oh, how hard it is to introduce oneself
So I had another chance to introduce myself to first-met people today, in an online class.
Every time I know this thing is coming up, I spend random moments drafting what I will say. And the night before, I will come up with a fancy answer, pretty like a picnic basket, and feel good enough to sleep well. When the day comes, I will forget almost everything I planned. It goes all blank, leaving only awkward bread crumbs. Every. Single. Time.
I can laugh about it now, because one thing I just learned from math is that it is no point being obsessed about something that doesn't work. There are many others more to have fun with. Like, having some honest reflection, seeing why it's hard, and coming up with an easy solution.
Let's breathe in and out, put on some music, take a sip of lemonade, and do it!
.✦ ݁˖ I turned to realize that self introduction is not a boring, repeated thing at all. Taken with care, it is a chance for you to see yourself.
For example, I have taken a lot of adventures in my life, I have been a graphic designer, a copywriter, a craftmaker, coffee barista, NGO worker, and so on. I enjoy reading, I read a bunch of different topics. I love travelling. Let me tell you about my best nap ever on top of the Angkor Wat. And let me tell you about the time I got lost in the forest after dark, I thought I wouldn't make it! I can go on and on about decorative arts and manga and I don't know, you name it, I might already have something to talk about it. Oh, I play go (the board game) too, and oh my you see how it goes? We need a campfire. And look, I already forgot mentioning my first passion, drawing!
Anyway, by drafting an introduction, I had a good time looking back at all the good times I had, and reminding myself what I am up to. Hey if we make it right, we will meet the right people! What an epiphany.
.✦ ݁˖ I am not sure if people will be able to process all these on the spot, but I am sure I will be too nervous to remember them. It is just so hard to truly tell the whole of myself within a short introduction then.
The Japanese language (oh right, I study Japanese too!) has a concise, polite, structured way to introduce oneself. It goes like this:
"Hajime mashite. Watashiwa Ly desu. 00 years old desu. ☁️ jin desu. Atisuto desu. Dozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu!"
"Hello for the first time. I am Ly. I am 00 years old. I am from the country of clouds. I am an artist. Nice to meet you!" (bow)
The English language gives us more free space in the matter, and Vietnamese gives no clue at all. You see where I'm at.
.✦ ݁˖ To find an easy solution, I think about the context and the audience. Now with some 20 introductions at the same time, prior to a bizarre math lession or some other event, most likely what you said will be forgoten, except for some key words. So, it helps both sides to keep it concise.
Now I think about myself. To me, it is the feelings that matter more than words. It's often you can feel the vibe as they speak. While I'm saying whatever I'm saying, I might be spreading flowers in the air! Just like the top illustration (I sketched it right after today's self-introduction hehe).
So, what would be a concise and bright way to capture all those campfire stuff up there? One that is easy for me to speak, and almost everyone to understand?
It goes like this:
Hello ~ I am an artist, currently thinking about the next project of my own. I love drawing, reading and travelling. I enjoy learning new things. It's all about having a good time. Nice to meet youu! ᐠ( ᐛ )ᐟ
The Calorie Mate with a ribbon, my easiest learned-by-heart introduction ever, all done! Taken it off my chest, I am ready for dinner and a good movie now.
I you bump into this post, I hope it helps you in some way. You can do it!
Have a ball!