How To Describe Yourself

How to Describe Yourself in Standard American English

Introduction

Describing yourself in Standard American English can be a daunting task, especially if you are not a native speaker. However, with a little practice, you can master the art of self-description and make a great impression on others.

Physical Appearance

When describing your physical appearance, it is important to be objective and accurate. Avoid using vague or subjective terms. Instead, use specific details to create a clear picture of yourself.

• Height: Use inches or feet and inches to measure your height. Example: "I am 5 feet 10 inches tall."
• Weight: Use pounds or kilograms to measure your weight. Example: "I weigh 150 pounds."
• Body shape: Use general terms to describe your body shape, such as thin, average, or overweight. Example: "I have an average body shape."
• Hair: Describe the color, length, and texture of your hair. Example: "I have long, brown hair that is slightly wavy."
• Eyes: Describe the color and shape of your eyes. Example: "I have blue eyes that are almond-shaped."
• Nose: Describe the shape and size of your nose. Example: "I have a small, upturned nose."
• Mouth: Describe the shape and size of your mouth. Example: "I have a wide smile with full lips."

Personality

Describing your personality can be more challenging than describing your physical appearance. However, it is important to be honest and authentic when sharing your personality traits.

• Adjectives: Use adjectives to describe your personality, such as friendly, outgoing, shy, or introverted. Example: "I am an outgoing person who loves to meet new people."
• Qualities: Describe your positive qualities, such as empathy, kindness, or intelligence. Example: "I am an empathetic person who always tries to understand the feelings of others."
• Aspirations: Share your aspirations and goals to give others a sense of your ambition and motivation. Example: "I am an aspiring writer who dreams of publishing my first novel."
• Hobbies: Describe your hobbies and interests to show others what you enjoy doing in your free time. Example: "I love to read, write, and spend time with my family."
• Values: Share your values and beliefs to give others a sense of your character. Example: "I believe in honesty, integrity, and compassion."

Background

When describing your background, it is important to be concise and relevant. Focus on the most important details that will help others understand your experiences and qualifications.

• Education: Describe your educational background, including your degrees, schools, and any relevant coursework. Example: "I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley."
• Work experience: Describe your work experience, including your job titles, companies, and responsibilities. Example: "I have worked as a marketing assistant for the past three years."
• Skills: List your skills and abilities, both hard and soft. Example: "I am proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and have excellent communication skills."
• Awards and achievements: Share any awards or achievements that you are proud of. Example: "I was awarded the Dean’s List for Academic Excellence three times during my undergraduate studies."

Putting It All Together

Once you have gathered all of the information you need, you can start to put together your description. It is important to be concise and clear, while still providing enough detail to give others a good sense of who you are.

• Start with a strong opening: Begin your description with a brief statement that captures your overall personality or background. Example: "I am a friendly and outgoing person with a passion for writing."
• Include specific details: Use specific details to support your statements. Avoid using general or vague terms. Example: "I am a hard worker who is always willing to go the extra mile."
• Use active voice: Use active voice to make your description more engaging and dynamic. Example: "I am a team player who enjoys working with others."
• Proofread carefully: Once you have finished writing your description, proofread it carefully for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.

Sample Description

Here is a sample description of myself using the tips above:

"I am a friendly and outgoing person with a passion for writing. I am currently working as a marketing assistant for a technology company. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley. In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, and spending time with my family. I am a hard worker who is always willing to go the extra mile. I am also a team player who enjoys working with others."

FAQ

• What is Standard American English?

Standard American English is the dialect of English that is most commonly used in the United States. It is characterized by its use of clear and concise grammar, standardized pronunciation, and a vocabulary that is shared across different regions of the country.

• Why is it important to describe yourself in Standard American English?

Describing yourself in Standard American English can help you make a good impression on others, both personally and professionally. It shows that you are educated and articulate, and it can help you to be understood by a wider audience.

• What are some tips for describing yourself in Standard American English?

• Be concise and clear.

• Use specific details to support your statements.

• Use active voice.

• Proofread carefully for any errors.

• What are some common mistakes to avoid when describing yourself in Standard American English?

• Using vague or subjective terms.

• Using colloquialisms or slang.

• Overstating your qualifications or experience.

• Being overly self-critical.

• Can I use a template to describe myself in Standard American English?

There are many different templates that you can use to describe yourself in Standard American English. However, it is important to tailor your description to your own personality and experiences.

• What are some examples of good descriptions of oneself in Standard American English?

Here are some examples of good descriptions of oneself in Standard American English:

• "I am a friendly and outgoing person with a passion for writing. I am currently working as a marketing assistant for a technology company. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley. In my free time, I enjoy reading, writing, and spending time with my family. I am a hard worker who is always willing to go the extra mile. I am also a team player who enjoys working with others."
• "I am a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a strong work ethic. I have over 10 years of experience in marketing and communications. I am proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. I am a team player who is always willing to go the extra mile. I am confident that I can make a valuable contribution to your organization."
• "I am a creative and innovative thinker with a passion for problem-solving. I have a strong academic background in engineering and computer science. I am also a self-starter who is always looking for new challenges. I am confident that I can develop and implement innovative solutions to your business needs."