MODULE INTRO:

"So, tell me about yourself."

Below are exercises to help you develop the way in which you present yourself and share your story. Whether it’s for a bio summary for LinkedIn or a verbal introduction on the phone, these exercises will help unearth your unique attributes — descriptors which will set you apart from the rest.

Use a pen and paper or notes app as you work.

Take as long as you want per part, and revisit these exercises anytime.

Lastly, enjoy. This is meant to be fun and inspiring.

Part 01.

These are two speaking exercises to prime yourself for the upcoming parts.

Aloud, talk about yourself for 30 seconds.
Time yourself and do not pause at any point.
Pretend you are speaking publicly.
You must fill the entire time.
Don't stop until time is up.

Go.

Now, do it again without bringing up work or school.
Time yourself for another 30 seconds.
Pretend you are speaking publicly.
And again, do not pause at any point.
Do not touch upon your professional or educational experiences.

Go.

Now that you've practiced, speak about yourself aloud for another 30 seconds.
This time, combine the best bits of the last couple of talks.
Again, time yourself and pretend you are speaking publicly.
Once you finish, write down the key elements that you identified.

Go.

Part 02.

These are several written exercises to help you define your personality.

What do you bring to the table?
Write down whatever comes to mind for each of the following scenarios.
Which personality traits or values are prominent in each situation?
Try to come up with at least 10 unique words for each "table."
For help, feel free to use a thesaurus.

What do you bring to:

1. The work conference room table (with coworkers or managers) (ex. allegiance...)
2. The dive bar table (with close friends) (ex. laughter...)
3. The family dinner table (with a spouse, siblings, or parents) (ex. loyalty...)
4. The restaurant table (with a date or significant other) (ex. enthusiasm...)
5. The nightstand table (with no one but yourself) (ex. empathy...)

Go.

Now, select the most important word to describe yourself from each table.
From the 50 words above, drill them down to a total of 5.
Feel free to combine words or trade from table to table.

Go.

You should now have 5 core words/pillars to describe yourself across various contexts.

Part 03.

This is a brainstorm exercise to help you understand your interests.

Think of 30 things that make you "go."
These can be places, activities, values, motivations, ideas, and subjects that make you, you.
Not all of these have to bring a smile to your face.
But what are the things you can associate yourself with on a daily or weekly basis?
Examples: meditation, medieval history, marathon running, typography, mystery books, etc.
Spend as much time as you need to reach a list of 30 things.

Go.

Now attempt to group these 30 things into just 3 categories.
What is it that you truly value?
Not everything will fit into a category, that's fine.
But what are the 3 pillars or themes, that encompass nearly all of your interests?
Those 30 things that make you go are your "interests."
These 3 pillars are your "passions."

Go.

You should now have 3 core pillars that encompass all of your interests.

Part 04.

This brainstorming exercise will help you understand your unique skills.

Think of 5 things that you are exceptionally good at.
What are the 5 things that no one can top you or beat you at?
What do you absolutely "own"?
Attempt to make these less hobby oriented, e.g. avoid things like "unreal tennis serve"...
Instead, make them more passion-, work- or education-oriented, like "I rarely lose a debate."

Go.

Now narrow them down to 3.
Feel free to consolidate or overlap.
Write down these 3 "proficiencies."

Go.

Next come up with your 3 biggest work achievements.
Now, come up with your 3 biggest life achievements.

Go.

You should now have 3 core proficiencies and 6 achievements.

Awesome. We’re well on our way!

Part 05.

This brainstorm exercise will help you understand your goals.

Spend a little time reviewing and reflecting upon what we've unearthed so far.
Feel free to change any wording or revise any step until you're satisfied.
Remember, though, these things change, so don’t obsess too long.

Go.

Now, reflect on who you want to be?
What do you want to be famous for?
Years after you're dead, why will someone you never knew bring up your name?
What do you want to contribute to and be known for?
We've unearthed who you are, but who do you want to be?

Write this down.
It can be a job, an achievement, or a personality trait.

Go.

You should now have some direction or thoughts on your future.

Part 06.

This step is to fill in any potential gaps.

But, really, who are you?
We've considered your personality, passions, proficiencies, and goals.
However, have we missed the spin?
Reflect on why you've answered the ways in which you did.
Is there a unique reasoning behind some of these answers?

Go.

You should now have some thoughts on your previous responses.

Part 07.

This step is to hone the previous exercises.

In a single paragraph, describe yourself with inspiration from the previously addressed parts.
Keep this bio to no more than 3-5 sentences.
Write it down.

Go.

Now, distill this bio into a single sentence, with fewer than 280 characters.
You will have to omit elements.
Which are the most important to keep?
Write it down.

Go.

You should now have a precise, intricate, and unique thesis to own and share. This can live in your LinkedIn or Twitter bio, or on your personal site or résumé summary.

IN CLOSING:

You now have a self-description that’s utterly unique and one that you’re hopefully proud of. Save these notes and come back to repeat these exercises anytime you want. It’s fascinating to compare these notes over time. Remember, this is not permanent. As you gain new experiences, take on new opportunities, or change your goals, the way in which you present yourself will also evolve.