Here is Mr. Schwarz’s self-introduction speech tutorial including twelve speech topics and a sample outline to
write an effective self-introduction for if you have to develop a brief self-introduction that tells the audience what
you want them to know about you. In other words: tell who you are and what you are about. This page deals with
self-introduction speech topics for public speaking class and actual speech opportunities in life with the ultimate
purpose of generating a good first impression.
Another short speech for introducing yourself is the elevator speech, meant for business purposes. The key
question for a successful and effective self-introduction speech in both occasions is: how much and what
information do you want the audience to know about you?
Rules of Thumb for Self-Introduction Speeches
Rule number one is: focus on one speech topic. To come up with a very brief two or three minutes selfintroduction, make sharp choices. Do not write an award winning, boring autobiography.
Since it is imperative to write your speech around one theme, I recommend you develop one shade of your
life. That aspect will tell who you are and what you are about. Some people call this self-introduction speech
type a one-point speech, because it's based on one speech idea.
Twelve Sample Self-Introduction Topics
Look at the sample self-introduction speech topics and pick out the aspects of your personal life you want to
share with the audience. Approach the list below with the who, what, where, why, how and when questions.
That's an effective way to outline your first thoughts.
1.What activity has played or plays an important part in your life? Tell the story and distract the message.
2.What is your main personal goal?
3.What do you like very much?
4.What do you hate or dislike?
5.Do you have developed a very special skill?
6.What is your lifestyle?
7.Can you come up with a turning point or milestone in you life?
8.What is your hobby or interest in your spare time?
9.What is a “pet peeve” or another very familiar topic you like to talk about, to do or to discuss?
10.Where you are from? Do your roots reveal something about yourself that's authentic for the audience? That
always works in a speech for self-introduction.
11.Is there an object or prop that means a lot to you?
12.What distinguishes you from other individuals in class?
Sample Self-Introduction Speech Outline
Now that you have picked out a central thesis, use this self-introduction sample speech outline:
1.Identify your audience. Grab your audience’s attention. Immediately bring in your central speech idea with a
hook.
2.Give some background information. Tell why it is important to you, why you are doing it, why you want to tell
them.
3.Now work out your topic in a few sentences. Draw the contours; make it personal (three-five minute total).
4.Give an example.
5.In conclusion, offer a memorable answer on the question the listeners probably will have when they listen to
your public speaking speech: what's in it for me? Tell how this aspect of your life makes who you are and what
you are. It will be the perfect ending of your self-introduction speech.