a certain goal. Too burnt out? If you need a writer to help you make a speech, then you should consider outsourcing some of the writing to a professional.

But if you decide to take on the challenge of writing a self-introduction speech, after all, you should remember that the point of it is to communicate who you are to your audience first and foremost. 

Start With an Outline 

Preparation is key when writing an introductory speech. As an example, we’ve given you an entire speech outline that focuses on personal achievements at work and school. Of course, the content of your speech can change depending on the context. But the basic structure stays the same. Here it is:

Introduction. In the intro, state any fundamental information about you. This includes your full name, faculty, expertise, and college/university if you are attending one. Use a hook to get your audience invested in what you have to say.

‍ Informative Body Part . If the goal is to persuade and present oneself in a good light through personal achievements, then the body part should be as straightforward as possible. You can start by talking about:

  • Personal experiences and achievements 
  • Professional experience, work life, and professional achievements, your expertise, and specialty
  • Social activities like volunteering, community work, charities, etc. 
  • Your educational background 

Bonus Information. Include info on your skills, hobbies, and any additional languages you might speak.

Conclusion. You can write about future goals, dreams, and ambitions here. 

You are slowly learning how to write a speech about yourself the right way. Keep reading. 

What You Can Write About Yourself in a Speech

When writing and delivering an engaging ‘all about me’ speech, you can consider including the following (if it’s context-appropriate): 

  • Telling a personal story about your life and experiences
  • Using quotes that motivate and inspire. Only use quotes that have a significant meaning to you 
  • Asking questions to further engage the audience  

Speeches are similar to rhetorical analysis, so you might learn a thing or two from reading up on them. Moreover, there is no one way to answer the question ‘how to write a persuasive speech’, but you can interject these elements in between information about yourself to keep it dynamic. 

Writing a Two Minute Speech About Yourself 

If you want to write a 2-minute speech about yourself, then it’s important to write about what matters since time is so limited. If you want to freshen up your writing, review types of sentences for a memory boost. But don’t stretch yourself too thin.

Let’s look at an example of how to write a speech. Let’s say you’re writing a speech for a job opportunity. Here are some things you can keep in mind but can also be applied to other contexts: 

  • Mention your current job and your educational background, and don’t forget to talk about your dreams and goals.
  • Get into detail. Mention what you did in your job and your professional achievements. Don’t be vague. You want to radiate confidence and provide concrete information.
  • Talk with enthusiasm . Charisma can sometimes be seen from a mile. Do you think a recruiter would hire a monotonous and overly hesitant speaker over someone charismatic, precise, and enthusiastic? 

Do you know anything about the case study format ? If not, we urge you to read our blog article.

Need some help with a speech about yourself?

To buy speech simply send us your speech topic and requirements, choose a writer and we’ll get it done.

Persuasive Speech Outline 

An introductory speech could also be persuasive, especially if you’re trying to get the audience to agree with your point of view. That’s the essence of a persuasive speech - to persuade. If you’re confused, start with a persuasive speech outline of the course. It could resemble this:

  • Introduction : Include a hook, information about the topic, and perspective that you want to talk about, and then hit the audience with your thesis/claim.
  • Body : Extrapolate on the points you made in the intro, just like in an essay. Start with the main ideas, then follow up with evidence.
  • Conclusion : Restate the main idea/claim of your choosing. Restate your arguments, then write why you think your arguments are positive and have value. Then, depending on the context, call the audience to action.

And that basically answers the question of ‘How to write a speech outline for persuading?’. If you need some inspiration material - you can look up any TED talk. You’ll see that they tend to follow this structure pretty often.

Check out some narrative writing topics , the information may be helpful to you. 

Persuasive Speech About Yourself 

Speaking of persuasive speech examples, let’s look at an example of how to write a speech. If you need more references, then use ours below to refine your writing. It’s good to look at references since it can easily help you with any individual blocks in your creative process.

Persuasive Speech Example

Persuasive speech for a business presentation, step by step tips.

How to Write a Speech About Yourself

We’ve come this far in answering the questions of ‘How to write a speech about yourself?’, and for those who are still confused - it’s okay. We’re going to break it down for you, simple and clear. Follow our step-by-step guide, and you’ll overcome hurdles while writing what you need to. 

And on that note, for any writing difficulties you may have, the college essay writing service is ready and accessible through the click of your mouse. If your burdens are piling up, it’s time to get a helping hand. 

Now let’s go through our guide to help you learn how to start a speech about yourself and how to end a speech about yourself. 

Tone of Voice

Let’s not forget to cater the language and tone of your speech to the context and audience. We’ve learned that in speeches for a change in education or career opportunities, it’s best to keep a professional tone of voice and highlight your achievements. 

However, if the introductory speech is for a toast, or perhaps to persuade a general audience, a more relatable tone of voice is acceptable. 

Write a Hook

A hook should be intriguing, attention-grabbing, strong, and catchy. Its goal is to capture an audience, so try to think of something that subverts the audience’s expectations. For example, if your speech is going to be about yourself, don’t start with, “My name is Jeff.” Start things with something like, “I’ve always wanted to speak in front of an audience and share what’s important to me, and here I am now.”

Any speech class deals with this part of a self introduction speech in great detail. It will help you capture the audience’s attention. And once you have that - you are pretty much golden. Any speech is about capturing the audience’s attention first and foremost.

Make an Outline

As we’ve stated time and again, an introduction speech about yourself should be written after you’ve made a solid outline. Outlines streamline the process of making the speech and can help clear out any brain fog as well as give you a sense of direction. 

