In this lesson you're going to practise giving a self-introduction. You'll then add some questions to turn it into a conversation.

After that, you can train your brain to think and speak at the same time! You'll see some useful English words and phrases you can use instead of "Um" and "Err" when you are thinking.

 Self-Introductions (.pdf)

YouTube: Speaking Skills - Self-Introductions

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Self-introduction

Here's my self-introduction, but it can be expanded.

Write your self-introduction. There are some examples at the end of this lesson.

TIP: When listening to a self-introduction, show interest with active listening phrases such as "Hi! Oh really? Oh, wow! Interesting! Oh yeah? and I see!

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Questions and Conversation

Let's add some questions and turn it into a conversation:

TIP: Asking so many WH-questions sounds a bit too direct. You can soften them by adding "And…" with a pause. This also gives you some thinking time: "And… what do you do for work?"

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Thinking Time

Here are some words and phrases you can use to give yourself some thinking time when answering questions:

• [Silence]
• [Repeat the question]
• Well...
• Yeah... so,...
• You know...
• Actually,...
• Sorry, could you say that again?
• Let me see / think...
• That's a good question!
• What I'm trying to say is...
• Oh, I've forgotten. Just a second. What was it?… Oh, I remember!

Silence is often better than saying "Um" and "Err". Repeating the question is a great way to buy time: "What's my name? Where am I from?"

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Challenge!

Now, try creating new self-introductions to practise those thinking-time phrases. Imagine you are different people! Here are some examples:

Hello. My name is Bob. I'm from China. I work as a zookeeper at Shanghai Zoo. In my free time, I like to bake cookies. I'm single and I live with my parents. I'm learning English because I want to go to New Zealand.

Hello. My name is Alice. I'm from France. I work as a graphic designer at a creative agency in Paris. In my free time, I like to paint landscapes. I have a husband and two daughters. I'm learning English because I want to expand my business internationally.

Hello. My name is Carlos. I'm from Brazil. I work as an engineer at Rio Tech Industries. In my free time, I like to play football. I'm single and live with my brother. I'm learning English because it's essential for my professional development.

Hello. My name is Sunita. I'm from India. I work as a teacher at Delhi Public School. In my free time, I like to read historical novels. I am divorced and live with my son. I'm learning English because I plan to teach abroad.

Hello. My name is Michael. I'm from Canada. I work as a nurse at Toronto General Hospital. In my free time, I like to go hiking. I have a partner and no children. I'm learning English because I enjoy travelling to different countries.

Hello. My name is Fatima. I'm from Egypt. I work as a chef at a well-known restaurant in Cairo. In my free time, I like to experiment with new recipes. I'm married and live with my husband and three children. I'm learning English because I want to write a cookbook in English.

Hello. My name is Tim. I'm from Australia. I work as a marine biologist at the Great Barrier Reef Research Institute. In my free time, I like to surf. I'm single and I live on a beachside property. I'm learning English because I often present at international conferences.

Hello. My name is Naomi. I'm from Japan. I work as an architect at a design firm in Tokyo. In my free time, I like to take architectural photography. I have a husband and one son. I'm learning English because I collaborate with international clients.

Hello. My name is Lukas. I'm from Germany. I work as a software developer at a tech startup in Berlin. In my free time, I like to build model aeroplanes. I'm engaged and I live with my fiancée. I'm learning English because I want to move to Silicon Valley.

Hello. My name is Sofia. I'm from Argentina. I work as a dance instructor at a dance academy in Buenos Aires. In my free time, I like to write poetry. I'm a single-mother with two daughters. I'm learning English because I want to publish my poems in English-speaking countries.

Hello. My name is Sarah. I'm from Canada. I study biology at the University of Toronto. In my free time, I like to volunteer at the local animal shelter. I live with my parents and younger brother. I'm learning English because I want to pursue a master's degree in environmental science in the UK.

Hello. My name is Mark. I'm from Australia. Currently, I'm not working as I'm taking some time to focus on personal development. In my free time, I like to garden and read historical novels. I live alone in a small town near Sydney. I'm learning English to better connect with a wider range of people and cultures.

Hello. My name is Linda. I'm from the United States. I'm retired now, but I used to be a school teacher. In my free time, I enjoy painting and participating in community theatre. I live with my husband, and we have three grandchildren. I'm learning English because I plan to travel to Europe next year.

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Expand

You can easily expand your self-introduction with more information. Here's a longer version of mine:

Can you expand your self-introduction? Try!

TIP: If you’re not sure your introduction is correct, I recommend asking ChatGPT to check it for you. It’s amazing what AI can do these days!

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