Adding Humor to Your Self-Introductions

Adding Humor to Your Self-Introductions – Make your networking pay off.

I conduct workshops on Business Networking Power — How To Introduce Yourself in 60 Seconds for Business Success. Although the focus of the workshop is on Getting Attention, Making It Remembered and Making it Sell, we have a short discussion on using spontaneous humor to brighten your introductions. Here are some thoughts on that subject:

When you go to a formal networking function, especially at a format where you will have an allotted timeframe to introduce yourself to the group, plan and prepare your introduction before you arrive at the event. This will give you the time and confidence to relax and LISTEN to the introductions of other people. If you want to use spontaneous and observational humor in your introduction, you must pay attention to what is happening and what is being said around you. This is difficult to do if you are preoccupied with the basics of your own introduction.
Look for connections and twists with what other people do and what you do. If you are unable to come up with a direct connection, maybe you can just fabricate one. I was at a networking meeting with someone who owned a business called Melissa’s Puppy Tub. She explained that you could bring your dog to her establishment and she would help you give it a bath. I opened my introduction with “Hi, I am the owner of John’s People Tub. If you know someone who needs a bath, give me a call.” Silly. Funny. Got their attention. Then I continued with my introduction.
If someone says something funny during their introduction, it is an opportunity for you to piggyback on that laugh by weaving the theme into your introduction by repeating or twisting the humor they used.
Don’t be afraid to exaggerate. It’s usually a safe form of humor.
Don’t be afraid to look silly. Let your hair down. The rewards are great.
If they don’t laugh, pretend that you never expected them to. If you thought something would be funny and the audience does not, it’s your secret.
If you are really courageous, sing or rap. It will almost always be a sure laugh. Here is a tip from improv comedy. If you are not a singer, then sing loud. The key is your commitment. If you are committed to the performance, the audience will love you. And they will remember you. And they will be alert the next time you stand to make an introduction.
The keys to observational humor are Preparation, Observation, Courage and Practice.