Write Your Speech

Now that you’ve got an outline, it’s time to take all the pieces together and write them down. And just like that, you’re halfway there already. By following what you’ve learned in the whole article, the writing part should have been made easier. Take the time to write your speech, edit it, and then it’s on to the next. Stick around to see an example of how to write a persuasive speech example.

Start with a short speech at first. A couple of sentences will be more than enough. You can then work your way up, adding some fluff to the opening statement, mentioning your professional life, and utilizing bullet points to make a stronger impression. Just be sure not to lose your main point, provide only relevant information without too much derailing, and use simple sentences to make a stronger impression.

You can also use some minimal prompts to push you in the right direction. Your first rough draft should not be perfect. But as you move forward, it should be getting better and better with every revision up until you arrive at your final draft. Introductory speeches require a lot of detailed feedback to polish. Run your draft by your friends, and see what they can help you with. This is going to be a turning point in your writing process. Public speakers are used to rehearsing their speeches multiple times in advance.

Practice It! 

It’s crunch time. All the effort, preparing, writing, and researching ideas come down to this point. While there are individuals who are great at improvising, don’t take a chance if you’ve never given a speech before. It’s best to be prepared. Being prepared can help you gain confidence in what you’re saying. Even if you’re not very good at public speaking - this is how you make it work.

If you have enough time, you can even take a speech class. It will help you be more confident about your public speaking. Giving some smaller speeches could also help you improve your public speaking skills. A self-introduction speech is not really that hard. And public speaking is not a talent, it’s an acquired skill. So work on improving it.

If you’re still looking for ideas, then here are some about me speech ideas that can help and might still give you some more insight on how to write a good speech about yourself. 

Don't forget that we provide coursework, research, nursing paper writing services . You can turn to us for any help.

Do You Need Some Help With Your persuasive essay?

Count on the support of our professional writers and editors.We process all ' write an essay for me ' requests fast.

Daniel Parker

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

how to write a self introduction speech outline

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay

Examples

5 Minute Self Introduction Speech

5 minute self introduction speech generator.

how to write a self introduction speech outline

What can you do within five minutes? You can do several things for sure, and one of those is giving a 5-minute self-introduction speech. Public speaking, especially a timed one, is overwhelming. What should I say? What are the things I should or should not share? Those questions might be running to your mind right now. Learn the answers to these questions by reading this article. 

4+ 5 Minute Self Introduction Speech Examples

 1. 5 minute self introduction speech template.

5 Minute Self Introduction Speech Template

Size: 448 KB

2. Sample 5 Minute Self Introduction Speech

Sample 5 Minute Self Introduction Speech

Size: 83 KB

3. Basic 5 Minute Leader Speech

Basic 5 Minute Leader Speech

Size: 141 KB

4. Public Communication Speech

Public Communication Speech

Size: 103 KB

What Is a 5 Minute Self Introduction Speech?

As stated in the name, a 5-minute self-introduction speech is an informative speech about yourself with a time limit of five minutes. In this duration, you can talk freely about yourself. You can share facts about your strengths and weaknesses. Your hobbies, your accomplishments, and your future goals are also a good addition. You can include everything appropriate for the occasion or context. 

How to Compose a 5 Minute Self Introduction Speech

Whether you are a student given the assignment of introducing yourself during the beginning of the school year, or a newly hired employee assigned to do the same in your office, your speech will always be one the people will remember about you. To avoid them seeing you in a bad light, write your self-introduction speech in advance. 

1. Create Your Speech Outline

Before devising a proper introduction or body of your speech, create an outline first. This step is essential for structuring your thoughts. In this outline, you would write down the personal information or the stories you want to share. Decide which part of the speech the information would be appropriate to share. If you do not know how to create one, there are sample blank outline templates on the internet. 

2. Write an Engaging Introduction

Introductions, from essay writing to speech writing , are always an essential part. Considering that it would be the first thing you listeners will hear, it will also be where they would judge whether to listen to you attentively or not. To capture their attention as early as the start of your speech, make your hook compelling. Do not forget to include your greeting and saying your name as a part of your introduction.

3. Construct the Body of Your Speech

In introducing yourself, avoid enumerating irrelevant facts about yourself like a robot. Before the date of your speech, conduct an audience analysis . Doing this would help you determine what appropriate information or stories you can tell to fit the situation. If you are doing it in front of professionals, you should include things that would sell yourself. On a more casual occasion, such as in a classroom, you can share a fascinating story in the body of your speech. 

4. Record Yourself

After writing your speech, record yourself while doing it. If it ends up lasting longer than 5 minutes, then you should revise and trim it down a little. This action will also serve as a practice to get your tongue familiar with your speech and avoid stuttering. It is better to deliver an extemporaneous speech than to read a manuscript. Avoid looking down at your script too much. You should prepare index cards and glance at them casually. 

What is an elevator pitch?

Elevator pitch or sometimes called an elevator speech mostly lasts for 30 seconds. Within that short time, the speaker should explain a concept or an idea or introduce something that should be comprehensive to the audience. People give this type of speech in introducing themselves or an organization.

What is a telegraphic speech?

The field of psychology explains telegraphic speech as the form of communication 2 to 3-year-olds use to communicate. This speech belongs in the two-word stage in the process of a child’s language development. Telegraphic speech is often two to three words and consists of a noun and a verb. “I hungry” and “Mommy come” are some examples of it.

What are the dos and don’ts in self-introduction?

If you have a complicated name, it is one of the dos to spell your name. Another tip in introducing yourself is to state your origin, in case some people live in the same neighborhood as you, then you can start establishing a connection instantly. In contrast, one of the don’ts you should remember is exaggerating your accomplishments.

