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Something that I have done in situations when I knew nobody and it was important to communicate and network was to practice "sound bites".
Pretend that someone just said to you, "tell me about yourself". Write down any phrases or points that come to mind. Think about your hobbies, jobs you have held, volunteering you've done, favorite movies or songs, exotic adventures, places you've traveled to, etc.
Now think - what was special about them? Whittle the ideas down into brief phrases/ideas and practice saying them out loud until they feel natural. I'm not saying to memorize and perform them like you're on stage, but have them in the back of your head to help if you start to draw blanks.
Here are some examples from my own life that I might have used as a freshman during rush (I don't remember much of what I did say during rush, but I remember being shy and forcing myself to listen well and not to prattle on and on):
- I love musical theater and performed in school plays every year since kindergarten. My favorite role was "Louisa" in "The Sound of Music", because I grew up seeing the movie every year on television.
- I worked at the town Recreation Department last summer, where I processed pool passes. It was pretty boring until my town's little league team was going to the World Series!
- I'm majoring in English and writing. I love to write, and while packing for college, I came across some poetry I wrote in sixth grade. It was fun to read how dramatic I was at that age. I hope to use my skills working at the campus newspaper here!
I hope this helps!! And don't forget to be a good listener!!
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