introduction about myself speech

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• Communication Skills
• Public Speaking
• Speechwriting

How to Write a Speech Introducing Yourself

Last Updated: May 13, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Lynn Kirkham . Lynn Kirkham is a Professional Public Speaker and Founder of Yes You Can Speak, a San Francisco Bay Area-based public speaking educational business empowering thousands of professionals to take command of whatever stage they've been given - from job interviews, boardroom talks to TEDx and large conference platforms. Lynn was chosen as the official TEDx Berkeley speaker coach for the last four years and has worked with executives at Google, Facebook, Intuit, Genentech, Intel, VMware, and others. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 3,792,721 times.

First impressions have a big impact on how others perceive you, so how you introduce yourself to others is extremely important. Many people call an introductory speech an elevator speech, because it should be succinct enough that you could introduce yourself and tell someone about your goals or interests in the time it takes to ride an elevator. It may also be called an "icebreaker" speech, as it breaks the ice and lets others get to know you. [1] X Research source Consider your words carefully when you write a speech introducing yourself. Crafting a good self-introduction can either build or harm your credibility.

Sample Speeches

Preparing Your Speech

• State your name in the very first sentence of your speech. This can be very straightforward: "Good afternoon!/Good morning! My name is Deshawn Smith, and I am a computer programming student at the University of Arkansas."
• If the introduction is work-related, mention your interests and your career goals together in the same sentence. This will save on time and convey that your personal interests can serve your professional goals. For example, "I am working on an app that allows people to order pizza from their Twitter account."
• You may want to mention your education or professional training background, if it is relevant and appropriate. "This is the fifth app I've designed. My second app, which helped people locate dog parks near them, won an award at my university."

• If you are explaining your passion or goal and how it helped formed your progression up to this point, that can help you tell a compelling story about yourself. For example, if you're writing a speech for your college speech class , you might want to explain how you got into computers at an early age and why they're important to you now as you pursue your career goals.
• If, however, you are introducing yourself to potential clients at a business lunch, they are probably not interested in your hobbies. They will want to know what you are doing right now and what your skills are.
• Try writing one draft with your experience/hobbies and one without, and run both versions by an objective listener who can give you feedback before your speech.

• Highlight the qualities, skills and experience you have that are most relevant for the audience and occasion. For example, "Because of my background in app writing and my extensive network of professional connections, I have a strong grasp of what today's young professionals are looking for. My apps offer convenience and immediate gratification."
• You are trying to present yourself as a professional while making a strong and lasting impression.
• If you're trying to sell yourself to a group of new colleagues, you probably won't need to tell them about your family life, or anything outside of work that isn't directly relevant.

• You can simultaneously demonstrate your skills and experience, while presenting yourself as a forward-looking person who is always learning and developing. For example, you could say, "I spend a lot of time attending app conventions and conferences so I can learn what audiences are looking for. I pride myself on staying on the cutting edge of app design."
• Try to tie this into your broader outline of your career goals and personal development.

Revising and Practicing Your Speech

• Make sure that if this is an assignment, you stay within the assigned guidelines.
• If your speech is supposed to be 3-5 minutes, a 7-minute speech and a 2-minute speech are equally inappropriate.
• If you are giving a brief introductory speech in an interview , be certain that you don't go over the recommended time.

• Avoid long rambling sentences, and use direct and concise prose as much as possible.
• Think about your sentence structure carefully. Reading your speech out loud will help you determine when you have overly long sentences that need to be restructured.

• Practicing in front of other people will enable you to gauge whether your speech captures the interest of your listeners.
• Think about which parts of the speech were successful and which parts weren't.
• Try to get as much detailed feedback as possible by asking specific as well as general questions after your speech.
• As well as saying "how did you like the speech?", ask specifically what parts were the strongest and weakest.
• Check that you delivered a clear message by asking your practice audience what they took away from the speech.

• If you are staring down at a piece of paper all the time, the audience might struggle to truly engage with what you are saying.
• You can, however, bring an index card with bullet points, just in case you freeze up. You shouldn't write your whole speech on the card, just the main points you hope to cover.
• Think of the card as a point of reference, rather than a backup for your speech.

Planning Your Speech

• Who is the intended audience?
• What is the purpose of my introduction?
• What are the expectations others may have?

• Stick to one or two main points you want to convey about yourself. You can always add more if time allows it.
• Depending on the audience and function of your speech, you shouldn't allow the focus to become too narrow. For example, if you're introducing yourself to a crowd of prospective investors, you'd focus on your skills to build their confidence in you. If you're introducing yourself to a general audience -- say, for a speech class in college -- you can be a bit more wide-ranging.
• Remember that you're introducing yourself in general, and you want to present yourself as an interesting and rounded individual. [12] X Research source
• That doesn't mean you should spend time talking about your love of baseball when you are introducing yourself in a professional scenario.

• Are you hoping to win someone over to your point of view with this introduction, or to inspire/motivate someone to work hard under your leadership?
• All of these will affect the things you say in your introduction and the way you say them. [14] X Research source

Delivering Your Speech

• You can also try some visualization techniques to help ease your nervousness and give you confidence for your speech.
• Imagine the way you will feel when you have finished delivering your speech and are met with smiling faces and resounding applause. Then channel that confidence into the actual speech you are about to deliver.

• Avoid crossing your arms or clutching your hands.
• Don't stare down at the ground or cling to the table or lecture in front of you.
• Make eye contact across the room in a measured and controlled way. Avoid lingering on one person, but also avoid darting your eyes back and forth restlessly.
• Try making eye contact with one person on the left side of the room, then one person on the right side of the room. Shift across the room, but in a controlled way that feels natural and relaxed.

• Aim for a comfortable, conversational pace of dialogue.
• Practicing your speech in front of other people, or recording it and listening back are great ways to judge the tempo of your speech.

• Self-deprecating humor can help you come across as humble and likable. For example, if you've accidentally skipped forward in your speech and have to circle back, you could say something like, "And now I'm going to cycle back and tell you something I forgot before. If you wanted to get to know the "real me," you're seeing it now!"
• You can also make a quick, humorous nod to your mistake and move on. For example, if you come out and you mess up the very first line, you could say something like, "Wow, excuse me. Here I am so excited to tell you about myself that I've mixed up all my words. Let me try that again."
• Don't be too self-deprecating, however. You are still trying to ensure people remember you for your strengths and competencies. Move on quickly.

Expert Q&A

Reader Videos

Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!

• Improve eye contact with the audience. Be direct and move confidently during the speech. Thanks Helpful 19 Not Helpful 3
• Do not be afraid to make yourself sound good. After all, this is an introduction, and the first impression you will make. Thanks Helpful 22 Not Helpful 4
• If the introduction is too long, you will lose your audience's attention. A good introduction should be short and to the point. Thanks Helpful 18 Not Helpful 6

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://courses.p2pu.org/en/groups/public-speaking-2/content/icebreaker-introduce-yourself/
• ↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/publicspeakingprinciples/chapter/chapter-8-outlining-your-speech/
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/how-to-give-an-elevator-pitch-examples
• ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/serenitygibbons/2023/05/31/3-tips-to-set-yourself-apart-with-unique-branding/?sh=5421a3b03baa
• ↑ https://www.hamilton.edu/academics/centers/oralcommunication/guides/shortening-a-speech
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/speeches/
• ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/speech-delivery
• ↑ Lynn Kirkham. Public Speaking Coach. Expert Interview. 20 November 2019.
• ↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/wm-publicspeaking/chapter/methods-of-speech-delivery/
• ↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/oral-comm-lab/audience-analysis
• ↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/writingforsuccess/chapter/6-1-purpose-audience-tone-and-content/
• ↑ https://pac.org/content/speechwriting-101-writing-effective-speech
• ↑ https://sps.columbia.edu/news/five-ways-improve-your-body-language-during-speech
• ↑ https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/02/tips-speaking
• ↑ https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/10-tips-for-improving-your-public-speaking-skills/

About This Article

To write a speech introducing yourself, start by organizing the information you want to include. When writing content, consider the purpose of the speech, your intended audience, and your goals for the introduction. You can speak about your education, professional background, career/career goals, and outside interests, but keep things brief and to the point. Only include information that is important and relevant to your listeners. Don't forget to state your name in the first sentence of the speech. To learn more from our English Ph.D. co-author, such as how to practice and memorize your speech, continue reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Rebecca Steudeman

Feb 27, 2017

Did this article help you?

Rose Martinez

Oct 26, 2018

May 26, 2017

Kutmanai Kutia

Jul 17, 2018

Joseph Johnson

May 16, 2017

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Self-Introduction Speech Examples & Tips to Help You Be Confident & Calm

Here's how you can nail your self-introduction speech, without the sweaty palms! Go from nervous to natural with these tips.

It's time! The moment for your self-introduction speech is upon you. Are your palms sweating just at the thought? There are two secrets to making it easier to give an introduction speech about yourself: practice and preparation.

And with those two things already on your to-do list, we took care of some of the lifting for you with these self-introduction speech examples. Plus plenty of tips to help you not only get through it but get through it and feel good about it after. Yes, it is possible. And you're on your way!

Easy Self-introduction Speeches for School

It's the first day of school or of the semester. Perhaps you've found yourself in a new classroom halfway through the academic year. No fear, these intros will ease you into things and hook you a few new friends and classroom groupmates, too.

• Student Council Speech Ideas & Tips to Help You Win
• 47 Fun & Relaxing Things to Do When You Want to Unwind
• 15 Powerful Attention Getters for Any Type of Speech

Self-Introduction for Elementary or Middle School Kids

For the younger kiddos, these intros are all about who they are and what makes them happy.

• "Hi, everybody! My name is [Your Name], and I'm super excited to be in this class with all of you. I'm [Your Age] years old. I live with my family, and we have a dog named [Dog's Name] who likes to eat all my homework. I really love dinosaurs, especially the T-Rex because he's big but has tiny arms, just like my baby brother when he tries to reach for cookies on the high shelf. In my free time, I love building rocket ships from Legos. One day, I hope to become an astronaut and find aliens -- friendly ones, of course!"
• "Good morning, everyone! I'm [Your Name], and I'm really excited to be part of this class. I am [Your Age] years old. At home, I'm the queen/king of board games, although my cat [Cat's Name] often tries to join in and messes up the pieces. My favorite food is pizza, because who can say no to pizza? And when I grow up, I want to be a detective because I love solving mysteries, like where my missing socks go in the dryer. I'm looking forward to learning and having fun with all of you this year!"

Self-Introduction Speech for High Schoolers

Give new classmates an in or let people know that you're just like them so you can make friends once you find the cafeteria.

• "Hey everyone, I'm [Your Name]. I'm new here, so please go easy on me if I can't find my way to the cafeteria. A few facts about me: I love music and play the guitar -- it's like a six-stringed stress buster for me. I'm a total sci-fi geek. If you need someone to debate Star Wars vs. Star Trek, I'm your person! And I have a secret ambition: to try every ice cream flavor in the world. Looking forward to getting to know all of you."

Self-Introduction Speech for College Kids

A quip about your major is a great way to start, but you can also loop in anything you love (or avoid) on your campus too, even if it's the steps by the library that seem to go on for eternity.

• "Hello everyone! My name is [Your Name] and I'm majoring in [Your Major]. When I'm not elbow-deep in textbooks or caffeine, I love exploring the city, one coffee shop at a time. Yes, I'm a self-confessed coffee addict and my dream is to find the perfect cup of coffee. I also enjoy [Another Hobby], because what's life without a little variety, right? Excited to be on this journey with you all!"

Job Interview Self-Introduction Speech

There's nothing like the dreaded "tell us about yourself" comment at an interview. The good news? You won't have any more nightmares because this intro is the perfect way to ease into the answer.

• "Good morning/afternoon! I'm [Your Name], and it's a pleasure to meet you. I graduated from [Your University] with a degree in [Your Major], and since then, I've gained [Number of Years of Experience] years of experience in the [Your Field] field. During my previous role at [Your Previous Company], I was responsible for [Key Responsibility] and I [Describe a Key Achievement or Impact You Made]. What I particularly enjoyed about that role was the opportunity to [Something You Enjoyed that Relates to the New Job]. In my free time, I enjoy [Briefly Mention a Hobby], which helps me to [Explain How It Applies to the New Role]. For example, [Concrete Example of How Hobby Relates to Job]. I'm excited about the possibility of bringing my unique experience and passion for [Mention Something About the Company or Role] to this position. Thank you for this opportunity to interview."
• Wedding Reception Introductions for Every Type of Couple

Work Self-Introduction Speeches

Make a smooth, witty, and warm self-introduction when you land the job or want to kick off an introduction with ease.

Introduction for a New Job

You're the new kid on the block at the office, you have enough to learn, here's an easy intro on your first day before jumping in.

• "Hello team, I'm [Your Name]. I'm thrilled to be joining the [Company Name] family as your new [Your Job Title]. I come with a background in [Relevant Skills or Experience], and most recently, I was at [Previous Company] where I [Describe a Key Achievement or Project]. Outside work, I love [A Personal Interest or Hobby]. I look forward to collaborating with all of you and contributing to our shared success."

Introduction for a Presentation or Meeting

Before you launch into the important information, take a moment to let people know who you are, why you're giving this presentation, and why you're qualified to do it. After all, you've done all the hard work, allow your accolades to shine.

• "Good morning/afternoon everyone, for those who don't know me yet, I'm [Your Name], the [Your Job Title] here at [Company Name]. I oversee [Briefly Describe Your Responsibilities]. I've been with [Company Name] for [Duration at the Company], and before that, I worked at [Previous Company]. Today, I'm excited to discuss [Topic of Presentation or Meeting]. Although if you want to chat after, I also love [Hobby]."

Introduction for a Networking Event

You'll be introducing yourself a lot at networking, so now is the time to make yourself pop and be memorable.

• "Hello, I'm [Your Name], currently serving as a [Your Job Title] at [Company Name]. I've been in the [Your Industry] industry for [Number of Years], specializing in [Your Specialty]. When I'm not [Job-Related Activity], I like to [Personal Interest or Hobby]. I'm eager to meet like-minded professionals and see how we can help each other grow in our careers."

Introducing Yourself at a Funeral

Whether you're delivering a eulogy, poem, or making a brief introduction of yourself to other family and friends, you can rely on this intro to make things a little easier.

• "Good morning/afternoon, everyone. My name is [Your Name], and I had the honor of being [Deceased's Name]'s [Your Relation to the Deceased, e.g., friend, colleague, neighbor]. We shared many [memories/experiences] together, and I am here to pay my respects and celebrate the remarkable life they led. Their [specific quality or memory] has always stuck with me, and it is something I will carry in their memory."

How to Introduce Yourself at a Party

It's party time! Keep the intro laid back and casual.

• "Hi! I'm [Your Name]. I may know some of you from [How You Know Some People at the Party]. I'm [a brief sentence about yourself, e.g., your job, where you're from]. I'm a bit of a [Hobby] enthusiast, so if you ever want to chat about [Topic Related to Hobby], I'm all ears."

Examples of How to Introduce Yourself to a New Group

You're the newbie, and there's nothing wrong with that. Start your clean slate with a short and sweet intro.

• "Hello, everyone! My name is [Your Name]. I'm thrilled to be joining this group! I have always been passionate about [Your Hobby]. It all started when [A Short Story About How You Got Started With This Hobby]. Over the years, my love for it has only grown, and I've spent countless hours [Describe Something You Do Related to The Hobby].
• Apart from this, I'm [Something About Your Job or Other Interests]. In my day-to-day life, I'm a [Your Profession], which can be pretty demanding, but [Your Hobby] has always been my perfect stress-buster.
• I joined this group because I wanted to meet people who share this passion, learn from your experiences, and hopefully contribute with some of my own insights. I'm really excited to be a part of this community and can't wait to get to know all of you better!"

10 Tips for Writing and Making a Self-Introduction Speech

Here are some tips to keep in mind while writing and giving your self-introduction speech. The most important tip, however, is to do what feels natural and flows easily.

• Know Your Audience : Tailor your introduction to the context and the audience. A self-introduction at a professional event will be very different from one at a casual party.
• Start Strong: Grab the audience's attention from the beginning. You can start with an interesting fact about yourself, a short story, or a joke if the setting is informal.
• Keep It Brief: Your introduction should be concise and to the point. Stick to key details about who you are, what you do, and perhaps one or two interesting facts or hobbies.
• Be Authentic : Genuine introductions are the most memorable. Be honest about who you are and don't be afraid to show some personality.
• Highlight Key Moments : Especially in a professional setting, it can be helpful to highlight a few key experiences or achievements that have defined your career or personal life.
• End on a Positive Note: Conclude your introduction on a positive or forward-looking note. You could express excitement about the event or meeting, or share a hope or goal for the future.
• Practice, Practice, Practice : Rehearse your introduction speech so you can deliver it confidently and naturally. This will help reduce any nerves and ensure you come across as polished and professional.
• Be Engaging : Use body language to engage your audience. Make eye contact, smile, and use gestures where appropriate.
• Relate It to the Purpose of the Event : If there's a specific reason for your introduction (like starting a new job, or joining a club), make sure to mention your relationship to the event or group and your expectations or goals.
• Provide A Personal Touch : Share a little about your personal life (like a hobby or interest) to make your introduction more unique and memorable.

Remember, the goal is to introduce yourself effectively, not to tell your entire life story. Keep it brief, engaging, and genuine .

Introducing Yourself With Ease

Sit yourself in front of the mirror, and run through your lines like an actor for a play, and in no time at all, the words will flow and you'll find a natural cadence. You may even surprise yourself with how easily your introductions flows once you take the stage. Don't be surprised if people ask how you were so calm and cool.

Self Introduction Speech – How To Write With Examples

First impressions are very important. Whether it is at school, work, or organization, your introduction is an audience’s first real chance to know you. It will have a huge impact on how they perceive you.

But the good news is: You get to control that narrative.

The key to a good self-introduction speech is balance. You want to present your accomplishments but without coming off as bragging. Typically, this type of speech is known as an “icebreaker” as it aims to break the ice and let others know you. This is your chance to establish good credibility.

Fear not! We will help you craft the best introduction speech with our outline, tips, as well as self-introduction speech samples.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Self-introduction Speech Outline

Sample introduction speech topics, sample self introduction speech objectives, write the outline, including hobbies and interests, sell yourself, use short, simple sentences..

What exactly do you need to cover in your introduction speech? You might choose to include a wide variety of information but there are some things you should not miss. Some of them are as follows:

• What is your name?
• Where are you from?
• What are some of your main interests and hobbies?
• What has been your passion in life?
• Who has been your role model?
• Any fun facts that make you stand out.
• Your credibility or job title.

Tip: If possible you should definitely include a visual aid in the form of pictures to compliment your speech. Pictures of you, your travels, family, or pets are always endearing!

Writing a self-introduction speech always seems easy at first. Besides, you definitely know yourself the best. However, once you begin writing you can find yourself getting lost. What do you want to include in this speech? So, grab a pen and scan through the topics in the list below. Circle any of the ones that speak to you so that you have a better grasp of what direction you’d like to take with your speech.

• What event has played an important part in shaping your life? Tell the story and the lesson you’ve learned.
• What is your goal in life?
• Where are you from? Is there anything about your culture or traditions that you’d like to share?
• How do you like to spend your time?
• What are some of your pet peeves?
• Do you have any special skills that you’re proud of?
• What does a day in your shoes feel like?
• What have been some of the most important milestones in your life?
• Have there been any difficult times that guided your life?
• What is a topic you could talk about for hours?
• What is an object that is dearest to you?
• What quirks make you the individual you are?

Now that you have an idea on how to draft your outline, here are some objectives for you to tick off.

• First off, grab their attention. Just because it is your introduction does not mean that your opening has to be plain. Find something catchy and concise.
• Start with some background. Set up the stage and introduce who you are. Try to present it in chronological order.
• Build a story. The speech is about you but make sure you build a relatable story to keep the audience’s attention.
• Show, don’t tell. Instead of saying how reliable you are, tell a story that shows it.
• For conclusion, try to leave your audience with a takeaway. Whether from your experiences or from a relatable standpoint. Either that or you can build the story leading up to who you are right now and leave the stage on an inspirational note.

How to write a self-introduction speech?

Are you ready to write your self-introduction speech? We’ve got just the steps for you:

The outline of your speech is simply a skeletal draft of your speech. It can initially simply take the form of bullet points. What matters is you figure out what elements are going into the speech. Similarly, figure out what order you will be presenting these elements. Typically icebreakers follow a chronological order so that you can build up to the current you.

It is common to start with your roots. Pick out some childhood traits that are relatable or that make you stand out. You can build on this with stories, talk about your education, and go on to talk about how you got to where you are currently.

If you are introducing yourself in a work setting, make sure you link your interest to your ambition. It will project you in a good light to your superiors and will also make your hobbies a lot more relevant. This is also a great idea to keep your speech concise and to the point. From a professional standpoint, you should follow your hobbies with the steps you are taking to reach the goal. For example, “I’ve always been into sketching, but now I’m taking illustrator courses to put my designing skills to use.”

Your hobbies are a great insight into who you are in your free time. If you’re into a particular niche hobby like bird-watching or pottery, you might even end up finding others in the crowd with similar interests. Similarly, it is a great way to gain credibility on a certain subject.

When people talk about their passion, there is a certain twinkle in their eyes. This is such an endearing quality that is sure to get your audience to respond. Try to give a short insight into you pursuing the hobby or how you came about to discover it in the first place. It is much more effective than simply listing out your interests. Talk about what aspects of the hobby draw you to it. It can help the audience get the bigger picture in getting to know you.

If the icebreaker is being delivered in a much more formal setting, you might want to focus more on your personal skills than your hobbies. The audience there might be more interested in your soft skills than your love of photography.

It might help to list out all your hobbies, interests, and skills along with why you are drawn to those interests. It can help you draw a parallel between them and deliver a much more well-rounded speech.

Knowing a person is an endless process. We’re sure you must have gone through your own journey with highs, lows, milestones and learnings that could be their own feature movies. It can be difficult to decide what exactly gets to make it to the speech when all of it made you who you are. But the longer you pad your introduction, the less are the chances of people actually listening to it.

This is why your self-introduction speech needs to spend a good amount of time on the cutting floor as well. Assess your audience and try to think of it from their perspective. What is relevant? Also, think of the location and if your stories are appropriate for the setting. Make sure you respect the time by picking only the most relevant information and keeping it short.

Even if your usual style is something like self-deprecating humor, for this occasion try to present yourself in a much more positive light. You want to project confidence. This is the impression that most of these people are likely to remember, so make it a good one. Pick your traits and stories well.

A self-introduction speech is almost always a great floor to pitch yourself. When else will you get this open invitation to present yourself to potential clients? Remember, the aim is to boost yourself and not boast about yourself. If you talk too much about what you can do and have done, it is easy to sound pompous and turn people off.

Try to stick to the truth. Instead of listing accomplishments by the dozens, talk about a passion you had and how you turned it into an accomplishment. Stay humble when speaking of future aspirations. And most of all, be grateful. Show appreciation to the people who have helped you so far.

How you sell yourself is not just dependent on the words you speak but also on your delivery. All the words in the world won’t be able to make up for a meek delivery. So make sure you write from your heart as that will be the easiest to deliver. Work on your build-up so that the ending is satisfying. Don’t just give an account for accomplishments by the year. For example: talk about how curious you were about animals from early on, how you got into photography because it lets you keep a moment with you forever, and eventually you got into animal photography. This way, it feels like a complete story.

In a more professional setting, you’d say, “As a freelance photographer, I used my marketing background to promote myself and stayed active in networking. I learned that creativity is wonderful but paired with due diligence, it can get you to much greater heights.” It showcases your skills, your traits, as well as shows you as an individual that is constantly reflecting, learning, and growing. This is the sweet spot you are aiming for.

While we’ve stressed the importance of relatability and humility, it is also important to create your own place on stage. You cannot be yet another person with only music and travel as their interests. Think of things that make you unique.

Put your humble hat aside for a bit. If you’ve assisted in making a big project happen, mention it. Talk about how you’ve led a team through a crisis. Discuss your learning experiences. Present a before and after of a milestone to show how much a role has impacted who you are today. Even if the project wasn’t successful, you can talk about how you’d approach it differently in the present day.

Even for relatively common interests like travel, you can pick unique memories and what aspects of travel have changed you for the better. Take every opportunity to spin a story to showcase a trait or talent. Think of the unique things that make you, you.

It can be easy to get lost in your stories. Try not to ramble too much and stick to the point. When writing your script, use varied sentence structures to keep things interesting. It will help if you read it out loud or record yourself so you can track how you’re doing. Try not to use too much jargon. Keep it simple and clear.

My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

Self Introduction Speech [Topics + Outline Sample]

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

This page deals with self introduction speech topics for classroom or other public speaking events an opportunities in life for a good first impression.

In this article:

Sample Introduction Speech Topics

Sample self introduction speech outline.

Another short manner for introducing yourself is the elevator speech, meant for business purposes.

The key question for successful and effective presenting yourself to others in both occasions is: how much and what information do you want the audience to know about you?

Due to the fact you have to write your talk around one theme, I recommend to develop one aspect of your life. That aspect will tell who you are and what you are about. Some people call this type a one-point preliminary, because it is based on one speaking idea.

Can We Write Your Speech?

Get your audience blown away with help from a professional speechwriter. Free proofreading and copy-editing included.

Look at the sample self introduction speech topics and pick out the aspects of your personal life you want to share with the audience. Approach the list below with the who, the what, the whereabouts, for sure the why, the how and when questions. That is an effective way to outline your first thoughts.

• What activity has played or plays an important part in your life? Tell the story and distract the message.
• What is your main personal goal?
• What do you like very much? Your hobby?
• What do you hate or dislike? Your aversions?
• Do you have developed a very special skill?
• What is your lifestyle?
• Can you come up with a turning point or milestone in you life?
• What is your hobby or interest in your spare time?
• What is a pet peeve or another very familiar topic you like to talk about, to do or to discuss?
• Where you are from? Do your roots reveal something about yourself that is new for the audience? That always works in a small nice text for introducing your biggest personal features.
• Is there an object or prop that means a lot to you?
• What distinguishes you from other individuals in class?

Now that you have picked out a central thesis, use this example profiler I have created:

Grab their attention . Immediately bring in your central message and come to the point.

Give some background information . Tell why it is important to you, why you are doing it, why you want to tell them, etcetera.

Now work out your item of discussion in a few sentences. Draw the contours, make it personal.

Give an example .

In conclusion, offer a memorable answer in your self-introduction speech on the question the listeners probably will have when they listen to your public speaking efforts: what’s in it for me? Tell how this aspect of your life makes who you are and what you are. It will be the perfect ending of your spoken presentation.

113 Extemporaneous Speech Topics

147 Unique Speech Topics [Persuasive, Informative]

2 thoughts on “Self Introduction Speech [Topics + Outline Sample]”

i think that talking about some people that have influenced you the most really gives good base to your speech and it helps you by writing about things that you are familiar with so if you write about what has inspired you and what you care about you can easily write about anything.

Domestic violence

Leave a Comment

I accept the Privacy Policy

Reach out to us for sponsorship opportunities

Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi.

© 2024 My Speech Class

Self-Introduction Speech Ideas, Topics And Outline

One of the most difficult things to do in life is to introduce yourself. In any social situation, whether it’s a job interview or a first date, you only have one chance to make a good first impression.

And yet, so often, people freeze up when it comes time to say something about themselves. Part of the reason is that most of us don’t want to say the wrong thing and be judged. But another reason is that we simply don’t know what to say about ourselves.

But there’s no need to worry. With a little bit of planning, composure, and balance you can introduce yourself in a way that will make people want to know more about you. You’ll also learn how to over the fear of public speaking when introducing yourself.

What is a self-introduction speech?

A self-introduction speech is an act of introducing yourself to a large group of people. This could be during an event or a function, such as a conference, seminar, or meet-and-greet. It can also be for a more personal purpose, such as giving a speech at your wedding.

A self-introduction speech is also a type of one-point speech. This means that it has one purpose or goal: to give the audience a brief overview of who you are, what you do, and what you’re interested in.

What are the purposes of a self-introduction speech?

The primary purpose of a self-introduction speech is to give the audience a quick overview of who you are and what you do.

However, there are other purposes as well. For example, a self-introduction speech can also be used to:

• Build rapport with the audience : By introducing yourself and sharing a little bit about your background, you can build a rapport with the audience. This is especially important if you’re giving a presentation or working with them in some capacity.
• Establish credibility : If you’re going to be asking the audience to do something or believe what you’re saying, it’s important to first establish your credibility. A self-introduction speech can be a good way to do this.
• Get the audience’s attention : If you’re going to be giving a longer presentation, it’s important to get the attention of the audience from the start. A self-introduction speech can help you do this by getting people interested in what you have to say.

Characteristics of a self-introduction speech

The key to giving a successful self-introduction speech is to be natural, sincere, and positive. You want to sound like yourself and not like you’re reciting a script.

There are four main characteristics of a self-introduction speech. These are:

• Concise : A self-introduction speech should be short and to the point. You want to give the audience a quick overview of who you are and what you do, without going into too much detail. You don’t want to bore the audience or take up too much of their time.
• Focused : A self-introduction speech should have a clear purpose. This could be to introduce yourself, build rapport, establish credibility, or get the attention of the audience. You should avoid talking about topics that are not relevant to them.
• Prepared : It’s always a good idea to plan, prepare and rehearse your self-introduction speech. This will help you to stay focused and avoid rambling. It doesn’t mean that you need to memorize your speech, but you should have a general idea of what you’re going to say.
• Confident : A self-introduction speech should be delivered with confidence. This doesn’t mean that you need to be overly confident or cocky, but you should believe in what you’re saying and project a sense of assurance.

What to talk about in a self-introduction speech

A self-introduction speech should not be more than 1-2 minutes long. This is enough time to give the audience a quick overview of who you are and what you do.

Here are a few things you can include in a self-introduction speech:

• Your name and background : Share your name and tell the audience a little bit about your background. Where are you from? What do you do? What are your interests?
• Your experience : If you have relevant experience, such as in the field you’re speaking about, be sure to mention it. This will help to establish credibility.
• Your achievements : Share any relevant achievements or awards that you have received. This will show that you’re an expert and recognized in your field.
• Your goals : Share any goals or ambitions that you have. This will give the audience a sense of your drive and motivation.

Outline for a self-introduction speech

Some people tend to overthink the process of introducing themselves. They believe that they need to say something witty or impressive in order to make a good impression. But the truth is, being yourself is usually the best policy.

Here is a basic outline for a self-introduction speech:

• Introduction : Start with a brief introduction, such as your name and background.
• Main body : In the main body of the speech, share more information about who you are and what you do.
• Conclusion : End with a brief conclusion, such as your current goals or an ongoing project.

Self-introduction speech topics

If you’re giving a self-introduction speech for a class or work, you may be given a specific topic to talk about. If you’re giving a self-introduction speech for a meeting or event, you can choose your own topic.

1. Your Name, Background, Experience, and Achievements

Introduce yourself by sharing your name followed by a brief overview of your background. Mention your upbringing, education, and career. Highlight key experiences and accomplishments that have been significant in your journey so far.

2. What You Currently Do and Your Goal in Life

Describe your current professional or personal engagements and articulate your overarching goal in life. Offer insights into how your current work aligns with or is a stepping stone towards achieving this goal.

3. How You Got Started in Your Field/Career

Share the story of how you embarked on your current career or field of interest. Mention initial inspirations, challenges faced, and what propelled you to continue pursuing this path.

4. An Upcoming Project or Goal You Are Working Towards

Share about a project or goal that you are currently focusing on. Explain its importance in your personal or professional growth and what you hope to achieve through it.

5. A Recent Success or Failure that Has Taught You a Valuable Lesson in Life

Discuss a recent event or experience, whether it was a success or failure, and share the valuable lessons you learned from it. Emphasize how this experience has equipped you to handle similar situations in the future.

6. A Hobby You’re Passionate About

Talk about a hobby you are particularly fond of, and share how you developed an interest in it. Mention how this hobby helps you unwind, learn, or grow as a person and add value to your life.

7. How Did You Get to Where You Are Today?

Detail your journey to your current position, highlighting significant moments, decisions, and experiences that played a crucial role in shaping who you are today.

8. What Has Been Your Biggest Challenge in Life?

Discuss a major challenge you have faced in your life, explaining how you approached the situation and what strategies you utilized to overcome it. Share how this experience has contributed to your personal growth.

9. What Are Some of the Things that Make You Happy?

Share about the simple pleasures or activities that bring joy to your life. Elucidate why these aspects are significant and how they contribute to your overall well-being.

10. Do You Have Any Advice for Others Who May Be Going Through a Tough Time?

Offer a piece of advice or encouragement for individuals who might be experiencing difficulties, drawing from your own experiences and learnings to provide a comforting and uplifting message.

11. How Do You Like to Spend Your Time?

Describe how you generally prefer to spend your time, during work or leisure. Share insights into your daily routine, favorite pastimes, and activities that help you recharge and stay productive.

12. What Are Some of Your Pet Peeves?

Discuss a few of your pet peeves, explaining why these particular things bother you and how you manage to deal with them or avoid them daily.

13. Do You Have Any Special Skills that You’re Proud Of?

Highlight any special skills or talents you possess. Share how you acquired them and why they are a source of your pride. Mention how these skills have benefitted you in personal or professional spheres.

14. What Are Some of Your Favorite Things to Do?

Share the activities you enjoy during your free time. Provide details about your preferences and personality. Explain how these activities help you relax, learn, or connect with others.

15. Inspirational Figures in Your Life

Discuss the individuals who have been a guiding force in your life, highlighting their positive traits and how they have influenced your outlook or decisions. Share stories or instances that showcase their impact on your personal or professional journey.

16. Community Engagement

Talk about your active involvement in community or group activities. Share projects or initiatives you have participated in. Emphasize how these engagements have helped foster a sense of connection and contribution towards the community and what you have learned from these experiences.

17. Personal Growth Journey

Detail your path of self-improvement or personal development. Focus on the strategies and habits you have adopted over time. Share how this journey has aided in your personal growth, enhanced your understanding of yourself, and improved your interactions with others.

18. Work-Life Balance

Discuss your approach to maintaining a healthy balance between work responsibilities and personal life. Share tips or strategies that have worked for you and contributed positively to your overall well-being and happiness.

19. Cultural Influences

Narrate how your cultural background has played a significant role in shaping your beliefs, values, and personality. Share anecdotes or instances where your culture has notably influenced your decisions or perspectives.

20. Future Aspirations

Talk about your aspirations for the coming years. Outline the goals you have set for yourself both personally and professionally. Discuss the steps or plans you intend to implement to reach these goals and how you envision these aspirations for your growth and fulfillment.

Remember that a self-introduction speech should be short, and you should be able to give the audience a general idea of who you are and what you do within a minute or two.

Choose a topic that is relevant and interesting for your self-introduction speech. Make sure you appear confident and avoid rambling to leave a great first impression.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Business Management
• Career development
• Communication & Skills
• Finance & Accounting
• Marketing & Sales
• Self introduction
• Strategy & Innovation
• Business Tools

Master Your Self Introduction Speech: Tips & Examples

Disclaimer : We sometimes use affiliate links in our content. For more information, visit our Disclaimer Page . 

Welcome to our article on mastering the art of self-introduction speeches. Whether at a job interview, networking event, or social gathering, delivering a confident and effective self-introduction can make all the difference.

In this article, we’ll cover the purpose of a self introduction speech , understanding your audience, crafting a compelling opening, sharing your background and expertise, highlighting your achievements and qualities, adding personal touch and authenticity, practicing and polishing your speech, overcoming nervousness and building confidence, and more. Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways:

• A well-crafted self-introduction speech can help establish a connection with the listeners and set the stage for effective communication.
• Understanding your audience is crucial for tailoring your introduction and creating a memorable impression .
• A compelling opening can grab the audience’s attention and make them curious about your words.
• Sharing your background, expertise, achievements, and qualities can help build credibility and leave a lasting impression.
• Adding a personal touch and authenticity can make your speech more relatable and memorable.
• Practicing and polishing your speech can improve your confidence and delivery.
• Overcoming nervousness and building confidence requires positive self-talk, visualization, and relaxation techniques.

