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.

[rrhuth]

It is patently not true that 'being uncomfortable never hurt anyone'.

Only shit managers do the fun fact type of crap. Having a shit manager at work hurts the business for starters!

[Cocogreen]

My God, the responses on this thread...
We're talking THIRTY SECONDS or less of talking.
"Hi, my fun fact is my favourite cake is ... "

Why is this so hard?

[CatonMat]

Because it isn't fun, most of the facts are lies, and nobody cares anyway.
It's pointless.

[rrhuth]

@Cocogreen

My God, the responses on this thread...
We're talking THIRTY SECONDS or less of talking.
"Hi, my fun fact is my favourite cake is ... "

Why is this so hard?

What I wonder is why do people need to ask it if it is so irrelevant

Only people whose work is not valued are asked to do this crap IMO.

[NoviceNewMN]

I think your famous actress nearly knocked adrink out of my hand will do but you can probably think of something better that is actually about you, who you are, what you've done. Think about stuff you did as a kid or at school- did you win any competitions? participate in unusual sports or hobbies? Done any interesting volunteer work?

If you want to see some good and bad examples of "fun facts" watch the intro to episodes of Only Connect (on BBC iplayer) to give you some ideas because Victoria Coren introduces 6 contestants like this every episode.

You get a better idea as "consumer" of what works and sounds interesting.

The only think to remember is DO NOT say anything that undermines yourself - so no I'm nervous/scared/didn't want to do this/hate public speaking. It maybe true but do not advertise your weaknesses like this. No need and I can't bear to see women speaking badly of themselves at work. There are enough men to do that for women as it is.

[Cocogreen]

I know it's crap, I've had to do it but in the scheme of things it's not worth getting worked up about?

[Disfordarkchocolate]

@Cocogreen

I know it's crap, I've had to do it but in the scheme of things it's not worth getting worked up about?

I'd love to 'not get worked up about' this sort of thing but for many people this is awful and leads to considerable anxiety.

[rrhuth]

@Cocogreen

I know it's crap, I've had to do it but in the scheme of things it's not worth getting worked up about?

Because people are all different, ever since I've been a child I was brought up to question not just go along with things.

It is legitimate to go along with things, many people live happily doing just that, but we are not all wired the same way.

I just can't bear going through pointless things just because someone stupid says I have to.

[MRex]

"Fun fact, I'm shy in large groups. Nice to meet you all." And sit down.

[user1497207191]

@Cocogreen

I know it's crap, I've had to do it but in the scheme of things it's not worth getting worked up about?

Do you not understand how anxiety affects different people in different ways?

[RevolvingPivot]

I've not read the thread so this might have been mentioned.

"Hi I'm X. My fun fact is I've been in this job x weeks / months and this is the first day I've had to wear something other than pj bottoms"

Obviously that will only work if you've spoken to them on zoom/ teams / video.

[Butchyrestingface]

Hardly a good idea in a new job.

I'd probably be thinking about searching for a new job by this point, tbf.

[GreyhoundG1rl]

@Cocogreen

My God, the responses on this thread...
We're talking THIRTY SECONDS or less of talking.
"Hi, my fun fact is my favourite cake is ... "

Why is this so hard?

That just demonstrates the utter stupidity of the whole concept.
Who could possibly give a shiny shite what's some random's favourite cake is?

[BasiliskStare]

@GreyhoundG1rl - well that was my point at being pragmatic - if you want the job just saying something smile and sit down - yes it's rubbish but do you want the job for the sake of 60 seconds - if you are constantly asked to do uncomfortable things - that is a different matter.

[mathanxiety]

"Hi, my fun fact is that once when I was five I bit a girl on the butt, and lost a friend".

Someone actually said this at DD1's swim team Fun Fact event.

The point isn't really to say anything memorable or even funny. Nobody really gives a shiny shite what anyone else says.
The point is to get over yourself and just participate.

[BasiliskStare]

@mathanxiety - I agree - just be pragmatic for 60 seconds. And paint a smile onto your face & then sit down. As I said if there are constantly things which make you feel uncomfortable - different debate but a minute ( even if you think it is rubbish - do you want the job more than 60 seconds ) If that is what they do - it is what they do - get through it as painlessly as possible. I agree it is trite - but prioritise .

[aquashiv]

Ofcourse it's trite but they just want to get to know you.

[Beehappy21]

Be glad they gave you a heads up so you can plan ahead! I usually turn up to a meeting and they throw something at you random like this.. They never get any easier but you do get used to thinking on your feet quicker 🤣🤣🤣