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How to Write a Speech About Yourself

Last Updated: September 24, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Michelle Golden, PhD . Michelle Golden is an English teacher in Athens, Georgia. She received her MA in Language Arts Teacher Education in 2008 and received her PhD in English from Georgia State University in 2015. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 871,538 times.

There is a lot of work and preparation that goes into writing a speech. If you're writing a speech about yourself, you need to consider a variety of factors, including your audience, the purpose of the speech, and how long your speech should be. With a good amount of preparation, planning, and editing, you can craft a speech that introduces yourself effectively and entertainingly.

Sample Template

Prewriting Your Speech

• One method for brainstorming is to create a mind map. You can do this with a paper and pencil, starting by writing your central idea or theme in the middle of the page. Then use lines to connect ideas and points that branch off from this central idea. For a speech about yourself, you might start with a central bubble labeled "Me". Then you might have three or four bubbles connected to the central one that say things like "Interests", "Aspirations", etcetera. Then as you continue branching out the bubbles will get more specific.
• There are other methods for brainstorming you might find useful. You could try the alphabet method, where you list a few things related to the subject of your speech for each letter, starting with A and working down.
• Another brainstorming method is the three perspectives method. You think about the subject of the speech in three perspectives. First, describe the subject, which is yourself in this case. Then, trace it. Trace your history, where you came from and where you've come to, and how you've changed over that journey. Finally, map it. Think about who and what has influenced you and how. How do you fit into the bigger picture. [3] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source

• It's worth thinking about various aspects of the audience, because this will determine various aspects of your speech, such as its length, its tone, etcetera.
• For example, if your audience is a wedding reception, and this is a best man speech, your audience will be most interested in your relationship with the groom and your history with him. You also don't want a speech like this to drag on because the best man isn't the focal point of the event.

Writing Your Speech

• The most important difference between a long and a short speech is the amount of detail. A two minute speech in which you introduce yourself to a class will have a short intro that might be just your opening statement. There might be only a paragraph or two in the body of the speech, and the conclusion will probably be only a sentence or two.
• A ten to fifteen minute speech will have an introduction that in itself has a beginning, middle, and end, an opening statement, an introduction fo the main points of speech, and a summary of the main theme. The body might consist of four to six paragraphs, and each one will include both explanations of the main points, as well as examples. The conclusion will be a lengthier summary, and might include a sentence or two that ties the theme of the speech into a broader context.

• Depending on the length of your speech, you may need to break up the body section into multiple parts, like "Paragraph 1," "Paragraph 2," etcetera.
• Speeches two minutes and shorter should have one or two main points, which can probably fit into a single body paragraph.
• Speeches between two and five minutes should have two to three main points, given a paragraph each in the body.
• Longer speeches, over five minutes, should have up to five main points, given a paragraph each in the body.
• At this stage, you should also begin thinking about how your content will be organized. For a speech about yourself, it would make sense to either organize your content chronologically, with each main point being a different period in your history, or topically, with each main point as a different topic related to yourself.

• If this is a simple, short speech, meant to introduce you to your class or group, you can start with a basic introduction that includes a brief greeting, your name, and the purpose of the speech. This can look something like "Good morning everyone! My name is so-and-so and I'd like to take this chance to introduce myself to the group."
• If this speech about yourself is for a more specific purpose than just introducing yourself, you may want to make the introduction a little more entertaining and interesting. You can start with a provocative question, a shocking fact, a joke, or an evocative image. For example, if your speech is about an interesting aspect of your life, like your unusual profession, you can start with something like "Imagine waking up every morning to sound of safari wildlife in every direction around you."

• For example, if you're giving a small speech about yourself to your class you can say something like "First I'll tell you a little bit about my past, and then I'll tell you about some of my interests and aspirations. I'll close with my plans for my career."

• For example, if you're writing an introductory speech for a college organization, like a photography club, you might start the body with a paragraph about how you got interested in photography. The opening sentence might go like "Photography caught my interest very early on, especially with its ability to caption and preserve life's precious moments." The closing sentence might look like "Since then, I've been eagerly pursuing more knowledge on the ins and outs of what makes a photo great."

• For example, if your speech was about your interest and experience in the film industry, you can tie your own experiences with the idea of cinema on a grand scale. The conclusion should focus on the overarching importance of the topic of your speech.
• If your speech is simply to introduce yourself, you can end with a less grand conclusion. The conclusion of a self-introduction speech should reiterate and summarize the most important parts of your speech, the main details about yourself that you shared.

Improving Your Speech

• Read your speech out loud as well. This will help you hear the rhythm of the speech and make adjustments to improve its flow. Fragments are okay, as long as they're used sparingly. Use active verbs in favor of passive ones.
• When reading your speech out loud to yourself, note any sentences that are too long to be spoken comfortably in one breath. Split these sentences up as you edit.

