Elements of an Effective 30-Second Introduction
July 29, 2010 3 Comments

- Everyone gets nervous when delivering their introduction, especially when standing in front of a group. Take a deep breath and don’t rush through your words.
- Speak clearly, slowly, intentionally and project your voice through your entire introduction.
- Use concise and relevant points related to what you do and how you serve others.
- Make eye contact with each individual and don’t “skim” the room. Making eye contact helps you to connect with each person and give the feeling that you are speaking to an individual rather than a room full of people.
- Practice before you speak. Take time to think about what you are going to say, test it out on friends, your coach, or power partners and ask for their feedback. If you are nervous, it’s okay to read from a notecard. You can even let people know it’s a new introduction as they will empathize with your vulnerability and honesty.
- Know your audience and be prepared with a few different introductions. It’s important to be flexible depending upon who you are addressing.
- Since you only have 30 seconds, highlight one product/service versus sharing details on everything you offer. Trying to cover too many products/services forces you to be general and vague about each. Highlight a different product/service the next time you do your introduction, allowing people to learn more about you each time you deliver your introduction.
- Leave people wanting to know a little more so they are intrigued and want to talk with you further about what you offer. The best thing is to have someone come up after an event and ask questions about what you offer.
- Mention the target market you are able to or enjoy helping most (ie, realtor enjoys first-time home buyers, interior designer enjoys helping professionals arrange their office space for greatest efficiency).
- End with a catchy slogan or special you are offering.
- Above all, be respectful and do not go over any time limits set for your introduction.
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Sabrina Risley founded Behind The Moon, Inc.® in 2003, a Colorado-based networking and referral group organization that sets itself apart with its motto “grow your business by helping others grow theirs.” Behind The Moon offers several networking events across Colorado’s Front Range, as well as referral groups that attract professionals who network to give rather than get. You will find Sabrina speaking to audiences about effective networking techniques, the power of partnerships, and principles of service and giving as a means to grow a business. To learn more about Behind The Moon, please visit http://www.BehindTheMoonInc.com.