How do you introduce yourself?

Long story short: I visited my high school today (I am on break from college) and ran into some people I knew. I drew up a blank on how to introduce myself... and it obviously ended up in an awkward exchange.

Saying hi is one of the toughest things I find to do.

My question for you is how do you introduce yourself or say hi?

I agree that saying hi is one of the toughest things to do and I really abhor doing so, especially since I never really know how to approach people and usually end up getting caught in awkward exchanges.

In your situation where you went back to your old school and reunited with people you knew, I would have said something like "Hey, do you remember me?" or "Hey, how have you been?", or anything else along the lines of that.

In a situation where I have to introduce myself to strangers, I would simply say "Hi, I'm *name*" and then offer my hand to shake (if I don't get too nervous that is...)

I don't know if this will help since some of the strategies given here are a bit difficult for people with social anxiety to execute, but it's worth a shot. Hope it helps a little if any:

How to Introduce Yourself

I don't introduce myself. When I was in university I was mostly quiet and didn't get to know people in my classes, but there were a few people I talked to. Every time somebody would start talking to me I was afraid to introduce myself. I always hoped the other person would do it first. Somehow it was so difficult to just say, "So my name's Amanda, by the way." And the more times I talked with somebody, the worse it got. There was one girl I talked with in class who introduced herself after a little while but then I couldn't remember if she had said Jennifer or just Jen so I couldn't even call her by name. Her boyfriend was in the class too but he wasn't there that day and I didn't exactly want to ask, "So what's your boyfriend's name?" That would have sounded weird. And there was a guy that talked to me in class a few times who I ended up having a huge crush on and I could not introduce myself. I was too nervous and awkward to ever even start a conversation. I only found out his name because I overheard when other people were talking to him and when our teacher was handing back tests.

Yeh, especially new guys at work, I always feel like I give them the impression of ignorance and uncaring.

I feel awkward when I try to say something and couldn't get to what I want to say or can't seem to find the perfect time to ask/say it.

In uni, I suffer what you guys get, and I sometimes make an even worse impression of being ignorant to many people. Some people understand, but they are usually the social butterflies, as they are used to dealing with different people.

Hi, I'm [name] - usually offer a hand to shake. That's it

First: say to yourself: no one knows I am shy, They think I'm an interesting person and I just Imagine rejection. No one is rejecting me.

second, an opener: Hi, Hey my name is.... Hi everyone....

Third, Ask questions to yourself: What do I like? What do I do? Where am I from? say it.

Finally: a small conclusion: That's it and a smile.

I actually do okay here. I just look the person straight in the eye and offer a handshake, and say Hi/Hey/Good to meet you my name is [NAME]. After that I don't know what to do.

Saw on telly; Oz Prime Minister going up to flood victims and simply saying "Hello. I'm Julia". That was curious and nice

Hello there

Usually after someone introduces themselves to me.

Usually what happens is someone will introduce themselves to me and ask me my name, and then I'll mumble so they have to ask me to repeat myself, and then they extend their hand, and I stare at them in confusion before realising I'm supposed to shake their hand... lol
And I rarely say hi, only after they say hi first. (I need to work on that...)

Not very well.

I will alternate. Hate to be the same all the time. Hi, okay once in a while. Welcome, alright.

Try something new.