Updated 4 November 2025
Talking about yourself in front of a group isn’t always easy, even though you know yourself best. Whether it’s for a class assignment, a job interview, or a networking event, being able to write and deliver a great self-introduction speech (also known as an introductory speech) is a valuable skill.
This article will show you exactly how to write a speech about yourself with examples, practical tips, and common mistakes to avoid, serving as a comprehensive research source and resource for crafting effective self-introduction speeches that resonate with audience members.
A self-introduction speech – sometimes called an “About Me” speech or autobiographical speech – is a short presentation that introduces the speaker to the audience. The beginning of the speech is crucial for setting the tone and engaging your listeners. It’s commonly used in classrooms, interviews, orientation sessions, or public speaking events. Start with a strong opening statement to immediately capture audience’s attention and provide a clear focus for your speech. The speech should include only relevant information about yourself, such as who you are, what you do, the subject or field you are in, what makes you unique, and what you hope to achieve. The main point is to give your audience a clear picture of who you are.
Before you begin the writing process for your speech, take time to reflect. Ask yourself:
Considering different aspects of your life, including family members and important relationships, is helpful when answering these questions.
It can also be helpful to mention your personal opinion or perspective on these topics.
Knowing your answers to these questions helps you choose what to include – and what to leave out. This reflection will make the speech writing process smoother and more effective.
To capture the audience’s attention at the very beginning, it’s important to begin your self-introduction speech with a strong opening statement that introduces you and sets the tone for what follows. Start by greeting your audience and introducing yourself with your name and current role or status (e.g., “I’m a second-year engineering student at UCLA”). For formal settings like interviews or presentations, be concise and polite-especially if you are preparing a two minute speech or another short speech format. In more casual environments, you can begin with an interesting, funny story or fun fact that uses humor to grab the audience’s attention and make your introduction memorable.
Example opening lines:
Here’s a five-part structure you can follow to organize your entire speech using bullet points:
When outlining your speech, focus on keeping your main point clear and include only relevant information to avoid unnecessary details.
This structure can be expanded or shortened depending on your time limit (e.g., a 2-minute speech = ~250 words). Brainstorming speech ideas and refining your outline will help you create a strong final draft.
These helpful tips will guide anyone preparing a speech:
It’s completely normal to feel nervous. Staying calm helps ensure your message is heard by the audience. Here are quick techniques to stay composed:
A calm delivery can positively influence people and keep them interested in hearing your story.
Struggling with what to say? Brainstorming speech ideas can help make your introduction more interesting and engaging. Here are some content ideas:
If your introduction is for a business presentation, tailor your content to highlight your expertise and mention colleagues to establish credibility. Practicing your introduction with friends can also help you feel more confident. If the context is professional, mentioning colleagues or a colleague can help build rapport and show your connection to the team.
“Hi, I’m Jane Foster. I’m majoring in Medical Neuroscience and specialize in molecular neuropsychiatry. My recent research on depressive disorders was published in Nature Neuroscience. I also write articles for my local newspaper. My goal is to work in a neuroscience lab at West Virginia University.”
“My name is Sandra Collins and I’m a senior in Journalism. I specialize in investigative reporting and published an exposé in The Sun that got national attention. I freelance as a photographer and hope to join The New York Times after graduation.”
“I’m Ben Smith, a programmer and project manager. I co-founded a tech company that now earns over $50 million in annual revenue. At home, I’m a proud dad of four. I believe this project aligns well with my experience and values.”
Wrap up your speech with confidence:
Example: “So that’s a little about me – I’m excited to continue growing as a designer and learning from those around me. My main point is to always keep improving, and I hope my message inspires you as well. Thanks for listening!”
This FAQ is a helpful resource for advice on writing and delivering speeches.
A: Typically 1-2 minutes (about 150-300 words) unless told otherwise. A short speech is often preferred for keeping your audience engaged.
A: Not word-for-word. Just know your structure and main points. Speak naturally.
A: Practice ahead, breathe, and pause if needed. Focus on connecting, not perfection. Public speakers often rehearse and follow a structured writing process to build confidence.
A: Be authentic, relevant, and concise. Include 1-2 memorable personal details.
A: Besides autobiographical speeches, a persuasive speech is another common format where you share your story to inspire or motivate others.
A: Yes, enrolling in a course focused on speech writing or public speaking can be very helpful. Courses provide structured guidance, practical tips, and expert advice to improve your skills and confidence.
Introducing yourself doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little prep and a clear structure, you can confidently talk about who you are and leave a strong impression. Remember – no one knows you better than you do, so own your story and speak from the heart. If you ever feel stuck, you can always pay for powerpoint presentation assistance to get started and find inspiration.
