Networking & Career / Your Personal Introduction / Lesson 09

LESSON 09 · YOUR PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Answer "What Do You Do?" Calmly

Eighteen easy tips to answer What do you do? calmly, so a simple question becomes a friendly conversation.

Same question, new chance. Keep it light.

27 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

27 tips that really help

These ideas come from Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), How to Talk to Anyone (Leil Lowndes), The Charisma Myth (Olivia Fox Cabane), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Why this question matters

People ask this to start a chat, not to test you. Your answer is a doorway, so make it easy to walk through.

TRY THIS
Prepare it.

TIP 2

Answer in one clear sentence

Give a short answer first, like, I help small teams plan their projects. Then pause so they can ask more.

TRY THIS
Say one sentence.

TIP 3

Add one fun detail

A small detail, such as the best part of your job, makes the chat warmer. Keep it positive and short.

TRY THIS
Add one detail.

TIP 4

Skip the long history

Nobody needs your whole career in the first minute. Save the history for when they ask.

TRY THIS
Keep it short.

TIP 5

Prepare two versions

Have a short one and a longer one ready. Use the longer one only when the other person is curious.

TRY THIS
Write two versions.

TIP 6

Ask the question back

After your answer, say, and what about you? People love to talk about themselves.

TRY THIS
Ask back.

TIP 7

Be proud, not pushy

Say what you do with calm pride. Pride shows you care, while pushiness feels like a sale.

TRY THIS
Stay calm.

TIP 8

Use the answer to steer the chat

Mention something you enjoy talking about, so the conversation flows to a topic you like.

TRY THIS
Add a doorway.

TIP 9

Script: general

I help small teams plan their work so they feel less stressed. Say it brightly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 10

Script: between jobs

I am between jobs at the moment, and I am exploring work in design. Say it calmly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 11

Script: student

I am studying business and I am curious about marketing. Say it warmly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 12

Mistake: apologising for your job

Sorry, I just work in admin lowers you, so say it with pride and calm.

TRY THIS
Drop the just.

TIP 13

Mistake: answering with only a title

A title ends the chat, so add what you enjoy or who you help.

TRY THIS
Add more.

TIP 14

Mistake: talking for five minutes

Long answers lose people, so stop after thirty seconds and ask a question.

TRY THIS
Stop and ask.

TIP 15

Troubleshoot: when you do not have a job right now

Say what you are working on or looking for, such as exploring new roles, because it invites help.

TRY THIS
Say what you seek.

TIP 16

Troubleshoot: when you dislike your job

Talk about what you are learning or what you hope to do next. Keep it positive and honest.

TRY THIS
Look forward.

TIP 17

Drill: write your answer today

Write your answer in two sentences and read it aloud twice before an event.

TRY THIS
Write it.

TIP 18

Drill: answer it three ways

Answer for a friend, a boss and a stranger, and notice which tone suits each.

TRY THIS
Try three ways.

TIP 19

Answer with value, not a title

Instead of I am a manager, say I help a team of eight do their best work. Value interests people.

TRY THIS
Rewrite your answer.

TIP 20

Add a short story to the answer

A one-line story, like last week we saved a client, brings your work to life.

TRY THIS
Add one line.

TIP 21

Ask a question that matches your answer

If you say you help families, ask, do you have kids? It connects the topic.

TRY THIS
Link a question.

TIP 22

Keep it light in social settings

At a party, skip long details and keep it friendly. Save the details for a work chat.

TRY THIS
Keep it light.

TIP 23

Example: the retired teacher

I used to teach history, now I write stories for children. The listener asked for the book list.

TRY THIS
Write your own.

TIP 24

Example: the career changer

I used to work in banks, and now I help people learn money skills. It sounds fresh and clear.

TRY THIS
Write your own.

TIP 25

Mistake: apologising for being new

Say what you are learning, not what you lack. Curiosity is attractive.

TRY THIS
Show curiosity.

TIP 26

Troubleshoot: when you dislike your job

Talk about the part you enjoy or what you are building next. Honest and positive.

TRY THIS
Pick the bright side.

TIP 27

Drill: answer the question in three lengths

Write a five-word, a fifteen-word and a thirty-word answer. Use each in the right setting.

TRY THIS
Write all three.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.

ANSWER

“I help people with this.”

DETAIL

“It is a mix of this and that.”

FUN

“The fun part is this.”

ASK

“And you, what do you do?”

SHORT

“The short answer is this.”

CLOSE

“It was great to chat.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Write your answer

DAY 2
Add one fun detail

DAY 3
Practise it

DAY 4
Say it with a smile

DAY 5
Ask back

DAY 6
Listen

DAY 7
Follow up

Further reading

• Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
• How to Talk to Anyone (Leil Lowndes)
• The Charisma Myth (Olivia Fox Cabane)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.