How to Introduce Yourself and Others in English (Formal & Informal)

Learn how to introduce yourself and others in English, formally and informally, with ready phrases, a job-interview self-introduction structure, common mistakes, and practice. For students and job seekers.

The first few seconds of meeting someone decide the impression you leave, and in English, a good introduction is what opens the door. Whether you are meeting a new friend, walking into a job interview, or facing the viva board, knowing the right words to introduce yourself, and to introduce others, makes you sound confident instead of nervous. This lesson gives you ready phrases for every situation, formal and informal, plus a simple structure for a strong self-introduction and the mistakes to avoid.

কারো সাথে দেখা হওয়ার প্রথম কয়েক সেকেন্ডই ঠিক করে দেয় তুমি কেমন ছাপ রেখে যাচ্ছ, আর ইংরেজিতে একটি ভালো পরিচয়ই সেই দরজা খুলে দেয়। নতুন বন্ধুর সাথে দেখা হোক, চাকরির ইন্টারভিউ হোক, বা viva board হোক, নিজেকে এবং অন্যকে পরিচয় করানোর সঠিক শব্দ জানা থাকলে তুমি নার্ভাস না হয়ে আত্মবিশ্বাসী শোনাবে। তাহলে চলো, শুরু করা যাক।

Where You Will Use This

This is a spoken-English skill, and it matters most in real, high-stakes moments (বাস্তব ও গুরুত্বপূর্ণ মুহূর্তে)।

এটি একটি কথ্য ইংরেজির দক্ষতা, আর এটি সবচেয়ে বেশি কাজে লাগে বাস্তব ও গুরুত্বপূর্ণ মুহূর্তে।

  • Job interviews, where “Tell me about yourself” is often the first question.
  • Admission and viva boards, where you introduce yourself to the examiners.
  • Dialogue writing in board exams, where introductions often appear.
  • Everyday life, meeting new people, teachers, and guests.

A Simple Structure for a Great Self-Introduction

Before the phrases, learn this easy structure. A strong self-introduction moves through three times: present, past, and future.

Phrase শেখার আগে এই সহজ কাঠামোটি শেখো। একটি শক্তিশালী self-introduction তিনটি সময় ধরে এগোয়: present, past, future।

  • Present (বর্তমান): who you are and what you do now.
  • Past (অতীত): your background, study, or experience.
  • Future (ভবিষ্যৎ): your goal or what you hope to do.

Example:

  • Hello, I am Nadia Islam. I work as a nurse at a private hospital. I studied nursing at Rajshahi Medical College and worked in Dhaka for three years. Now I hope to specialise in child care.

This present-past-future flow works for interviews, viva, and introductions alike. Keep it short: one or two sentences for each part is enough.

এই present-past-future ধারা interview, viva ও পরিচয় সব ক্ষেত্রেই কাজ করে। ছোট রাখো: প্রতিটি অংশে এক-দুই বাক্যই যথেষ্ট।

Expression 1: How to Say Hello

Use these when you first meet someone or start talking (প্রথম দেখা বা কথা শুরুর সময়)।

Spoken phrases: Hi / Hello / Good morning / How are you? / Nice to see you.

Examples:

  • Hi, Rafiq. How are you?
  • Good morning, Mr Karim.
  • Nice to see you again, Mita.

Expression 2: How to Introduce Yourself Formally

Use these in offices, institutions, interviews, and formal events (অফিস, প্রতিষ্ঠান ও আনুষ্ঠানিক পরিবেশে)।

Spoken phrases: I’d like to introduce myself / Let me introduce myself / How do you do? / Nice to meet you / I am delighted to meet you.

Examples:

  • I’d like to introduce myself. I am Tanvir Ahmed from the finance department.
  • Let me introduce myself. My name is Dr Shahidullah.
  • How do you do? I am Rehana, the new office assistant.

Note: ‘How do you do?’ is a formal greeting, not a real question about health. The polite reply is to say ‘How do you do?’ back.