When you enter a new environment, the first thing that comes to mind to most people is how to develop a rapport with other people. The best way to do it is to leave a lasting impression. Come up with a self introduction speech that would be worthwhile for their 5 minutes. 

Twitter

Text prompt

  • Instructive
  • Professional

Create a 5 minute self introduction speech for a professional conference

Help me write a 5 minute self introduction speech for a university seminar

  • PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
  • EDIT Edit this Article
  • EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Happiness Hub Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
  • Browse Articles
  • Learn Something New
  • Quizzes Hot
  • Happiness Hub
  • This Or That Game
  • Train Your Brain
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
  • Education and Communications
  • Communication Skills
  • Public Speaking
  • Speechwriting

How to Write a Speech Outline

Last Updated: May 23, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Emily Listmann, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Emily Listmann is a Private Tutor and Life Coach in Santa Cruz, California. In 2018, she founded Mindful & Well, a natural healing and wellness coaching service. She has worked as a Social Studies Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and an SAT Prep Teacher. She received her MA in Education from the Stanford Graduate School of Education in 2014. Emily also received her Wellness Coach Certificate from Cornell University and completed the Mindfulness Training by Mindful Schools. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 509,792 times.

A speech outline can increase your confidence and help you keep your place so you sound authoritative and in control. As you write your speech outline, focus on how you'll introduce yourself and your topic, the points you'll cover, and the interests of your audience.

Sample Outline and Writing Help

how to write a self introduction speech outline

Crafting Your Introduction

Step 1 Start with a greeting.

  • Keep in mind you may be nervous when you start your speech. Include this in your outline so you won't forget.
  • If there's anything about you that relates you to your audience, or to the group that organized the event, you want to include that in your brief greeting as well – especially if you didn't have the benefit of an introduction from someone else.
  • For example, you might say "Good afternoon. I'm Sally Sunshine, and I've been a volunteer with the Springfield Animal Society for five years. I'm honored they've invited me to speak here today about the importance of spaying or neutering your pets."

Step 2 Open your speech with an attention-getter.

  • When choosing your attention-getter, keep your audience in mind. Think about what would grab their attention – not necessarily what you personally find interesting or humorous.
  • If you're not sure whether your attention-getter will work, try practicing it in front of friends or family members who are similar in age and interests to the people who will be in the audience when you give your speech.
  • For example, if you're giving a speech on spaying and neutering pets to a group of suburban families, you might open with a humorous reference to the Disney movie "101 Dalmatians."

Step 3 Give your audience a reason to listen to your speech.

  • Briefly explain the importance of the topic or issue you'll be discussing in your speech.
  • If your speech is an informative one, explain why the information is important or relevant to your audience.
  • For argumentative speeches, explain what might happen if action isn't taken on the issue.
  • For example, you might say "Every year, our local animal shelter has to put down 500 unwanted cats and dogs. If all pets were spayed and neutered, it's estimated this number would decrease to under 100."

Step 4 Present your thesis statement.

  • If you're giving an argumentative speech, your thesis statement will be a statement of the ultimate point you hope to prove through the information and evidence you lay out in your speech.
  • For example, the thesis statement for a speech arguing that all pet owners should spay or neuter their pets might be "Our entire community would benefit if all pets were spayed or neutered."
  • The thesis statement for a more informative speech will simply summarize the type of information you're going to provide the audience through your speech.
  • For a more scientific speech, your thesis statement will reflect the hypothesis of the scientific study you're presenting in your speech.

Step 5 Establish your credibility.

  • If you're giving a speech for a class in school, your "credibility" may be as simple as the fact that you took the class and researched the topic.
  • However, if you have a more personalized interest in the topic of your speech, this is a good time to mention that.
  • For an argumentative speech, a personal connection to the subject matter can enhance your credibility. For example, maybe you're giving a speech about local urban housing policy and you became interested in the topic when you learned your family was facing eviction. A personal connection often can mean more to members of your audience than extensive professional experience in the area.

Step 6 Preview your main points.

  • There's no hard and fast rule, but speeches typically have three main points. You should list them in your introduction in the order you plan to present them in your speech. The order in which you discuss your points depends on the type of speech you're giving.
  • For example, your speech on spaying or neutering pets might address the benefits to the pet first, then the benefit to the pet's family, then the benefit to the community at large. This starts small and moves outward.
  • For an argumentative speech, you typically want to lead with your strongest argument and work down in order of strength.
  • If you're giving an informative speech based on a historical event, you may want to provide your points chronologically. Other informative speeches may be better served by starting with the broadest point and moving to more narrow points.
  • Ultimately, you want to order your points in a way that feels natural to you and will enable you to easily transition from one point to another.

Building the Body of Your Speech

Step 1 State your first point.

  • Your first point will be a top-level entry on your outline, typically noted by a Roman numeral.
  • Beneath that top-level, you will have a number of sub-points which are comments, statistics, or other evidence supporting that point. Depending on how your outline is formatted, these typically will be letters or bullet points.

Step 2 Present your supporting evidence or arguments.

  • As with the points themselves, with your evidence you typically want to start with the strongest or most important sub-point or piece of evidence and move down. This way, if you start running short on time, you can easily cut the last points without worrying that you're leaving out something important.
  • The type of evidence or sub-points you'll want to include will depend on the type of speech you're giving.
  • Try to avoid pounding your audience with long series of numbers or statistics – they typically won't retain the information. If you have a significant amount of numerical data or statistics, creating an infographic you can project during your presentation may be more useful.
  • Keep in mind that additional personal stories or anecdotes can be particularly effective to get your point across in a speech.
  • For example, if your first point in your speech about spaying or neutering pets is that the procedure benefits the pets themselves, you might point out that pets that are spayed or neutered live longer, are at a decreased risk for certain types of cancer, and are generally more healthy than pets who aren't spayed or neutered.