The Purpose of a Self Introduction Speech

A self-introduction speech is an essential tool in effective communication . It serves as your first interaction with the audience, setting the tone for the rest of your speech. A self-introduction speech aims to introduce yourself and establish a connection with the listeners. It helps you build trust, credibility, and likeability, which are critical for successful communication .

A well-crafted self-introduction speech can also help you stand out from the crowd, create a memorable impression, and leave a lasting impact on the listeners. You can convey who you are and what you have to offer by sharing your interests, background, expertise, and qualities. This can be particularly useful in networking events, job interviews , or any situation where you must make a strong first impression.

Lastly, a self-introduction speech also helps you overcome nervousness and build confidence in public speaking. You can improve your speaking skills, overcome stage fright, and project a positive image by practicing and delivering your speech. Overall, a self-introduction speech aims to introduce yourself in the best possible way and pave the way for effective communication with your audience.

Understanding Your Audience

Understanding your audience is one of the most crucial aspects of delivering an effective self-introduction speech. Knowing who you are speaking to, you can tailor your introduction to resonate with them. Here are a few tips to help you identify your audience:

• Research the event, organization, or individual you are speaking to.
• Talk to the event organizer or someone familiar with the audience to get insights into their interests and needs.
• Consider demographics such as age, gender, occupation, and cultural background.

Once you understand your audience better, you can craft an introduction that will capture their attention and connect with them.

Tailoring Your Introduction to Your Audience

Now that you have identified your audience, it’s time to tailor your self-introduction speech to their characteristics. Here are some tips:

By tailoring your introduction to your specific audience, you can establish a connection and engage them right from the start.

Crafting a Compelling Opening

The opening of your self-introduction speech is crucial. It sets the tone for the rest of your presentation and determines whether the audience will be engaged. Here are some tips for crafting a compelling opening that will grab the audience’s attention:

• Start with a hook: Begin with a surprising statement, an interesting fact, or a rhetorical question that will pique the audience’s curiosity and make them want to know more.
• Tell a story: A well-crafted story can be a powerful way to connect with the audience and make your speech memorable. Choose a personal anecdote that relates to the topic of your speech and illustrates a key point.
• Pose a thought-provoking question: Ask questions that challenge the audience’s assumptions or encourage them to think deeply about the topic. Make sure the question is relevant to the rest of your speech.
• Use a quote: A quote from a famous person or an expert in your field can lend credibility to your speech and inspire the audience. Choose a quote that relates to the topic of your speech and highlights a key point.

Remember, opening your self-introduction speech is your chance to make a strong first impression . Don’t be afraid to be creative and take risks. A compelling opening can set the stage for a successful speech.

Sharing Your Background and Expertise

Once you have captured your audience’s attention with a compelling opening, it is time to share your background and expertise. This section provides an opportunity to highlight your relevant experiences and expertise concisely and engagingly.

Select the most impactful experiences and qualifications related to your topic or the event to avoid overwhelming your audience. This could be a relevant work experience, education, or a noteworthy accomplishment. Remember to keep it brief and focused, highlighting only what is most important to your audience.

When sharing your background and expertise, it is important to establish credibility and make a connection with your audience. This can be achieved by incorporating personal anecdotes and stories about your expertise or accomplishments. This will help your audience to relate to you and remember well beyond your self-introduction speech.

When sharing your expertise, it is also important to consider your audience’s interests and expectations. Use language your audience can understand, avoid technical jargon, and keep your tone approachable. This will help to build a rapport with your audience and establish a connection that will make your introduction memorable.

Highlighting Your Achievements and Qualities

Sharing your achievements and qualities is crucial to a self-introduction speech. However, it is important to choose only the most relevant ones that align with the context of your speech. You want to avoid overwhelming your audience with a laundry list of accomplishments. Tailoring your achievements and qualities to your audience is important, highlighting those most likely to resonate with them.

When deciding which achievements and qualities to share, consider the purpose of your speech and the message you want to convey. Think about what sets you apart from others and how your experience and qualities make you uniquely qualified to speak on your chosen topic. Share personal stories or anecdotes that illustrate your achievements and qualities, making your speech more engaging and memorable.

Confidence plays a crucial role in effectively communicating your achievements and qualities. Practice your speech in front of a mirror or with a friend to build confidence and delivery. Remember to maintain good eye contact and speak clearly and confidently to leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Adding Personal Touch and Authenticity

One of the keys to a memorable self-introduction speech is adding a personal touch and authenticity. Injecting your personality and unique experiences into your introduction can make it more engaging and relatable to your audience. Authenticity is essential, as it helps to build credibility and trust with your listeners.

To add a personal touch to your introduction, consider sharing an anecdote or a personal story relevant to the topic or the audience. This can help to establish a connection with your listeners and make your introduction more memorable. You can also highlight any personal interests, passions, or hobbies you have, making you more relatable.

When it comes to authenticity, being genuine to yourself is important. Don’t try to be someone you’re not or exaggerate your accomplishments and qualities. Instead, highlight your unique strengths and experiences and how they have shaped you.

Remember, a self-introduction speech aims to present yourself in the best possible light while still being true to who you are. Adding a personal touch and authenticity to your introduction can make a lasting impression on your audience and leave them wanting to learn more about you.

Regarding self-introduction speeches, the opening is arguably the most critical part. Your opening will set the tone for the rest of your speech and determine whether your audience will be interested in what you have to say. Therefore, crafting a compelling opening is crucial in engaging your listeners immediately.

One great way to start your self-introduction speech is by using a strong hook to grab the audience’s attention. This can be an interesting fact, a thought-provoking question, or a personal anecdote related to your topic. A hook should be relevant, unique, and memorable to keep the audience interested in what you have to say.

Another way to make your opening compelling is by storytelling. Humans are naturally drawn to stories, and sharing a personal experience or using a story to relate to your topic can help make your introduction more engaging and relatable.

Lastly, a thought-provoking question is a highly effective method to engage the audience, forcing them to think and ponder and create a conversational tone. The right question can stimulate the audience’s minds and create an interactive and meaningful discussion.

Overcoming Nervousness and Building Confidence

Feeling nervous or anxious before delivering a self-introduction speech is completely normal. However, if left unmanaged, it can negatively affect your delivery and the overall impact of your speech . The good news is that there are strategies you can use to overcome nervousness and build confidence.

One effective technique is positive self-talk. Before delivering your speech, remember your strengths, skills, and accomplishments. Repeat positive affirmations to yourself, such as “I am confident, capable, and prepared to deliver this speech.

Visualization is another powerful tool to overcome nervousness. Close your eyes and imagine yourself delivering your speech confidently, poise, and clearly. Visualize the audience responding positively to your message and giving you a warm reception.

It’s also helpful to practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation. These can help calm your nerves and focus your energy on delivering a confident and effective self-introduction speech.

By applying these techniques, you can overcome nervousness and build the self-confidence needed to deliver a successful self-introduction speech.

Mastering the art of self-introduction speeches is an essential skill in today’s world. Whether meeting new people, networking, or presenting in front of an audience, a confident and effective self-introduction can make a lasting impression.

Remember to understand your audience, craft a compelling opening, showcase your background and expertise, highlight your achievements and qualities, and add a personal touch to create an authentic connection. Practice and polish your speech to improve your confidence and delivery, and don’t let nervousness hold you back.

Following the tips and techniques in this article, you can confidently present yourself and leave a lasting impression in any public speaking situation. So go ahead and take the challenge, and watch your self-confidence soar!

How do you start a self introduction speech? 

How do i start my self introduction , what do you say in a 2-minute speech about yourself , how to start a speech in english , what is the purpose of a self introduction speech , related posts:.

• What is a Self Introduction Speech: The Guide to Making an Impression
• Craft the Perfect 2 Minute Self Introduction Speech | Guide

Nail Your Self Introduction for Sales Interview: Expert Tips & Tricks

• Self Introduction Template: Create a Winning First Impression

What is Workplace Bullying Definition: Get the Facts Straight

Related posts.

Best Self-Introduction for First Day at Work Sample Ideas

Self Introduction as an Entrepreneur: Tips for Confidently Sharing Your Story

Master Your First Day at Work: Self Introduction Tips & Tricks

© 2021 interObservers

Navigate Site

• Privacy and Policy
• Terms and Conditions

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Remember Me

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

• Games, topic printables & more
• The 4 main speech types
• Example speeches
• Commemorative
• Declamation
• Demonstration
• Informative
• Introduction
• Student Council
• Speech topics
• Poems to read aloud
• How to write a speech
• Using props/visual aids
• Acute anxiety help
• Breathing exercises
• Letting go - free e-course
• Using self-hypnosis
• Delivery overview
• 4 modes of delivery
• How to make cue cards
• How to read a speech
• 9 vocal aspects
• Vocal variety
• Diction/articulation
• Pronunciation
• Speaking rate
• How to use pauses
• Eye contact
• Body language
• Voice image
• Voice health
• Public speaking activities and games
• About me/contact
• How to write an introduction speech for a guest
• How to give a self-introduction speech

 Give a great self-introduction speech!

 - a step by step guide plus an example speech .

By:  Susan Dugdale   | Last modified: 11-28-2022

A self-introduction speech is often called for when a group of people get together first time. It could be a work-based seminar, a break-out group at a conference, a hobby group, or your new class at the start of the term. The occasions are numerous!

If you need to prepare short introduction speech about yourself, you're in the right place.

What's on this page

• the purpose of a self-introduction speech
• content guidelines - 6 areas to cover introducing yourself
• how to avoid blanking out under pressure and prepare a good speech at very short notice
• a 1-minute self-introduction speech example
• resources for more help  

The purpose of a self-introduction speech

One thing a newly formed group generally shares is the need to make a bunch of strangers feel at ease:  to quickly establish a sense of unity or belonging.

And one of commonest ways to achieve that, in a setting where people are expected to work collaboratively together, is to have each person give a brief 1–2-minute self-introduction speech. *

If you've not expecting it and have nothing prepared, that triggers a whole lot of questions about the purpose of the speech and what would be best to say. * This is not an elevator speech - i.e., a brief, carefully worked pitch highlighting your strengths and experience to encourage a potential employer or client... to consider taking you on.

You are already a member of the group. You don't need to pitch or advertise yourself. All you need to do is introduce yourself because these people don't know you. 

The questions you ask yourself

Usually, the leader will start and around the members of the group you go, one by one.

• What will you say when it's your turn?
• What's the purpose of this speech? What could it to achieve for you if you do it well?
• What can you say that will interest people?
• What topics fit with the occasion?
• What will the people listening expect to hear?
• What tone do you use? Formal or informal?
• And more importantly, if you're anxious about public speaking, what will stop the fear of making a complete fool of yourself?

First impressions count, so let's look at the elements that go together to make a good introduction speech about yourself.

Return to Top

Self-introduction speech content areas

There are six content areas to cover. The first three are essential. The remaining three lift your speech from 'basic' to something a little more interesting.

• Stating your name clearly
• Placing yourself - where you are from, the organization you belong to, the position you currently hold
• Background - what can you share that is related to the group's core purpose for meeting? Is it an event, experience, a particular skill or educational qualification?
• Interest, passion or goal - what genuinely interests you? What drives you?  Is there a personal goal you want to achieve through being a member of this group?
• Sharing personal details appropriate to the setting of your speech e.g., your hobbies or pet peeves.
• Unity - what do you share in common with someone else in the group? Can you reference something somebody speaking before you said?

Self-preservation techniques for nervous speakers

Ignore everyone else and focus on yourself.

If this is the first time you've made an introduction speech about yourself and, you're inclined to be tongue-tied, awkward and nervous, don't listen to what others are saying before you. 

I know that seems rude, but the situation calls for self-preservation.

If you allow yourself to listen, you'll get mesmerized by everybody else's speeches and be unable to plan anything useful for yourself. That will heighten your anxiety.

Start with making some notes

Grab a piece of paper, or use the notes app on your phone, the moment the round-robin introduction is announced and start jotting down ideas.

Start with the first three items from the list above. That's the basic information:  your name, where you are from and your background.  Then add more as time permits.

Everything you put down should be relevant to the occasion and your audience.  And remember to breathe well while you're doing it!

When we're anxious we tend to hold our breath which makes us feel worse. You'll find these breathing exercises help. 

Watch the timing

Generally, the timing allowed for a self-introductory speech is between 1 - 2 minutes. (About 150-300 words.)

Going over that is poor form because it eats into the time allocated for everybody to speak. In addition, rambling on without being mindful of the larger group could be interpreted as boring and/or egotistical. Just try not to do it! ☺

Self-introduction speech example

Here's a simple short self-introduction speech sample.  You can use it as a model to prepare your own speech.  All up there are 130 words which will take approximately a minute to say.

Hi everybody!

I'm Masie Smith, Senior Marketing Executive, from Watts and Frederick in Smalltown, Bigstate.

It's great to be finally here. I've been dreaming about the opportunity and possibilities of working collectively and directly with each other for a long time now. Jane and Sam can attest to that. There's been hours put in balancing the schedules to make it happen.

Webinars and email are fine, but nothing beats face to face.

Working collaboratively has always been a passion. Even in kindergarten I tried to set up a group-think session around a one swing and ten children problem.

Years later my master degree focused on harnessing group energy creatively. I've been inspired by agencies that got it right.

Sally you've already said it and I echo you. I'm excited!

Prepare and practice in readiness

If you know you have situations coming up that will call for a self-introduction speech start generating one ahead of time.

Make yourself an adaptable template using the core content elements listed above that you can use whatever the situation you are in.

Practicing your speech out loud will help you refine and hone your message.

It's well worth doing as these few words can set the way in which others view you. They can open doors, as well as close them!

With repetition you'll gain the confidence to speak for yourself concisely and cohesively. You'll find the temptation to succumb to a fit of the blithers will have vanished! (Thank goodness!)

Other related and useful pages: 

• How to prepare and deliver an introduction speech for a guest speaker (with an example speech)
• How to write a speech introducing yourself . This is Wiki How's comprehensive overview of the process, with examples.
• Tips and techniques to manage public speaking anxiety

speaking out loud 

Subscribe for  FREE weekly alerts about what's new For more see  speaking out loud  

Top 10 popular pages

• Welcome speech
• Demonstration speech topics
• Impromptu speech topic cards
• Thank you quotes
• Impromptu public speaking topics
• Farewell speeches
• Phrases for welcome speeches
• Student council speeches
• Free sample eulogies

From fear to fun in 28 ways

A complete one stop resource to scuttle fear in the best of all possible ways - with laughter.

Useful pages

• Search this site
• About me & Contact
• Blogging Aloud
• Free e-course
• Privacy policy

©Copyright 2006-24 www.write-out-loud.com

Designed and built by Clickstream Designs

5 Memorable Ways to Introduce Yourself in a Presentation

by Janice Tomich

• Presentation Planning & Public Speaking Skills

Table of Contents

What Is The Role of Introducing Yourself In a Presentation?

Introducing yourself at the beginning of your presentation or keynote speech establishes your authority and credibility.

Introducing yourself effectively can also pique your audience’s interest and get their attention.

Keep your introduction short and sweet. Many presentations sink before they are even really underway by long-winded CVs recitals or too much context of what’s to come.

Your introduction needs only be a teaser of what you’ll be speaking. The goal is simply to help your audience understand the value you’ll bring to them—a short explainer of why it’s worth it for them to stay and listen.

PRO SPEAKING TIP: Many hosts scramble at the last minute to cobble together their guest’s introduction. I do presentation coaching , and I advise my clients to help out their hosts by providing an introduction to the host ahead of time. You’ll free them of the burden and they’ll have a professional introduction ready with no effort. Do be clear you want it delivered as written, since you are the best judge of what your audience wants and needs to know about you.

Why Is the Personal Introduction Important?

Once you have been introduced by the host or the master of ceremonies, your first job is to establish trust with your audience members. You need to introduce yourself in a way that lets the audience know you are an experienced subject matter expert and will draw in your audience’s attention.

Your self-introduction is an opportunity to warm the audience and create that initial connection, which helps create an inviting atmosphere where the audience members are more likely to be engaged.

Start Introducing Yourself Even Before the Event Begins

You can start the conversation with your audience even before the event begins. Social media provides an easy way to connect with your audience. You can even ask what questions your audience has on the topic you will be speaking about. Common questions can give your amazing insights of what your audience wants to learn.

Likewise, as people are gathering, you have a second brilliant opportunity to introduce yourself—before you even walk onto the stage. As people are entering the room, reach out and say hello—introduce yourself! Some of my strongest, longest lasting connections have come through doing this. Introducing yourself to members of your audience before the speech is unexpected and usually well received (it also helps to calm down before your presentation, it eases your presentation nerves ). Meeting and greeting is a perfect way to begin to warm the room for you and provides some teasers of what you might be speaking about.

5 Unusual Ways To Introduce Yourself in a Speech or Presentation

Personal self-introductions provide an opportunity to have your name, expertise and story be sticky and memorable . You want your audience to leave your presentation be thinking about what you said and who you are.

Let’s assume you’ve already been introduced by your host.

Here are 5 unusual ways to introduce yourself at the beginning of your speech that no one will forget:

1. Do the Unexpected. Be Bold.

Almost every public speaker starts with the presenter introducing themself, their credentials, and then an overview of what they plan to speak about.

Imagine if you introduced yourself differently. The effect is a far more engaged audience. Consider asking a question and fielding the responses. Or, turn the tables. Ask people to introduce themselves to each other or have a few attendees introduce themselves to you. Ask those attendees what they want to learn from your session, and then respond with how how you plan to speak to their needs within the speech.

​​​​Margarita Quihuis ESG Advisor, ED: Peace Innovation Institute, The Hague Peace Innovation Lab Stanford

2. Address the Elephant in the Room

Does your appearance send a signal that you are young and may lack experience? Or perhaps you have lots of age and wisdom on your side and are presenting to a young audience? In this case, self-deprecating humour can quickly dissolve the elephant that is consuming the room. I’ll bet you’ll long be remembered as the cheeky renegade who was able to connect with your audience.

