(How) should you introduce yourself?

Question

What's the best way to introduce yourself to strangers in a public place? I'm talking mainly about coffee shops. If a group of people are talking about something you have an interest in, is it rude to jump in? What about introducing yourself to someone who's alone? Is that more rude than bothering strangers, or is it better? (Is it better to interrupt someone's solitude or a group of people enjoying each other's company?)

Answer 1

well, if it is a group, and u know something about what they are talking about, i dont see any harm in jumping in and talking...let the conversation flow and then eventually just introduce urself...they will probably ask first, and if they dont, u go first...no harm done...

if it is one person...this could be harder...they might want to be alone...but if they are in a coffee house, what do they expect...i mean usually ppl in coffee shops are friendly...they shouldnt mind, and if they arent doing anything, go up and introduce urself...

personally, i would rather go w/ one person b/c then we can concentrate on eachother and have a good time talking...

Answer 2

I Think that it all depends.
if you want to join a group of people in a public place,
be sure you are honest about lyour motives..

did you overhear the topic and really want to be a part of it?
Or are you attracted to a person in the group?
IF that is the case, be careful not to interupt a meeting, for your own purpose and cause distraction, as that will not make you very popular and you may defeat your own purpose.

If you remember anything ,whether it is one on one, or you are comfortable enought to jump in and introduce yourself ,, pay attention to "body language,".. IF they look at you like you are wearing two different shoes, then back off, and try again another time, and place.after all, there is lmore lthan one way to skin a cat, cook a chicken, or be discovered.

good luck

Answer 3

Concerning someone sitting alone: If they look perfectly content, then you'd probably be better off to just leave them be. but, if they're kinda looking around, staring at their cup of coffee, mochachino, whatever, and they look like they could use some company, why not give them some?

Concerning groups of people: Do you have knowledge concerning their topic of conversation that they would find interesting??? Do you want to learn about what they're talking about??? If you could, in some way, add to the conversation or benefit, why not go for it? But, if you're just bored or are in the mood for a debate, you may not want to do that.

Just my personal feelings concerning this issue.

Answer 4

I typically just jump right into the conversation, and nobody has ever seemed to mind before. I do not really like talking to people who are alone, because I can never tell if they are possibly waiting on somebody- and I would never bother somebody who seemed to be studying or something of that nature.
So, I would say it is better, and usually more fun in big group discussions.
Annnddd...you're super cute!! hahah

Answer 5

If I find something ammusing or have useful input, I always interrupt people. I am just a really friendly person though. They never mind... it always ends up in nice conversation and a few laughs. Feel free to jump in and then if they are nice, introduce yourself. :) Dont worry so much

Answer 6

if you are introducing your self to somebody that is by them selves.
1)blankly ask a simple question yet one that almost any one would have an opinion about.
ex/ aren't you getting sick of the gas prices?
2)talk about your question for awhile then ask others, and let them have a chance to ask some to
3)eventually one of you will end up asking names or other stuff, what do you do for a living? stuf like that

i can not guarantee that this will work but i can assure you that you will have either a short (a couple of questions) or long have a long one (something that leads to questions about more personal things)

but if it is a group of people, then just ask and say
"excuse me i dont mean to interupt ,but then say something interesting about what they are saying, theb they will either block you out of the conversation or let you join in

Answer 7

IT WOULD BE LESS AWKWARD if you just subtly join the conversation, maybe laugh at someones else's joke first. Don't be to anxious, then you will seem weird and no one will want to talk to you. BE CALM. I wouldn't just walk up to someone and introduce myself unless you were at a business party or special affair. Just smile when something is funny and don't if it's not. You don't want to make a spectacle of yourself. BUT DON"T BE SHY EITHER!!!! Social skills are something you either have or don't have. Your just going to learn to read people and roll with it!!!!!!!

Answer 8

Jump into a group converstion that is of interest to you. That way you can speak the lingo and generate their interest in you as a person and what you have to contribute to the conversation. Start with-" I'm sorry but I couldn't help overhearing..."

Answer 9

I find smiling and saying, "I hope I am not bothering, but I find the topic on which your speaking to be facinating, may I join you?" or if a person is alone offering them a seat breaks the ice. My favorite stranger introduction was in Memphis when the young man said, "I love your smile, and you have been shopping. May I see what you got?" We ended up spending the whole day and night together.

Answer 10

Say your opinion first, and see the result, then introduce yourself. Just in case you got a hostile reception, run away, and they still don't know you. Seriously, particularly religion and political situation in Lebanon.