Some people may present themselves in different way to gain specific social benefits, like a sense of belonging with a group. You might change the way you speak, adjust opinions to be more palpable, or express interest in something you're only mildly interested in to start conversations and become part of a group. Certain behaviours can be more desirable in certain social situations, and to maximize those situations, presenting yourself in the expected way often yields positive results. Here's an example:Mark started a new job at a comic book store and has three other coworkers. Mark hasn't ever worked at a comic store, but is an avid comic book reader. On Mark's first day, one of the other employees makes a joke about a comic book Mark's never read. Everyone laughs, so Mark also laughs, presenting himself as part of the group and as if he understands the joke. This might help Mark feel more welcome and much less like an outsider.Related: Self-Management Skills (Definition and Tips Included)
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# What Is Self-Presentation and How Do You Improve It?

Indeed Editorial Team

Updated July 30, 2024

When you interact with other people, you may want them to view you a certain way, whether that's as a confident person, an expert in your industry, or a team player. While different people have different desires on how to be viewed, the ways in which people present themselves are often similar. Understanding what self-presentation is and how to improve it can help you master this important social skill and learn to be a more persuasive and confident person at work.In this article, we define self-presentation, explain why people present themselves to others, and show you how to apply the presentation theory at work.

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## What is self-presentation?

Self-presentation is any action you take with the intent to influence how other people perceive of you. It's the way you interact with other people, how much you reveal about yourself, and whether you're presenting an honest view of who you really are. For example, if you meet someone new who's incredibly confident and outgoing, you might present yourself as a similar type of person to feel more comfortable and welcome. You might also present your normal, reserved self, depending on who the person is and the purpose of your meeting. Some situations may require a different presentation.This kind of behaviour is something most people do, as we often adjust ourselves to certain situations. If you're normally a talkative person, you might present as reserved at a work conference to respect the speakers at the event. At work, people may change how they present themselves to impress their manager, connect more effectively with their colleagues, or present themselves as more knowledgeable in a specific subject area.Related: How to Perform a Self-Assessment (With Example)

## Why people present themselves to others

While people may present themselves in different ways depending on the situation, the reasons why people present themselves typically remain the same across industries and some cultures. Each culture also has its own rules and expectations, but generally, these are the reasons people present themselves at work:

### Gaining specific social benefits

Some people may present themselves in different way to gain specific social benefits, like a sense of belonging with a group. You might change the way you speak, adjust opinions to be more palpable, or express interest in something you're only mildly interested in to start conversations and become part of a group. Certain behaviours can be more desirable in certain social situations, and to maximize those situations, presenting yourself in the expected way often yields positive results. Here's an example:Mark started a new job at a comic book store and has three other coworkers. Mark hasn't ever worked at a comic store, but is an avid comic book reader. On Mark's first day, one of the other employees makes a joke about a comic book Mark's never read. Everyone laughs, so Mark also laughs, presenting himself as part of the group and as if he understands the joke. This might help Mark feel more welcome and much less like an outsider.Related: Self-Management Skills (Definition and Tips Included)

### Encouraging social interaction

Many people present themselves differently to encourage social interactions with others. As certain circumstances can dictate or limit certain behaviours, you might change how you act based on the environment or people you're around if you expect social interaction from them. Expectations can be crucial to this process, because when you understand what people at work, home, or in public expect from you as a person, employee, or citizen, you're better able to adjust your behaviour as necessary. You might also present to start reversing bad habits, such as talking over people. Here's an example for reference:Sara often talks over other people. Many of her coworkers have told her that she makes them feel disregarded, because she always interrupts them when they speak. At the weekly check-in meeting for the office, Sara decides to present herself as a quiet, reserved person, instead of the loud, often rude person her colleagues typically see. Sara's first step toward becoming more respectful of her colleagues is changing her negative behaviours by adopting a social habit that differs from what she usually does.

### Constructing an identity

People often use self-presentation as a way to build their own identity. Many people adopt values, behaviours, and beliefs for which they want others to recognize them. For example, a person might adopt a specific set of religious ideals and want to be identified as a practitioner of that religion. You may present yourself as a firm believer of a certain value system to help create your identity, despite disagreeing with some of that system's tenants. Here's an example:Cheryl is planning to give a work presentation tomorrow. Her perfectionist personality is making her uncertain, and she considers simply rescheduling the presentation, until her direct supervisor sends her a thank-you e-mail. He explains that they've been short-staffed, and that her desire to step into a new role and speak to everyone is inspiring. Cheryl now feels she has an obligation to maintain her confidence and help other people, so she gives her presentation, despite feeling like she wasn't ready. This helps reinforce the identity she's already built at work.Related: FAQ: Why Self-Awareness Is Important? (With How to Improve)

## How to apply the presentation theory at work

Understanding how to apply the presentation theory at work may help you become a more confident employee and a better team member for your colleagues. Consider these steps for applying this theory effectively:

### 1. Learn to gather and use feedback from colleagues

Feedback from your colleagues can be a great way to learn about how other people view you at work. This can help you develop certain behaviours or habits to better fit the identity you want to embrace. You can ask managers and colleagues for feedback on specific behaviours or your general self-presentation at work. Consider what they say about how you interact with others, whether you're helpful to the team, and if their perspective of you matches the values you're trying to embody.Related: What's the Difference between Self-Esteem vs. Self-Worth?

### 2. Be yourself in work environments

If you want people to view you a certain way, it may be easier to achieve that goal if you just be yourself at work. For example, if you want people to view you as a friendly, reliable person, you can embrace your strengths by making people laugh and always being on time. The closer you are to your actual identity, the easier it can be demonstrate to others that you're that person. Focus on your strengths and highlight them when you interact with others.

### 3. Study others who have experienced success in your role

Study other people who've experienced success in your role to learn about what they might have done differently. Consider how they presented themselves to others and the unique value they brought to the company. Then, if you know those people, consider how you might view them now. You might find that how you view them is exactly how they want you to see them, and you can learn how they achieved those results and apply any techniques to your own presentation.

### 4. Embrace mistakes and work with a mentor or coach

Mistakes are an inevitable part of any learning process, and embracing them as learning experiences can be crucial to evolving as an employee and a person. Consider working with a mentor or coach to determine the kind of employee you want to be in your workplace. A coach can help you stay committed to your goals, identify any setbacks you experience, reinforce your strengths and core skills, and help hold you accountable.Related: What Does Being a Self-Starter Mean?

### 5. Consider the details

Presenting yourself in a specific way often depends on the level of detail you put into your presentation. Little details can enhance your presentation and make it that much more believable to other people. For example, if you want to present as an organized, reliable person, something as simple as cleaning up your workstation can help others see you as that.

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