Whether you want to learn how to appropriately open up to people, or prepare to answer job interview questions, it's important to keep in mind how to talk about yourself. When you talk to other people, be open and talk about what you love. Share some personal information to build trust and friendship. When talking about yourself in a job interview, focus primarily on your professional experiences. Talk about your strengths and achievements and describe yourself positively.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Speaking Interpersonally
Step 1. Show off your personality
Don't look silly or boring when you talk about yourself. Show who you are by the way you talk. Be enthusiastic about what you are talking about by highlighting the topic you have chosen. If you find the topic boring, try talking about something else.
- Talk about the aspects of yourself that you think are most interesting. Maybe you love being a parent, riding a motorcycle or playing an instrument.
- If you don't know what your cool side is, try asking a friend or loved one. Ask them what they think makes you interesting. Often people don't share these views because they believe they have nothing interesting to say.
Step 2. Talk about what you love
Mention what you are passionate about and what you care about. Maybe it's volunteering, camping or art. If you have any particular passion there are more chances that you will be engaging when you talk about it.
- However, don't focus on just one theme. Measure the level of interest of the listener to decide how long you can talk about your passions.
- Look for signs that the listener is really paying attention. He generally shows it in body language: he copies your posture, turns to you, is not nervous, and also asks questions and comments.
Step 3. Talk about your profession
It is normal to talk about your profession and career when you talk about yourself. You don't have to say much, but tell about your duties and why you like them. This can help people understand what you do and how important it is to you.
For example, you can say, “I work as a teacher and I love it. Teaching children is a great passion of mine”
Step 4. Be vulnerable
Don't be afraid to share personal information about yourself. You don't have to pretend that everything is perfect or that you are happy all the time. Talking about yourself is the only way to create relationships and lower defense mechanisms.
- Things that can make you feel closer to people include your family, your preferences, and hard times.
- In being vulnerable, however, you must not share too much. If you have serious problems and need to talk about them, consult a therapist.
Part 2 of 3: Talking During the Job Interview
Step 1. Talk about your work experiences
Talk briefly about your education and experiences, your qualifications and why you are suitable for that job position. Even if you would like to talk about your personal experiences, start by talking about your career.
- To do this properly, you must first research the job position and what it implies. Review the job offer and think about your previous experiences. Try to think about how your experiences and the results you have achieved can be applied to the position you are applying for: thinking about concrete examples is always useful.
- You can talk about how this job opportunity can help you achieve your personal goals. For example, you might say, "I am qualified for this position and am excited to be able to learn new things from my colleagues."
Step 2. Describe your skills and strengths
Take some time to talk about your skills. Above all, it talks about what makes you qualified and what added value you can give to the working environment. It may seem like you're bragging, but it's important to talk about your qualities and abilities in a positive way.
- Think about all the past assessments you have had in the workplace and the comments you have received from your supervisors. Use them as your strengths and, again, try to adapt them to the job offer.
- For example, you can say: "My strength lies in my communication skills, which is why I am very good at marketing".
Step 3. Talk about the milestones you have achieved
If you've won any awards, posted something, or graduated with honors, you should mention it. Talk about your goals and how they can help you. Show your results and explain how your commitment to achieving them can help you in your new job.
- If you are embarrassed, remember that you have achieved your goals and that you should be happy about them. You don't have to brag about it but explain what you did.
- Consider mentioning what you have learned while pursuing these goals and what you have learned from this experience. That way you will look humble.
Step 4. Tell how you have changed
Emphasize anything that makes you stand out among the candidates. Maybe you have had a unique experience, maybe you speak several languages or have skills that distinguish you. Make sure you talk about the things that make you special and unique and how your experiences and skills are the best.
For example, if there are empty periods on your resume, be positive when explaining them and tell about what you have learned in those periods
Step 5. Make personal statements
After you've talked about your professional experiences and achievements, you'll want to include some personal information. For example, you can talk about your passion for volunteering or for live music. Don't talk too much about your personal life - the job interview isn't the right place to do it. However, some personal information can make you seem like an open and nice person.
Avoid personal arguments that can be controversial. You should avoid talking about politics and religion, for example
Part 3 of 3: Staying Friendly and Available
Step 1. Show interest in others
When someone is speaking, lean towards them. Favor your right ear and tilt your head to listen. Maintaining regular eye contact is a way to show that you are listening and interested. Smile and make encouraging comments. It might be enough to say "I see" or "Uh-huh".
Keep your body relaxed by avoiding crossing your arms and legs
Step 2. Respect the turns of the conversation
If you are talking, don't just talk about yourself. If you notice that you are talking too much, ask the other person a question. Ask for opinions, thoughts and comments, and get informed to get to know them better.
- Some people tend to talk too much when they are nervous. If you feel nervous, don't talk too much. Cope with your anxiety by taking deep breaths.
- If there are several people in the conversation, involve them by asking rotating questions or asking for suggestions. Before speaking yourself, try to wait 3 seconds after someone has finished speaking; avoid interrupting them by talking over them.
Step 3. Speak concisely
If you talk too much about yourself, others may get bored or overwhelmed. Also, people may start not paying attention to what you are saying if you go too far. You should speak concisely without repeating yourself.
If you find yourself rambling, take a break. You can say, “Well, I've talked enough. Tell me about you"
Step 4. Avoid bragging
It's okay to talk about your milestones, but that doesn't have to dominate the conversation. If you are proud of your success, tell it in a way that others can compliment you as well. Share the good news once and avoid repeating it in the conversation. Bragging in a humble way can also be annoying.
- If someone else describes his success, be happy for him without trying to overcome it or drawing attention to yourself. Celebrate the successes of others without feeling threatened by them.
- Make sure you recognize the goals of others during the conversation, to avoid seeming to want to be the center of attention.
