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The self presentation theory and how to present your best self

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What does self presentation mean?

What are self presentation goals, individual differences and self presentation.

How can you make the most of the self presentation theory at work?  

We all want others to see us as confident, competent, and likeable — even if we don’t necessarily feel that way all the time. In fact, we make dozens of decisions every day — whether consciously or unconsciously — to get people to see us as we want to be seen. But is this kind of self presentation dishonest? Shouldn’t we just be ourselves?

Success requires interacting with other people. We can’t control the other side of those interactions. But we can think about how the other person might see us and make choices about what we want to convey. 

Self presentation is any behavior or action made with the intention to influence or change how other people see you. Anytime we're trying to get people to think of us a certain way, it's an act of self presentation. Generally speaking, we work to present ourselves as favorably as possible. What that means can vary depending on the situation and the other person.

Although at first glance this may seem disingenuous, we all engage in self-presentation. We want to make sure that we show up in a way that not only makes us look good, but makes us feel good about ourselves.

Early research on self presentation focused on narcissism and sociopathy, and how people might use the impression others have of them to manipulate others for their benefit. However, self presentation and manipulation are distinct. After all, managing the way others see us works for their benefit as well as ours.

Imagine, for example, a friend was complaining to you about   a tough time they were having at work . You may want to show up as a compassionate person. However, it also benefits your friend — they feel heard and able to express what is bothering them when you appear to be present, attentive, and considerate of their feelings. In this case, you’d be conscious of projecting a caring image, even if your mind was elsewhere, because you value the relationship and your friend’s experience.

To some extent, every aspect of our lives depends on successful self-presentation. We want our families to feel that we are worthy of attention and love. We present ourselves as studious and responsible to our teachers. We want to seem fun and interesting at a party, and confident at networking events. Even landing a job depends on you convincing the interviewer that you are the best person for the role.

There are three main reasons why people engage in self presentation:

Tangible or social benefits:

In order to achieve the results we want, it often requires that we behave a certain way. In other words, certain behaviors are desirable in certain situations. Matching our behavior to the circumstances can help us connect to others,   develop a sense of belonging , and attune to the needs and feelings of others.

Example:   Michelle is   a new manager . At her first leadership meeting, someone makes a joke that she doesn’t quite get. When everyone else laughs, she smiles, even though she’s not sure why.

By laughing along with the joke, Michelle is trying to fit in and appear “in the know.” Perhaps more importantly, she avoids feeling (or at least appearing) left out, humorless, or revealing that she didn’t get it — which may hurt her confidence and how she interacts with the group in the future.

To facilitate social interaction:

As mentioned, certain circumstances and roles call for certain behaviors. Imagine a defense attorney. Do you think of them a certain way? Do you have expectations for what they do — or don’t — do? If you saw them frantically searching for their car keys, would you feel confident with them defending your case?

If the answer is no, then you have a good idea of why self presentation is critical to social functioning. We’re surprised when people don’t present themselves in a way that we feel is consistent with the demands of their role. Having an understanding of what is expected of you — whether at home, work, or in relationships — may help you succeed by inspiring confidence in others.

Example:   Christopher has always been called a “know-it-all.” He reads frequently and across a variety of topics, but gets nervous and tends to talk over people. When attending a networking event, he is uncharacteristically quiet. Even though he would love to speak up, he’s afraid of being seen as someone who “dominates” the conversation. 

Identity Construction:

It’s not enough for us to declare who we are or what we want to be — we have to take actions consistent with that identity. In many cases, we also have to get others to buy into this image of ourselves as well. Whether it’s a personality trait or a promotion, it can be said that we’re not who   we   think we are, but who others see.

Example:   Jordan is interested in moving to a client-facing role. However, in their last performance review, their manager commented that Jordan seemed “more comfortable working independently.” 

Declaring themselves a “people person” won’t make Jordan’s manager see them any differently. In order to gain their manager’s confidence, Jordan will have to show up as someone who can comfortably engage with clients and thrive in their new role.

We may also use self presentation to reinforce a desired identity for ourselves. If we want to accomplish something, make a change, or   learn a new skill , making it public is a powerful strategy. There's a reason why people who share their goals are more likely to be successful. The positive pressure can help us stay accountable to our commitments in a way that would be hard to accomplish alone.

Example:   Fatima wants to run a 5K. She’s signed up for a couple before, but her perfectionist tendencies lead her to skip race day because she feels she hasn’t trained enough. However, when her friend asks her to run a 5K with her, she shows up without a second thought.

