5 Quick Steps to Introduce Yourself Properly
Have you ever stood there uncomfortably with someone you haven’t met, unsure how to break the ice and introduce yourself?
So. Awkward.
Nobody should have to go through that, even kids. The good news is that manners and etiquette are coming to the rescue! It’s really easy to introduce yourself to someone and there’s not a lot to remember.
Watch this short video for a quick manners how-to!
For those of you unable to watch a video right now (Watch it later! It’s great!), here’s the scoop on how to introduce yourself with proper etiquette:
I’ve boiled it down to five simple S’s: Stand, Smile, Say, Shake, and Say
The 5 Steps to Introduce Yourself
Here’s what they mean:
1. Stand Up!
If you’re sitting down and someone approaches to meet you, stand up to greet the person if you’re able. That way you aren’t awkwardly staring at their middle. This also makes the next steps easier.
2. Smile
Smiling is one of the best tools we have — it immediately puts people at ease. It’s also good manners to look a person in the eye!
3. Say Your Name
Practice this one — say your name loudly and clearly. I hate it when I don’t catch someone’s name because they mumbled it. The worst!
4. Shake Hands
Shake hands with the person you’re meeting. Here’s how: etiquette dictates that your hand shake is always right hand to right hand (even if you’re a lefty). It should be a firm grip — but not too firm. You’re trying to introduce yourself, not make the person cry! The palms fit together, the fingers curl around the side of the hand and the thumbs lay across the top of the hand.
5. Say Something Pleasant
Say Something Pleasant — A simple, “nice to meet you” or “I’ve heard nice things about you” works like a charm to break the ice.
And that’s it! Super simple etiquette, but super-important when meeting someone new.
You can practice your shiny new manners with a family member or in the mirror. Soon you’ll be able to introduce yourself like a pro in no time!
If you like this, be sure to check out more of our Polite Kids 101 materials. They make it really easy to teach your kids what they need to know about manners and etiquette!
I think the hardest part can be remembering the other person’s name. Got any tips? Please share them in the comments!
(Linked up at Project Inspire{d}, Type A Parent, Wordy Wednesday, Prototype Mama, TGIF, and Freedom Fridays)
READ NEXT: Do Your Kids Have Manners? Here’s What You Need!
About Julie Hunt
I’ve lived a full life with many unimaginable joys and heartache like you wouldn’t believe. Our blog exists to encourage folks to slow down, chill out, and love more.
13 thoughts on “5 Quick Steps to Introduce Yourself Properly”
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I really needed to read this post! My boys are a little shy, but I think that can become a convenient excuse for poor manners. We’re going to work on these skills. Thank you for sharing!!!
You are so welcome! Let me know if you need any pointers… I was a pretty shy child, too, but I know they can do it! 🙂 So glad you’ve found it useful!
Something so simple, yet we forget all the time! I usually have a hard time with the standing one…sometimes I feel more awkward standing, but that’s just me.. Great post, by the way!
I agree, sometimes it can feel more formal to stand up to greet someone. Thanks for your comment!
Found you through SITS! I love this! My five-year-old is very shy and appears rude when she is meeting new people. I will work on these tips with her. What do you suggest for kids to do instead of a handshake? A handshake seems a little odd for a five-year-old. Or am I wrong?
Good point, JoAnn! A handshake is for a formal greeting… and usually younger kids only need to know it for those times an adult extends a hand in greeting. (Lest the little one think the adult is offering a high five! Haha, that’s happened with my kids. Oops!) With kid-to-kid meetings, they don’t have to shake hands when meeting someone new (although if they’re just learning, it could be good practice). The eye-to-eye contact, smile, and saying “Hi, nice to meet you” are the things I would focus on when kids are meeting new kids. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Great post, I can be the awkward goofball staring at the new person’s middle.
Marie @ In Our Happy Place
Haha, that cracks me up. I have been that person, too. (It’s amazing what I’ve learned when studying up on manners!) Glad I could be helpful… thanks for your comment!
This is great, and a reminder that I need to work on my children’s manners when meeting people! It’s so hard at this age, but this is when I need to instill those manners.
Thanks for linking up at Wordy Wednesday. Pinned!
Exactly… it may seem a little formal now, but it’s the best time for them to start learning and practicing so it becomes second nature (and so they avoid more of those “awkward moments”). Thanks for commenting and pinning! I appreciate it!
This is a great tutorial for kids as well as some adults! 🙂 I remember as an introverted teenager, I would actually practice smiling while I put on my makeup every morning. By the time the bus stopped at my house, I was ready to greet everyone with a little more confidence. It is really amazing how much power there is in a smile, and that is such an important lesson for young people to learn.
Thanks Wendy! We appreciate the kind comments. We’ve been pleasantly surprised in our classes that once a student knows what is expected of them in an introduction, they’re more than willing to step up and make it! And our smile?
YES, it is one of the most effective tools in practicing good manners…and it’s FREE!!
Thanks again! Julie 🙂
Woow… Awesome write-up here.
Thanks for sharing.