How to Introduce Yourself with Confidence: Creating a Verbal Business Card
"So, tell me about yourself…" Why does this question feel so tricky to answer? I know from experience that introducing yourself confidently, especially in another language, can be challenging.
Does your mind go blank when someone says, “Let’s go around the room and introduce ourselves”? You're not alone. Nervousness can make you forget important details or, on the other hand, overshare irrelevant information. Now, Jürgen from Accounts knows all about your pet hamster but nothing relevant about your job.
Or maybe talking about yourself just feels awkward, so you stick to the safe, predictable:
“I’m (name), I’m the (job title) at (company).”
There’s nothing wrong with keeping it short and simple. But let’s be honest, it’s a bit boring. If you want people to remember you, your introduction needs to be clear, engaging, and professional.
A strong introduction can:
✅ Open doors to new business and career opportunities
✅ Help you build relationships
✅ Ensure your ideas are heard
Here are my step-by-step tips for a clear, confident, and memorable introduction at your next networking event, customer meeting, or job interview.
Create a Verbal Business Card
Your verbal business card is a short (no more than 30 seconds!) introduction you can prepare and practice. This way, you’ll always have something ready when you need to introduce yourself.
A simple structure to follow:
👋 Hello,
I’m [your name], a [your job title]. I [what you actually do in your job]. I’m here today to [your reason for being there].
💡 Example:
"Hello, I’m Jane, a business English trainer and language coach. I work with in-company teams as well as individuals to help them speak English more confidently at work. Today, I’m excited to tell you about my visual thinking workshop…"
This simple structure helps you cover:
✔ Who you are
✔ What you do
✔ Why you’re here
Examples of the ‘who, what, why’ structure. You could think of some key points first and then build sentences.
Practice Makes Progress
Yes, you should prepare and practice your introduction! Try these methods:
🔹 Get feedback from a trusted colleague
🔹 Say it out loud to yourself
🔹 Record yourself on your phone and listen back
📌 Tip: Check out this example of deliberate practice from the Harvard Business Review:
👉 How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself”
Soundscripting as a Confidence Booster
A memorable introduction isn’t just about what you say, it’s also about how you say it.
I first came across soundscripting in a journal article by Rachel Appleby (Presentation Skills: 7 Tips for Delivering Professionally and with Confidence). The idea is simple: format your script for better delivery by using:
✅ Larger or bold font: Emphasise key words
✅ Underlining or spacing: Improve readability
✅ Slashes (/) for pauses: Help with rhythm and flow
🎼It’s like writing music notation for your words! 🎶
Here’s an example:
Hello, / I’m Jane Carvell, / a business English trainer / and language coach. (pause)
I work with teams / and individuals / to help them speak English confidently. (longer pause)
Today, / I’m excited to tell you about / my visual thinking workshop.
This technique ensures that even if you're nervous, your message comes across smoothly and clearly.
How I ‘soundscripted’ my own introduction in German. I underlined words to emphasise, plus which syllables I need to stress to have clearer pronunciation… And don’t forget to smile!
Check Your Non-Verbal Communication
Whether in-person or online, body language, facial expressions, and gestures all contribute to making a strong first impression.
🔹 Will you shake hands or simply smile and nod?
🔹 Is your body language open and confident?
🔹 How’s your tone, speed, and volume?
💡 Want more insights? Check out Vanessa Van Edwards' Science of People channel for expert body language tips!
Add Your ‘Secret Sauce’
Once you have the basics, let’s make your introduction memorable and personal. Here are some ways to stand out:
1️⃣ Highlight a Personal Quality
"I’m the go-to person for training business English with visual thinking."
"My colleagues describe me as someone who’s enthusiastic about sharing creative ideas."
2️⃣ Show the Problem You Solve
"One of the biggest challenges in our business is collecting Big Data. My background in data management helps us harness the power of data."
3️⃣ Share Your Passion
"I’m really passionate about employer branding and helping companies find the ideal colleagues."
"What excites me most about my work is seeing how my training motivates people."
Final Thoughts
There’s no one right way to introduce yourself, but a clear, engaging, and confident approach makes all the difference.
✔ Adapt your introduction based on your audience
✔ Show your professional skills and a unique personal touch
✔ Practice to make sure you deliver smoothly
🎤 Want to refine your introduction or hear mine in action? Please get in contact and book a free discovery call. ⬇️
Hello,
I’m Jane Carvell, a business English trainer, language coach and visual thinking enthusiast. I help German-speaking professionals improve their English communication skills, so that they can build better connections in an international working world.
