Speaking · Free lesson
Introduce yourself: a name and a connection
You arrive at a class and do not know the person beside you. A short, accurate introduction gives them something easy to respond to.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
For a brief informal introduction, say who you are and how you fit the situation: Hi, I’m Elena. I’m in your evening class. When someone introduces themselves, Nice to meet you is a useful response.
Name yourself, then make the connection clear.
I’m plus your name is natural in a casual greeting. The phrase “My name is” also works. Add one relevant fact, such as a shared class or colleague. Listen for the other person’s name before using it in your response. You do not need an age, address or complete job history.
A short first exchange
Hi, I’m Elena. I’m in your evening class.
Hello, I’m David. I work with Sam.
Nice to meet you, David. I’m Elena.
In Nice to meet you too, too means the feeling is shared. If you add a name, use the listener’s name, not your own.
Three small moves
Give your name
Hi, I’m Elena.
Add a true connection
I’m in your evening class.
Acknowledge the other person
Nice to meet you, David.
Try it now
Choose the reply that meets the situation.
Read all answers and explanations
Your name is Max. You and the listener attend the same photography class. Which opening gives your name and that connection?
Hi, I’m Max. I’m in your photography class.The first choice gives both required facts. The second addresses the other person as Max; the third leaves out your name.
Anna has just met Leo. He says Nice to meet you, Anna. Which response acknowledges him warmly using his name?
Nice to meet you too, Leo.Leo is the listener, so use Leo. Anna would repeat your own name. Goodbye ends the meeting instead of returning the greeting.
You are Elena, a student meeting another student at a new course. Which introduction includes your real role?
I’m Elena. I’m taking this course too.Taking the course is the stated connection. Teaching it or working there adds information that is not true in this situation.
Put it into practice
Meet Alex before class.
You are Maya, a new student on the evening course. Answer Alex, introduce yourself and then respond to his greeting.
- Alex
Hi, I’m Alex. Is this your first class?
See a model answer
- Alex
Hi, I’m Alex. Is this your first class?
- You
Yes. I’m Maya. I’m taking the evening course.
- Alex
Nice to meet you, Maya. I’m taking that course too.
- You
Nice to meet you too, Alex.
The first reply gives Maya’s name and course. The second uses Alex’s name and returns his friendly greeting.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Must I use I’m?
No. “My name is” is also correct. I’m is simply a short, natural option in a friendly introduction.
I’m Elena. / My name is Elena.
Do I need to give personal details?
No. Choose a relevant connection you are comfortable sharing. A class or mutual colleague may be enough; this exercise does not require private information.
I’m in your photography class.
Take it into your day
Name + relevant connection + a response to the other person.
Your next step · Available on Udemy
Build confidence in everyday introductions.
The English Grammar and English Speaking course includes Introductions in Informal Settings, with sentence-building, vocabulary and conversation practice. It offers a broader setting for using short introductions and connected replies.
Explore the course English Master Course: English Grammar and English Speaking