In a randomly-selected group of 5 or 6, you will introduce yourself using the prompts below. Plan to speak for about 60 seconds during your own introduction, and be prepared to actively listen to the speeches of the others in your group and ask a relevant follow-up question.
Consider these elements as you plan your introduction. Choose the ones that feel most natural and authentic to you:
Name
Where you're from
Intended major and/or academic interests
Hobbies and/or non-academic interests
What are your hopes/goals for college?
If you prefer to keep things less personal or want additional topics to reach 60 seconds, pick 2 or 3 items from this list:
A memorable experience from high school or summer
Something unique about your hometown or family traditions
A skill or talent you're proud of
What excites you most about being at Maryville College
A book, movie, or person that has influenced you
Try to think of several ways you might introduce yourself before settling on your approach. Consider what aspects of yourself you'd like your classmates to know and what would help them remember you.
You may use the basic outline template below to help with organization. Try composing the planning version of your speech in full sentences first; then shrink it down to keywords to jog your memory when you deliver the speech. This method of speech delivery is called extemporaneous method; it means that you think, plan fully, and practice but do NOT try to memorize or read straight from your notes.
When you practice your speech, practice multiple times, first with your notes then without. Use a stopwatch to make sure you are hitting the required time. If you are consistently running longer or shorter than 60 seconds, you'll need to adjust the amount of information in your speech.
Remember to address all members of your group, make eye contact, speak at an appropriate volume, reference your notes as needed but do not read from them, and be confident! You can have notes with you, but aim to speak naturally rather than reading directly from them.
The focus of this speech is on building connections with your classmates and practicing clear, organized communication in a supportive environment.