Step 3 Transition to your next point.

  • Avoid over-thinking your transition. It really doesn't need to be incredibly sophisticated. If you can't come up with anything specific, using a simple transitional phrase will work fine.
  • For example, you might say "Now that I've discussed how spaying and neutering has a positive effect on your pet's health, I want to move to the effect that spaying and neutering has on your family."
  • Some of the most effective transitions turn on a particular word or phrase, such as the word "effect" in the example above.

Step 4 Repeat the same process for all remaining points.

  • When choosing your sub-points or the facts that you want to emphasize in your speech, keep your audience in mind as well as the overall point. Think about what's important to them, or what they potentially would find most surprising or most interesting.

Creating Your Closing

Step 1 Provide a smooth transition.

  • This transition doesn't need to be fancy – it doesn't even have to be a whole sentence. You can simply say "In conclusion," and then launch into your summary.

Step 2 Summarize the points you've discussed.

  • You don't need to go into detail here – you're just reinforcing what you've already told your audience.
  • Make sure you don't introduce any new information in your closing summary.
  • For example, you might say "As you've seen, spaying or neutering your pet has substantial benefits not only for you and your pet, but also for the community at large."

Step 3 Restate your thesis statement.

  • If your speech went well, you have fully proven your thesis and demonstrated its importance. This statement should relate back to the summary of your points and present a strong statement.
  • Particularly for brief speeches, you can even combine your summary of points with your thesis statement in a single sentence that wraps up your speech.
  • For example, you might say "Given the benefits to your pet's health, to your family, and to the overall well-being of your community, it is clear that spaying or neutering pets should be a top priority for all pet owners."

Step 4 Leave your audience something to remember.

  • You may want to think of a way to bring the entire speech back around to that story you initially told to grab your audience's attention.
  • If you have an argumentative or similar speech, your closing lines typically will include a call to action. Give your audience an example of how important the subject of your speech is, and implore them to act on the information you gave them in a specific way.
  • When making a call to action, make sure you include specific details, such as where to go, who to contact, and when to act.
  • For example, you might say "For the next week, the Springfield Animal Society will be spaying and neutering pets for free at their clinic on 123 Main Street. Call 555-555-5555 to make an appointment for your furry friend today!"

Step 5 Thank the audience and anyone who invited you.

  • Particularly if your speech was longer or if you went over the time allotted, be sure to tell them that you appreciate their time.
  • As with your initial greeting, including this in your outline ensures you won't forget it in the moment. That doesn't mean you should try to write something verbatim. Rather, you should focus on your thanks being more off-the-cuff and sincere.

Step 6 Note time for questions.

  • If you want to establish parameters for the questions, be sure to list these in your outline so you can mention them when you announce that you're open for questions.
  • Anticipate questions that may be asked dependent on your speech topic. Preemptively answer those questions and include them in your outline.
  • You also should note if you only have a specified period of time for questions, or if you're only taking a set number of questions.

Community Q&A

Community Answer

  • Outlines can vary in how formal or informal you make them. You could either make it a full script or use shorthand with highlighted main points. Use the outline that works best for you. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 0
  • Use a large font that you can easily read by glancing down. Print your outline and place it on a desk, then stand and look down at the paper. If it's too small or you find yourself leaning over to read it, increase the font size. Thanks Helpful 16 Not Helpful 3
  • Type your outline on a word-processing application. There typically will be an outline template you can use that will format the outline correctly automatically. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 3

how to write a self introduction speech outline

You Might Also Like

Write a Welcome Speech

  • ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/speech-introductions
  • ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/thesis_statement_tips.html
  • ↑ https://lewisu.edu/writingcenter/pdf/final-developing-a-speech-outline.pdf
  • ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/speech-evidence
  • ↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/publicspeaking/chapter/10-2-keeping-your-speech-moving/

About This Article

Emily Listmann, MA

The best way to write a speech outline is to write the main points of your greeting and introduction in the first section, including your name and what you’ll be talking about. Then, make a second section with bullet points of all the important details you want to mention in the body of your speech. Make sure to include facts and evidence to back your argument up. Finish your outline with a section that summarizes your points concisely. To learn how to keep your audience's attention throughout your speech, keep reading below! Did this summary help you? Yes No

  • Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Ren Solomon

Ren Solomon

Oct 1, 2018

Did this article help you?

Ren Solomon

Erick Villegas

Sep 21, 2017

Fernando Patino

Fernando Patino

Nov 19, 2018

Tristan Doell

Tristan Doell

Oct 12, 2017

L. P.

Nov 23, 2017

Do I Have a Dirty Mind Quiz

Featured Articles

Protect Yourself from Predators (for Kids)

Trending Articles

Best Excuses to Use to Explain Away a Hickey

Watch Articles

Clean the Bottom of an Oven

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

  • Personal Development
  • Sales Training
  • Business Training
  • Time Management
  • Leadership Training
  • Book Writing
  • Public Speaking
  • Live Speaker Training With Brian
  • See Brian Speak
  • Coaching Programs
  • Become a Coach
  • Personal Success
  • Sales Success
  • Business Success
  • Leadership Success

How To Write A Speech Outline

Do you have a speech coming up soon, but don’t know where to start when it comes to writing it? 