3. Use a Problem, Solution, Benefit Format

Set up your presentation, by concisely speaking to your main point —the problem you will be addressing. Then, allude to the solution(s) you will provide as well as the benefits and outcomes that your audience will receive from implementing your solution(s).

Brevity is your friend when you introduce yourself in this way. It’s a powerful way to pull your audience into your talk.

4. Skip the Introduction

Jumping right into your presentation will catch your audience’s attention—after all, there’s no rule that you must introduce yourself right at the very beginning of your speech. If you take this approach, weave references to your expertise and a personal antidote or two within your presentation itself to establish your credibility and why your audience should continue listening. (Simply leaping in without context will cause confusion if you don’t provide some backfill to help your audience connect the dots as to why you can be trusted to speak on the topic at hand.)

5. Use a Thought-Provoking Image of Yourself

It’s not easy to find just the ‘right’ image to introduce yourself and begin your presentation, because whatever you choose needs to be striking and impactful. The key is to choose an image which easily aligns with what you will be presenting.

Opening with an image for your first PowerPoint presentation slide gives an opportunity to speak to why the image resonates for you. You should also introduce your experience as you speak to the relevance of the image.

Boring, status quo introductions within presentations are soon forgotten. They’re usually forgotten a few seconds or minutes after they are delivered. Getting your introductions right is a core part of improving your presentation skills.

If you want to stand out from the crowd in professional settings it’s necessary to create unexpected, memorable introductions. This warms every person in the room and engages them—your introduction speech does not need to be boring!

But sometimes the hardest part is getting started, and that’s where I come in.

If you’re feeling stuck on your introduction, I invite you to work with me one-on-one in a 1-hour presentation strategy session . I’ll get you started and focussed on your next steps to creating a brilliant presentation that will have your audience glad they attended and leave inspired.

Share this post:

Related Posts

How Much Should I Charge to Give a Keynote Speech?

Someone has just asked you how much you charge to give a keynote speech. What should you answer? It depends. I’m a public speaking coach. That gives me an insider’s view of keynote speaking costs

7 Public Speaking Books Actually Worth Your Time

Most people dislike public speaking. In fact, the stats say 73% of people fear delivering presentations or talks. If you are one of the 73%, you don’t have to be. There is an abundance of standout books

Yes, Anyone Can Become a Charismatic Speaker. Here’s how.

Is it possible to become a charismatic speaker if you weren’t born with the talent?  Someone asked me that question at one of the first workshops I delivered as a public speaking coach. And it

Janice Tomich Site Map

Testimonials

Social Media

© 2023 Janice Tomich. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy   |   Terms of Use

Give the keynote. Without the nerves.

• Presentation Design

How to Introduce Yourself in a Speech or Presentation in 10 Steps

You only have one chance to make a great first impression, and you need to know how to introduce yourself in a speech or presentation! Having an outstanding introduction will help you break the ice and generate interest in your audience.

10 tips on how to introduce yourself in a speech:

1. conduct mock rehearsals with colleagues and friends..

Give your presentation or speech to an unbiased friend or colleague. After is over, ask them to write down 2-3 facts from your introduction. Look over your feedback and determine if your key points stand out within the first 30-60 seconds of your presentation. Was it easy for another person to recall everything you touched on? If not, how can you make your introduction more straightforward and memorable?

2. Listen to how a friend or colleague would introduce you and take notes.

If you're struggling to figure out how to introduce yourself, ask an unbiased friend or colleague to tell you how they would introduce you. Listen to the positive qualities, accomplishments, and stories your friend or colleague has to say about you and see how you can incorporate their comments into your introduction.

3. Enlist someone else to introduce you.

If you have a serious case of stage fright, your conference organizer may be able to find someone else to introduce you. Plan ahead and ask several weeks in advance for their assistance. Work closely with the individual who is introducing you to ensure your introduction has a personalized touch. Look over the final copy before your presentation to confirm everything about your background is accurate.

4. Keep it short and sweet.

Remember: your introduction shouldn't be your life story or read like an autobiography! The best way to introduce yourself is to keep it short and succinct. Introductions that ramble on without a definitive focus will leave your audience restless and uninterested. Listing every accomplishment, client, and credential under your belt sounds dry, and no one likes humble bragging. Make a list of your accomplishments and choose only the several that you're most proud of to include in your intro. Outdated accomplishments and client connections, no matter how impressive, should be excluded.

“Remember: your introduction shouldn’t be your life story or read like an autobiography!

5. Get small audiences actively involved.

Entering a presentation and seeing a tired or uninterested audience can be anxiety inducing. This can be especially problematic in small or informal settings, where this technique works best . A quick way to get your audience awake and invested in your presentation is to introduce yourself and then prompt audience members to introduce themselves and state a question, concern, or idea related to your presentation topic. For example: if you're delivering a presentation about customer service software, ask your audience members to introduce themselves with their name, a fun fact, and a situation where they've had a particularly amazing (or terrible) customer service experience. This brings clarity and focus to your presentation topic.

6. Include only relevant details in your introduction.

The planning process is key as you determine how to introduce yourself. Printing out a graphic organizer is a simple yet efficient way to determine if your introduction is on point.  Successful introductions are unique, thought provoking, and easy to adapt to different types of presentations. Using a graphic organizer, like a writing web, write the title and description of the presentation you're giving in the center circle; then, use the smaller circles to list personal details and accomplishments relevant only to your presentation topic. For example: even if you work with an important company, if that company's work isn't relevant to your presentation topic, exclude it. Then, brainstorm how you can transform your planner into engaging points.

7. Add additional details and credentials in your handouts.

Accomplishments and credentials that are important to you but may bog down your introduction don't have to be thrown away. Make a basic handout about your presentation that features your name, photograph, contact information and any additional details you want to share with your clients or conference members.

8. Use an interesting hook or humor at the beginning of your presentation.

As you plan out how to introduce yourself, think of a few compelling hooks you can use to get your audience's attention . Humor is one of the easiest ways you can relate to your audience; so is admitting a recent challenge you've faced (that's somehow relevant to your presentation) and discussing how you've grown from it. If you decide using humor is the best way to introduce yourself, avoid taking aim at important conference members or using politically incorrect jokes. Joking around about yourself is a safe way to make people laugh.

9. Organize a smooth transition.

Even if you have a fantastic introduction, your presentation will quickly fall apart if you don't have a transition. Determine how you can create a bridge between your intro and presentation content. Ending your introduction with a nod to one of your favorite clients and a project or conversation relevant to your topic is a good way to create a bridge between your introduction and main content. For example: "[Renowned client] is one of my best clients. Just last week, we were discussing how…[lead into presentation content]."

10. If you make a mistake, keep going!

As you introduce yourself, it's important not to freeze up if you accidentally mispronounce a word, stutter, momentarily forget your lines or feel anxious. If you're suddenly struck with stage fright, take two seconds to inconspicuously take a breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. Monitor your breathing and keep your worries in check. While you may feel completely self-conscious about what everyone at your presentation thinks of the way you look and speak, just remember that everyone attending is more interested in the valuable information you have to share rather than how you look sharing it. No one expects you to deliver your presentation, especially your introduction, with total perfection.

Learning how to introduce yourself in a professional, fun and engaging way may seem complex, but it's easier than you think. Self-doubt is one of the biggest roadblocks to successfully delivering an introduction! Believing in yourself will help you radiate confidence and convince your conference members that you're self-assured and know exactly what you're talking about.

Popular Articles

35+ Best Pitch Deck Examples from Successful Startups (2024 Update with Editable Templates Included)

Slidebean Helped USports Tackle A Complex Financial Model

Upcoming events, financial modeling bootcamp, how to close a funding round.

The Startup Financial Model Template by Slidebean

Let’s move your company to the next stage 🚀

Ai pitch deck software, pitch deck services.

Financial Model Consulting for Startups 🚀

Raise money with our pitch deck writing and design service 🚀

The all-in-one pitch deck software 🚀

Check out our list of the top free presentation websites that offer unique features and design options. Discover the best platform for your next presentation now.

This is a functional model you can use to create your own formulas and project your potential business growth. Instructions on how to use it are on the front page.

Book a call with our sales team

In a hurry? Give us a call at 

• Self Introduction
• Start Conversation
• Self Introduction Generator
• Introduction in Other Languages

27 Examples of Self Introduction in English For Great First Impression – Introduce Yourself In English

Telling someone about yourself can be tricky if you’re not sure how to go about it, but when you’re in an interview or at the start of your first day on the job, giving someone an overview of your previous work and education experience isn’t only necessary – it shows that you’re excited to be there and prepared to work hard.

Here are some examples of self introduction in English that you can use to introduce yourself.

You can check the video to learn more..

Self Introduction in English Examples

Example 1: 

Hello, my name is [name] and I am writing to introduce myself. My interests include photography, art, and music. I enjoy making things out of clay and woodworking.

I am a native of the United States and have been here for over 20 years now. I grew up in [city] where I attended school. After high school, I moved to [state] where I went to college at [school name].

During college, it was not easy for me to make friends because I was shy and quiet. It wasn’t until after college when I started working at [job title], that my relationships with others changed for the better. At work, I was able to open up more as well as learn how to communicate better with others by using body language and tone of voice rather than words alone. This resulted in me being promoted from a part-time employee into an assistant manager position within two years of working there full-time!

Hello, I’m [first name], and I’m a writer.

I’ve been writing for a while now, and it’s become an integral part of my life. My passion for writing started when I was in elementary school. I got a pen and paper and wrote down everything that popped into my head—I couldn’t stop!

As my writing skills improved, so did my confidence as a writer. At first, people thought I was just a kid with a lot of energy; but now they see that writing is more than just something fun to do—it’s something that makes me happy, and gives me clarity on what I want out of life, and helps me make sense of the world around me.

So if you’re interested in hiring me as your writer or if you have any questions about what it’s like to work with me, please feel free to reach out!

Hi, I’m [name] and I work at [company] as a [job title]!

I’m a recent college graduate and have been working in customer service for the past six months. I’m looking for opportunities to learn more about the customer service field and grow my skills to take on more challenging roles.

[Company name] provides the best customer service in the world, and I am excited to join such an amazing team.

Self Introduction Paragraph Examples

My name is [name], and I’m a [type of person].

I love to [what you love to do].

When I’m not working or doing what I love, my friends and family are the most important thing in my life. They mean the world to me. When they’re around, I feel like everything is possible.

I’m currently in my final year of university, and it’s been one of the most amazing years of my life so far. I’ve learned so much about myself and how to be a better person, which has made me feel more confident than ever before.

Hi! I’m [name] and I’m so excited to meet you all.

I’m a passionate, driven person who wants to do my part to make the world a better place. That’s why I’m here at [company name].

I’ve got a lot of experience working in customer service, but I also have a passion for helping people find their best path forward when they’re faced with challenges. And that’s what we’re working on at [company name]: finding those solutions for our clients so they can focus on what matters the most—their business.

I’m looking forward to getting to know you all!

• 3 Examples of Self Introduction to a Landlord
• 9 Examples of Self Introduction For Pharma Interview

Hi, my name is [name], and I’m here to tell you about my [job].

I’ve been working as a [job] for [number of years], and I love it. It’s an amazing job that allows me to do what I love most—make people happy!

My favorite part of my job is seeing how much happiness can be brought into someone’s life when they’re feeling down or stressed out. I know that by helping people feel better, we’re all better off as a community.

I also really enjoy meeting new people every day who need support in their journey through life. Being able to share what I know with them has helped me grow personally and professionally, so thank you for your support!

Self Introduction Speech Examples For Students

Hi, my name is [name], and I’m about to give you a self-introduction speech.

I’m going to tell you about myself in three parts: who I am, what I’ve done, and why I should be hired for this job.

First, let’s talk about who I am: I’m [age] years old. I’ve been working as a [job title] for [amount of time]. And I love it! It’s made me very good at what I do and keeps me busy all day long.

And now let’s talk about what I’ve done…

I started working at the company when they were just starting, and now they’re one of the top 10 companies in our industry. They’re growing so fast that there are times when we can’t keep up with hiring new people or training them properly. That’s where you come in—you’re going to help us hire some awesome new people who are ready to hit the ground running!

And finally, why should you hire me? Well… because if this were a movie script, there would be no way for me not to get hired by your company!

Hello, my name is [name] and I am a student at [school].

I am interested in pursuing a career in the field of [industry], and I would like to study [field] at [school].

My current job is working as a marketing assistant for [company], where I handle all the emails and calls from clients, as well as manage our social media accounts.

I have been working in this position for over three years now, and it has greatly improved my skillset in terms of customer relations and communication abilities. I would love to continue working for [company] after graduating from college with a degree in both marketing and business management.

Hello, my name is [name] and I’m a student at [school name].

I have always loved to learn and explore, so when I was in the 8th grade I started taking classes at my local college. Now, I have many different degrees from various programs and am heavily involved in the community at large.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, and friends and doing things that make me happy. One of those things is hiking!

Self Introduction Sample For Nurse Job Interview

Hi, I’m [name], and I hope to be the next one of you awesome nurses!

I have a bachelor’s degree in nursing and am currently working as a nurse at [hospital name]. I’ve worked in many different areas, including ER, ICU, and medical-surgical. I love working with patients from all walks of life, but my favorite part is taking care of babies because they’re so sweet and innocent.

I also enjoy helping others learn about their health, whether it’s through patient education or offering advice on dieting or exercise.

Hello, I’m [name] and I’m a nurse. I’ve been in the industry for many years and have worked with many different kinds of patients. I am looking to move into a leadership position, preferably with a hospital or nursing home to manage more than one unit. I believe that the most important part of my job is making sure that my patients are comfortable in their care environment and feel safe at all times. I also enjoy working with other staff members because they can help me access different areas of expertise, which makes me a better nurse and leader.

I would love an opportunity to discuss how my experience could benefit your organization!

Hello, I’m [name] and I’m looking for a job as a nurse.

I’m a middle school student who loves to help people. I’ve had experience working at [hospital name] and [hospital name], where I helped children get better after they were injured.

I also love volunteering at the local animal shelter, where I’ve helped an elderly cat named [cat name]. The owner of the shelter said that she couldn’t find a home for her because she was old, but after working with her, I realized that she was still young at heart.

The hospital where I work now is great and everyone there is very nice, but it’s not the same as being able to help people. It’s hard for me to watch someone get hurt or sick on my shift—especially when there’s nothing that I can do about it—and I want something more for myself than just working in healthcare.

Self Introduction Speech Examples For School Students

Hello! My name is [name], and I’m here to introduce myself to the class.

I’m from [city] in [country]. I’ve been living in the United States for five years now, but I’ve been here for seven. I love this country, and I love being able to learn more about it every day.

In high school, I was a really good student—I got straight A’s all the time. But during my senior year, one of my teachers taught us how to write a speech about ourselves—and that’s when everything changed. Now when someone asks me what I want to be when I grow up, instead of saying “an accountant,” like everyone else says, I say “a teacher.”

So this is me: A teacher who has learned so many things since she started working with children at the age of 18. And now at age 32, she has even more knowledge than she did before!

Hello, my name is [name], and I’m a student at [school name].

I’m excited to be here today because I’ve been wanting to go to this school for a long time. My favorite subject is math, so it’s cool that there will be an opportunity for me to learn more about that.

I also love reading a lot of books and watching movies, so I think this is going to be a good fit for me.

My parents are very supportive of my dreams and help me whenever they can. They always make sure that I am doing what I want, so if you have any questions about anything related to school or your studies, feel free to ask them!

Hello, everyone! I’m [name], and I was just thinking about what to say.

I think that you’re all really smart and kind, and it’s a pleasure to meet you!

My name is [name] and I’m going to be taking your next test. Hopefully, we’ll get along well enough to make it interesting.

I’m here today because I want to talk about [topic]. It’s important to me because it affects my life every day, but also helps me think about things that are important in the world.

Self Introduction Speech Examples Public Speaking

I am a passionate person, who loves to learn and share knowledge with others. I believe that every person should be treated equally, no matter their gender, race, or religion.

I have always dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur. I have been working in the field for the last 6 years and it has become my passion now.

I have completed my MBA from St. Xavier’s College and I worked as an Assistant Manager in a reputed company for 4 years before joining here at [company name].

Hello, my name is [name] and I am a [job title]. I have been working as a [job title] for [number of years] and I have been enjoying every moment of it.

I have always had a passion for [job title], and it is truly an honor to be able to work with such amazing people.

I have been lucky enough to work with some of the most talented people in the world, including [famous person’s name], who has taught me so much about [job title].

I would like to thank you all for this opportunity because it has helped me grow both personally and professionally. It has brought me closer to my family and allowed me to meet new people who share similar interests.

Hi, I’m [name], and I’m a professional speaker.

I’ve been giving speeches for over 10 years, and I love it.

My favorite part is being able to share what I know with other people engagingly. It’s also really fun to meet new people and hear their stories because then I can learn from them too!

I also like that people are usually surprised when they find out how much time goes into preparing for a speech—it’s not just about speaking fast or moving your mouth around—but about making it personal and interesting for your audience.

If you have any questions about anything related to public speaking, feel free to contact me at [email address].

Self Introduction Sample For Hr Interview

Hello, I’m [name], a junior HR professional at [company name]. I’m interested in the position of HR Manager, and I’m here today because I think you’re the right person for it.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources and a Master’s degree in Personnel Management, both from [school name]. My interests include [interests], which are things like [things], which are things like [things].

In my spare time, I enjoy watching sports on TV and playing volleyball with friends at the local park.

Hello, I’m [name] and I’m a [position] at [company name]. I love to work hard, which is why I’m so excited to be here.

I’ve been working with [company name] for years now, and it’s been an amazing experience. I’ve been able to learn so much about myself and the company in that time.

I’d love to talk more about my experience with you! Please feel free to reach out if you’d like any additional details or want me to send you anything from HR.

Hello! I’m [name], and I would be happy to answer any questions you have about my qualifications for this position.

I have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, but I’ve also spent the past six years working as a software engineer. In my current role, I’m responsible for building, maintaining, and improving our software products.

Throughout my career, I’ve worked with engineers from all over the world who have taught me how to problem-solve creatively and work well with others. My experience with developers at [company name] has given me an understanding of what it takes to build quality products that meet our customers’ needs.

