The 60-Second Self-Introduction Template
A Fill-in-the-Blank Formula for Introductions That Open Doors
Why Your Introduction Matters More Than You Think
You have exactly 60 seconds to make a first impression. In that time, the person in front of you decides: Are you credible? Are you interesting? Do I want to continue this conversation? Most professionals—especially non-native English speakers—either ramble too long, give too little information, or sound like they're reading from a resume. This template fixes all three problems with a simple 4-part structure that works in any professional context.
The 4-Part Introduction Formula
Every strong introduction follows this sequence:
Part 1: WHO (10 seconds)
Establish your identity and current role. Formula: I'm [Name], [Title/Role] at [Company].
Example:
I'm Sofia Martinez, Senior Product Manager at Globant. | I'm Carlos Reyes. I lead the engineering team at a fintech startup called PayLab. | I'm Ana Fernández—I run my own consulting firm specializing in supply chain optimization.
Action Item:
Keep it simple—don't list multiple titles. If your company isn't well-known, add a one-line descriptor. Speak slowly and clearly—your name is the most important word.
Part 2: WHAT (15 seconds)
Explain what you do in terms of impact, not tasks. Formula: I help [WHO] [ACHIEVE WHAT] by [HOW].
Example:
I help e-commerce companies reduce cart abandonment by redesigning their checkout experience. | I help tech companies expand into Latin America by building and managing local engineering teams. | We help manufacturing companies cut logistics costs by optimizing their supply chain operations.
Action Item:
Focus on the result, not the activities. Be specific about WHO you help. Use active verbs: help, enable, reduce, increase, build.
Part 3: VALUE (20 seconds)
Give a proof point or memorable achievement. Formula: Recently, I [ACHIEVEMENT] which resulted in [OUTCOME].
Example:
Recently, I led a product launch that increased user engagement by 40% in the first quarter. | Last year, we helped a client save $2 million in shipping costs by restructuring their distribution network. | My team just shipped an AI feature that reduced customer support tickets by 30%.
Action Item:
Use numbers whenever possible—they're memorable. Choose your most impressive or relevant achievement. If you're job-seeking, use accomplishments from previous roles.
Part 4: HOOK (15 seconds)
Create a reason for the conversation to continue. Formula: I'm here because [GOAL/INTEREST]. I'd love to hear about [THEIR AREA].
Example:
I'm here because I'm exploring opportunities in the U.S. market. I'd love to hear how your company approaches international expansion. | I'm looking to connect with other product leaders. What's keeping you busy these days? | I'm curious about how companies in your industry are handling [trend/challenge]. What's your experience been?
Action Item:
Always end with a question or conversation starter. Tailor your hook to the context (networking vs. interview vs. client). Show genuine curiosity about them—don't just talk about yourself.
Fill-in-the-Blank Templates by Scenario
Networking Event
Hi, I'm _____________ [Name]. I'm a _____________ [Title] at _____________ [Company], where we _____________ [what the company does in 5 words]. I help _____________ [who] _____________ [achieve what] by _____________ [how]. One thing I'm proud of recently is _____________ [achievement] which _____________ [result]. I'm here tonight because _____________ [goal]. What brings you to this event?
Job Interview
I'm _____________ [Name], and I've spent the last _____________ [X years] in _____________ [industry/function]. Most recently, I was _____________ [Title] at _____________ [Company], where I _____________ [key responsibility]. My biggest accomplishment there was _____________ [achievement] which resulted in _____________ [measurable outcome]. I'm excited about this opportunity because _____________ [why this company/role]. I'm particularly curious about _____________ [question about the role].
Client Meeting
Thanks for having me. I'm _____________ [Name], _____________ [Title] at _____________ [Company]. We specialize in helping _____________ [type of client] _____________ [achieve what]. I've been doing this for _____________ [X years], and one project I'm particularly proud of is _____________ [relevant case study]. Today, I'm here to learn more about _____________ [their challenge] and see if there's a fit for how we might help.
Conference/Panel
Good [morning/afternoon]. I'm _____________ [Name], and I _____________ [one-line role description]. I've spent my career focused on _____________ [area of expertise], working with companies like _____________ [notable clients/employers]. Today I'm excited to discuss _____________ [topic] because _____________ [why it matters]. My perspective comes from _____________ [unique angle/experience].
Casual/Social
I'm _____________ [Name]. I work in _____________ [industry] at _____________ [Company]—basically, I _____________ [simple explanation]. Right now I'm working on _____________ [current project/interest]. How about you—what do you do?
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Your 3-Day Practice Plan
Ready to Perfect Your Introduction?
This template gives you the structure. But delivering it with confidence—smooth pacing, natural intonation, no filler words—takes practice with feedback. In a free 30-minute coaching call, we'll workshop your introduction together until it feels natural and sounds executive-level.
Robert Cushman
I help Latin American tech professionals communicate with executive-level confidence so they can close bigger contracts, command premium rates, and advance their international careers.
After coaching 200+ professionals from Smarttie, Grupo Kopar, Terramar Brands, and Sourceability, I know that what separates good from great in high-pressure meetings isn't vocabulary—it's leadership communication.