Talking about Self
Finish This 1:
A. Tips Talking about self
This is a common task at the start of a speaking exam. It is something you can prepare and practice at home. You will feel more relaxed and confident at the start of the exam if you know what to say.
Here are our top tips for talking about yourself in an exam.
a. Do:
- Think about the types of topics and questions you may be asked before the exam. School, family, free time, daily routines and future plans are common topics.
- Practise answering simple questions about yourself. Work with a friend to practise or record yourself and listen to the recording.
- Listen carefully to the questions. If you don’t understand the question, ask your teacher to repeat it.
- Give complete answers in full sentences.
- Look at the examiner. His/her face may tell you when you’ve said enough and he/she is ready for the next question.
b. Don’t:
- Memorise your answers. It’s good to have ideas ready, but it’s better not to memorise long replies to typical questions.
- Just reply with ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
- Panic if you are asked an unexpected question. Take a few seconds to think before you answer it.
c. Here are some examples of things you can say about yourself:
- My name’s ...
- I’m from ... / I live in ...
- I was born in ...
- I’m ... years old.
- I go to ... school.
- I like ... because ...
- I don’t like ... because ...
- In my free time / After school, I ...
- My best friends are ... because ...
- My favourite (school subject, actor, pop group, sport) is ... because ...
- I have ... brothers and sisters.
- In the future, I’d like to ... because ...
(https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/exams/speaking-exams/talk-about-yourself)
Example:
What's your name? My name is Patricia.
How old are you? I’m 23 years old.
What do you do? I’m a student.
Where do you live? I live in London.
What do you do for fun? I like to paint in my spare time.
d. How to Talk About Yourself
Taken by wikihow.com will give you how to talk about yourself.
Finish This 2:
1. Speaking Interpersonally
a. Show your personality. Don't come across as dull or boring when you speak about yourself. Show who you are by how you speak. Be excited about what you talk about and show interest in the topics you choose. If you find a topic boring, talk about something else.
Talk about the things you find most interesting about yourself. Maybe you love being a parent, driving motorcycles, or playing music.
Approach a friend or loved one if you feel like you don't know what these are. Ask them what they consider most interesting about you. Often, people don't share because they don't think they have anything of interest to say.
b. Talk about what you love. Bring up things that you're passionate about and care about. Perhaps it's volunteering, camping, or art. If you're passionate about something, you're more likely to be actively engaged in talking about it.
Don't go on and on about one subject, however. Gauge the interest level and decide how long to talk about your passions.
Look for signs that a person is paying attention. They'll often show this in body language – things like mirroring your posture, turning the body towards you, not fidgeting – as well as asking you questions and offering feedback.
c. Discuss your profession. It's fairly normal to talk about your profession or career when talking about yourself. You don't have to say much, but say what you do and what you like about it. This can help people learn about what you do and what it's like for you.
For example, say, “I work as a teacher and really enjoy it. Educating children is a passion of mine.”
d. 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're happy all of the time. Opening up about yourself is one way to build connection and drop defences.
Things that make people feel closer to you might include talking about your family, preferences, and hardships.
In being vulnerable, don't be an “over-sharer.” if you have major problems and need to talk about them, see a therapist.
Finish This 2:
2. Talking During an Interview
a. Talk about your work experience. Briefly, begin by talking about your relevant education and experience. Say your qualifications and how you're prepared for the job. While you may want to talk about your personal experiences, start your response by talking about your career experiences.
To do this well, you'll need first to do some research about the job and its duties. Re-read the advertisement closely and then brainstorm about your previous work experiences. Try to think of how your job history and accomplishments fit the job for which you're applying – having concrete examples of this is always good, too.
You can also talk about how the prospective job will help you meet your goals. For example, say, “I'm qualified for this position and am excited about learning more from the people here.”
b. Describe your skills and strengths. Spend some time talking about your skills. Talk specifically about what makes you qualified and what you can add to the workplace. It might feel like boasting or bragging, but it's important to talk about your positive traits and abilities.
Think back on job evaluations you've had in the past and any positive feedback you got from supervisors. Identify these as your strengths and, again, try to customize them to the position at hand.