The skills listed on my resume are just a small representation of the competencies that make me a great fit for this position:

– Able to build robust, scalable systems that meet customer needs and respond quickly to change

– Able to communicate effectively with other team members

Self Introduction Examples For Experienced Software Engineers

Hello, I am [name], and I am an experienced software engineer.

My specialty is in creating high-quality, well-tested code that solves business problems for my clients. I have been working with them for about five years, and have also worked as a freelance software engineer for several other companies during that time.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from [school name]. After graduating, I worked as a software developer at [company name] for two years. During this time, I learned how to contribute my skills to the company by making contributions within the company’s code base. After working at [company name], I decided to pursue a career as a freelancer and started freelancing immediately.

As a freelancer, my primary focus has been working on projects related to building web applications using mostly JavaScript-based technologies such as HTML5+CSS3/SASS/LESS/JAVASCRIPT (JS) frameworks like ReactJS or VueJS, or NodeJS (server side). However, I have worked with the PHP framework (Laravel) on some projects too.

Hi! I’m [Name] and I’m a software engineer at [company name]. I’ve been working in this industry for six years now, and it’s always been my dream to be in the field. When I graduated from college, I started working as a developer at one of the country’s largest consulting firms. After two years there, I decided to move on and pursue my dream of being a software engineer—and here I am today!

I love what I do because it allows me to work on some cool projects. One of my favorite parts of being a software engineer is working with clients and helping them improve their products. It’s also very rewarding when you see how your work helps people take control of their lives or businesses.

I am a software engineer with over 10 years of experience. I have worked on many different projects, including web development, mobile applications, and backend systems.

My strengths are in designing and implementing scalable solutions while maintaining high-quality standards. I am also very good at communicating my ideas effectively and creating solutions that meet the needs of my clients. I have worked in teams to develop solutions that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

I would love to work on projects that allowed me to use my skills and knowledge to help solve real problems for people in our community.

Self Introduction Sample For Virtual Assistant

My name is [your name here]. I am the founder of [company name] and I have been a virtual assistant for 10 years.

I love helping people with their problems and helping them grow their businesses. I’m also a huge fan of dogs, serial killers, and the Harry Potter series.

Example 2: 

I’m [name], and I’m a virtual assistant and web developer based in [location].

I bring over 15 years of experience as a web developer, working with both small and large businesses, to assist you in getting your projects off the ground. Whether you need help building websites, or just need someone who can manage your social media, my background as a web developer will help me keep you informed, on track, and able to stay focused on your goals.

I have experience working with clients from all over the world and am always looking forward to helping others achieve their goals.

Example 3: 

Hello, I’m [name] and I’m a virtual assistant.

I’ve been working as a VA for over [years] now, and I love it! I work with people who are looking to get their business off the ground, or who just need some extra help around the house. My clients are always happy with my work.

In addition to being a VA, I’m also an avid reader and writer. I enjoy helping others in any way that I can—whether it’s by offering advice or helping them write their copy for landing pages or emails.

I’ve worked on projects ranging from simple blog posts to complex web applications (both front-end and back-end), so whatever your project requires, you’ll find me very capable of handling it.

Related Questions:

Can an introduction be one sentence.

Yes. Just give your name and then your question. There is no reason to list all your credentials first. That’s boring and drawn out. You should know about the community that you’re applying for. You don’t need to list the fact you are a school teacher, that you have a degree in English, that you have a spouse and 2 kids. All of that stuff is irrelevant when it comes to what you want to know, and you’re just wasting space.

Can Introduction Be Two Paragraphs?

Yes. The introduction is a paragraph. That’s the whole rule. With that said, it can be two paragraphs, it can be ten paragraphs, and it can be a page. The length of your introduction is dependent on several factors: who you are writing for, how much time you have to write, how detailed you want to get, and how much detail your reader can absorb.

With that said, let’s take a look at a few examples of great introductions: 1. This is the best, most concise introduction I’ve ever read. Not only is the information short and sweet, but it gets right to the point and shows exactly what the reader has to do, and why it’s important.

The Verdict: Self Introduction Examples

Choose a template that you like, edit it and make it your own. When you’re done, add your photos to the design. Present yourself to the world with these stunning, professional designs for your self introduction. And as always, please feel free to contact me if you have a question or would like to give feedback on this article.

Hi, I a Usmaan Ali, a content writer. I’ve always been passionate about writing and blogging. I hope you enjoy my blog posts as much as I enjoy writing it!

Related Posts

5+ examples of business self introduction email, self introduction in interview for experienced candidates, self introduction for medical representative interview, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

• SUGGESTED TOPICS
• The Magazine
• Newsletters
• Managing Yourself
• Managing Teams
• Work-life Balance
• The Big Idea
• Data & Visuals
• Reading Lists
• Case Selections
• HBR Learning
• Topic Feeds
• Account Settings
• Email Preferences

A Simple Way to Introduce Yourself

• Andrea Wojnicki

Think: present, past, future.

Many of us dread the self-introduction, be it in an online meeting or at the boardroom table. Here is a practical framework you can leverage to introduce yourself with confidence in any context, online or in-person: Present, past, and future. You can customize this framework both for yourself as an individual and for the specific context. Perhaps most importantly, when you use this framework, you will be able to focus on others’ introductions, instead of stewing about what you should say about yourself.

You know the scenario. It could be in an online meeting, or perhaps you are seated around a boardroom table. The meeting leader asks everyone to briefly introduce themselves. Suddenly, your brain goes into hyperdrive. What should I say about myself?

• Andrea Wojnicki , MBA, DBA, is an executive communication coach and founder of Talk About Talk, a multi-media learning resource to help executives improve their communication skills.

Partner Center

Introduction Speech about Yourself

“Allow me to introduce myself to everyone present, my name is …” This sounds familiar doesn’t it? We all have been there at some point in our lives. Introducing ourselves to people whom we just met. Either for work related, personal, or even when we were still in school. Now introducing ourselves can go both ways, it can turn out a fun way of letting people know more about you or be basic enough that a few people may not be too interested. To avoid that altogether, here are some 4+ introduction speech examples in PDF and some tips on how to make introducing yourself more fun and lively.

1. 30 Second Introduction Speech about Yourself

Size: 342 KB

2. Introduction Speech about Yourself Example

Size: 115 KB

3. Self Introduction Speech about Yourself

Size: 144 KB

4. Self-Introduction Speech based on a Personal Object

Size: 83 KB

5. Printable Introduction Speech about Yourself

Size: 110 KB

Defining the Word Speech

Before we begin to know today’s article, let us first define some terms. We define speech as the act of expressing one’s own thoughts, ideas and feelings. The ability to say something that we want to share in public like discourse. A conversation.

Defining the Word Introduction

Introduction means the beginning of presenting something or presenting yourself to someone or a group of people. To introduce or to get acquainted with someone you met for the first time.

Defining Introduction Speech

An introduction speech is a type of speech that is used as an opener to get to know the speaker and the topic they are going to talk about. This type of speech simply states the beginning or getting to know someone or something to someone or a group of people a certain idea. To introduce an idea or a person to a group of people or to a single person.

Tips for Making a Fun Self Introduction

Remember when you were first told to introduce yourself as a child? Some were nervous, others wouldn’t even talk and a small few were able to do so without much effort. Those were the days. But what about when you were in high school or college, how did you make your self introduction speech so fun, that everyone was so interested in knowing more about you. As well as wanting to try out what you did because it was cool? It’s still cool really.  Well, here are some tips to take it up a notch or for anyone to go ahead and try it out themselves. 

• Treat it like a fun game: Self introductions don’t always mean they have to be so basic. Nor does it mean that you can just talk about yourself in the most basic way possible. Take it up a notch. Treat it like a fun game. You’re getting to know someone, you are going to start blank, and once you’re done, you’re going to either have some new ideas to talk about or new friends to hang out with. 
• Think about what you want to talk about: for starters, ask yourself what you think you want to hear from someone introducing themselves. Do you want to hear their life story in less than a minute or more than a minute ? Once you have the idea, you start from there.
• Turn that frown upside down: You must always remember that you are making a speech . An introduction speech. Frowning in front of the audience is a big no. Your audience would think you are not happy to see them, or you’re so nervous that they may lose interest in listening to you. Smile. It makes a whole lot of difference. It’s okay to be nervous, but avoid frowning.
• Maintain Eye Contact: Maintaining eye contact may sound easy but oftentimes we forget to do that. You may be tempted to look around to avoid eye contact with your audience, but this is going to be rude. You don’t always have to stare at one person to maintain eye contact, as long as you are facing the general public. Do not glare, because your audience may think you are angry with them. Glancing every now and then at your copy is okay, as long as you remember to maintain eye contact. This is very important when making speeches.
• Keep it straight to the point: As much as you want to talk about every little detail about you, there are some speeches that require you to talk for 5 minutes or less. So to avoid being over the desired amount of time to make the speech, keep it straight to the point. Only talk about what you think is necessary . For example, your name, your age if you wish, your course, your dreams and aspirations. Beyond that information would only drag out the speech. Avoid that.

What is an Introduction Speech?

An introduction speech is a type of speech that you give to introduce or to get to know someone. To learn more about a person or an object that is being presented through a speech.

How important is an Introduction Speech for students?

An introduction speech for students is a way for them to learn more about someone. To understand a person through his or her way of speaking in front of the class.

How long should an Introduction Speech last?

This usually depends on the group or the person. An introduction speech can be 30 seconds long, 1 minute long or even 5 minutes long.

How do I avoid stage fright when doing my introduction speech?

Before entering the stage to make your speech, do some pep talk and deep breathing. Practice on your own and do your best. Stage fright is normal and everyone goes through it. As long as you take some deep breathing before you go, you’ll be okay.

Do I really need to add my dreams and aspirations in my speech?

Not necessarily. You can use what topic you choose to add in your speech as long as you do not go over the amount of time given.

There you have it, some tips on making a fun introduction speech and some ideas to help you with it. Check out the examples as well for more information on introduction speeches. With that being said, I wish you luck on your next introduction speech.

Introduction Speech about Yourself Generator

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Create an introduction speech about yourself for a new job

Help me write an introduction speech about yourself for a university seminar

50 Example Phrases: How to Introduce Yourself in a Job Interview

By Status.net Editorial Team on January 9, 2024 — 9 minutes to read

How to Introduce Yourself in a Job Interview

When introducing yourself in a job interview, it’s important to tailor your introduction to the specific job you are applying for.

To customize your introduction:

• Research the company and job position : A successful introduction demonstrates your knowledge about the company and the position you’re pursuing. Take the time to learn about the organization’s values, culture and key accomplishments. Understand the main requirements and duties of the job, and be prepared to discuss how your skills or experience relate to them. Example: “I’m very excited to be here for this marketing coordinator position. I’ve been following your company’s growth and the award-winning campaigns you’ve produced, and I feel strongly aligned with your innovative and results-driven approach.”
• Highlight relevant skills and experience : You don’t need to list all your skills or work accomplishments. Choose a few that are directly related to the job and will be of interest to the interviewer. Focus on your strengths that match the position’s requirements and explain how they can benefit the company. Example: “In my previous role as a content marketing specialist, I gained experience in writing engaging newsletters, managing multiple social media accounts, and coordinating with freelance designers. I believe my background in content creation and project management would make me a valuable member of your team.”
• Connect your values to the company’s : Emphasize the shared beliefs that make you a good fit for the organization. Talk about what you admire in their work and demonstrate how your personal values align with the company’s mission or culture. Example: “I value your company’s focus on sustainability and community involvement, as I have been volunteering at a local environmental nonprofit for the past two years. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your marketing initiatives and benefit both the environment and our community.”

Examples of Effective Introductions

• The Classic Approach: Start by briefly mentioning your name, current role, and your key accomplishments. For example, “I’m Alex. I recently completed my degree in Marketing and managed a successful social media campaign for my university’s annual event.”
• Highlight Your Skills: Mention one or two skills that are relevant to the role you’re applying for. You could say, “I’m a web developer with extensive experience in JavaScript and PHP, and I’ve created several high-performing websites for local businesses.”
• Connect with the Company: Show your enthusiasm and knowledge about the company by mentioning a specific project or accomplishment that resonates with you. For instance, “I’m a graphic designer with a passion for eco-friendly product packaging. I was impressed by your recent sustainable packaging initiative and would love to contribute my creativity to your team.”
• Tell a Short Story: Use a brief, engaging anecdote that aligns with the job you’re interviewing for. This can demonstrate your personality and ability to think on your feet. For example, “I’m Emma, last year I organized a charity event where I managed 50 volunteers and raised over $10,000 for a local hospital. I’m excited about the opportunity to apply my project management skills to this position.”
• Emphasize Mutual Connections: If you have a connection with someone who already works at the company, mentioning it can provide a personal touch. Just make sure to ask for permission first. An example could be, “Hi, I’m Mike. I’ve been working as a data analyst for five years and recently met your colleague, Laura, at a conference. She spoke highly of your company, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to interview for the team.”

How to Introduce Yourself in a Job Interview: 50 Example Phrases

• Hi, my name is [Your Name].
• Thank you for inviting me to interview for [Position Name].
• I’m excited to be here and learn more about this opportunity.
• I’ve always been interested in [Industry Name].
• My background is in [Your Field].
• I studied [Your Major] at [Your College/University].
• While attending [Your College/University], I [Relevant Experience].
• My most recent role was as a [Your Previous Position].
• I have [Number of Years] of experience in [Your Area of Expertise].
• I’ve worked with companies such as [Company Names].
• I’ve held positions like [List Relevant Positions].
• I’ve successfully managed projects like [Project Names or Descriptions].
• My skills include [List Relevant Skills].
• I’m particularly adept at [Specific Skill or Experience].
• I pride myself on my strong work ethic and dedication.
• My attention to detail has led to various successes in my career.
• I’m a strong communicator, both written and verbal.
• People often describe me as [Positive Personal Trait].
• I enjoy working in teams and believe in the importance of collaboration.
• I excel at working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines.
• I am particularly passionate about [Area of Interest].
• In my spare time, I like to [Personal Interest or Hobby].
• I’m always eager to learn new skills and take on new challenges.
• I have experience with [Software/Tools] commonly used in this field.
• I’ve taken courses in [Relevant Coursework].
• My proudest accomplishment in my career so far was [Achievement].
• I think my experience aligns well with the requirements for this position.
• I’m drawn to this opportunity because [What Attracted You to the Job].
• I believe I can make a strong impact in this role by [How You Can Contribute].
• I have a proven track record of [Positive Outcome].
• I’m confident in my ability to take on this role and exceed expectations.
• I understand the importance of [Key Concept in Industry].
• I’ve kept up-to-date with recent developments and trends in [Industry].
• I am well-versed in [Industry Knowledge].
• My experience includes working with [Diverse Groups or Clients].
• I’ve honed my leadership skills through [Experience or Specific Role].
• In addition to my professional experience, I have a [Certification or License].
• I am fluent in [Languages Spoken].
• My technical skills include [Programming Languages or Other Technical Skills].
• My expertise covers [Broad Aspect of Your Field].
• I’m eager to bring my unique perspective and experiences to this position.
• I’m confident in my ability to work independently and efficiently.
• I enjoy connecting with others and building strong relationships.
• My approach to problem-solving is both analytical and creative.
• My resilience and adaptability have been valuable assets throughout my career.
• I have experience working with [Specific Demographics or Clientele].
• I’ve developed a strong understanding of [Industry-Specific Processes].
• I’m not afraid to tackle complex projects head-on.
• I am confident that my experience and passion make me an ideal candidate.
• I’m looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and grow in this role.

Closing Your Introduction

To leave a lasting impression at the end of your introduction, it’s important to emphasize your enthusiasm for the role and tie your experiences to the position. Use a simple yet strong closing statement that reiterates your enthusiasm for the job. For example, you can say:

Thank you for this opportunity, I am really excited about the prospect of joining your team and believe my skills are a great fit for this position.

When closing your introduction:

• Reiterate your interest : Showing genuine interest in the job lets potential employers know that you are truly passionate about the role.
• Highlight your skills again : Remind your interviewers of your key skills and how they make you the ideal candidate. You can use a phrase like “ I am confident that my expertise in [your top skills] would make a valuable contribution to [company name] “.
• Stay positive and upbeat : Maintain a friendly and positive tone at the end of your introduction to give the interviewer a sense of your attitude and energy.
• Show gratitude : Don’t forget to express your appreciation for the interview opportunity, because it leaves a good impression and shows your respect for the process.

Following Up After the Interview

In order to make the most of your job interview experience, following up is a crucial step that you should not overlook. Here are some key points to remember when it comes to following up after the interview:

Example 1 Hi [Interviewer’s name], Thank you for taking the time to discuss the [job position] with me. I enjoyed learning more about [company name] and the role, and I believe my skills and experience, such as [mention specific skills], would be a great fit for this position. Please let me know if there’s any additional information I can provide. Best regards, [Your name]

Example 2 Hi [Interviewer’s name],

I hope all is well. I was wondering if there’s any update regarding the [job position] hiring process. You mentioned the selection process might take around two weeks, and I wanted to follow up on my candidacy. Please let me know if you require any further information from me.

• Keep track of your interviews: It’s helpful to maintain a record of all the companies you have interviewed with, including their contact information, interview date, and position you applied for. This way, you can easily monitor your job search progress and organize your follow-ups in a timely manner.
• Stay connected on LinkedIn: If you had a positive interview experience and you believe there could be future opportunities at the company, consider connecting with the interviewer or relevant team members on LinkedIn. This can help keep you on their radar for potential future openings and strengthen your professional network.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an effective structure for a self-introduction in a job interview.

An effective structure for a self-introduction consists of a greet, stating your name, a brief overview of your background, sharing your relevant experience and skills, and expressing your interest in the position. This format allows you to convey the most pertinent information while displaying enthusiasm for the opportunity.

What are some key points to include in a self-introduction as a student in an interview?

When you’re a student, key points in your self-introduction should focus on your educational background, any relevant coursework or projects you have completed, and your passions or interests that align with the job at hand. Be sure to mention any extracurricular activities, internships, or volunteer work that showcase your skills and enthusiasm for the position.

Can you provide an example of a good self-introduction for a fresh graduate at a job interview?

