Have you been there too? You attend, let’s say, a work related course and it starts with the usual ice breaker phase, where everyone uses the generic introductory phrases “Hi, my name is ….., blah, blah …” . The first few guys you listen to attentively, after 4 or 5 you manage to take in the odd titbit (eh, there’s that word again) but as you go further round the room your attention starts to wane, your thoughts drift off.
Here’s my not so serious solution to make sure people will sit up and remember you! Try this – based on me:
“Hi, I’m Dave – your Teatime Titbit man (replace with any amusing job title / nickname / what are you famous for) and I’ll turn 21 this year, yes, I know I look younger. My significant other half is Alma & we tied the knot (= got married) 10 years ago. I have a wee (Scottish for little) fella (short for fellow) called Matthew. (for a daughter maybe call her your wee lady/Queen). I was born & bred in Sheffield. I was the English rover until I put roots down (=settled down) in Münster in 2004. I bring people to their goals. (Use a more inspiring job description). I’m an avid audiobook listener, traveller & Guinness drinker. I’m crazy about Matthew & Liverpool FC.
Now just fill in the gaps:
1. Hi, I’m ………. (but everyone calls me …………….) (replace with any amusing job title / nickname / what are you famous for).
2. I’ll turn 21 this year, yes, I know I look younger.
3. My significant other / the hubby /missus is ………… (enter name). N.B. if you are single or not married (congratulations!!), maybe try this “I am still looking for Mr or Mrs Right, any offers?!?!”
4. I have … (number & type of children) . e.g. son = wee (Scottish for little) fella (short for fellow), daughter = wee lady/Queen).
5. I was born & bred in …….. (enter place name). … a village, (small) town in the middle of nowhere. Somewhere near bigger town/city most people have heard of.
6. I ………… (job description- try to think an inspiring up).
7. I’m an avid ………. (add name of person who does the hobby) and am crazy about ….. (add whatever)
8. That’s all about me.
generic (allgemein/typisch), to wane (schwinden), to drift off (abdriften), rover (Wandernder), avid (begeistert)