Don’t worry. 

The best way to start writing your speech is to first write an outline.

While to some, an outline may seem like an unnecessary extra step — after giving hundreds of speeches in my own career, I can assure you that first creating a speech outline is truly the best way to design a strong presentation that your audience will remember.

Should I Write A Speech Outline?

You might be wondering if you should really bother with a preparation outline. Is a speaking outline worth your time, or can you get through by just keeping your supporting points in mind?

Again, I highly recommend that all speakers create an outline as part of their speechwriting process. This step is an extremely important way to organize your main ideas and all the various elements of your speech in a way that will command your audience’s attention.

Good public speaking teachers will agree that an outline—even if it’s a rough outline—is the easiest way to propel you forward to a final draft of an organized speech that audience members will love.

Here are a few of the biggest benefits of creating an outline before diving straight into your speech.

Gain More Focus

By writing an outline, you’ll be able to center the focus of your speech where it belongs—on your thesis statement and main idea.

Remember, every illustration, example, or piece of information you share in your speech should be relevant to the key message you’re trying to deliver. And by creating an outline, you can ensure that everything relates back to your main point.

Keep Things Organized

Your speech should have an overall organizational pattern so that listeners will be able to follow your thoughts. You want your ideas to be laid out in a logical order that’s easy to track, and for all of the speech elements to correspond.

An outline serves as a structure or foundation for your speech, allowing you to see all of your main points laid out so you can easily rearrange them into an order that makes sense for easy listening.

Create Smoother Transitions

A speaking outline helps you create smoother transitions between the different parts of your speech.

When you know what’s happening before and after a certain section, it will be easy to accurately deliver transitional statements that make sense in context. Instead of seeming like several disjointed ideas, the parts of your speech will naturally flow into each other.

Save Yourself Time

An outline is an organization tool that will save you time and effort when you get ready to write the final draft of your speech. When you’re working off of an outline to write your draft, you can overcome “blank page syndrome.”

It will be much easier to finish the entire speech because the main points and sub-points are already clearly laid out for you.

Your only job is to finish filling everything in.

Preparing to Write A Speech Outline

Now that you know how helpful even the most basic of speech outlines can be in helping you write the best speech, here’s how to write the best outline for your next public speaking project.

How Long Should A Speech Outline Be?

The length of your speech outline will depend on the length of your speech. Are you giving a quick two-minute talk or a longer thirty-minute presentation? The length of your outline will reflect the length of your final speech.

Another factor that will determine the length of your outline is how much information you actually want to include in the outline. For some speakers, bullet points of your main points might be enough. In other cases, you may feel more comfortable with a full-sentence outline that offers a more comprehensive view of your speech topic.

The length of your outline will also depend on the type of outline you’re using at any given moment.

Types of Outlines

Did you know there are several outline types? Each type of outline is intended for a different stage of the speechwriting process. Here, we’re going to walk through:

  • Working outlines
  • Full-sentence outlines
  • Speaking outlines

Working Outline

Think of your working outline as the bare bones of your speech—the scaffolding you’re using as you just start to build your presentation. To create a working outline, you will need:

  • A speech topic
  • An idea for the “hook” in your introduction
  • A thesis statement
  • 3-5 main points (each one should make a primary claim that you support with references)
  • A conclusion

Each of your main points will also have sub-points, but we’ll get to those in a later step.

The benefit of a working outline is that it’s easy to move things around. If you think your main points don’t make sense in a certain order—or that one point needs to be scrapped entirely—it’s no problem to make the needed changes. You won’t be deleting any of your prior hard work because you haven’t really done any work yet.

Once you are confident in this “skeleton outline,” you can move on to the next, where you’ll start filling in more detailed information.

Full-sentence outline

As the name implies, your full-sentence outline contains full sentences. No bullet points or scribbled, “talk about x, y, z here.” Instead, research everything you want to include and write out the information in full sentences.

Why is this important? A full-sentence outline helps ensure that you are:

  • Including all of the information your audience needs to know
  • Organizing the material well
  • Staying within any time constraints you’ve been given

Don’t skip this important step as you plan your speech.

Speaking outline

The final type of outline you’ll need is a speaking outline. When it comes to the level of detail, this outline is somewhere in between your working outline and a full-sentence outline. 

You’ll include the main parts of your speech—the introduction, main points, and conclusion. But you’ll add a little extra detail about each one, too. This might be a quote that you don’t want to misremember or just a few words to jog your memory of an anecdote to share.

When you actually give your speech, this is the outline you will use. It might seem like it makes more sense to use your detailed full-sentence outline up on stage. However, if you use this outline, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of reading your speech—which is not what you want to do. You’ll likely sound much more natural if you use your speaking outline.

How to Write A Speech Outline

We’ve covered the types of outlines you’ll work through as you write your speech. Now, let’s talk more about how you’ll come up with the information to add to each outline type.

Pick A Topic

Before you can begin writing an outline, you have to know what you’re going to be speaking about. In some situations, you may have a topic given to you—especially if you are in a public speaking class and must follow the instructor’s requirements. But in many cases, speakers must come up with their own topic for a speech.

Consider your audience and what kind of educational, humorous, or otherwise valuable information they need to hear. Your topic and message should of course be highly relevant to them. If you don’t know your audience well enough to choose a topic, that’s a problem.

Your audience is your first priority. If possible, however, it’s also helpful to choose a topic that appeals to you. What’s something you’re interested in and/or knowledgeable about? 

