TED Talks Daily: How to Introduce Yourself — and Get Hired | Rebecca Okamoto

Date: January 7, 2026
Speaker: Rebecca Okamoto
Host: Elise Hu

Overview

This episode features communication expert Rebecca Okamoto sharing actionable advice on crafting powerful, concise self-introductions that open doors to career opportunities. Through personal stories, research, and practical frameworks, Okamoto explains how to introduce yourself in 20 words or less, shifting the focus from simply listing credentials to instantly engaging your audience with what you can do for them.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The High Stakes of First Impressions

• First impressions can shape your entire career trajectory.
  Okamoto opens with an anecdote about bombing an interview because she focused on her qualifications and accomplishments rather than what she could offer the interviewer.
• “It doesn’t matter how smart you are…if you can’t capture someone’s attention.” (Rebecca Okamoto, 04:36)

The Wake-Up Call

• After being rejected in just five minutes for not delivering a compelling introduction, Okamoto reevaluated everything she knew about self-presentation.
• She spent months studying “the science of first impressions” and “viral headlines,” searching for a formula that actually works.
• Success story: With a new approach, she secured a consulting role in one coffee meeting with a single sentence introduction.
  • “The only thing different between success and failure…was my introduction.” (Rebecca Okamoto, 06:28)

Common Pitfalls: “About Me” vs “About You” Introductions

• Most people default to talking about their own history or accolades (“About Me”) rather than quickly conveying what benefit they provide to others (“About You”).
• Illustration:
  • About Me: “I’m an award-winning best-selling authority.”
  • About You: “I help new authors get published faster.”
  • “One describes me, the other describes what I can do for you. Can you hear the difference?” (Rebecca Okamoto, 08:27)

Two Secrets to a Compelling Introduction

1. Think Sound Bite, Not Data Dump

   • Modern audiences have a "shorter attention span than a goldfish."
   • Aim for a 20-word introduction that sparks curiosity.

2. Frame What You Do as a Benefit

   • Emphasize how you solve problems or create value for your audience.
   • “Don’t talk about yourself. Instead, explain what you can do for them.” (Rebecca Okamoto, 07:45)

Five Frameworks for a Perfect 20-Word Introduction

Rebecca outlines five adaptable formulas, with concrete examples:

1. About-You Introduction

• Formula: I help [target audience] achieve [desired benefit].
• Example:
  • “I help worried job hunters confidently explain why they’re the ideal candidate to hire.”
    (Rebecca Okamoto, 09:13)

2. Breakthrough Introduction (with ‘without’)

• Formula: I help [target audience] achieve [benefit] without [negative consequence].
• Example:
  • “I help established brands in competitive markets rapidly reach new audiences without increasing marketing spend.”
    (Rebecca Okamoto, 09:54)
• The word without highlights your unique value.

3. Passion-Based Introduction

• Formula: I’m passionate about [something you value] to achieve [benefit for audience].
• Example:
  • “I’m passionate about helping people in need and creating opportunities that change lives.”
    (Rebecca Okamoto, 10:46)

4. Strength-Based Introduction

• Formula: I’m known for my [strength] to achieve [audience benefit].
• Example:
  • “I’m known for my critical thinking and turning information into actionable insights.”
    (Rebecca Okamoto, 11:06)

5. Mission-Based Introduction

• Formula: I’m on a mission to [achieve goal that serves your audience].
• Example:
  • “I’m on a mission to bridge the healthcare divide and make a lasting difference for vulnerable communities." (Rebecca Okamoto, 11:20)

“There are multiple ways of getting people to say ‘tell me more.’”
(Rebecca Okamoto, 11:57)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On failure and transformation:
  • “It wasn’t me. It was my introduction.” (Rebecca Okamoto, 06:09)
• On audience focus:
  • “A benefit answers your listener's question: how will my life be different?” (Rebecca Okamoto, 09:22)
• On overcoming self-doubt:
  • “What if the best way to describe you is impressive, not imposter?” (Rebecca Okamoto, 12:09)
• Encouragement to listeners:
  • “Before you buy into your inner critic’s narrative, let me challenge you: What if that voice inside your head is wrong?” (Rebecca Okamoto, 12:05)

Action Steps & Final Thoughts

• Try out the five introduction styles and use what fits your audience and context best—they’re meant to be mixed and tailored.
• Embrace a mindset shift: if you’re struggling to be seen or heard, start by changing your introduction.

“What if you are good enough and smart enough? What if the only thing between you and being seen, heard, and recognized is your introduction in 20 words?”
(Rebecca Okamoto, 12:31)

Useful Timestamps

• 03:20 — The perils of a bad introduction; Okamoto’s interview story
• 06:09 — The turning point: “It wasn’t me. It was my introduction.”
• 07:23 — Research journey: studying first impressions
• 08:27 — “About Me” vs “About You” explanations
• 09:13 - 11:20 — The five frameworks for crisp introductions
• 12:05 - 12:49 — Overcoming the inner critic and concluding thoughts

This episode empowers listeners to rethink how they present themselves—shifting from self-focus to audience impact—and arms them with memorable, concrete frameworks for introductions that get results.