Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Introduce yourself
• Method 3 of 3: Introduce yourself as a teacher
• Tips

Introducing yourself in class, whether you are a student or teacher, can be scary. Deciding what and how much to share, overcoming fear, and presenting yourself as an interesting and engaged person are steps that will help you imagine yourself with confidence in both a physical classroom and an online environment.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Introduce yourself

1. Get up when it's your turn to introduce yourself. This will make you appear more confident and it is easier to speak more clearly than if you were to remain seated. It may feel uncomfortable to stand, but your introduction will be over sooner than you think.
   • If you are in the center of the room, turn your head from side to side occasionally so that you can speak to the whole class.
2. Smile when you speak. Even if you're super nervous, a smile will calm your voice and help you mask that nervousness. It also shows your classmates and your teacher that you are friendly and approachable. In addition, a smile stimulates the production of endorphins, which helps you feel a little happier!
   • Scientific studies have shown that making yourself smile when you speak in public endears others because they will naturally want to smile back.
3. Speak with confidence. Chances are, even if your voice is shaking, others won't notice. You want everyone to be able to hear you, so when introducing yourself, do it in a clear, loud voice. Don't mumble or stare at the floor. It's okay to be nervous. Many people are when they have to speak in public! But if you can breathe calmly and radiate confidence, you'll have the introduction over before you know it.
   • Try to practice your introduction in a mirror to prepare.
   • Many people in your class think about what to say when it's their turn and may not even pay attention all the time.
4. First, tell your name. It is helpful to give your first name, pause and then give your first and last name, such as "Hello, my name is Janet, Janet Talens". The repetition makes it more likely that others will remember your name.
   • If you'd rather people use your nickname, now is the time to provide that detail. Say something like, "Hi, my name is Marcella, Marcella Smit, but you can call me" Marcie ".
5. Explain why you are taking this class. If you are at a university, you can indicate which major you want to follow. Or if you're taking a course for a job certificate, you can tell us what kind of work you do. For example, you could say, "Hi, I'm Mark, Mark Purplesen. My major is economics and I need this course for my graduation. "
   • If you're only in class because you have to (like in high school), then you don't have to say that - chances are, many other people are in the same boat.
6. Share personal details, such as hobbies or interests you have. If you play sports or have pets or like to travel, the end of your introduction is a good place to share this information. You could say something like, "When I'm not studying, I like to train for half marathons that I run." This gives your classmates and teacher a specific activity to associate with your name.
   • Don't share overly personal information, such as the divorce you are going through or whether you recently lost your job. Try to keep things positive and upbeat - you don't want your first impression to be negative or make other people uncomfortable.
   EXPERT TIP

   Add a photo if you haven't already. It's always nice to be able to put a face to a name, and in an online course the sense of community must form in a different way than in a traditional classroom. You can usually add a photo to your profile to show it every time you post, or you can add an extra photo to your introduction message.

   • If you'd rather not post a photo for privacy reasons, that's okay! If it was a request from your teacher, simply email him or her about your concerns to let them know why you are not following the guidelines.
7. Keep your tone friendly and professional. Since you are posting online, it may be tempting to slip into an informal "speaking" manner using slang or free grammar, so pay extra attention to your introductory message. Use complete sentences and correct grammar, and be sure to proofread the message before clicking "Send."
   • Read aloud what you've written to hear what it sounds like - this can help you rephrase or restructure your introduction for the best cadence.
8. Share personal and professional information. Indicate why you are taking this course and what you do the rest of the time (for work or pleasure). For example, you could write, "Hi, my name is Sharon de Boer, and I work in a nursing home during the day. When I'm not working or studying, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our three rescue dogs. "
   • You can tell which city you live in if that's okay with you - many students who take online classes form study groups that meet in person or online.
   • Remember, less is more - your classmates are less likely to read five paragraphs than a short paragraph.
9. Respond to messages from your classmates. This is the best way to start building rapport with everyone. Reach others who live in the same area or have the same interests as you. Chances are, if you take the same course, you might have several courses with them in the next 1 or 2 years.
   • An active presence in your online classroom will make your overall study experience more satisfying, as well as helping you to delve deeper into the material.

Method 3 of 3: Introduce yourself as a teacher

1. Greet the students and introduce yourself once everyone is seated. Include your name (as you would like them to appeal to you), your academic background, and your interests. You could say something like: "Good morning class, my name is John Smith, you can call me John or Mr Smith. I graduated in communication science from the university of… and obtained my masters in…. I just moved to this region and enjoy exploring the city and going for a walk with my dog ​​Scamp. "
   • It is helpful to share details that students can identify with, but be wary of sharing information that is too personal.
   • This is also a time when you can share any awards you have won, areas of study you are interested in or involved in, publications or boards in which you work. You want to be as credible as possible.
2. Smile and address everyone in the room as you speak. Be welcoming and warm, make sure to look around the space as you introduce yourself. If you are nervous, try to look above the students' heads instead of making direct eye contact. Move your body and walk around the room if you feel comfortable doing so.
   • Remember that the students view you as the authority in the room. Chances are, they won't notice if you're nervous or forgetting something you intended to say. Be confident and know that there is always time to cover up something you may have forgotten.
3. Hand out a syllabus / class instructions and answer questions. Hand out the class syllabus as you give your introduction so that students can begin viewing the syllabus. You can then refer to it after your personal introduction to share your expectations of the class (attendance, participation, structure, projects).
   • Setting the tone for the class on day one is an important part of teaching a successful, engaged subject. Practice several times before actually standing in front of your students.

Tips

• Don't eat anything before introducing yourself so you don't have to worry about food scraps showing between your teeth.
• Instead of trying to impress other people, try to be yourself - you'll come off as honest and open, rather than bragging about your accomplishments when you introduce yourself.