মনে রেখো: ‘How do you do?’ একটি আনুষ্ঠানিক সম্ভাষণ, স্বাস্থ্য নিয়ে সত্যিকারের প্রশ্ন নয়। ভদ্র উত্তর হলো ‘How do you do?’ বলা।

Expression 3: How to Introduce Yourself Informally

Use these in friendly, casual situations (বন্ধুত্বপূর্ণ পরিবেশে)।

Spoken phrases: I’m… / Hi / Hello / (Name), from… (place) / My name is…

Examples:

  • Hi, I’m Jamil, Rana’s cousin.
  • Hello, nice to meet you. I’m Sabbir, but everyone calls me Sab.
  • I’m Ayesha, from Khulna.

Expression 4: How to Reply to a Formal Introduction

Use these when you answer someone politely and formally (আনুষ্ঠানিক উত্তর দিতে)।

Spoken phrases: Nice to meet you / Pleased to meet you / I am delighted to meet you / My pleasure / It’s an honour.

Examples:

  • Pleased to meet you, Mr Hasan. I am Dr John.
  • I am delighted to meet you. Welcome to our office.
  • It’s an honour, sir.

Expression 5: How to Reply to an Informal Introduction

Use these to answer in a friendly way (বন্ধুত্বপূর্ণ উত্তর দিতে)।

Spoken phrases: Hi / Hello / Nice to meet you too / Lovely to meet you / How are you?

Examples:

  • Hi, I’m Sohel. Nice to meet you too.
  • Lovely to meet you. Would you like some tea?
  • How are you? It’s good to finally meet you.

Expression 6: How to Introduce Yourself Before a Speech

Use these when you address an audience or a meeting (সভা বা শ্রোতার সামনে)।

Spoken phrases: I am… (full name) / I’d like to introduce myself / Let me introduce myself / My name is… (full name).

Examples:

  • Good evening, everyone. I am Farhana Yasmin, the head of the science club.
  • Let me introduce myself. I am Imran Kabir, and I will lead today’s session.

Expression 7: How to Introduce Others to People

Use these when you introduce someone else, speaking on their behalf (অন্য কাউকে পরিচয় করাতে)।

Spoken phrases: This is… / May I introduce… / Let me introduce… / I’d like you to meet… / Have you met…?

Examples:

  • This is my colleague, Sumaiya.
  • May I introduce Mr Alam? He is our new director.
  • I’d like you to meet Dr Rubina. She is the head surgeon at Rajshahi Medical Hospital.

Formal vs Informal: The Key Difference

As a rule, formal language is longer and more complete, while informal language is shorter and relaxed.

সাধারণ নিয়ম হিসেবে, আনুষ্ঠানিক ভাষা লম্বা ও পূর্ণ, আর অনানুষ্ঠানিক ভাষা ছোট ও সহজ।

SituationFormalInformal
GreetingGood morning.Hi.
Your nameMy name is Kamal Hossain.I’m Kamal.
ReplyPleased to meet you.Nice to meet you too.
AddressMr / Ms + surnamefirst name

A Job Interview Self-Introduction (Worked Example)

For job seekers, this is the big one. When the interviewer says “Tell me about yourself”, use the present-past-future structure, and keep it professional.

চাকরিপ্রার্থীদের জন্য এটাই সবচেয়ে গুরুত্বপূর্ণ। যখন interviewer বলে “Tell me about yourself”, তখন present-past-future কাঠামো ব্যবহার করো, আর পেশাদার রাখো।

Example:

  • Good morning. My name is Tanvir Ahmed. I have recently completed my BBA from the University of Rajshahi. During my studies, I worked as an intern at a local bank, where I learned customer service and teamwork. I am hard-working and eager to grow, and I believe this role is a great opportunity for me to contribute. Thank you for this opportunity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few small errors can spoil a good introduction. Watch out for these.

কয়েকটি ছোট ভুল একটি ভালো পরিচয় নষ্ট করতে পারে। এগুলো খেয়াল রাখো।

  • Do not use ‘Good night’ as a greeting; it is said when leaving. Use ‘Good evening’ to greet.
  • Do not be too casual in a formal setting. ‘Hey, what’s up?’ is wrong in an interview.
  • Do not forget to ask the other person’s name back after giving yours.
  • In a formal setting, use the full name and ‘Mr’ or ‘Ms’ with the surname, not just the first name.

Your Body Language Matters Too

Words are only half of an introduction. Your body speaks as well. Keep these four points in mind.

