ENGLISH FOR DESCRIBING PERSONALITIES

Learning Objectives:

After learning this section, you will be able to

use correct English expressions to describe your personalities or others’.

Topics:
a. Describing someone’s appearance
b. Describing someone’s character and personalities
c. Describing someone’s feelings and emotions
d. Common ways to start a sentence when talking about personality
e. Qualifiers When Talking about Personality in English
People come in all shapes and sizes – and with different personalities. Having the
right words to describe them is helpful. In your life, you have met – and will meet –
a lot of different types of people. From friendly to rude, sensible to foolish,
extroverted to introverted – you will probably encounter them all in your lifetime.

How to describe someone

● Describing someone’s appearance

● Describing someone’s character and Personality (While personality shows

what you are outside or what you are to the world, character reveals what you
are inside)

● Describing someone’s feelings and emotions

 common ways to start a sentence when talking about personality traits or
characteristics.

Whether you have to answer “How would you describe yourself?” in a job
interview in English (yes! It’s a common question) or you’re simply chatting with
friends, here are

● I would say that I’m/she’s/he’s… (Example: I would say that she’s quite
open-minded.)

● Some would say I’m/she’s/he’s… but I think that… (Example: Some would say
he’s rather strict but I think he just wants to be in control and it keeps
everyone organized.)

● I’m a… (Example: I’m a goal-oriented person.)

 ● I have … (Example: I have a great sense for what other people really need or
want, which helps me in my sales position.)

● I’d describe myself/her/him as … (Example: I’d describe myself as a problem-

solver.)

● I guess I’m… (Example: I guess I’m pretty reserved at work.)

● I would like to think that I’m… (Example: I’d like to think that I’m very
sociable.)

Sentence Starters for Conversations on Personality in English

Here are common ways to start a sentence when talking about personality traits or
characteristics.

● I would say that I’m/she’s/he’s… (Example: I would say that she’s quite open-
minded.)

● Some would say I’m/she’s/he’s… but I think that… (Example: Some would say
he’s rather strict but I think he just wants to be in control and it keeps
everyone organized.)

● I’m a… (Example: I’m a goal-oriented person.)

● I have … (Example: I have a great sense for what other people really need or
want, which helps me in my sales position.)

● I’d describe myself/her/him as … (Example: I’d describe myself as a problem-

solver.)

● I guess I’m… (Example: I guess I’m pretty reserved at work.)

● I would like to think that I’m… (Example: I’d like to think that I’m very
sociable.)
Sample:

Story One
I guess the most important or the most obvious thing about me is I’m a bit of an introvert. I
mean, I’m always the wallflower. But that doesn’t mean I don’t like being around people. I
actually love it. I thrive on deep conversations where I feel a strong connection with
someone. And I’d like to think I’m a good listener and a good conversationalist. Maybe it’s
because I don’t like to talk about myself so I’m always asking others questions about
themselves.

Story Two
Oh, that’s easy. I’m super loyal, determined, and goal-driven. I’ll do almost
anything to get what I want. I suppose a lot of people would say I’m stubborn, but I
prefer to see the positive – I’ll always find a way or a solution. That’s not only true
for me but for my friends and family as well. I’ll do anything to help them out.

Story Three
I’d say I’m pretty easy-going and social. I love to crack jokes, to make people laugh.
At work, I’m the guy that gets along with everyone. And I feel good knowing other
people are comfortable around me. The downside of being that guy – the life of the
party guy – is that people think I can’t be serious. I’m afraid my boss might think
that actually. But when I need to, I can be very focused.
Story Four
I think others would say I’m very reliable, which I like. I do like to take care of
problems and help others. And I’d also say I’m hardworking and diligent. I feel
great when I complete a project at work and I know I’ve done it well. Sometimes I
wish I were more of an ideas person but I guess I’m the person who will get things
done.

Assignment
Be sure to review the meaning of anything that’s new to you and learn the
associated synonyms, antonyms, or related words to provide greater variety.
For your challenge question, I’d love for you to answer:
● How would you describe yourself to someone you’ve just met?
● Or, if you’re not comfortable describing yourself, then describe a friend or
colleague (without names).