“Hello, I’m Jane Smith. I recently graduated from (…) University with a degree in (…). During my time in school, I developed my (…) skills and completed an internship at (…) Company, where I worked on (…). I’m excited to apply my knowledge and skills to this position, and I believe my strong work ethic and eagerness to learn make me a great fit for your team.”

How should an experienced professional introduce themselves in a job interview?

“Hi, I’m John Smith. I have over ten years of experience in the marketing industry, with a focus on digital marketing. I’ve had the privilege to work with clients in various sectors, including finance and technology. My expertise in social media marketing has resulted in increased visibility and revenue for those clients. I’m enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to your organization and help drive further success.”

What are some tips for crafting a memorable and engaging self-introduction for an interview?

To make your self-introduction memorable and engaging, practice emphasizing your unique qualities and experiences that set you apart from other candidates. You can tell a brief, impactful story about a relevant accomplishment or how you overcame a challenge. Also, tailor your introduction to the particular company and role to demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of their values and goals.

• 26 Examples of Smart Questions to Ask in an Interview
• Job Interview Request Email Responses (Detailed Examples)
• 40 Examples: How to Make a Great Impression in a Job Interview
• 8 Examples of Effective Interview Confirmation Emails
• 6 Smart Questions To Ask in an Informational Interview
• 10 Smart Examples of An Interview Thank You Email

• Share full article

Advertisement

Subscriber-only Newsletter

I’m Middle-Aged, and I Talk to Myself All Day

There, I said it.

By Jancee Dunn

This morning, I looked out my kitchen window and announced, to the empty room, “There’s something wrong with that squirrel — his tail seems extra twitchy.” Then I pulled out my air fryer, wondering aloud if 10:30 a.m. was too early for French fries. (“It’s not,” I said. Again, out loud.)

I never used to talk to myself. Now I do it constantly. When I asked my middle-aged friends if they did it, too, the confessions flooded in. One said that when she texts people, she says the message out loud when she’s typing, even in public.

“I just looked in my cabinet and said aloud, ‘Please, god, let there be vanilla extract,’” said another.

Do middle-aged people talk to themselves all day, every day? And is this a problem? I consulted some experts.

Talking about self-talk

I couldn’t find any research on middle-aged muttering, so I asked Ethan Kross, a professor of psychology at the University of Michigan and the author of “Chatter,” if I had missed it. He told me I hadn’t. Talking to yourself in midlife is an “understudied phenomenon,” he said, adding that it was pretty common.

When people have conversations in their own heads, it is known as “ inner speech .” When they do it aloud, it’s called private speech or external self-talk . Studies suggest that private speech peaks in early childhood , said Charles Fernyhough, a professor of psychology at Durham University in England and the author of “The Voices Within.” But in midlife, many of us pick up the habit again, he said.

Dr. Fernyhough told me that he says things out loud quite a bit. “My kids will say, ‘Dad, what are you doing?’” he added. “And I’m just like: ‘I don’t care. I study this stuff.’”

As you get older, social pressures don’t bother you as much, he added, whether they involve talking to yourself or dancing “like an idiot” at a friend’s wedding.

It’s not only normal, it’s useful

Talking to ourselves serves a variety of purposes, Dr. Fernyhough said. It can quell anxieties (“You’ll be OK”) and heighten motivation (“You’ve got this”). It can cheer you up, aid in planning or make an empty room feel friendlier, he added.

Voicing your thoughts can help you puzzle through problems or rehearse potentially thorny conversations, Dr. Kross said. (If you’re practicing a breakup speech or asking for a raise in a public place, he suggested, pop in some earbuds so it just looks as though you’re on the phone.)

Speaking aloud also activates what is known as the verbal working memory system, Dr. Kross said, which can help you hold things such as shopping lists or schedules in your mind a little longer.

And if you are looking for something — say, at a grocery store — research suggests that naming the item out loud might help you find it faster.

When it can be too much

There are times, however, when a one-way conversation could perhaps raise questions about a person’s mental health, Dr. Kross said — when it violates social norms by being too disruptive or distracting to others.

It can also be harmful if it’s consistently negative, said Rachel Goldsmith Turow, a psychologist at Seattle University and the author of “The Self-Talk Workout.” Persistent self-criticism can exacerbate conditions such as anxiety, she said. “It’s like the smoking of mental health,” she added. “It makes everything worse.”

But saying “Will you look at those bananas!” to absolutely no one in the supermarket, as I did? That isn’t cause for alarm, Dr. Kross said. (The produce person had arranged them from green to yellow, creating a beautiful ombré effect.)

If there were “17 other little quirky things that accompany that behavior, then we might have a different conversation,” Dr. Kross said. But otherwise, his message is, “If it’s working for you, keep doing it.”

How ultraprocessed foods affect your health.

Foods made using industrial methods and ingredient are clearly linked to poor health. But scientists are only beginning to understand why.

Read the article: How Bad Are Ultraprocessed Foods, Really?

Family bonding and magic-making are done by ‘kinkeepers’ — most of whom are women.

They’re the family communicators who help the extended group stay in touch, the holiday planners and the emotional caregivers. And their labor is mostly invisible.

Read the story: The Constant Work to Keep a Family Connected Has a Name

The Week in Well

Here are some stories you don’t want to miss:

Talya Minsberg profiles two close friends competing for coveted Olympic spots .

Why are feet so stinky? Amy Jamieson has answers .

Readers tell Catherine Pearson about the special people who mothered them .

Alisha Haridasani Gupta explores why we are so obsessed with breasts .

Let’s keep the conversation going. Follow Well on Instagram , or write to us at [email protected] . And check out last week’s newsletter about how to survive your high school reunion .

Jancee Dunn , who writes the weekly Well newsletter for The Times, has covered health and science for more than 20 years. More about Jancee Dunn

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

• View all journals
• Explore content
• About the journal
• Publish with us
• Sign up for alerts
• Review Article
• Published: 14 May 2024

The speech neuroprosthesis

• Alexander B. Silva   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-0838-4136 1 , 2 ,
• Kaylo T. Littlejohn 1 , 2 , 3 ,
• Jessie R. Liu   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-9316-7624 1 , 2 ,
• David A. Moses 1 , 2 &
• Edward F. Chang   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-2480-4700 1 , 2  

Nature Reviews Neuroscience ( 2024 ) Cite this article

10 Altmetric

Metrics details

• Cognitive neuroscience
• Neuroscience

Loss of speech after paralysis is devastating, but circumventing motor-pathway injury by directly decoding speech from intact cortical activity has the potential to restore natural communication and self-expression. Recent discoveries have defined how key features of speech production are facilitated by the coordinated activity of vocal-tract articulatory and motor-planning cortical representations. In this Review, we highlight such progress and how it has led to successful speech decoding, first in individuals implanted with intracranial electrodes for clinical epilepsy monitoring and subsequently in individuals with paralysis as part of early feasibility clinical trials to restore speech. We discuss high-spatiotemporal-resolution neural interfaces and the adaptation of state-of-the-art speech computational algorithms that have driven rapid and substantial progress in decoding neural activity into text, audible speech, and facial movements. Although restoring natural speech is a long-term goal, speech neuroprostheses already have performance levels that surpass communication rates offered by current assistive-communication technology. Given this accelerated rate of progress in the field, we propose key evaluation metrics for speed and accuracy, among others, to help standardize across studies. We finish by highlighting several directions to more fully explore the multidimensional feature space of speech and language, which will continue to accelerate progress towards a clinically viable speech neuroprosthesis.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution

Access options

Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals

Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription

24,99 € / 30 days

cancel any time

Subscribe to this journal

Receive 12 print issues and online access

176,64 € per year

only 14,72 € per issue

Buy this article

• Purchase on Springer Link
• Instant access to full article PDF

Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout

Similar content being viewed by others

A high-performance speech neuroprosthesis

A high-performance neuroprosthesis for speech decoding and avatar control

High-resolution neural recordings improve the accuracy of speech decoding

Felgoise, S. H., Zaccheo, V., Duff, J. & Simmons, Z. Verbal communication impacts quality of life in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph. Lateral Scler. Front. Degener. 17 , 179–183 (2016).

Article   Google Scholar  

Das, J. M., Anosike, K. & Asuncion, R. M. D. Locked-in syndrome. StatPearls https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559026/ (StatPearls, 2021).

Lulé, D. et al. Life can be worth living in locked-in syndrome. Prog. Brain Res. 177 , 339–351 (2009).

Article   PubMed   Google Scholar  

Pels, E. G. M., Aarnoutse, E. J., Ramsey, N. F. & Vansteensel, M. J. Estimated prevalence of the target population for brain–computer interface neurotechnology in the Netherlands. Neurorehabil. Neural Repair 31 , 677–685 (2017).

Article   PubMed   PubMed Central   Google Scholar  

Koch Fager, S., Fried-Oken, M., Jakobs, T. & Beukelman, D. R. New and emerging access technologies for adults with complex communication needs and severe motor impairments: state of the science. Augment. Altern. Commun. Baltim. MD 1985 35 , 13–25 (2019).

Google Scholar  

Vansteensel, M. J. et al. Fully implanted brain–computer interface in a locked-in patient with ALS. N. Engl. J. Med. 375 , 2060–2066 (2016).

Utsumi, K. et al. Operation of a P300-based brain–computer interface in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Sci. Rep. 8 , 1753 (2018).

Pandarinath, C. et al. High performance communication by people with paralysis using an intracortical brain–computer interface. eLife 6 , e18554 (2017).

Willett, F. R., Avansino, D. T., Hochberg, L. R., Henderson, J. M. & Shenoy, K. V. High-performance brain-to-text communication via handwriting. Nature 593 , 249–254 (2021).

Article   CAS   PubMed   PubMed Central   Google Scholar  

Chang, E. F. & Anumanchipalli, G. K. Toward a speech neuroprosthesis. JAMA 323 , 413–414 (2020).

Bull, P. & Frederikson, L. in Companion Encyclopedia of Psychology (Routledge, 1994).

Moses, D. A. et al. Neuroprosthesis for decoding speech in a paralyzed person with anarthria. N. Engl. J. Med. 385 , 217–227 (2021). The authors first demonstrated speech decoding in a person with vocal-tract paralysis by decoding cortical activity word-by-word into sentences, using a vocabulary of 50 words at a rate of 15 wpm.

Angrick, M. et al. Online speech synthesis using a chronically implanted brain–computer interface in an individual with ALS. Preprint at medRxiv https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.06.30.23291352 (2023). The authors demonstrated speech synthesis of single words from cortical activity during attempted speech in a person with vocal-tract paralysis.

Metzger, S. L. et al. A high-performance neuroprosthesis for speech decoding and avatar control. Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06443-4 (2023). The authors reported demonstrations of speech synthesis and avatar animation (orofacial-movement decoding), along with improved text-decoding vocabulary size and speed, by using connectionist temporal classification loss to train models to map persistent-somatotopic representations on the sensorimotor cortex into sentences during silent speech (a large vocabulary was used at a speech rate of 78   wpm).

Willett, F. R. et al. A high-performance speech neuroprosthesis. Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06377-x (2023). The authors improved text decoding to an expansive vocabulary size at 62   wpm, by training models with connectionist temporal classification loss to decode sentences from multiunit activity from microelectrode arrays on precentral gyrus while a person with dysarthria silently attempted to speak.

Card, N. S. et al. An Accurate and Rapidly Calibrating Speech Neuroprosthesis https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.12.26.23300110 (2023). The authors used a similar approach to Willett et al. (2023), demonstrating that doubling the number of microelectrode arrays in the precentral gyrus further improved text-decoding accuracy with a rate of 33   wpm.

Bouchard, K. E., Mesgarani, N., Johnson, K. & Chang, E. F. Functional organization of human sensorimotor cortex for speech articulation. Nature 495 , 327–332 (2013). Here, the authors demonstrated the dynamics of somatotopic organization and speech-articulator representations for the jaw, lips, tongue and larynx during production of syllables, directly connecting phonetic production with speech-motor control of vocal-tract movements.

Carey, D., Krishnan, S., Callaghan, M. F., Sereno, M. I. & Dick, F. Functional and quantitative MRI mapping of somatomotor representations of human supralaryngeal vocal tract. Cereb. Cortex N. Y. N. 1991 27 , 265–278 (2017).

Ludlow, C. L. Central nervous system control of the laryngeal muscles in humans. Respir. Physiol. Neurobiol. 147 , 205–222 (2005).

Browman, C. P. & Goldstein, L. Articulatory gestures as phonological units. Phonology 6 , 201–251 (1989).

Ladefoged, P. & Johnson, K. A Course in Phonetics (Cengage Learning, 2014).

Berry, J. J. Accuracy of the NDI wave speech research system. J. Speech Lang. Hear. Res. 54 , 1295–1301 (2011).

Liu, P. et al. A deep recurrent approach for acoustic-to-articulatory inversion. In 2015 IEEE International Conf. Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing ( ICASSP ) https://doi.org/10.1109/ICASSP.2015.7178812 (2015).

Chartier, J., Anumanchipalli, G. K., Johnson, K. & Chang, E. F. Encoding of articulatory kinematic trajectories in human speech sensorimotor cortex. Neuron 98 , 1042–1054.e4 (2018). The authors demonstrated that, during continuous speech in able speakers, cortical activity on the ventral sensorimotor cortex encodes coordinated kinematic trajectories of speech articulators and gives rise to a low-dimensional representation of consonants and vowels.

Illa, A. & Ghosh, P. K. Representation learning using convolution neural network for acoustic-to-articulatory inversion. In ICASSP 2019 — 2019 IEEE International Conf. Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing ( ICASSP ) https://doi.org/10.1109/ICASSP.2019.8682506 (2019).

Shahrebabaki, A. S., Salvi, G., Svendsen, T. & Siniscalchi, S. M. Acoustic-to-articulatory mapping with joint optimization of deep speech enhancement and articulatory inversion models. IEEEACM Trans. Audio Speech Lang. Process. 30 , 135–147 (2022).

Tychtl, Z. & Psutka, J. Speech production based on the mel-frequency cepstral coefficients. In 6th European Conf. Speech Communication and Technology ( Eurospeech 1999 ) https://doi.org/10.21437/Eurospeech.1999-510 (ISCA, 1999).

Belyk, M. & Brown, S. The origins of the vocal brain in humans. Neurosci. Biobehav. Rev. 77 , 177–193 (2017).

Simonyan, K. & Horwitz, B. Laryngeal motor cortex and control of speech in humans. Neuroscientist 17 , 197–208 (2011).

McCawley, J. D. in Tone (ed. Fromkin, V. A.) 113–131 (Academic, 1978).

Murray, I. R. & Arnott, J. L. Toward the simulation of emotion in synthetic speech: a review of the literature on human vocal emotion. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 93 , 1097–1108 (1993).

Article   CAS   PubMed   Google Scholar  

Chomsky, N. & Halle, M. The Sound Pattern of English (Harper, 1968).

Baddeley, A. Working Memory xi, 289 (Clarendon/Oxford Univ. Press, 1986).

Penfield, W. & Boldrey, E. Somatic motor and sensory representation in the cerebral cortex of man as studied by electrical stimulation. Brain 60 , 389–443 (1937). The authors demonstrated evidence of somatotopy on sensorimotor cortex by localizing cortical-stimulation-induced movement and sensation for individual muscle groups.

Penfield, W. & Roberts, L. Speech and Brain-Mechanisms (Princeton Univ. Press, 1959). This study provided insights into cortical control of speech and language through neurosurgical cases, including cortical resection, direct-cortical stimulation and seizure mapping.

Cushing, H. A note upon the Faradic stimulation of the postcentral gyrus in conscious patients. Brain 32 , 44–53 (1909). This study was one of the first that applied direct-cortical stimulation to localize function on the sensorimotor cortex.

Roux, F.-E., Niare, M., Charni, S., Giussani, C. & Durand, J.-B. Functional architecture of the motor homunculus detected by electrostimulation. J. Physiol. 598 , 5487–5504 (2020).

Jensen, M. A. et al. A motor association area in the depths of the central sulcus. Nat. Neurosci. 26 , 1165–1169 (2023).

Eichert, N., Papp, D., Mars, R. B. & Watkins, K. E. Mapping human laryngeal motor cortex during vocalization. Cereb. Cortex 30 , 6254–6269 (2020).

Umeda, T., Isa, T. & Nishimura, Y. The somatosensory cortex receives information about motor output. Sci. Adv. 5 , eaaw5388 (2019).

Murray, E. A. & Coulter, J. D. Organization of corticospinal neurons in the monkey. J. Comp. Neurol. 195 , 339–365 (1981).

Arce, F. I., Lee, J.-C., Ross, C. F., Sessle, B. J. & Hatsopoulos, N. G. Directional information from neuronal ensembles in the primate orofacial sensorimotor cortex. Am. J. Physiol. Heart Circ. Physiol . https://doi.org/10.1152/jn.00144.2013 (2013).

Mugler, E. M. et al. Differential representation of articulatory gestures and phonemes in precentral and inferior frontal gyri. J. Neurosci. 4653 , 1206–1218 (2018). The authors demonstrated that the ventral sensorimotor cortex , not Broca’s area in the inferior frontal gyrus, best represents speech-articulatory gestures.

Dichter, B. K., Breshears, J. D., Leonard, M. K. & Chang, E. F. The control of vocal pitch in human laryngeal motor cortex. Cell 174 , 21–31.e9 (2018). The authors uncovered the causal role of the dorsal laryngeal motor cortex in controlling vocal pitch through feedforward motor commands, as well as additional auditory properties.

Belyk, M., Eichert, N. & McGettigan, C. A dual larynx motor networks hypothesis. Philos. Trans. R. Soc. B 376 , 20200392 (2021).

Lu, J. et al. Neural control of lexical tone production in human laryngeal motor cortex. Nat. Commun. 14 , 6917 (2023).

Silva, A. B. et al. A neurosurgical functional dissection of the middle precentral gyrus during speech production. J. Neurosci. 42 , 8416–8426 (2022).

Itabashi, R. et al. Damage to the left precentral gyrus is associated with apraxia of speech in acute stroke. Stroke 47 , 31–36 (2016).

Chang, E. F. et al. Pure apraxia of speech after resection based in the posterior middle frontal gyrus. Neurosurgery 87 , E383–E389 (2020).