It will be much easier to write a speech on a topic you care about rather than one you don’t. If you can come up with a speech topic that appeals to your audience and is interesting to you, that’s the sweet spot for writing and delivering an unforgettable speech.

Write A Thesis Statement

The next step is to ask yourself two important questions:

  • What do you want your audience to take away from your speech?
  • How will you communicate this main message?

The key message of your speech can also be called your “thesis statement.”

Essentially, this is your main point—the most important thing you hope to get across.

You’ll most likely actually say your thesis statement verbatim during your speech. It should come at the end of your introduction. Then, you’ll spend the rest of your talk expanding on this statement, sharing more information that will prove the statement is true.

Consider writing your thesis statement right now—before you begin researching or outlining your speech. If you can refer back to this statement as you get to work, it will be much easier to make sure all of the elements correspond with each other throughout your speech.

An example of a good thesis statement might read like this:

  • Going for a run every day is good for your health.
  • It’s important to start saving for retirement early.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on many small businesses.

The second part of this step is to know how you will communicate your main message . For example, if your key point is that running improves physical health, you might get this across by:

  • Citing scientific studies that proved running is good for your health
  • Sharing your personal experience of going for a run every day

Your goal is for all of your sub-points and supporting material to reflect and support your main point. At the end of the speech, your audience should be appropriately motivated, educated, or convinced that your thesis statement is true.

Once you have a topic for your presentation and a good thesis statement, you can move on to the bulk of the outline.

The first part of your speech is the introduction, which should include a strong “hook” to grab the attention of your audience. There are endless directions you can go to create this hook. Don’t be afraid to get creative! You might try:

  • Telling a joke
  • Sharing an anecdote
  • Using a prop or visual aid
  • Asking a question (rhetorical or otherwise)

These are just a few examples of hooks that can make your audience sit up and take notice.

The rest of your introduction shouldn’t be too long—as a general rule of thumb, you want your introduction to take up about 10% of your entire speech. But there are a few other things you need to say.

Briefly introduce yourself and who you are to communicate why the audience should trust you. Mention why you’re giving this speech. 

Explain that you’re going to cover X main points—you can quickly list them—and include your thesis statement. 

You could also mention how long your speech will be and say what your audience will take away from it (“At the end of our 15 minutes together today, you’ll understand how to write a resume”).

Then smoothly transition into the body of your speech.

Next, you’ll write the body of your speech. This is the bulk of your presentation. It will include your main points and their sub-points. Here’s how this should look:

Your subpoints might be anecdotes, visual aids, or studies. However you decide to support your main points, make them memorable and engaging. Nobody wants to sit and listen to you recite a dry list of facts.

Remember, the amount of detail you include right now will depend on which outline you’re on. Your first outline, or working outline, doesn’t have to include every last little detail. Your goal is to briefly encapsulate all of the most important elements in your speech. 

But beyond that, you don’t need to write down every last detail or example right now. You don’t even have to write full sentences at this point. That will come in your second outline and other future drafts.

Your conclusion should concisely summarize the main points of your speech. You could do this by saying, “To recap as I finish up, today we learned…” and reiterate those primary points.

It’s also good to leave the audience with something to think about and/or discuss. Consider asking them a question that expands on your speech—something they can turn over in their minds the rest of the day. 

Or share one final story or quote that will leave them with lasting inspiration. Bonus points if your conclusion circles back around to your introduction or hook.

In other cases, you may want to end with a call to action. Are you promoting something? Make sure your audience knows what it is, how it will benefit them, and where they can find it. Or, your CTA might be as simple as plugging your Twitter handle and asking listeners to follow you.

Finally, don’t forget to say thank you to your audience for taking the time to listen.

Additional Helpful Speechwriting Tips

Your speech outline is important, but it’s not the only thing that goes into preparing to give a presentation. Take a look at these additional tips I recommend to help your speech succeed.

Use Visual Aids

Visual aids are a good way to make sure your audience stays engaged—that they listen closely, and remember what you said. Visual aids serve as an attention-getter for people who may not be listening closely. These aids also ensure that your points are sufficiently supported.

You might choose to incorporate any of the following in your talk:

  • A PowerPoint presentation
  • A chart or graph
  • A whiteboard or blackboard
  • A flip chart
  • A prop that you hold or interact with

Don’t overdo it. Remember, your speech is the main thing you’re presenting. Any visual aids are just that—aids. They’re a side dish, not the main entrée. Select one primary type of aid for your speech.

If you decide to include visual aids, use your speaking outline to make a note of which items you will incorporate where. You may want to place these items on your working outline. They should definitely be on your full-sentence outline.

Keep Your Audience Engaged

As you write and practice your speech, make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your audience engaged the entire time. We’ve already talked about including stories and jokes, using visual aids, or asking questions to vary your talk and make it more interesting.

Your body language is another important component of audience engagement. Your posture should be straight yet relaxed, with shoulders back and feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your body open to the audience.

Make eye contact with different people in the audience. Incorporate hand gestures that emphasize certain points or draw attention to your visual aids.

Don’t be afraid to move around whatever space you have. Movement is especially helpful to indicate a clearer transition from one part of your speech to another. And smile! A simple smile goes a long way to help your audience relax.

Practice Your Speech

When you’re done with speechwriting, it’s time to get in front of the mirror and practice. Pay attention to your body language, gestures, and eye contact. 

Practice working with any visual aids or props you will be using. It’s also helpful to make a plan B—for instance, what will you do if the projector isn’t working and you can’t use your slides?

Ask a friend or family member if you can rehearse your speech for them. When you’re through, ask them questions about which parts held their attention and which ones didn’t.