• When running through a short list of ideas, numeric signposts are used like "first," "second," and "third," or "firstly," "secondly," and "thirdly."
• Signposts that show how two ideas relate to each other include, "furthermore," "in addition," "nevertheless," "however," "subsequently," and "for instance."
• Major signposts tell the listener where in the speech you are. For example, the first paragraph will often start with something like, "I'd like to start by..." and the final paragraph will often start with something like "To summarize..."

• What do you replace cliches with? First you have to deduce the basic meaning of the cliche phrase, then you can either think of a more interesting way to say the same thing, or, in many cases, you can forgo the phrase entirely.
• For example, the phrase "in conclusion" means that you are signaling that you going to summarize all the ideas previously stated. This can be replaced by something like, "So what does this all mean?" or "I've told you a lot about myself. Here's the reason."
• Often, cliche phrases are just filler that don't add anything important to the speech. Instead of saying, "Today I'll be talking to you about..." just start talking about it.

• Avoid speaking too highly of yourself. For example, saying "everyone know's that I'm the best soccer player on the team..." when receiving the captain award in the presence of your entire soccer team probably won't go over well.
• If, for example, you're the best soccer player on your team, you can instead humbly highlight your accomplishments by saying something like, "I've beat my personal record this season and scored 12 total goals. While it feels great to set this record, I know that it wouldn't be possible without the hard work and help of my teammates."
• If you feel uncomfortable, it's okay to add some humor or briefly acknowledge that you feel awkward about talking about yourself. This will just make your audience feel like they can relate better to you.

Community Q&A

Reader Videos

Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!

• Make cue cards, these are good because if you've practised well enough, you will be able to be reminded on what you're saying by looking at a couple of words written on some card. Your flow will come out more naturally and you can also ad lib around it (if you're allowed). Avoid reading directly from the card. Thanks Helpful 14 Not Helpful 0
• When you've written your speech, be sure to practice it until you feel comfortable. Thanks Helpful 167 Not Helpful 36
• Always stay connected to your audience and make eye contact with them. Thanks Helpful 19 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/publicspeaking/chapter/6-1-general-purposes-of-speaking/
• ↑ https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/WC116
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/brainstorming/
• ↑ https://pac.org/content/speechwriting-101-writing-effective-speech
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/understanding-assignments/
• ↑ https://uark.pressbooks.pub/speaking/chapter/opening-a-speech/
• ↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/publicspeaking/chapter/10-2-keeping-your-speech-moving/
• ↑ https://www.lib.sfu.ca/about/branches-depts/slc/writing/organization/conclusions
• ↑ https://hbr.org/2015/05/the-right-way-to-brag-about-yourself
• ↑ https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/10-tips-for-improving-your-public-speaking-skills/

About This Article

Before you start writing a speech about yourself, create an outline on a blank page with the headings Introduction, Body, and Conclusion. Then, add bullet points under each section, and fill them in with the key issues you want to discuss. In the Introduction, tell your audience who you are and explain briefly what you'll cover in the speech. Additionally, you'll want to have 1-2 main ideas in the body if the speech is for 2 minutes, or 3 ideas if it's a 5-minute speech. Finally, write a conclusion to sum up the main points you've made. For tips on how to take inspiration from other speeches and how to edit your first draft, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Speeches HQ

6 Sample Introduction Speeches about Yourself

Getting up to introduce yourself can make anyone feel nervous. Speaking at a business meeting, community event, or social gathering shapes how others see you from that moment forward.

Many people find it hard to balance being professional and personable during self-introductions. Here’s some good news. With the right approach and structure, you can create a memorable first impression that connects with your audience while staying true to who you are. These examples will help you introduce yourself with confidence.

Sample Introduction Speeches about Yourself

These carefully crafted speeches will guide you through creating engaging self-introductions for various occasions.

“Hello everyone. As the newest member of the marketing team, I want to share a bit about myself. My story started in a small town in Oregon, where I grew up surrounded by nature and technology. My parents ran a local computer repair shop, which sparked my interest in both technical skills and customer service.

After graduating from Portland State with a degree in Digital Marketing, I spent five years helping small businesses build their online presence. The most rewarding part was seeing local artisans and family-owned shops succeed through social media. One project that brings me particular pride involved helping a 70-year-old bakery triple their customer base through strategic social media campaigns.

My passion lies in combining data-driven strategies with genuine storytelling. Outside work, you’ll find me hiking trails, experimenting with photography, or volunteering at the local animal shelter. Looking forward to bringing fresh ideas to our team and learning from each of you.”

— END OF SPEECH —

Commentary: A balanced blend of professional background and personal interests makes this speech perfect for team introductions, first-day presentations, or department meetings. The speaker effectively weaves together their expertise and human side while maintaining professionality.

“Good morning fellow Toastmasters. Did you try teaching a goldfish to swim through a hoop? That’s exactly what led me to discover my calling as a pet behavioral specialist. That childhood experiment with my goldfish, Einstein, taught me more about patience and positive reinforcement than any textbook could.

