Buzz
Hi, I’m Inigo Montoya, part of the business development team downstairs. Would you be interested in hearing some ideas over lunch?
Ally McLean, the CEO behind the mentorship initiative The Working Lunch, crafted a smart mnemonic for self-introductions, drawing inspiration from the noble swordsman in The Princess Bride.
To introduce yourself with greater confidence and impact, take a cue from Inigo Montoya’s iconic line in The Princess Bride: “Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” These three sentences allow Inigo to:
Greets his new contact
Names himself
Explains how he and his contact are connected
Sets the tone and purpose of the encounter
Whenever you introduce yourself, whether in person, via email, or on a call, follow the same approach. If phone calls or meeting new people make you uneasy, having a prepared opening line that addresses these four points can be incredibly useful.
This method is effective in professional scenarios:
Hi, this is Nick! I’m with Mytour, the how-to website. I’m currently working on an article about becoming a rodeo clown. I came across your work at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo in a video and would love to hear your insights.
It also works well in casual settings:
Hi, I’m Norm, a regular at this place. I don’t think I’ve seen you here before—can I get you a drink?
Usually, this kind of thing is straightforward. It’s especially handy when you’re nervous, in unfamiliar or overwhelming situations, and you blank on the basics. It even works in a room full of strangers, as long as you have some reason to be there with them.
The Working Lunch is a mentorship initiative supporting underrepresented individuals in the gaming and tech sectors across Australia and New Zealand. McLean shared the Inigo Montoya tip during a Working Lunch presentation and posted the slide from her now-private account. It resurfaces online every few months, often without credit. So, the next time you see it, you’ll know its origin: a true networking expert.