You should also use your speaking outline and whatever other notes you’ll be using in your speech itself. Get used to referring to this outline as you go. But remember, don’t read anything verbatim (except maybe a quote). Your speaking outline is simply a guide to remind you where you’re going.

Learn to Speak Like A Leader

There’s a lot of work that goes into writing a speech outline. That’s undeniable. But an outline is the best way to organize and plan your presentation. When your speech outline is ready, it will be a breeze to write and then present your actual speech.

If you’re looking for more help learning how to become a strong public speaker, I recommend my free 5 Minute Speech Formula . This will help you start writing your speech and turn any idea into a powerful message.

« Previous Post Productivity Tips – Be More Productive With Less Effort Next Post » How To Communicate Effectively In Any Situation

About Brian Tracy — Brian is recognized as the top sales training and personal success authority in the world today. He has authored more than 60 books and has produced more than 500 audio and video learning programs on sales, management, business success and personal development, including worldwide bestseller The Psychology of Achievement. Brian's goal is to help you achieve your personal and business goals faster and easier than you ever imagined. You can follow him on Twitter , Facebook , Pinterest , Linkedin and Youtube .

  • Most Recent
  • How to Write a Book: Proven Start-to-Finish Steps
  • 117 Leadership Quotes for Inspiration
  • 7 Tips for Writing Motivation: Stay Motivated When Writing a Book
  • How to End a Speech: What You Need for a Bang
  • Goal Setting for Success & Developing SMART Habits
  • Free Webinar: How To Write a Book and Become a Published Author
  • Free Video Series: 3-Part Sales Mastery Training Series
  • Free Assessment: The Confidence Factor
  • Free Assessment: Discovering Your Talents

Browse Categories

  • Financial Success

Follow Brian & Join the Discussion

  • Free Resources
  • Best Sellers
  • Knowledge Base
  • Shipping & Returns
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Brian
  • Brian Recommends

Your Privacy is Guaranteed. We will never give, lease or sell your personal information. Period!

© Copyright 2001-2024 Brian Tracy International. All Rights Reserved.

ivy tech logo

COMM 101: Fundamentals of Public Speaking - Valparaiso

  • Delivery Skills
  • Stage Fright
  • Body Language / Non-Verbal Communication
  • Listening Skills
  • Quotation Resources
  • Speech Outline Examples
  • Speech Examples
  • More Speech Examples
  • Presentation Options
  • Citation Resources This link opens in a new window

A basic speech outline should include three main sections:

  • The Introduction --  This is where you tell them what you're going to tell them.
  • The Body -- This is where you tell them.
  • The Conclusion -- This is where you tell them what you've told them.
  • Speech Outline Formatting Guide The outline for a public speech, according to COMM 101 online textbook  The Public Speaking Project , p.p. 8-9.

Use these samples to help prepare your speech outlines and bibliographies:

  • Sample Speech Preparation Outline This type of outline is very detailed with all the main points and subpoints written in complete sentences. Your bibliography should be included with this outline.
  • Sample Speech Speaking Outline This type of outline is very brief and uses phrases or key words for the main points and subpoints. This outline is used by the speaker during the speech.
  • << Previous: Quotation Resources
  • Next: Informative Speeches >>
  • Last Updated: May 16, 2024 10:02 AM
  • URL: https://library.ivytech.edu/Valpo_COMM101
  • Ask-a-Librarian
  • [email protected]
  • (219) 464-8514 x 3021
  • Library staff | Find people
  • Library Guides
  • Student Life & Activities
  • Testing Services
  • Ivy+ Textbooks

IMAGES

  1. 7+ Self Introduction Speech Examples for Free Download

    how to write a self introduction speech outline

  2. 7+ Introduction Speech Outline Templates

    how to write a self introduction speech outline

  3. FREE 8+ Sample Speech Outline Templates in PDF

    how to write a self introduction speech outline

  4. 7+ Introduction Speech Outline Templates

    how to write a self introduction speech outline

  5. Free Speech Outline Templates

    how to write a self introduction speech outline

  6. Self-Introduction Speech

    how to write a self introduction speech outline

COMMENTS

  1. Self Introduction Speech [Topics + Outline Sample]

    Sample Introduction Speech Topics. Look at the sample self introduction speech topics and pick out the aspects of your personal life you want to share with the audience. Approach the list below with the who, the what, the whereabouts, for sure the why, the how and when questions. That is an effective way to outline your first thoughts.

  2. 50 Inspiring Examples: Effective Self-Introductions

    back. 50 Inspiring Examples: Effective Self-Introductions. Structure of a Good Self-introduction Part 1. Examples of Self Introductions in a Job Interview Part 2. Examples of Self Introductions in a Meeting Part 3. Examples of Casual Self-Introductions in Group Settings Part 4. Examples of Self-Introductions on the First Day of Work Part 5.

  3. How to Write a Speech Introducing Yourself: 15 Steps

    Download Article. 1. Make an outline of your speech. Start by making a skeletal draft of your main points. Strip the speech down to its bare bones to determine what is most important to say, and in what order you should deliver those facts. This is the basic structure which you will build your speech around.

  4. Self-Introduction Speech Ideas, Topics And Outline

    Here is a basic outline for a self-introduction speech: Introduction: Start with a brief introduction, such as your name and background. Main body: In the main body of the speech, share more information about who you are and what you do. Conclusion: End with a brief conclusion, such as your current goals or an ongoing project.

