5 Example Stories for Describing Personality

Let’s look at 5 examples of how someone might talk about their personality in a relaxed way, balancing the good and the not-so-good while adding a bit of detail to explain their words.

As we go through these examples, think about which words you might use to describe yourself. I’ll have a practice question for you at the end.

Imagine each person has answered the question: How would you describe yourself to someone you just met?

 

Story 1

I guess the main thing about me is that I’m kind of shy. I mean, I’m always the quiet one in the corner. But that doesn’t mean I don’t like being around people. I actually love it. I really enjoy deep talks where I feel a strong connection with someone. And I’d like to think I’m a good listener and pretty good at chatting. Maybe it’s because I don’t like talking about myself, so I’m always asking others about themselves.

• Introvert. An introvert (noun) is someone who doesn’t find it easy to talk to others or needs alone time to recharge; someone who is often seen as shy or quiet. The opposite would be an extrovert. An extrovert is outgoing and gets energy from being around other people.
• Wallflower. A wallflower (noun) is a shy person who often stays away from the spotlight at a party; someone who keeps to themselves.
• Thrive. To thrive (verb) means to do very well or succeed. Other words include to grow, to flourish, or to shine.
• Conversationalist. A conversationalist (noun) is someone who enjoys talking and is good at it; someone who likes having good conversations. The opposite is someone who talks too much in an annoying way. Such a person might be called a bigmouth, windbag, or gossip. Note: these are all very negative and informal ways to describe someone.

Story 2

Oh, that’s easy. I’m super loyal, determined, and goal-focused. I’ll do almost anything to get what I want. Some people might say I’m stubborn, but I prefer to see it as a good thing—I’ll always find a way or a solution. That’s true not just for me but also for my friends and family. I’ll do anything to help them out.

• Determined. Determined (adjective) means someone who has made up their mind and sticks to it. Similar words include driven, firm, or persistent. Note: stubborn has a slightly negative meaning and suggests someone is inflexible.
• Goal-driven. Goal-driven or goal-oriented (adjective) means someone focused and motivated by goals; someone who is keen to reach their goals.
• Stubborn. Stubborn (adjective) is like determined but with a more negative vibe, suggesting someone is unwilling to change. Similar words include rigid, unyielding, or headstrong. Opposite words include flexible or easygoing.
• Help someone out. To help someone out means to make someone else’s task or job easier.

Story 3

I’d say I’m pretty relaxed and social. I love to make jokes and make people laugh. At work, I’m the guy who gets along with everyone. And I feel good knowing other people are comfortable around me. The downside of being the fun guy is that people think I can’t be serious. I’m worried my boss might think that. But when I need to, I can be very focused.

• Easygoing. Easygoing (adjective) means relaxed and chill. Similar words include laid-back or mellow. Opposite words include uptight or strict.
• Crack jokes. To crack a joke means to tell a sudden or funny joke.
• Get along. To get along means to stay on friendly terms with someone.
• Life of the party. To be the life of the party means to be the fun person at the center of attention at events. Related words include social or outgoing. The opposite might be a wallflower, someone who stays in the background.

Story 4

I’m the kind of person who values working together and being generous, especially at work. Rather than compete against my peers, I prefer to share our knowledge so we succeed as a team. This also leads to a friendlier and more productive work environment.

• Collaboration. Collaboration (noun) means working together to achieve the same thing.
• Generosity. Generosity (noun) means being willing to give help, kindness, or support; often more than expected.
• To pool. To pool (verb) means to collect things like ideas or money for shared use.
• Shared knowledge. Shared knowledge means information or experience that more than one person has.
• Convivial. Convivial (adjective) means friendly and making you feel welcome.

Story 5

I’ve heard others say that I’m pretty direct. And I suppose they’re right, although I might say I’m efficient at solving problems. I’m not afraid of tough conversations, and I’ll get straight to the point when I need to. That said, I try to be polite in delicate conversations, talking with respect and thoughtfulness.

• Direct. Direct (adjective) means someone who says what they think honestly without worrying about others’ opinions.
• Efficient. Efficient (adjective) means working quickly and effectively.
• Get straight to the point. To get straight to the point means to talk about the most important part immediately.
• Diplomatic. Diplomatic (adjective) means being careful not to offend people.
• Consideration. Consideration (noun) means thinking about something carefully.