I am short. I am a daughter. I am a goof-ball. These are just three of my descriptors, but already they cover several methods of presenting oneself. When describing oneself, you want to impress the audience. And, if you want to keep their attention, you must be relevant to the situation.
Let’s proceed as if your intent is an informal, but impressive first-impression (vs. a formal initial meeting, as in for a job.)
The fact is facts are the bread and butter of a person’s personal story. And, they’re just as boring, too. If you’re standing right in front of someone, they can see half the tale. And, if not, I doubt anyone’s in a hurry to ruin the image they’ve quickly conjured in their mind.
When you describe yourself, use characteristics that distinguish you from others: “Low-key. Hopeful. A little vain. A lot of joy.”
Now, one place where the above rule does not apply is in the area of negative characteristics. A rich, approachable description exhibits honest, constructive self-assessment; however, make sure the observations you choose to share are ones that most of us can admit too in ourselves. If you admit you have an unhealthy love of fire, yes, that is unique…and very scary.
“Scary” is not a good attribute. Write that down.
And, if you have a good sense of humor, use it! If not, take the safe route and hire a ghostwriter. But, whether you’re in front of someone, over the phone or in front of a screen…smile. These tools help put your counterpart at ease, and remarkably, it does the same for you!
Describing yourself shouldn’t be a tortuous affair. Sure you’ve got your bumps, bruises and even a few (fresh?) scabs, but overall you’re a sight for sore eyes, aren’t ya’? You’re pretty decent pickins’, ain’t ya’? If you feel uptight, overly intense or hesitant about the act of describing yourself, don’t think your audience won’t feel the same.
Lastly, make sure to add at least one idiosyncrasy about yourself. This is a detail that, coupled with your other adjectives, points to you and you alone. The movie, “Sleepless in Seattle,” offers a wonderful example. Tom Hanks’ character explains to his son for the millionth time how the boy’s deceased mom had possessed the ability to peel an entire apple in one long strip. Houdini, it ain’t. Oddly endearing, it is.
Again, this is not the time to share your pyromaniac tendencies. Save that for a quiet dinner by the bonfire.
- Quo Elbert
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