  5. 10+ Self Introduction Speech Examples to Introduce Yourself

    The Verdict: Self Introduction Speech. When it comes to giving a speech, it can sometimes seem like a daunting task. But with some preparation and a few simple tips, you may find that it is not as bad as you thought! This blog will go over how to give a speech, write a speech, and prepare a speech.

  6. How to Write a Self Introduction Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Writing a self-introduction speech can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can also be a very rewarding experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can craft a compelling self-introduction speech that will impress any audience. Remember to keep things concise, engaging, and tailored to your audience, and you ...

  7. Self-introduction speech: help to make a good first impression

    Here's a simple short self-introduction speech sample. You can use it as a model to prepare your own speech. All up there are 130 words which will take approximately a minute to say. Hi everybody! I'm Masie Smith, Senior Marketing Executive, from Watts and Frederick in Smalltown, Bigstate. It's great to be finally here.

  8. Self Introduction Speech

    During your self introduction speech, tell your listeners the following: Your name. Your position. Brief background information. Interests, hobbies or passions. A closing statement relevant to the meeting. If you can get all of those details put together in a short introductory speech, you'll be golden!

  9. How to Write a Speech About Yourself: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

    Write an outline. Before you start writing the main meat of the speech, you'll want to create an outline. With a word processor, or pencil and paper, write "Introduction," "Body," and "Conclusion." Then sum up the main points in each section with bullets. You don't even have to use full sentences here.

  10. Self-Introduction Speech Examples & Tips to Help You Be Confident

    10 Tips for Writing and Making a Self-Introduction Speech. Here are some tips to keep in mind while writing and giving your self-introduction speech. The most important tip, however, is to do what feels natural and flows easily. Know Your Audience: Tailor your introduction to the context and the audience. A self-introduction at a professional ...

  11. How to Write an Introduction Speech: 7 Easy Steps & Examples

    Write down any relevant achievements, expertise, or credentials to include in your speech. Encourage the audience to connect with you using relatable anecdotes or common interests. Rehearse and Edit. Practice your introduction speech to ensure it flows smoothly and stays within the time frame.

  12. Self-Introduction Speech

    Here's a guide on how to prepare for your self-introduction speech: 1. Understand Your Audience. Audience Analysis: Consider the interests, expectations, and the level of formality of your audience. Context of the Introduction: Tailor your speech according to the occasion, whether it's a professional setting, a classroom, or a social gathering.

  13. How to Write an Effective Speech Outline: A Step-by-Step Guide

    When outlining your speech, make sure to decide how much time you'd like to give each of your main points. You might even consider setting specific timers during rehearsals to get a real feel for each part's duration. Generally speaking, you should allot a fairly equal amount of time for each to keep things balanced.

  14. Sample speech outline: examples with a printable template☺

    how to outline a speech: the 4 essentials steps involved in writing an outline - detailed sequential help, with examples, covering: 1. choosing a topic, 2. audience analysis, 3. choosing the best organizational pattern to fit your speech purpose, 4. what to put in each part of your speech: introduction, body and conclusion. a printable speech ...

  15. How to write a speech introduction: 12 of the best ways to start

    8. An empathetic question, aligning yourself with the audience and eliciting a response. These questions bring speaker and audience together, establishing a common ground, a mutual understanding, which is an effective way to ease into a speech. If your question 'works' you'll see heads nodding in agreement. Examples:

  16. A Simple Way to Introduce Yourself

    A Simple Way to Introduce Yourself. by. Andrea Wojnicki. August 02, 2022. Bernd Vogel/Getty Images. Save. Summary. Many of us dread the self-introduction, be it in an online meeting or at the ...

  17. 9.3 Putting It Together: Steps to Complete Your Introduction

    Establishing how your speech topic is relevant and important shows the audience why they should listen to your speech. To be an effective speaker, you should convey all three components of credibility, competence, trustworthiness, and caring/goodwill, by the content and delivery of your introduction.

  18. Writing A Speech About Yourself

    Making a speech outline; To learn what to say about yourself; Writing a 2-minute speech; Writing persuasive speeches; Learning how to write in the correct tone, as well as learning how to create an interesting hook ... But if you decide to take on the challenge of writing a self-introduction speech, after all, you should remember that the point ...

  19. 5 Minute Self Introduction Speech

    To avoid them seeing you in a bad light, write your self-introduction speech in advance. 1. Create Your Speech Outline. Before devising a proper introduction or body of your speech, create an outline first. This step is essential for structuring your thoughts. In this outline, you would write down the personal information or the stories you ...

  20. PDF Developing a Speech Outline

    Once assigned a speech, you will be tasked with creating an outline. The purpose of this outline is to provide you with a guide that helps effectively sequence your information, as well as helps you to remember all of your main points while in front of an audience! Much like an essay, this outline will consist of an introduction, body, and ...

  21. How to Write a Speech Outline (with Pictures)

    1. State your first point. The outline of the body of your speech will begin with the first point you intend to make in your speech. Write out a smooth transition from your introduction into the body of your speech. Your first point will be a top-level entry on your outline, typically noted by a Roman numeral.

  22. How To Write A Speech Outline

    To create a working outline, you will need: A speech topic. An idea for the "hook" in your introduction. A thesis statement. 3-5 main points (each one should make a primary claim that you support with references) A conclusion. Each of your main points will also have sub-points, but we'll get to those in a later step.

  23. Speech Outline Examples

    The Introduction -- This is where you tell them what you're going to tell them. ... Speech Outline Formatting Guide. The outline for a public speech, according to COMM 101 online textbook The Public Speaking Project, p.p. 8-9. Use these samples to help prepare your speech outlines and bibliographies: Sample Speech Preparation Outline.