<ul><li>Be true to yourself: Instead of conforming to societal expectations, embrace and express your true interests and passions when introducing yourself.</li><li>Take risks: Don't be afraid to share your passions and interests with others, even if it means facing potential criticism or rejection.</li><li>Seek like-minded individuals: Surround yourself with people who appreciate and share your passions, as they are more likely to become true friends.</li></ul>

Actionable Insights

<ul><li>Your introduction should go beyond your job title: Instead, use it as an opportunity to express your true passions and interests.</li><li>Authenticity attracts genuine connections: By being honest and true to yourself, you will attract like-minded individuals who appreciate and value your uniqueness.</li><li>Rejection is a necessary part of finding true friends: Embrace the possibility of being rejected by those who don't appreciate your true self, as it paves the way for finding genuine and fulfilling friendships.</li></ul>

Key Takeaways

<ul><li>Recognize the importance of being true to yourself in introductions and social interactions.</li><li>Overcome the fear of rejection by understanding that authenticity attracts genuine connections.</li><li>Embrace the power of shared passions in building meaningful relationships.</li><li>Prioritize genuine connections over fitting in with societal norms.</li><li>Find joy in being yourself and openly sharing your passions with others.</li></ul>

Learning Outcomes

<ul><li>The speaker questions why job titles are the primary way people introduce themselves.</li><li>He reflects on his childhood introductions where he expressed his true interests and passions.</li><li>In high school and college, he felt the need to conform and present safer introductions to fit in.</li><li>Eventually, he realizes the value of being honest and true to oneself, attracting like-minded friends.</li><li>The speaker encourages people to embrace their passions and be unafraid of rejection, concluding with his own introduction: "Hello, my name is Kevin Bahler, and I love it when people are truly happy."</li></ul>

How to introduce yourself | Kevin Bahler

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. How you introduce yourself is usually the weakest explanation of who you really are. grant writer, Allentown Symphony Association About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

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This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. How you introduce yourself is usually the weakest explanation of who you really are.

grant writer, Allentown Symphony Association

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

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