"I am Jens. Sales and negotiation trainer." That is it. Done. My introduction takes about three seconds.
Now compare that to what you hear in most meetings.
The long introduction problem
"Thank you for having me. My name is John Smith, I am Senior Vice President of Business Development at XYZ Corporation. I have been with the company for 14 years. Before that, I spent 8 years at ABC Industries where I led the European expansion. I studied International Business at..."
Ten minutes later, the moderator is wincing, the agenda is already behind schedule, and the audience has mentally checked out. Nobody remembers what John said anyway.
Why short wins
A short introduction signals confidence. You do not need to prove your credibility with a list of accomplishments before you have even started. Your content will do that for you.
It also shows respect. Respect for the audience's time, for the agenda, and for the other participants who also need to introduce themselves.
What to include
Your name and what you do. That is the minimum. If context requires it, add one relevant detail: your company, your specific expertise, or why you are in the room. But keep it under 15 seconds.
No title. No CV background. No history lesson. If people want to know more, they will ask. Or they will look you up on LinkedIn.
The introduction round trap
When a moderator says "let's do a quick round of introductions," most people interpret "quick" very generously. Be the person who actually keeps it quick. It sets a good example and earns immediate respect from the room.
The verdict
Name. Role. Done. Let your expertise show through your contribution, not through your introduction.
This is article #7 in the "Either/Or?" series.
Looking to sharpen your team's meeting and presentation skills? Reach out to Zenith.