Levy, D. F. et al. Apraxia of speech with phonological alexia and agraphia following resection of the left middle precentral gyrus: illustrative case. J. Neurosurg. Case Lessons 5 , CASE22504 (2023).

Willett, F. R. et al. Hand knob area of premotor cortex represents the whole body in a compositional way. Cell 181 , 396–409.e26 (2020).

Stavisky, S. D. et al. Neural ensemble dynamics in dorsal motor cortex during speech in people with paralysis. eLife 8 , e46015 (2019). The authors demonstrated that, at single locations on the dorsal precentral gyrus (hand area), neurons are tuned to movements of each key speech articulator.

Venezia, J. H., Thurman, S. M., Richards, V. M. & Hickok, G. Hierarchy of speech-driven spectrotemporal receptive fields in human auditory cortex. NeuroImage 186 , 647–666 (2019).

Mesgarani, N., Cheung, C., Johnson, K. & Chang, E. F. Phonetic feature encoding in human superior temporal gyrus. Science 343 , 1006–1010 (2014).

Akbari, H., Khalighinejad, B., Herrero, J. L., Mehta, A. D. & Mesgarani, N. Towards reconstructing intelligible speech from the human auditory cortex. Sci. Rep. 9 , 874 (2019).

Pasley, B. N. et al. Reconstructing speech from human auditory cortex. PLOS Biol. 10 , e1001251 (2012).

Binder, J. R. The Wernicke area. Neurology 85 , 2170–2175 (2015).

Binder, J. R. Current controversies on Wernicke’s area and its role in language. Curr. Neurol. Neurosci. Rep. 17 , 58 (2017).

Martin, S. et al. Word pair classification during imagined speech using direct brain recordings. Sci. Rep. 6 , 25803 (2016).

Pei, X., Barbour, D., Leuthardt, E. C. & Schalk, G. Decoding vowels and consonants in spoken and imagined words using electrocorticographic signals in humans. J. Neural Eng. 8 , 046028 (2011).

Martin, S. et al. Decoding spectrotemporal features of overt and covert speech from the human cortex. Front. Neuroeng. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneng.2014.00014 (2014).

Proix, T. et al. Imagined speech can be decoded from low- and cross-frequency intracranial EEG features. Nat. Commun. 13 , 48 (2022).

Simanova, I., Hagoort, P., Oostenveld, R. & van Gerven, M. A. J. Modality-independent decoding of semantic information from the human brain. Cereb. Cortex 24 , 426–434 (2014).

Wandelt, S. K. et al. Online internal speech decoding from single neurons in a human participant. Preprint at medRxiv https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.11.02.22281775 (2022). The authors decoded neuronal activity from a microelectrode array in the supramarginal gyrus into a set of eight words while the participant in their study imagined speaking.

Acharya, A. B. & Maani, C. V. Conduction aphasia. StatPearls https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537006/ (StatPearls, 2023).

Price, C. J., Moore, C. J., Humphreys, G. W. & Wise, R. J. Segregating semantic from phonological processes during reading. J. Cogn. Neurosci. 9 , 727–733 (1997).

Huth, A. G., de Heer, W. A., Griffiths, T. L., Theunissen, F. E. & Gallant, J. L. Natural speech reveals the semantic maps that tile human cerebral cortex. Nature 532 , 453–458 (2016).

Tang, J., LeBel, A., Jain, S. & Huth, A. G. Semantic reconstruction of continuous language from non-invasive brain recordings. Nat. Neurosci. 26 , 858–866 (2023). The authors developed an approach to decode functional MRI activity during imagined speech into sentences with preserved semantic meaning, although word-by-word accuracy was limited.

Andrews, J. P. et al. Dissociation of Broca’s area from Broca’s aphasia in patients undergoing neurosurgical resections. J. Neurosurg . https://doi.org/10.3171/2022.6.JNS2297 (2022).

Mohr, J. P. et al. Broca aphasia: pathologic and clinical. Neurology 28 , 311–324 (1978).

Matchin, W. & Hickok, G. The cortical organization of syntax. Cereb. Cortex 30 , 1481–1498 (2020).

Chang, E. F., Kurteff, G. & Wilson, S. M. Selective interference with syntactic encoding during sentence production by direct electrocortical stimulation of the inferior frontal gyrus. J. Cogn. Neurosci. 30 , 411–420 (2018).

Thukral, A., Ershad, F., Enan, N., Rao, Z. & Yu, C. Soft ultrathin silicon electronics for soft neural interfaces: a review of recent advances of soft neural interfaces based on ultrathin silicon. IEEE Nanotechnol. Mag. 12 , 21–34 (2018).

Chow, M. S. M., Wu, S. L., Webb, S. E., Gluskin, K. & Yew, D. T. Functional magnetic resonance imaging and the brain: a brief review. World J. Radiol. 9 , 5–9 (2017).

Panachakel, J. T. & Ramakrishnan, A. G. Decoding covert speech from EEG — a comprehensive review. Front. Neurosci. 15 , 642251 (2021).

Lopez-Bernal, D., Balderas, D., Ponce, P. & Molina, A. A state-of-the-art review of EEG-based imagined speech decoding. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 16 , 867281 (2022).

Rabut, C. et al. A window to the brain: ultrasound imaging of human neural activity through a permanent acoustic window. Preprint at bioRxiv https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.06.14.544094 (2023).

Kwon, J., Shin, J. & Im, C.-H. Toward a compact hybrid brain–computer interface (BCI): performance evaluation of multi-class hybrid EEG-fNIRS BCIs with limited number of channels. PLOS ONE 15 , e0230491 (2020).

Wittevrongel, B. et al. Optically pumped magnetometers for practical MEG-based brain–computer interfacing. In Brain – Computer Interface Research: A State-of-the-Art Summary 10 (eds Guger, C., Allison, B. Z. & Gunduz, A.) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-79287-9_4 (Springer International, 2021).

Zheng, H. et al. The emergence of functional ultrasound for noninvasive brain–computer interface. Research 6 , 0200 (2023).

Fernández-de Thomas, R. J., Munakomi, S. & De Jesus, O. Craniotomy. StatPearls https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560922/ (StatPearls, 2024).

Parvizi, J. & Kastner, S. Promises and limitations of human intracranial electroencephalography. Nat. Neurosci. 21 , 474–483 (2018).

Rubin, D. B. et al. Interim safety profile from the feasibility study of the BrainGate Neural Interface system. Neurology 100 , e1177–e1192 (2023).

Guenther, F. H. et al. A wireless brain–machine interface for real-time speech synthesis. PLoS ONE 4 , e8218 (2009). The authors demonstrated above-chance online synthesis of formants, but not words or sentences, from neural activity recorded with an intracortical neurotrophic microelectrode in the precentral gyrus of an individual with anarthria.

Brumberg, J., Wright, E., Andreasen, D., Guenther, F. & Kennedy, P. Classification of intended phoneme production from chronic intracortical microelectrode recordings in speech motor cortex. Front. Neurosci . https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2011.00065 (2011). In a follow-up study to Guenther et al. (2009), the authors demonstrated the above-chance classification accuracy of phonemes.

Ray, S. & Maunsell, J. H. R. Different origins of gamma rhythm and high-gamma activity in macaque visual cortex. PLOS Biol. 9 , e1000610 (2011).

Ray, S., Crone, N. E., Niebur, E., Franaszczuk, P. J. & Hsiao, S. S. Neural correlates of high-gamma oscillations (60–200 Hz) in macaque local field potentials and their potential implications in electrocorticography. J. Neurosci. 28 , 11526–11536 (2008).

Crone, N. E., Boatman, D., Gordon, B. & Hao, L. Induced electrocorticographic gamma activity during auditory perception. Clin. Neurophysiol. 112 , 565–582 (2001).

Crone, N. E., Miglioretti, D. L., Gordon, B. & Lesser, R. P. Functional mapping of human sensorimotor cortex with electrocorticographic spectral analysis. II. Event-related synchronization gamma band. Brain 121 , 2301–2315 (1998).

Vakani, R. & Nair, D. R. in Handbook of Clinical Neurology Vol. 160 (eds Levin, K. H. & Chauvel, P.) Ch. 20, 313–327 (Elsevier, 2019).

Lee, A. T. et al. Modern intracranial electroencephalography for epilepsy localization with combined subdural grid and depth electrodes with low and improved hemorrhagic complication rates. J. Neurosurg. 1 , 1–7 (2022).

Nair, D. R. et al. Nine-year prospective efficacy and safety of brain-responsive neurostimulation for focal epilepsy. Neurology 95 , e1244–e1256 (2020).

Degenhart, A. D. et al. Histological evaluation of a chronically-implanted electrocorticographic electrode grid in a non-human primate. J. Neural Eng. 13 , 046019 (2016).

Silversmith, D. B. et al. Plug-and-play control of a brain–computer interface through neural map stabilization. Nat. Biotechnol. 39 , 326–335 (2021).

Luo, S. et al. Stable decoding from a speech BCI enables control for an individual with ALS without recalibration for 3 months. Adv. Sci. Weinh. Baden-Wurtt. Ger . https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202304853 (2023). The authors demonstrated stability of electrocorticography -based speech decoding in a person with dysarthria by showing that, despite not re-training a model over the course of months, performance did not drop off.

Nordhausen, C. T., Maynard, E. M. & Normann, R. A. Single unit recording capabilities of a 100 microelectrode array. Brain Res. 726 , 129–140 (1996).

Normann, R. A. & Fernandez, E. Clinical applications of penetrating neural interfaces and Utah Electrode Array technologies. J. Neural Eng. 13 , 061003 (2016).

Wilson, G. H. et al. Decoding spoken English from intracortical electrode arrays in dorsal precentral gyrus. J. Neural Eng. 17 , 066007 (2020).

Patel, P. R. et al. Utah array characterization and histological analysis of a multi-year implant in non-human primate motor and sensory cortices. J. Neural Eng. 20 , 014001 (2023).

Barrese, J. C. et al. Failure mode analysis of silicon-based intracortical microelectrode arrays in non-human primates. J. Neural Eng. 10 , 066014 (2013).

Woeppel, K. et al. Explant analysis of Utah electrode arrays implanted in human cortex for brain–computer-interfaces. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol . https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2021.759711 (2021).

Wilson, G. H. et al. Long-term unsupervised recalibration of cursor BCIs. Preprint at bioRxiv https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.02.03.527022 (2023).

Degenhart, A. D. et al. Stabilization of a brain–computer interface via the alignment of low-dimensional spaces of neural activity. Nat. Biomed. Eng. 4 , 672–685 (2020).

Karpowicz, B. M. et al. Stabilizing brain–computer interfaces through alignment of latent dynamics. Preprint at bioRxiv https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.04.06.487388 (2022).

Fan, C. et al. Plug-and-play stability for intracortical brain–computer interfaces: a one-year demonstration of seamless brain-to-text communication. Preprint at bioRxiv https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2311.03611 (2023).

Herff, C. et al. Brain-to-text: decoding spoken phrases from phone representations in the brain. Front. Neurosci . https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2015.00217 (2015). The authors demonstrated that sequences of phonemes can be decoded from cortical activity in able speakers and assembled into sentences using language models, albeit with high error rates on increased vocabulary sizes.

Mugler, E. M. et al. Direct classification of all American English phonemes using signals from functional speech motor cortex. J. Neural Eng. 11 , 035015 (2014). The authors demonstrated that all English phonemes can be decoded from cortical activity of able speakers.

Makin, J. G., Moses, D. A. & Chang, E. F. Machine translation of cortical activity to text with an encoder–decoder framework. Nat. Neurosci. 23 , 575–582 (2020). The authors developed a recurrent neural network -based approach to decode cortical activity from able speakers word-by-word into sentences, with word error rates as low as 3%.

Sun, P., Anumanchipalli, G. K. & Chang, E. F. Brain2Char: a deep architecture for decoding text from brain recordings. J. Neural Eng. 17 , 066015 (2020). The authors trained a recurrent neural network with connectionist temporal classification loss to decode cortical activity from able speakers into sequences of characters, which were then built into sentences using language models, achieving word error rates as low as 7% with an over 1,000-word vocabulary.

Anumanchipalli, G. K., Chartier, J. & Chang, E. F. Speech synthesis from neural decoding of spoken sentences. Nature 568 , 493–498 (2019). The authors developed a biomimetic approach to synthesize full sentences from cortical activity in able speakers: articulatory kinematics were first decoded from cortical activity and an acoustic waveform was subsequently synthesized from this intermediate representation.

Angrick, M. et al. Speech synthesis from ECoG using densely connected 3D convolutional neural networks. J. Neural Eng. 16 , 036019 (2019). The authors developed a neural-network-based approach to synthesize single words from cortical activity in able speakers.

Herff, C. et al. Generating natural, intelligible speech from brain activity in motor, premotor, and inferior frontal cortices. Front. Neurosci . https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2019.01267 (2019). The authors developed a concatenative speech-synthesis approach for single words in healthy speakers, tailored to limited-sized datasets.

Salari, E. et al. Classification of articulator movements and movement direction from sensorimotor cortex activity. Sci. Rep. 9 , 14165 (2019).

Salari, E., Freudenburg, Z. V., Vansteensel, M. J. & Ramsey, N. F. Classification of facial expressions for intended display of emotions using brain–computer interfaces. Ann. Neurol. 88 , 631–636 (2020).

Berezutskaya, J. et al. Direct speech reconstruction from sensorimotor brain activity with optimized deep learning models. Preprint at bioRxiv https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.08.02.502503 (2022).

Martin, S. et al. Decoding inner speech using electrocorticography: progress and challenges toward a speech prosthesis. Front. Neurosci . https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2018.00422 (2018).

Moses, D. A., Leonard, M. K., Makin, J. G. & Chang, E. F. Real-time decoding of question-and-answer speech dialogue using human cortical activity. Nat. Commun. 10 , 3096 (2019).

Ramsey, N. F. et al. Decoding spoken phonemes from sensorimotor cortex with high-density ECoG grids. NeuroImage 180 , 301–311 (2018).

Graves, A., Fernández, S., Gomez, F. & Schmidhuber, J. Connectionist temporal classification: labelling unsegmented sequence data with recurrent neural networks. In Proc. 23rd Int. Conf. Machine Learning — ICML ’06 https://doi.org/10.1145/1143844.1143891 (ACM Press, 2006).

Metzger, S. L. et al. Generalizable spelling using a speech neuroprosthesis in an individual with severe limb and vocal paralysis. Nat. Commun. 13 , 6510 (2022).

Pandarinath, C. et al. Latent factors and dynamics in motor cortex and their application to brain–machine interfaces. J. Neurosci. 38 , 9390–9401 (2018).

Parrell, B. & Houde, J. Modeling the role of sensory feedback in speech motor control and learning. J. Speech Lang. Hear. Res. 62 , 2963–2985 (2019).

Houde, J. & Nagarajan, S. Speech production as state feedback control. Front. Hum. Neurosci . https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2011.00082 (2011).

Sitaram, R. et al. Closed-loop brain training: the science of neurofeedback. Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 18 , 86–100 (2017).

Wairagkar, M., Hochberg, L. R., Brandman, D. M. & Stavisky, S. D. Synthesizing speech by decoding intracortical neural activity from dorsal motor cortex. In 2023 11th Int. IEEE/EMBS Conf. Neural Engineering ( NER ) https://doi.org/10.1109/NER52421.2023.10123880 (IEEE, 2023).

Casanova, E. et al. YourTTS: towards zero-shot multi-speaker TTS and zero-shot voice conversion for everyone. In Proc. 39th Int. Conf. Machine Learning (eds Chaudhuri, K. et al.) Vol. 162, 2709–2720 (PMLR, 2022).

Peters, B., O’Brien, K. & Fried-Oken, M. A recent survey of augmentative and alternative communication use and service delivery experiences of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the United States. Disabil. Rehabil. Assist. Technol. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2022.2149866  (2022).

Wu, P., Watanabe, S., Goldstein, L., Black, A. W. & Anumanchipalli, G. K. Deep speech synthesis from articulatory representations. In Proc. Interspeech 2022 , 779–783 (2022). https://doi.org/10.21437/Interspeech.2022-10892 .

Cho, C. J., Wu, P., Mohamed, A. & Anumanchipalli, G. K. Evidence of vocal tract articulation in self-supervised learning of speech. In ICASSP 2023 — 2023 IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing ( ICASSP ) (IEEE, 2023). https://doi.org/10.1109/icassp49357.2023.10094711 .

Mehrabian, A. Silent Messages: Implicit Communication of Emotions and Attitudes (Wadsworth, 1981).

Jia, J., Wang, X., Wu, Z., Cai, L. & Meng, H. Modeling the correlation between modality semantics and facial expressions. In Proc. 2012 Asia Pacific Signal and Information Processing Association Annual Summit and Conference 1–10 (2012).

Sumby, W. H. & Pollack, I. Visual contribution to speech intelligibility in noise. J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 26 , 212–215 (1954).

Branco, M. P. et al. Brain–computer interfaces for communication: preferences of individuals with locked-in syndrome. Neurorehabil. Neural Repair. 35 , 267–279 (2021).

Patterson, J. R. & Grabois, M. Locked-in syndrome: a review of 139 cases. Stroke 17 , 758–764 (1986).

Tomik, B. & Guiloff, R. J. Dysarthria in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a review. Amyotroph. Lateral Scler. 11 , 4–15 (2010).

Thomas, T. M. et al. Decoding articulatory and phonetic components of naturalistic continuous speech from the distributed language network. J. Neural Eng. 20 , 046030 (2023).

Flinker, A. et al. Redefining the role of Broca’s area in speech. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 112 , 2871–2875 (2015).

Cogan, G. B. et al. Sensory–motor transformations for speech occur bilaterally. Nature 507 , 94–98 (2014).

Rainey, S., Martin, S., Christen, A. & Mégevand, P. & Fourneret, E. Brain recording, mind-reading, and neurotechnology: ethical issues from consumer devices to brain-based speech decoding. Sci. Eng. Ethics 26 , 2295–2311 (2020).

Nip, I. & Roth, C. R. in Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology (eds Kreutzer, J., DeLuca, J. & Caplan, B.) (Springer International, 2017).

