You’re in one of those meetings where everyone is going around the table introducing themselves. It might be an all-the-rage networking meeting, a business meeting with some external participants or even an internal meeting. Introductions are likely. Introductions matter.

It’s an opportunity to make a good impression, but you can’t listen to a word anyone says because you’re nervous, worrying about what to say.  Blocking out other participants may or may not buy you time to concoct a fabulous introduction about you, but you know nothing about your fellow attendees.  You know nothing about their needs and how best to connect with them.  In short, you know nothing about how to persuade them to your point of view and make a positive impression.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.  Here are four steps to help you craft and deliver an impactful introduction.

1.  Remember impromptu doesn’t have to be impromptu

Consider the words of Mark Twain “I … never could make a good impromptu speech without several hours to prepare it.”  Or Winston Churchill’s admission that “I’m just preparing my impromptu remarks”.

Like these great orators, you should prepare what you want to say in your introductions and practise so that you can deliver in a conversational and engaging way.

2.  Don’t be afraid to use notes for introductions

If you prepare your opening remarks in advance, you are free to focus on what others are saying.  However, there is nothing wrong with using notes until you become more confident and relaxed in your meetings.  Jot down what people say about themselves as they offer their introduction.

For your own input, take a small index card with bullet points of what you want to say.

3.  Craft your content

Keep introductions short and sweet.  Remember less is more – under a minute, maybe even 30 seconds.  Don’t waste these precious seconds with apologies or platitudes; cut to the chase.  Give people:

• Your name
• Your purpose in the meeting – your contribution or expertise; how you can help. Don’t just give them your company and job title – they can get that from your business card.  Share with them what they can expect from you in the meeting
• A short, relevant and attention-grabbing (maybe humorous) anecdote about your purpose that connects with the people in the room and helps them remember you. That story that tells them what makes you tick.

Remember, this is not all about you.  The people around the table want to know who you are and what makes you tick.  Your introduction is about giving them what they need, answering their question “What’s in it for me?”  By repositioning your introduction as a gift to your audience, you take the spotlight off you and focus it on the people you are connecting with – the other people in the meeting.

Once you have crafted your introduction, you can use it at all sorts of meetings, though you might want to vary your purpose and anecdotes to keep your words fresh and relevant to the specific meeting.

4.  Dial up your delivery

A big smile and high energy will ensure you come across as engaging and enthusiastic.  Speak up and speak clearly.  Remember to uncross your arms and present a friendly, open posture.  You may even want to lean slightly forward towards fellow meeting participants to reinforce your interest in the people and the meeting.

Have a great meeting!