New job is making me stand in front of the entire department and say a 'fun fact' about myself - AIBU?

[thisisnotforme]

I started a new job recently, I've mainly been working remotely so have only met a handful of colleagues.

There is a big departmental in-person meeting next week, I am already dreading going to it because I'm really nervous to meet people in real life, even though I have been speaking to them on Teams I'm still nervous.

Today I got an email that they are going to use that meeting to introduce me to the team and they want to stand up in front of everyone and say a fun fact about myself.

I'm really shy and this is literally my worst nightmare.

[Georgist]

@CounsellorTroi

I can play the flute"

I’d be worried about this in case I was ever asked to demonstrate!

Tell them your favourite piece is 4:33 by John Cage!

[BasiliskStare]

@PennineWayinSlingbacks - It 's unlikely - but if ever I am made to say a fun fact I may borrow - I know someone whose ancestor was was imprisoned for trying to impregnate a cow. - No Names - no pack drill - but a very funny story


Of course I will not use it but it made me laugh

[DadDadDad]

Tell them your favourite piece is 4:33 by John Cage!

I thought that was a piano piece. Is there a version for flute?

[ilovesooty]

@TheKeatingFive

I've never understood why people get so worked up about this stuff. Just say something innocuous and get on with your life.

Same here. I certainly don't think it's worth drawing attention to oneself by refusing or making a big deal of it.

[Butchyrestingface]

"I'm really shy and this is literally my worst nightmare."

That is literally what I would stand up and say. Show management up for the cunts they are.

[Polkadots2021]

@thisisnotforme

I started a new job recently, I've mainly been working remotely so have only met a handful of colleagues.

There is a big departmental in-person meeting next week, I am already dreading going to it because I'm really nervous to meet people in real life, even though I have been speaking to them on Teams I'm still nervous.

Today I got an email that they are going to use that meeting to introduce me to the team and they want to stand up in front of everyone and say a fun fact about myself.

I'm really shy and this is literally my worst nightmare.

Make it up if you like, it'll go past so fast! I remember this kind of thing scaring the bejesus out of me when I was younger, then I did an aerobics teaching course and spent a week having to stand up and teach a routine while dancing in front of a bunch of randoms with a crop top and tight lycra shorts on, and there's not many things that I won't do now.

Point of the story is, OP, in your head it feels scary but really it won't be and you're capable of 05% more than you think.

[Polkadots2021]

Oh God, 95% not 05% sorry

[ilovesooty]

@Butchyrestingface

"I'm really shy and this is literally my worst nightmare."

That is literally what I would stand up and say. Show management up for the cunts they are.

Hardly a good idea in a new job.

[mumda]

It's taken me three years to get mini biographies off about half of a committee that do really important work. I get one every 3 months or so to add. It's like they're secretly very ashamed of the work they do.
Their fun facts are incredibly dull but those who pay for their work want to know who they are. I've not even got a full list yet. They are ultra secretive twits.

[rrhuth]

@mumda

It's taken me three years to get mini biographies off about half of a committee that do really important work. I get one every 3 months or so to add. It's like they're secretly very ashamed of the work they do.
Their fun facts are incredibly dull but those who pay for their work want to know who they are. I've not even got a full list yet. They are ultra secretive twits.

'Those who pay for their work' are paying for their work. The committee sound like sensible people who are being treated badly to me, I really don't understand why they have to provide 'fun facts'.

No one really knows who they are anyway.

[GreyhoundG1rl]

Like the fun fact will tell anyone who they are.
Pure nonsense.

[PennineWayinSlingbacks]

@PennineWayinSlingbacks - It 's unlikely - but if ever I am made to say a fun fact I may borrow - I know someone whose ancestor was was imprisoned for trying to impregnate a cow. - No Names - no pack drill - but a very funny story. Of course I will not use it but it made me laugh

You're most welcome.

Just don't mention the donkey 25 years afterwards. (That's true as well, but he avoided prison that time.)

I had an article published in 'Who do you think you are?' magazine a few years ago about his incredible criminal career and very sad end, but they wouldn't let me mention those really interesting bits!

[JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon]

@CounsellorTroi

I can play the flute"

I’d be worried about this in case I was ever asked to demonstrate!

I wouldn't suggest using that unless you can just about play a simple recognisable tune. You can add the word "badly" if appropriate. I was suggesting a lame but true fact not lies.


Sometimes shit facts are the best. Playing the flute badly is a better fact that being a good but not amazing musician.


I like to use things like the fact I failed to recognise an incredibly famous celebrity when I came face to face with them, or stuff I can't do or haven't done that most people have.

[BlackeyedSusan]

something you did on a holiday...

[Echofallen]

"My name is Sarah and when I'm really nervous I picture everyone around me naked".

[CatonMat]

Can you imagine being stood in front of everyone being expected to demonstrate your prowess on the flute!

[YourFinestPantaloons]

Seriously OP don't tell a lie or try and be funny.

If the lie is caught out you'll look like a weirdo

If they don't have a good sense of humour then a 'funny' one will be mortifying for you.

Definitely don't say you picture people naked and look around in disgust. That's just weird and let's face it half the people won't even be listening so will, at best, get a bit of a snigger.

Just say something short - a pet, an instrument you play/played as a child, a hobby, somewhere you've travelled to - and sit back down

[CatonMat]

A laugh a minute, these "fun" facts.

[la709]

[quote user1497207191]**@DadDadDad* I wasn't talking about "fun facts", I was addressing a poster who seemed to be against any kind of introduction as a formal part of a training session, which came across as a bit extreme.*

Every training course I've ever been on has had half an hour or so before the course started when those who want to socialise can do so over light refreshments, etc. It doesn't have to be forced upon you in a formal manner.[/quote]
Agreed, what an utter waste of time introducing each other on a paid training course lol

[BasiliskStare]

So all I would say - is yes it is rubbish and trite but if you want the job 1 minute of speaking and not having to give a great speech - is probably worth it.

[BasiliskStare]

I would not go down the I hate this & I am shy or talking to HR route - just say something. No one really cares & as Liberace said - I laughed all the way to the bank . Say something and look at your salary when you have done it. 1 min - you can do this .

[Hrpuffnstuff1]

How about.
I have a life outside of this job, so less of the pally pally bullshit.
Let's get to work..
🤣🤣

[Georgist]

@Echofallen

"My name is Sarah and when I'm really nervous I picture everyone around me naked".

"My name is Sarah and when I'm really naked I picture everyone around me nervous....
...
Oh wait, sorry! Sometimes when I get wrong I say some of the words in the flustered order!"

[PaulaTrilloe]

I've actually got something similar next week (joining a new team with many new starters) . My mother told me her brother did some family research and found out that their maternal grandfather became a tramp living in a London park where they used to walk to get to school. Apparently he was murdered. - perhaps I'll stick to a less gory fact!

[mathanxiety]

Life is full of moments where we feel uncomfortable as hell. Being uncomfortable never hurt anyone. Nothing grows in the comfort zone.

Agree.