Xiong, W. et al. Toward human parity in conversational speech recognition. IEEEACM Trans. Audio Speech Lang. Process. 25 , 2410–2423 (2017).

Munteanu, C., Penn, G., Baecker, R., Toms, E. & James, D. Measuring the acceptable word error rate of machine-generated webcast transcripts. In Interspeech 2006 https://doi.org/10.21437/Interspeech.2006-40 (2006).

Panayotov, V., Chen, G., Povey, D. & Khudanpur, S. Librispeech: an ASR corpus based on public domain audio books. In 2015 IEEE Int. Conf. Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing ( ICASSP ) https://doi.org/10.1109/ICASSP.2015.7178964 (IEEE, 2015).

Godfrey, J. J., Holliman, E. C. & McDaniel, J. SWITCHBOARD: telephone speech corpus for research and development. In Proc. ICASSP- 92: 1992 IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing Vol. 1, 517–520 (1992).

OpenAI. GPT-4 Technical Report. Preprint at https://arxiv.org/abs/2303.08774 (2023).

Trnka, K., Yarrington, D., McCaw, J., McCoy, K. F. & Pennington, C. The effects of word prediction on communication rate for AAC. In Human Language Technologies 2007: The Conference of the North American Chapter of the Association for Computational Linguistics; Companion Volume, Short Papers 173–176 (Association for Computational Linguistics, 2007).

Venkatagiri, H. Effect of window size on rate of communication in a lexical prediction AAC system. Augment. Altern. Commun. 10 , 105–112 (1994).

Trnka, K., Mccaw, J., Mccoy, K. & Pennington, C. in Human Language Technologies 2007 173–176 (2008).

Kayte, S. N., Mal, M., Gaikwad, S. & Gawali, B. Performance evaluation of speech synthesis techniques for English language. In Proc. Int. Congress on Information and Communication Technology (eds Satapathy, S. C., Bhatt, Y. C., Joshi, A. & Mishra, D. K.) 253–262 https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-0755-2_27 (Springer, 2016).

Wagner, P. et al. Speech synthesis evaluation — state-of-the-art assessment and suggestion for a novel research program. In 10th ISCA Workshop on Speech Synthesis ( SSW 10) https://doi.org/10.21437/SSW.2019-19 (ISCA, 2019).

Kubichek, R. Mel-cepstral distance measure for objective speech quality assessment. In Proc. IEEE Pacific Rim Conf. Communications Computers and Signal Processing Vol. 1, 125–128 (1993).

Varshney, S., Farias, D., Brandman, D. M., Stavisky, S. D. & Miller, L. M. Using automatic speech recognition to measure the intelligibility of speech synthesized from brain signals. In 2023 11th Int. IEEE/EMBS Conf. Neural Engineering ( NER ) https://doi.org/10.1109/NER52421.2023.10123751 (IEEE, 2023).

Radford, A. et al. Robust speech recognition via large-scale weak supervision. Preprint at http://arxiv.org/abs/2212.04356 (2022).

Yates, A. J. Delayed auditory feedback. Psychol. Bull. 60 , 213–232 (1963).

Zanette, D. Statistical patterns in written language. Preprint at https://arxiv.org/abs/1412.3336v1 (2014).

Adolphs, S. & Schmitt, N. Lexical coverage of spoken discourse. Appl. Linguist. 24 , 425–438 (2003).

Laureys, S. et al. The locked-in syndrome: what is it like to be conscious but paralyzed and voiceless? in Progress in Brain Research Vol. 150 (ed. Laureys, S.) 495–611 (Elsevier, 2005).

Peters, B. et al. Brain–computer interface users speak up: the Virtual Users’ Forum at the 2013 International Brain–Computer Interface Meeting. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 96 , S33–S37 (2015).

Huggins, J. E., Wren, P. A. & Gruis, K. L. What would brain–computer interface users want? Opinions and priorities of potential users with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph. Lateral Scler. 12 , 318–324 (2011).

Kreuzberger, D., Kühl, N. & Hirschl, S. Machine learning operations (MLOps): overview, definition, and architecture. IEEE Access. 11 , 31866–31879 (2023).

Gordon, E. M. et al. A somato-cognitive action network alternates with effector regions in motor cortex. Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-05964-2 (2023).

Degenhart, A. D. et al. Remapping cortical modulation for electrocorticographic brain–computer interfaces: a somatotopy-based approach in individuals with upper-limb paralysis. J. Neural Eng. 15 , 026021 (2018).

Kikkert, S., Pfyffer, D., Verling, M., Freund, P. & Wenderoth, N. Finger somatotopy is preserved after tetraplegia but deteriorates over time. eLife 10 , e67713 (2021).

Bruurmijn, M. L. C. M., Pereboom, I. P. L., Vansteensel, M. J., Raemaekers, M. A. H. & Ramsey, N. F. Preservation of hand movement representation in the sensorimotor areas of amputees. Brain 140 , 3166–3178 (2017).

Guenther, F. H. Neural Control of Speech (MIT Press, 2016).

Castellucci, G. A., Kovach, C. K., Howard, M. A., Greenlee, J. D. W. & Long, M. A. A speech planning network for interactive language use. Nature 602 , 117–122 (2022).

Murphy, E. et al. The spatiotemporal dynamics of semantic integration in the human brain. Nat. Commun. 14 , 6336 (2023).

Ozker, M., Doyle, W., Devinsky, O. & Flinker, A. A cortical network processes auditory error signals during human speech production to maintain fluency. PLOS Biol. 20 , e3001493 (2022).

Quirarte, J. A. et al. Language supplementary motor area syndrome correlated with dynamic changes in perioperative task-based functional MRI activations: case report. J. Neurosurg. 134 , 1738–1742 (2020).

Bullock, L., Forseth, K. J., Woolnough, O., Rollo, P. S. & Tandon, N. Supplementary motor area in speech initiation: a large-scale intracranial EEG evaluation of stereotyped word articulation. Preprint at bioRxiv https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.04.04.535557 (2023).

Oby, E. R. et al. New neural activity patterns emerge with long-term learning. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 116 , 15210–15215 (2019).

Luu, T. P., Nakagome, S., He, Y. & Contreras-Vidal, J. L. Real-time EEG-based brain–computer interface to a virtual avatar enhances cortical involvement in human treadmill walking. Sci. Rep. 7 , 8895 (2017).

Alimardani, M. et al. Brain – Computer Interface and Motor Imagery Training: The Role of Visual Feedback and Embodiment . Evolving BCI Therapy — Engaging Brain State Dynamics https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.78695 (IntechOpen, 2018).

Orsborn, A. L. et al. Closed-loop decoder adaptation shapes neural plasticity for skillful neuroprosthetic control. Neuron 82 , 1380–1393 (2014).

Muller, L. et al. Thin-film, high-density micro-electrocorticographic decoding of a human cortical gyrus. In 2016 38th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society ( EMBC ) https://doi.org/10.1109/EMBC.2016.7591001 (2016).

Duraivel, S. et al. High-resolution neural recordings improve the accuracy of speech decoding. Nat. Commun. 14 , 6938 (2023).

Kaiju, T., Inoue, M., Hirata, M. & Suzuki, T. High-density mapping of primate digit representations with a 1152-channel µECoG array. J. Neural Eng. 18 , 036025 (2021).

Woods, V. et al. Long-term recording reliability of liquid crystal polymer µECoG arrays. J. Neural Eng. 15 , 066024 (2018).

Rachinskiy, I. et al. High-density, actively multiplexed µECoG array on reinforced silicone substrate. Front. Nanotechnol . https://doi.org/10.3389/fnano.2022.837328 (2022).

Sun, J. et al. Intraoperative microseizure detection using a high-density micro-electrocorticography electrode array. Brain Commun. 4 , fcac122 (2022).

Ho, E. et al. The layer 7 cortical interface: a scalable and minimally invasive brain–computer interface platform. Preprint at bioRxiv https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.01.02.474656 (2022).

Oxley, T. J. et al. Motor neuroprosthesis implanted with neurointerventional surgery improves capacity for activities of daily living tasks in severe paralysis: first in-human experience. J. NeuroIntervent. Surg. 13 , 102–108 (2021).

Chen, R., Canales, A. & Anikeeva, P. Neural recording and modulation technologies. Nat. Rev. Mater. 2 , 1–16 (2017).

Article   CAS   Google Scholar  

Hong, G. & Lieber, C. M. Novel electrode technologies for neural recordings. Nat. Rev. Neurosci. 20 , 330–345 (2019).

Sahasrabuddhe, K. et al. The Argo: a high channel count recording system for neural recording in vivo. J. Neural Eng. 18 , 015002 (2021).

Musk, E. & Neuralink. An integrated brain–machine interface platform with thousands of channels. J. Med. Internet Res. 21 , e16194 (2019).

Paulk, A. C. et al. Large-scale neural recordings with single neuron resolution using neuropixels probes in human cortex. Nat. Neurosci. 25 , 252–263 (2022).

Chung, J. E. et al. High-density single-unit human cortical recordings using the neuropixels probe. Neuron 110 , 2409–2421.e3 (2022).

Kingma, D. P. & Welling, M. An introduction to variational autoencoders. Found. Trends Mach. Learn. 12 , 307–392 (2019).

Schneider, S., Lee, J. H. & Mathis, M. W. Learnable latent embeddings for joint behavioural and neural analysis. Nature 617 , 360–368 (2023).

Liu, R. et al. Drop, swap, and generate: a self-supervised approach for generating neural activity. Preprint at http://arxiv.org/abs/2111.02338 (2021).

Cho, C. J., Chang, E. & Anumanchipalli, G. Neural latent aligner: cross-trial alignment for learning representations of complex, naturalistic neural data. In Proc. 40th Int. Conf. Machine Learning 5661–5676 (PMLR, 2023).

Keshtkaran, M. R. et al. A large-scale neural network training framework for generalized estimation of single-trial population dynamics. Nat. Methods 19 , 1572–1577 (2022).

Berezutskaya, J. et al. Direct speech reconstruction from sensorimotor brain activity with optimized deep learning models. J. Neural Eng. 20 , 056010 (2023).

Article   PubMed Central   Google Scholar  

Touvron, H. et al. LLaMA: Open and Efficient Foundation Language Models. Preprint at https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2302.13971 (2023).

Graves, A. Sequence transduction with recurrent neural networks. Preprint at https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.1211.3711 (2012).

Shi, Y. et al. Emformer: efficient memory transformer based acoustic model for low latency streaming speech recognition. Preprint at https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2010.10759 (2020).

Rapeaux, A. B. & Constandinou, T. G. Implantable brain machine interfaces: first-in-human studies, technology challenges and trends. Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 72 , 102–111 (2021).

Matsushita, K. et al. A fully implantable wireless ECoG 128-channel recording device for human brain–machine interfaces: W-HERBS. Front. Neurosci. 12 , 511 (2018).

Cajigas, I. et al. Implantable brain–computer interface for neuroprosthetic-enabled volitional hand grasp restoration in spinal cord injury. Brain Commun. 3 , fcab248 (2021).

Jarosiewicz, B. & Morrell, M. The RNS system: brain-responsive neurostimulation for the treatment of epilepsy. Expert Rev. Med. Dev. 18 , 129–138 (2021).

Lorach, H. et al. Walking naturally after spinal cord injury using a brain–spine interface. Nature 618 , 126–133 (2023).

Weiss, J. M., Gaunt, R. A., Franklin, R., Boninger, M. L. & Collinger, J. L. Demonstration of a portable intracortical brain–computer interface. Brain-Comput. Interfaces 6 , 106–117 (2019).

Kim, J. S., Kwon, S. U. & Lee, T. G. Pure dysarthria due to small cortical stroke. Neurology 60 , 1178–1180 (2003).

Urban, P. P. et al. Left-hemispheric dominance for articulation: a prospective study on acute ischaemic dysarthria at different localizations. Brain 129 , 767–777 (2006).

Wu, P. et al. Speaker-independent acoustic-to-articulatory speech inversion. Preprint at https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2302.06774 (2023).

Oppenheim, A. V., Schafer, R. W. & Schafer, R. W. Discrete-Time Signal Processing (Pearson, 2014).

Kim, J. W., Salamon, J., Li, P. & Bello, J. P. CREPE: a convolutional representation for pitch estimation. Preprint at https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.1802.06182 (2018).

Park, K. & Kim, J. g2pE. Github https://github.com/Kyubyong/g2p (2019).

Duffy, J. R. Motor Speech Disorders: Substrates, Differential Diagnosis, and Management (Elsevier Health Sciences, 2019).

Basilakos, A., Rorden, C., Bonilha, L., Moser, D. & Fridriksson, J. Patterns of poststroke brain damage that predict speech production errors in apraxia of speech and aphasia dissociate. Stroke 46 , 1561–1566 (2015).

Berthier, M. L. Poststroke aphasia: epidemiology, pathophysiology and treatment. Drugs Aging 22 , 163–182 (2005).

Wilson, S. M. et al. Recovery from aphasia in the first year after stroke. Brain 146 , 1021–1039 (2022).

Marzinske, M. Help for speech, language disorders. Mayo Clinic Health System https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/help-is-available-for-speech-and-language-disorders (2022).

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. CDC https://www.cdc.gov/als/WhatisALS.html (CDC, 2022).

Sokolov, A. Inner Speech and Thought (Springer Science & Business Media, 2012).

Alderson-Day, B. & Fernyhough, C. Inner speech: development, cognitive functions, phenomenology, and neurobiology. Psychol. Bull. 141 , 931–965 (2015).

Sankaran, N., Moses, D., Chiong, W. & Chang, E. F. Recommendations for promoting user agency in the design of speech neuroprostheses. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 17 , 1298129 (2023).

Sun, X. & Ye, B. The functional differentiation of brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) and its ethical implications. Humanit. Soc. Sci. Commun. 10 , 1–9 (2023).

Ienca, M., Haselager, P. & Emanuel, E. J. Brain leaks and consumer neurotechnology. Nat. Biotechnol. 36 , 805–810 (2018).

Yuste, R. Advocating for neurodata privacy and neurotechnology regulation. Nat. Protoc. 18 , 2869–2875 (2023).

Kamal, A. H. et al. A person-centered, registry-based learning health system for palliative care: a path to coproducing better outcomes, experience, value, and science. J. Palliat. Med. 21 , S-61 (2018).

Alford, J. The multiple facets of co-production: building on the work of Elinor Ostrom. Public. Manag. Rev. 16 , 299–316 (2014).

Institute of Medicine (US) Roundtable on Value & Science-Driven Health Care. Clinical Data as the Basic Staple of Health Learning: Creating and Protecting a Public Good: Workshop Summary (National Academies Press, 2011).

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors are incredibly grateful to the many people who enrolled in the aforedescribed studies. A.B.S. was supported by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders of the National Institutes of Health under award number F30DC021872. K.T.L. is supported by the National Science Foundation GRFP. J.R.L. and D.A.M. were supported by the National Institutes of Health grant U01 DC018671-01A1.

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA

Alexander B. Silva, Kaylo T. Littlejohn, Jessie R. Liu, David A. Moses & Edward F. Chang

Weill Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA

Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA

Kaylo T. Littlejohn

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Contributions

E.F.C. and A.B.S. researched data for the article and contributed substantially to discussion of the content. All authors wrote the article and reviewed and/or edited the manuscript before submission.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Edward F. Chang .

Ethics declarations

Competing interests.

D.A.M., J.R.L. and E.F.C. are inventors on a pending provisional UCSF patent application that is relevant to the neural-decoding approaches surveyed in this work. E.F.C. is an inventor on patent application PCT/US2020/028926, D.A.M. and E.F.C. are inventors on patent application PCT/US2020/043706 and E.F.C. is an inventor on patent US9905239B2, which are broadly relevant to the neural-decoding approaches surveyed in this work. EFC is co-founder of Echo Neurotechnologies, LLC. All other authors declare no competing interests.

Peer review

Peer review information.

Nature Reviews Neuroscience thanks Gregory Cogan, who co-reviewed with Suseendrakumar Duraivel; Marcel van Gerven; Christian Herff; and Cynthia Chestek for their contribution to the peer review of this work.

Additional information

Publisher’s note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Supplementary information

Supplementary information.

Speech-motor disorder referring to an inability to move the vocal-tract muscles to articulate speech.

A disorder of understanding or expressing language.

This is an instruction given to individuals with vocal-tract paralysis to attempt to speak the best they can, despite lack of the attempt being intelligible.

A speech-synthesis approach that relies on matching neural activity with discrete units of a speech waveform that are then concatenated together.

The pathway through which motor commands from the cortex reach the muscles of the vocal tract. At a high level, cortical motor neurons send axons via the corticobulbar tract which terminate in cranial nerve nuclei in the brainstem. Second-order motor neurons in the cranial nerve nuclei then send axons, that bundle and form cranial nerves, to innervate the muscles of the vocal tract.

The preferred resonating frequencies of the vocal tract that are critical for forming different vowel sounds.

Models that are trained to capture the statistical patterns of word occurrences in natural language.

This refers to a clinical condition in which a participant retains cognitive capacity but has limited voluntary motor function. Locked-in syndrome is a spectrum, ranging from fully locked in states (no residual voluntary motor function) to partially locked in states (some residual voluntary motor function such as head movements).

An attempt to move vocal-tract muscles without attempting to vocalize.

This area of the cortex is composed of the precentral and postcentral gyri, primarily responsible for motor control and sensation, respectively.

This is an instruction given to individuals with vocal-tract paralysis to attempt to speak the best they can, but without vocalizing.

The vocal-tract muscle groups that are important for producing (articulating) speech, including the lips, jaw, tongue and larynx.

The arrangement and structure of words to form coherent sentences.

An inability to contract and move the speech articulators, often caused by injury to descending motor-neuron tracts in the brainstem.

The law that generally proposes that the frequencies of items are inversely proportional to their ranks.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article.

Silva, A.B., Littlejohn, K.T., Liu, J.R. et al. The speech neuroprosthesis. Nat. Rev. Neurosci. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41583-024-00819-9

Download citation

Accepted : 12 April 2024

Published : 14 May 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1038/s41583-024-00819-9

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

Quick links

• Explore articles by subject
• Guide to authors
• Editorial policies

Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.