Have you ever hesitated to introduce yourself to someone or join a group conversation? It’s a tricky situation, isn’t it? You don’t want to come off as intrusive, but at the same time, you want to be bold enough to connect.

I recently had an experience that reminded me just how critical the how of introductions is, and I think it might resonate with you.

The Encounter

Picture this: I was in a studio, having a meaningful conversation with Aliyah, an incredible person who helps run the facility. We were deep in discussion about how we could use our respective businesses to make a positive impact.

Out of nowhere, someone approached us—a well-dressed man with a warm smile and a bag of food. He politely apologized for interrupting, introduced himself, and assumed we were part of the group he had just walked in with. He was confident, charming even, but there was one major flaw in his approach: he didn’t ask a single question about us or what we were discussing.

The Missing Ingredient

As he spoke, it became clear that his focus was on his goals and purpose. While I admired his courage to approach us, he missed one fundamental rule of communication: leading with curiosity.

Curiosity is the key to unlocking meaningful connections. When someone interrupts or joins a conversation without showing interest in what’s already happening, they risk alienating the people they’re trying to engage.

By not asking about our discussion or how he could contribute, he inadvertently derailed the moment. While Aliyah and I stayed polite, we couldn’t help but feel a bit of relief when the interaction ended.

Why Curiosity Matters

When you lead with curiosity, you’re telling others: I see you. I value your thoughts. I want to learn from you. This creates an immediate sense of connection and trust, paving the way for genuine rapport.

Imagine if this gentleman had approached us differently:

• Instead of diving into his introduction, he could’ve asked, “What are you two discussing? It sounds interesting!”

• He could’ve expressed a desire to contribute, saying, “I don’t want to interrupt, but I’d love to hear more if you’re open to sharing.”

These small shifts in approach would’ve made all the difference.

How to Lead with Curiosity

Whether you’re introducing yourself at work, networking, or meeting new friends, here are three actionable tips to keep in mind:

1. Ask Before You Share: Start by asking about the other person or group. People are naturally more open when they feel heard.

2. Observe and Adapt: Pay attention to the conversation’s flow. Look for ways to add value instead of redirecting the focus to yourself.

3. Be Bold but Humble: It takes courage to join a conversation, but humility will make your approach feel authentic and engaging.

Embracing Imperfection

Let’s give credit where it’s due: The man in my story was bold enough to try, and that’s something I respect deeply. Communication, like any skill, takes practice. None of us get it right every time, and that’s okay.

If you’re nervous about making mistakes, remember that showing up is half the battle. And if you lead with curiosity, you’ll already be ahead of the game.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re looking to master the art of communication and make lasting impressions, I invite you to join the Impact Leaders Circle. This is where empathetic professionals like you can transform your natural gifts into influential power. You’ll even gain access to our Communication Mastery course, packed with tools to elevate your skills.

Let’s keep learning, growing, and connecting.

Check out the video version here: