Get to Know Me Slides Expanded Informative
Get to Know Me
A Professional Workshop on Social Connection
Why Social Skills Matter
Community
Knowing people in your neighborhood and workplace makes you feel safer and more at home.
Networking
Finding "Common Ground" is how we turn strangers into acquaintances and acquaintances into friends.
Independence
Strong social skills give you the confidence to visit new places and meet new people on your own.
The "Social Snapshot"
1. The Greeting
"Hello, I'm [Name]. It's good to meet you."
2. The Context
"I'm here today because I'm interested in [Topic]."
3. The Bridge
"What brings you here today?"
Tip: A great introduction is short—about 20 seconds!
Listening with Your Whole Body
Eyes
Looking toward the speaker shows they have your full attention.
Affirmation
Occasional nodding or saying "I see" tells the speaker you are following along.
Processing
Thinking about the speaker's words before you decide what to say next.
Professional Boundaries
Physical Space
The "Arm's Length" Rule
Standing about an arm's length away keeps everyone feeling comfortable and safe.
Voice Level
Check the Room
Observe others. If they speak quietly, match their level. Avoid being the loudest person in the group.
Topic Selection
Public vs. Private
Share hobbies and movies (public). Keep health, money, or home addresses private in new groups.
Take Turns
The 50/50 Rule
Try to listen as much as you speak. If you've been talking for a while, ask a question.
The Art of Curiosity
Thoughtful Starters:
"What do you enjoy doing in your free time?"
"That's interesting. Can you tell me more about how you did that?"
"What is your favorite thing about [Topic]?"
The "Follow-Up" Rule:
When someone answers your question, ask a second question about their specific answer. This shows you were truly listening!
Example:
Friend: "I really like watching cooking shows."
You: "Oh! What's the best thing you've learned to cook?"
Reading the Room
Is the other person ready to end the conversation? Look for these signs:
They are pointing their body or feet toward the door.
They are checking the time or their phone frequently.
They are giving very short answers (like "Yeah" or "Maybe").
They are looking around the room instead of at you.
If you see these signs, it's a great time to use your "Exit Script!"
The Graceful Exit
1
Wait for a pause in the conversation.
2
Give a friendly reason for leaving.
3
Wish them a good day and use their name.
Try this script:
"Well, I'm going to head over and [Action/Goal] now. It was great talking with you, [Name]! Have a nice day."
Phase 1: Build Your Profile
1. Identify Interests
Choose three things you are proud of or enjoy doing. These are your "Ice Breakers."
2. Plan Your Question
Think of a question you would feel comfortable asking anyone in the room today.
Phase 2: The Connection Grid
The Activity:
Explore the room and find people who share the traits on your grid.
Goal:
Fill your grid while practicing your Introduction and Exit scripts.
Checklist:
- Introduce yourself clearly.
- Ask a follow-up question.
- Record the connection name.
- End the talk with an exit script.
Workshop Reflection
"What is one thing you learned today that you can use the next time you go somewhere new?"
Real-World Mission:
In the next week, practice a "Social Snapshot" introduction with someone you don't know well.
Get to Know Me Facilitator Guide
Get to Know Me Guide
Adult Social Skills Facilitation
Mission Briefing
This lesson builds social confidence for adults through sophisticated networking skills: identifying shared interests, reading subtle social cues, maintaining boundaries, and exiting conversations professionally.
Core Learning Objectives
- Three-part introduction strategy.
- Public vs. Private topic choice.
- Identifying exit cues in others.
- Execution of graceful exit scripts.
Toolkit
- Expanded Slides
- Profile Worksheets
- Connection Grids
Target Time
75 Mins
Lesson Progression
1
Introductions & Snapshot (15 Mins)
Use Slides 1-3. Focus on the Social Snapshot script. Model "clunky" vs "smooth" introductions. Practice the greeting with a "turn and talk."
2
Advanced Skills Core (25 Mins)
Use Slides 4-8. Key Topics: Boundary management, the "Follow-up Rule," and social cue reading. Have staff act out looking at watches/phones for students to "spot the sign."
3
Activity & Reflection (35 Mins)
Students fill out Profiles (Slide 9), then launch the Connection Grid (Slide 10). Use a chime every 4 minutes to signal rotations. Remind students to use their Exit Scripts.
Support & Professionalism
Facilitation Prompts
- • Silent Modeling: Demonstrate the "Social Pause"—2 seconds of silence—as a way to check if a partner is done speaking.
- • Anchor Cards: Print the "Snapshot" and "Exit" scripts on small index cards for students to keep in their pockets.
Boundary Coaching
- • The Steering Wheel: If topics get too personal, use a "steering" gesture to guide back to community topics (hobbies/work).
- • Floor Markers: Use tape or rugs to physically demonstrate the "Arm's Length" boundary until it becomes a habit.
Respectful Professionalism Standards
Tone Check Avoid "teacher voice." Treat the session like a professional mixer. Use mature vocabulary (e.g., "Networking," "Professional Connection," "Community Engagement").
Dignity of Choice Respect a student's right to decline participation or take a "Social Break." The exit script is a tool for autonomy, not just a rule for compliance.
Get to Know Me Profile Revised
Get to Know Me Profile
Adult Social Skills • Community Connection
Member Name:
Date:
My "Social Snapshot" Detail
Write one interesting thing about yourself that you'd like to share as a conversation starter.
Core Interests & Details
Favorite Show or Movie:
Favorite Type of Music:
A Local Spot I Enjoy Visiting:
Favorite Weekend Activity:
A Hobby or Skill I'm Proud Of:
A Goal I'm Working Toward:
My Curiosity Questions
Q1: A question about someone's hobbies...
Q2: A question about someone's favorite food or place...
Profile Ready!
Use these details during the networking activity to find people with shared interests.
Get to Know Me Profile Revised
Get to Know Me Profile
Adult Social Skills • Professional Workshop
Name:
Date:
My "Social Snapshot" Detail
Write one interesting thing about yourself that you'd like to share when you introduce yourself.
Core Interests & Details
Favorite Show or Movie:
Favorite Type of Music:
A Local Spot I Enjoy Visiting:
Favorite Weekend Activity:
A Hobby I'm Proud Of:
A Goal I'm Working Toward:
Preparation: My Curiosity Questions
Think of two topics you want to ask people about today (like hobbies, movies, or favorite places). Then, write your full question below.
Question #1 Topic: ________________________
"
?"
Question #2 Topic: ________________________
"
?"
Profile Ready
Use these details during the networking activity to find people with shared interests.