For example, say, “My strength lies in my ability to communicate, and this is why I'm great at marketing.”
c. Talk about your accomplishments. If you've won awards, been published, or graduated with distinction, you might want to discuss this. Talk about your accomplishments and how they serve you. Showcase your accomplishments and talk about how your drive and past accomplishments can help you in the job.
If you're feeling bashful, just remember that you've accomplished some goals and you should be proud of your accomplishments. You don't have to brag, just state what you've done.
Consider mentioning what you learned in pursuing these accomplishments – what the experience taught you. That way, you can appear to be humble.
d. Say what's different about yourself. Highlight anything that makes you stand out against other people. Maybe you have a unique experience, have multiple language abilities, or have skills that set you apart. Make sure you say the things that make you special and unique and why your experience and skills are the best.
For example, if you have a gap in your resume, be positive about explaining it. Say what experiences you gained from it.
e. Make some personal statements. After you've talked about your professional experience and accomplishments, you may want to include some personal information. For example, you can talk about your love of volunteering or seeing live music. Don't talk too much about your personal life as it's not appropriate to discuss very personal details at an interview. However, giving some personal information can help you seem personable and open.
Steer clear of controversial personal topics, though. You may want to avoid talking about your political or religious views, for example.
Finish This 3:
3. Remaining Friendly and Approachable
a. Show interest in others. When someone is speaking, lean in. Favor your right ear and tilt your head slightly to listen. Make regular eye contact as a way to show you're listening and engaged. Smile and make encouraging comments. This can be as simple as saying, “I see” or, “Uh-huh.”
Keep your body uncrossed by keeping your arms by your sides and feet flat on the floor.
b. Speak concisely. If you talk about yourself in excess, the other person may become bored or overwhelmed. People may begin to zone out or not pay attention to what you're saying if you tend to be long-winded. You may be able to say things in a concise manner without going on and on.
If you notice yourself rambling, take a break. Say, “Okay, that's enough about me. Tell me about you.”
c. Avoid bragging. It's okay to talk about your accomplishments but don't let them dominate the conversation. If you're proud of an accomplishment, bring it up so that others can celebrate with you. Share your good news once, then avoid bringing it up again in the conversation. Even humble brags can be annoying.
If someone else describes an accomplishment, be happy for them without having to top it or bring attention to yourself. Celebrate their success without feeling threatened in your own.
Be sure to recognize the achievements of others in the conversation, as well, to avoid the appearance that you're making it all about you.
d. Take turns talking. If you're talking, don't go on and on about yourself. If you notice that you're talking too much, start to ask questions to the other person. Ask for their thoughts, opinions, feedbacks, and to know more about them.
Some people tend to excessively talk when they feel nervous. If you feel nervous, don't overtalk. Deal with your anxiety instead by taking some deep breaths.
If there are several people in the discussion, try to be inclusive by rotating your questions or requests for input. Try to wait 3 seconds after others finish a sentence before starting to talk, too, to avoid interrupting or talking over them.
Sources: https://www.wikihow.com/Talk-About-Yourself
Finish This 4:
B. Common phrases you can use to describe yourself
- My name is . . .
- I'm . . .
- I live in . . .
- I have . . .
- I like . . .
- First let me introduce myself.
- Allow me to introduce myself.
C. Common sentences you can use to describe yourself
- My name is Rudi.
- I'm a student.
- I'm fifteen years old.
- I live in Ambarawa.
- I have four brothers and two sisters.
- I like reading a book and swimming.
- First let me introduce myself. My name is Rudi.
- Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Rudi.
- Common greetings you can use to describe yourself
- Good morning.
- Good day.
- Good afternoon.
- Good evening.
- How do you do?
- Hello.
Finish This 5:
D. Example of Talk About Yourself
Example 1
Ranti meets her teacher, Mr Bakri at the post office.
Ranti : Good afternoon, Sir.
Mr Bakri : Good afternoon. You are ….
Ranti : Ranti, Sir. My name is Ranti. How are you?
Mr Bakri : I am fine, thank you. And how about you?
Ranti : I am fine, too.
Mr Bakri : Well, Ranti. I have to go now. Pleased to meet you.
