1. Putting Yourself into Words

2. The purpose of today’s session
Today’s session is all about finding the right words to describe yourself.
We are going to think about how we talk about ourselves.
Our aim is to find ways of talking about yourself which will make employers or business backers sit up and take notice.

3. What are you like?

4. Introducing yourself It’s not always easy to talk about yourself.
Turn to the person next to you and introduce yourself to them in one sentence.
Try to use more than one describing word.
For example: ‘I am a lively, cheerful person but I don’t like rudeness.’
For example: ‘I am hard-working but don’t always enjoy change.’

5. Describing Yourself What was it like describing yourself?
Did you feel embarrassed, or shy?
Or did you find it easy?
What did you highlight? What did you hide?

6. Focus on the positive
Sometimes we talk about ourselves in a negative way.
Sometimes we apologise for ourselves.
We might say ‘I don’t have much experience of this type of work’ or ‘I’m not a very confident person.’
How does this sound when we’re talking to employers
or potential business backers?

7. What’s so great about me?
Challenges I have overcome
Friendly? Helpful?
My best qualities
Hopes and dreams ME
Interests I enjoy
Skills I love using

8. You are the star What did you write on each point?
What sort of words did you use about yourself?
Which point did you find the easiest?
Which point did you find the hardest?
What did you highlight? What did you hide?

9. Reintroduce yourself
Speak to the person next to you and introduce yourself again.
Use some of the positive points from your star.
Use as many describing words as you can.

10. Review: Think Positively
Everyone has some positive aspects which they can highlight.
Writing about yourself can really help you to prepare for interviews and pitching sessions.
Bring out your positive qualities when applying for jobs or pitching for business.
Speak to an adviser in the Advice Shop
if you need more interview practice.
Good Luck!