Through fifteen years of working with animals, I’ve learned that every creature has its own personality and way of learning. From helping anxious rescue dogs find confidence to teaching parrots to reduce their screaming habits, each day brings new challenges and victories. My specialty? Working with pets others have given up on.

What really motivates me is seeing the joy on pet owners’ faces when they finally connect with their furry or feathered friends. Beyond my practice, I run a monthly workshop at the community center, teaching children how to safely interact with animals. My goal here at Toastmasters? To become better at sharing these experiences and knowledge with other animal lovers.”

Commentary: This speech uses storytelling and humor to create an engaging introduction that works well for networking events, professional organizations, or speaking clubs. The personal anecdote about the goldfish immediately draws listeners in while establishing credibility in the speaker’s field.

“Friends and neighbors, my name is Sarah Chen, and my story starts three blocks from here at Mason Elementary, where I spent countless hours drawing on any surface I could find. Those chalk drawings on the playground sparked a path that would shape my entire life.

Today, I own the supply store on Main Street, but that’s just part of who I am. Many of you might recognize me from the weekend classes I teach at the community center or the murals I’ve painted around town. Each of those murals tells a story about our neighborhood, capturing moments that make our community special.

My latest project involves working with local seniors to document their memories through group projects. These sessions have shown me the rich history of our area and the amazing people who built it. The paintings we create together will be displayed at next month’s Heritage Festival.

Your support over the years has meant everything to me. That’s why I’m running for the Town Council. With your help, I want to expand our community’s programs and create more spaces where creativity can grow. Because I believe that when we create together, we build stronger connections and a more active community.”

Commentary: This speech effectively combines personal history, community involvement, and future aspirations, making it ideal for local government campaigns, community leadership positions, or neighborhood gatherings. The speaker builds trust by highlighting their deep roots and commitment to the area.

“Good evening. The best advice my grandmother gave me was ‘Life is too short for bad coffee.’ As a third-generation coffee roaster, those words guided me through culinary school and eventually led to opening Bean There, Brewed That on Oak Street.

My connection with coffee goes beyond brewing the perfect cup. Each bean tells a story of the farmers who grew it, the lands that nurtured it, and the hands that carefully harvested it. Through direct trade partnerships with small farms in Guatemala and Ethiopia, we ensure fair wages while bringing exceptional coffee to your cup.

Starting next month, our shop will host monthly coffee appreciation sessions. You’ll learn about different brewing methods, bean origins, and the basics of coffee tasting. Most importantly, you’ll see why a great cup of coffee can bring people together and create meaningful connections.”

Commentary: This speech connects personal values with business practices, making it suitable for small business openings, chamber of commerce meetings, or food and beverage industry events. The speaker effectively shares their expertise while maintaining an approachable tone.

“Hello fellow bookworms. Growing up in my family’s mobile library, books were my constant companions as we traveled through rural communities. Those early years showed me that stories can move, change, and connect people across all boundaries.

After studying Library Science and Children’s Literature, I focused on making books available to everyone. My current role as the new children’s librarian excites me because it combines my love for stories with the chance to spark young minds. Reading programs, interactive storytelling sessions, and author visits are just some ideas I hope to bring to life here.

The library should be more than a building with books. Let’s make a space where ideas soar, where every child feels welcome, and where stories come alive. Together, we can build a community of lifelong readers and learners.”

Commentary: Ideal for educational settings, library events, or literacy program launches, this speech effectively communicates passion for reading while outlining practical plans. The personal backstory adds authenticity and establishes credibility.

“Thank you for having me this evening. My path with sustainable farming began during college when I noticed how much fresh produce went to waste in campus cafeterias. That observation led to a rooftop garden project that now feeds hundreds of students daily.

Sustainable agriculture goes beyond growing food. It’s about creating systems that support both people and the environment. My work focuses on helping urban communities start their own gardens, teaching composting techniques, and connecting local farmers with neighborhood markets.

The community garden network we’re launching next spring will turn empty lots into productive spaces where neighbors can grow food together. We’re partnering with local schools to create educational programs that teach children about nutrition and environmental care through hands-on gardening experiences.

By growing food locally, we reduce transportation costs, provide fresher produce, and build stronger community bonds. My goal? A city where every neighborhood has access to fresh, locally grown food, and where gardening brings people together across generations and cultures.”

Commentary: This speech works well for environmental conferences, community planning meetings, or sustainable agriculture symposiums. The speaker effectively links personal motivation with broader social impact while maintaining practical focus.

Wrapping Up: Introduction Speech Examples

Making an effective self-introduction speech needs careful thought about your audience and occasion. These examples show different ways to share your story that engage listeners and leave lasting impressions. Whether you’re speaking to colleagues, community members, or potential clients, being genuine combined with clear purpose will help you connect with your audience.