How to Introduce Yourself to Americans

Posted On: July 7, 2014

Subramanian Venkataraman Parthasarathy, an Indian who went to study in the US, introduced himself this way to his American classmates in the book Ketchup & Curry:Your Guide to Life and Success in America:

“I’m Subramanian Venkataraman Parthasarathy. My father is Dhandapani Sabapathy Parthasarathy and mother is Vyjayanthi Mala Parthasarathy. I have come here from India to get my master’s degree, Sir.”

While this introduction is perfectly acceptable in India, and may actually be considered very short in some parts of South India, let’s dissect this introduction line by line for a more American or Western (US, UK, Canada, Australia) approach.

How can I introduce myself to a US Citizen?

“I’m Subramanian Venkataraman Parthasarathy.”

1. Mentioning your name to start.

Do say your name in either of these statements:

I am NAME. / I’m NAME.

My name is NAME.

Do NOT say:

Myself NAME.
Saying this is grammatically incorrect. Saying this in the first few sentences could cause a not so good first impression. If you introduce yourself saying ‘myself’ eliminate this from your vocabulary immediately.

2. Suggest your own nickname.
In the book, the story goes that the professor later suggested to Subbu that he would be called Sam. While I feel it’s rude to force a name on others, Americans also should not typically follow this practice. Though it happens, the better thing for the professor to do would have been to ask,

“Your name is quite long. Is there a short form you’d prefer to go by?”

(Americans tend to ask requests as questions, not as statements.) To avoid this, say your full name then follow up with a suggested short form (as noted below).

“My father is Dhandapani Sabapathy Parthasarathy and mother is Vyjayanthi Mala Parthasarathy.”

Mentioning parents name
This is not done in US style introductions.

“I have come here from India to get my master’s degree, Sir.”

Mentioning where you are from
What Subbu said is fine. Do not be too specific, as those not from India will not know all the town or city names. If you use a town, city or state name, follow it up with a generic location of the country. For instance, Subbu could have also said, “I am from Chennai, South India.”

Use of Sir or Ma’am
Avoid such titles when speaking to professors or seniors. Find out their last name and call Mr. or Ms. followed by the last name if you don’t know how they would like to be called. Expect the person to correct you if you say the wrong name. If this is uncomfortable, avoid saying names.

For instance, you say, “I have come here to get my Master’s degree, Mr. Smith.”

Mr. Smith may say, “Thank you, Subbu. Feel free to call me Frank.”

So, what do Americans usually say for introductions in college classes?

One way to Americanize the greeting could be:
Hello. My name is Subramanian Venkataraman Parthasarathy, please call me Subbu for short. I am from Chennai, South India. I studied my bachelors in XYZ subject at ABC College. I am here in US College Name to study my Master’s in ABC subject.

Fill in the bold areas with your information. Take note:

If your Indian or foreign name is very long, use only two names, your first and last name. Follow this by practicing saying it slowly and enunciating it clearly or those listening will not hear you.

Suggest your nickname. Americans will typically ask you what to “call you for short” rather than suggest a short name (as done in the story).

If this introduction feels short or strange to you, invest time in practicing it. Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself and listen back. Ask for feedback from others, if possible. (Or hire a coach like me!!)

For more on the story of Subramanian Venkataraman Parthasarathy, a Chennai-born Indian foreign student in the US and how he learned to introduce himself, address and make small talk with friends, teachers, friend’s parents, colleagues and ‘seniors’, read Subbus’ advice in Ketchup & Curry by Vivek Sreedhar. US sales link. India sales link.

Author Jennifer Kumar is an American citizen who lived in India for 10 years and helped countless (over 3,500) Indian professionals prepare to work on virtual teams with US Citizens. I am happy to help you as well!

Related Posts:
Cultural Preparation – Learn by Doing
Make Small Talk with Americans

Updated April 2020