Ranti : Pleased to meet you, too, Sir.
Example 2
Andi : Good morning. My name is Andi.
Denias : Good morning Andi. I’m Denias.
Andi :Denias, this is Adib. We were classmates the Junior High School.
Denias : Hi, Adib. How do you do?
Adib : How do you do.
Andi : By the way, did you join pencaksilat extracurricular activity in the Junior High School?
Denias : Yes, I did.
Andi : Oh, that’s great. Adib and I have never joined it before.
Adib : We hope you can help us.
Denias : Sure. Andi : Okay, see you this afternoon.
Adib : See you Denias.
Denias :See you.
Finish This 6:
Example 3
Stacey: I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Stacey. (hold out hand to shake)
Carl: Hi Stacey. I’m Carl.
Stacey: Hi Carl. So, how do you know Jane?
Carl: Oh, Jane and I used to work together at a coffee shop.
Stacey: Oh, you mean when you were working in Japan?
Carl: That’s right. And how do you know her?
Stacey: Actually, Jane is my cousin. Our moms are sisters.
Carl: No way! You two don’t look anything alike
Example 4
Interview response
"I’m 21 years old and have just finished my degree in Philosophy. I am looking to develop other skills to work in politics. I really enjoyed being the president of the debate society, which helped me to construct arguments from different points of view. I also met many interesting people in that position. I want to learn on the job, which is why I’d like to work for (Mention your job)__________ ."
Example 5
Party response
"I’ve just finished my degree in Philosophy – it was a really tough three years but it was worth it! I met Sally last year at the debate society party and we got on really well. It must’ve been our love of techno music! How about you?"
Example 6
Hi Sarah!
I am Rony Gunawan. I am Lina’s cousin. I heard a lot about you, and now it is time for me to tell you some things about myself.
I am a senior high school student. I go to the same school as Lina but we are in a different class. My favorite thing about going to school is that I can meet my friends and play soccer together. I am quite good at soccer that is why my friends voted me to become the leader in the school soccer club.
I heard you are into books. So, what is your favorite? Mine is The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien. I love to read. I can spend the whole day in my room with books and hot tea. Sometimes, I like to listen to some relaxing music while reading like Dust by Laurel Halo.
If I am sad and not in the mood to read, I always play my piano and sing to it. I sing loudly to any songs that come to my mind. It will boost my mood.
That is all the things you should know about myself. Have a nice day, Sarah!
Finish This 7:
Example 7
My name is Gendis. I have two sisters. They are Ayu and Putri. Ayu is older than Putri and Ayu is younger than me. My father’s name is Hartono. He works as a manager. My mother’s name is Wati. She is a housewife. My favorite subjects are Math, English, and Computer. I have my hobbies, they are playing football, writing on a blog, etc. I love my country very much because it has the best people, me, and my family.
Example 8
Hello. My name is Winda Auliana. People usually call me Winda. I’m 14 years old and I was born in Bandung, on 17th January, 2006. I live in Bandung since I was child and now I study in SMP El Blue.
I love reading novels and my favorite novel is Harry Potter. I’m also into writing fictions and sometimes I submit my writings to some writing competitions. Since I have those kinds of hobbies, my dream is to be an author. I hope someday I can publish my own novel and entertain many readers.
Note: Tulisan Finish This tidak perlu ditulis, itu hanya sebagai garis bantu untuk step by step cara menyelesaikan tugas rewrite the materials.
Sources:
https://www.kaplaninternational.com/blog/learning-languages/eng/how-to-talk-about-yourself-english
https://studioliterasi.com/talking-about-self/
https://duobahasa.com/materi-introduction-kelas-10-talking-about-self/
https://www.wikihow.com/Talk-About-Yourself
https://www.kompas.com/skola/read/2020/12/11/122011769/contoh-teks-talking-about-self?page=all
https://www.websiteedukasi.eu.org/2020/10/materi-bahasa-inggris-kelas-10-talking-about-self.html
https://www.mediainggris.com/2020/09/materi-bahasa-inggris-kelas-10-talking.html
(https://learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org/exams/speaking-exams/talk-about-yourself)
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