শব্দ পরিচয়ের অর্ধেক মাত্র। তোমার শরীরও কথা বলে। এই চারটি বিষয় মনে রাখো।

  • Straight posture (সোজা হয়ে দাঁড়াও বা বসো).
  • Eye contact (শ্রোতার চোখের দিকে তাকাও).
  • A firm handshake (শক্তভাবে হাত মেলাও).
  • A confident smile (আত্মবিশ্বাসী হাসি রাখো).

Practice Exercise with Answers

Part A: Is each phrase formal (F) or informal (I)? Part B: Complete the phrase. Part C: Choose the best reply.

নিজে চেষ্টা করার পরে নিচের উত্তরগুলো মিলিয়ে নাও।

Part A:

  1. “Hi, I’m Jack.”
  2. “How do you do? My name is Robert Khan.”
  3. “Hey, what’s up?”
  4. “I’d like to introduce myself. I am Dr Rahman.”
  5. “This is my friend, Rita.”

Part B: 6. Let me ______ myself. My name is Sadia. 7. Nice to ______ you. (meeting for the first time) 8. Nice to ______ you again. (meeting after a while) 9. May I ______ Mr Karim? He is our new manager. 10. It’s a ______ to meet you.

Part C: 11. Someone says “How do you do?” The best reply is: (a) How do you do? (b) I am fine, thanks. 12. Someone says “Nice to meet you.” You reply: ______. 13. At a job interview, you greet the interviewer with: (a) Hey! (b) Good morning. 14. To introduce your friend to another friend, you say: ______. 15. Write a three-sentence self-introduction using the present-past-future structure.

Answers

Part A:

  1. I (informal)
  2. F (formal)
  3. I (informal)
  4. F (formal)
  5. I (informal)

Part B: 6. introduce 7. meet 8. see 9. introduce 10. pleasure

Part C: 11. (a) How do you do? (it is a greeting, answered with the same words) 12. Nice to meet you too. 13. (b) Good morning. 14. This is my friend, [name]. (or “I’d like you to meet [name].”) 15. Model answer: I am Rima Akter. I am a student of class twelve at Rajshahi College. I love science, and I hope to become a doctor one day.

A Tip for Real Life and the Interview

Do not just memorise these phrases; say them aloud until they feel natural. For an interview or viva, prepare your present-past-future introduction in advance and practise it until you can say it without thinking. Remember, a calm greeting, your name said clearly, a firm handshake, and a smile will carry you through almost any introduction. Confidence comes from practice, so start today with your friends and family.

শুধু এই phrase গুলো মুখস্থ করো না; স্বাভাবিক মনে না হওয়া পর্যন্ত জোরে জোরে বলো। interview বা viva এর জন্য তোমার present-past-future পরিচয়টি আগে থেকে তৈরি করো এবং না ভেবে বলতে পারা পর্যন্ত অনুশীলন করো। মনে রেখো, একটি শান্ত সম্ভাষণ, স্পষ্টভাবে বলা তোমার নাম, শক্ত হাত মেলানো আর একটি হাসি প্রায় যেকোনো পরিচয়ে তোমাকে উতরে দেবে। আত্মবিশ্বাস আসে অনুশীলন থেকে, তাই আজ থেকেই বন্ধু ও পরিবারের সাথে শুরু করো।


Keep building your spoken and exam English with these lessons:


Frequently Asked Questions

How do I introduce myself in English?

Start with a greeting, say your name clearly, and add one detail about yourself, such as what you do or where you are from. For example: “Hello, I am Nadia, and I work as a nurse.”

What is a good structure for a self-introduction?

Use the present-past-future structure: say what you do now, then your background, then your goal. It works well for interviews, viva, and everyday introductions.

How is a formal introduction different from an informal one?

A formal introduction is longer and more complete (“My name is Kamal Hossain”), while an informal one is short and relaxed (“I’m Kamal”). In formal settings, use titles like Mr or Ms with the surname.

How should I answer “How do you do?”

‘How do you do?’ is a formal greeting, not a question about your health. The polite reply is to say “How do you do?” back.

How do I introduce myself in a job interview?

When asked “Tell me about yourself”, give a short, professional present-past-future answer: your current status, your study or experience, and why you want the role. Keep it to about four or five sentences.


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