Do I have to make a big impression or what?

Yes, you have to make an impression. Dullness and timidity are hardly ever listed on womens' lists of "most attractive features" in men.

But you are wise to check yourself so as to not seem desperate.

Really, unless you furtively flit about like a bee in a flower garden at the church social, you can't go wrong introducing yourself, smiling, asking THEM questions about WHATEVER it is they seem to like to talk about (not what YOU want to talk about) then listening (actively), smiling, and looking for your next open-ended question to ask THEM.

The more you talk about yourself, essentially the more damage you can do. ONLY resort to talking about yourself when you can't get the woman to talk about herself first, or when the woman acts like she's tired of talking and wants you to talk. This doesn't happen often, thankfully.

That way, she'll think you're nice and that you had a great conversation, even if all it really means is that you expressed interest in HER and were a good listener.

When it does come time to speak about yourself, remember CONFIDENCE not ARROGANCE. And, even if you're internally desperate, they don't want to see it.

Meaning, you make big bucks and take fancy shmancy vacations? DON'T mention it. However, you can say something like "Do you like to travel? " (then of course listen to her. But if she responds with "yeah. Where have you traveled? " you gotta speak about yourself. )

So don't answer with "well, I only travel first class, and let me tell you about the 5 star resort on the Riviera I went to with my Ex last year. Maybe you could go with me this year? " Because you just struck out. Strike one: SNOB (first class, 5-star). Strike two: (the Ex). Strike three: "you could go with me" = desperate.

Rather "Yes I do. I love warm weather and learning about other cultures, like the south of France. How about you? " See? You answered totally innocuously, hinted that you like to have fun AND have a little culture, and quickly got her talking again.