Start with three useful pieces of information
A short introduction gives someone enough information to begin a conversation. Start with your name, say where you live or what you do, and add one interest. You can stop there and ask a question. You do not need to tell your whole story in the first turn.
Choose details you feel comfortable sharing. Your city, a hobby, or what brought you to the conversation is usually enough. You can leave out your age, employer, or other personal information.
An A1 introduction: short and clear
At a simple starting level, familiar sentences help you get your message across. Say each sentence at a comfortable pace.
Hi, I’m Maya. I live in Lisbon. I work in a shop. I like music and cooking. What do you like to do?
Build your version from these phrases:
- “My name is ___.”
- “I live in ___.”
- “I work in ___.” or “I’m a student.”
- “I like ___.”
Use “I live in” for a city or country and “I’m from” for where you come from. Those places can be different. If you do not want to talk about work, replace that sentence with another interest.
An A2 introduction: add a reason or a recent detail
When the short version feels comfortable, connect a few ideas. Explain why you enjoy something, mention a recent change, or say what you hope to practice.
Hello, I’m Daniel. I’m from Chile, and I live in Montreal now. I work in a café. At weekends, I like walking because it helps me relax. I’m practicing English so I can talk more easily with customers. How do you use English?
This version is longer because the extra information gives a listener more ways to respond. It is not a script to memorise word for word. Keep the details that are true for you.
Leave space for the other person
After your introduction, ask one related question. “Where do you live?” works after talking about your city. “What do you enjoy doing?” follows naturally after an interest.
Listen for one detail in the answer. If the person enjoys cooking, ask about a dish. If they recently moved, ask what they like about the new place. You are beginning a shared conversation, not delivering a presentation.
You I like making soup at home.
Partner Me too. I cook at weekends.
You What do you like to cook?
Try a two-minute introduction
- Write three keywords: your place, your activity, and your interest.
- Speak for about 20–30 seconds using those ideas.
- Add one question for your partner.
- Try again, changing one detail instead of repeating the whole script.
Practicing alone? Say your introduction aloud and imagine a simple reply to your final question. Practicing with someone? Swap roles and ask about one detail you heard.
Notice whether your listener can understand your main points. A brief pause or a corrected word does not mean the introduction has failed.