In Fatima’s case, the positive pressure — along with the desire to serve a more important value (friendship) — makes showing up easy.

Because we spend so much time with other people (and our success largely depends on what they think of us), we all curate our appearance in one way or another. However, we don’t all desire to have people see us in the same way or to achieve the same goals. Our experiences and outcomes may vary based on a variety of factors.

One important factor is our level of self-monitoring when we interact with others. Some people are particularly concerned about creating a good impression, while others are uninterested. This can vary not only in individuals, but by circumstances.   A person may feel very confident at work , but nervous about making a good impression on a first date.

Another factor is self-consciousness — that is, how aware people are of themselves in a given circumstance. People that score high on scales of public self-consciousness are aware of how they come across socially. This tends to make it easier for them to align their behavior with the perception that they want others to have of them.

Finally, it's not enough to simply want other people to see you differently. In order to successfully change how other people perceive you, need to have three main skills: 

1. Perception and empathy

Successful self-presentation depends on being able to correctly perceive   how people are feeling , what's important to them, and which traits you need to project in order to achieve your intended outcomes.

2. Motivation

If we don’t have a compelling reason to change the perception that others have of us, we are not likely to try to change our behavior. Your desire for a particular outcome, whether it's social or material, creates a sense of urgency.

3.  A matching skill set

You’ve got to be able to walk the talk. Your actions will convince others more than anything you say. In other words, you have to provide evidence that you are the person you say you are. You may run into challenges if you're trying to portray yourself as skilled in an area where you actually lack experience.

How can you make the most of the self presentation theory at work?

At its heart, self presentation requires a high-level of self awareness and empathy. In order to make sure that we're showing up as our best in every circumstance — and with each person — we have to be aware of our own motivation as well as what would make the biggest difference to the person in front of us.

Here are 6 strategies to learn to make the most of the self-presentation theory in your career:

1. Get feedback from people around you

Ask a trusted friend or mentor to share what you can improve. Asking for feedback about specific experiences, like a recent project or presentation, will make their suggestions more relevant and easier to implement.

2. Study people who have been successful in your role

Look at how they interact with other people. How do you perceive them? Have they had to cultivate particular skills or ways of interacting with others that may not have come easily to them?

3. Be yourself

Look for areas where you naturally excel and stand out. If you feel comfortable, confident, and happy, you’ll have an easier time projecting that to others. It’s much harder to present yourself as confident when you’re uncomfortable.

4. Be aware that you may mess up

As you work to master new skills and ways of interacting with others,   keep asking for feedback . Talk to your manager, team, or a trusted friend about how you came across. If you sense that you’ve missed the mark, address it candidly. People will understand, and you’ll learn more quickly.

Try saying, “I hope that didn’t come across as _______. I want you to know that…”

5. Work with a coach

Coaches are skilled in interpersonal communication and committed to your success. Roleplay conversations to see how they land, and practice what you’ll say and do in upcoming encounters. Over time, a coach will also begin to know you well enough to notice patterns and suggest areas for improvement.

6. The identity is in the details

Don’t forget about the other aspects of your presentation. Take a moment to visualize yourself being the way that you want to be seen. Are there certain details that would make you feel more like that person? Getting organized, refreshing your wardrobe, rewriting your resume, and even cleaning your home office can all serve as powerful affirmations of your next-level self.

Self presentation is defined as the way we try to control how others see us, but it’s just as much about how we see ourselves. It is a skill to achieve a level of comfort with who we are   and   feel confident to choose how we self-present. Consciously working to make sure others get to see the very best of you is a wonderful way to develop into the person you want to be.

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Allaya Cooks-Campbell

With over 15 years of content experience, Allaya Cooks Campbell has written for outlets such as ScaryMommy, HRzone, and HuffPost. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and is a certified yoga instructor as well as a certified Integrative Wellness & Life Coach. Allaya is passionate about whole-person wellness, yoga, and mental health.

Impression management: Developing your self-presentation skills

How self-knowledge builds success: self-awareness in the workplace, 6 presentation skills and how to improve them, how to give a good presentation that captivates any audience, 30 presentation feedback examples, self-awareness in leadership: how it will make you a better boss, developing psychological flexibility, how to make a presentation interactive and exciting, discover how the johari window model sparks self-discovery, how self-compassion strengthens resilience, what is self-efficacy and 10 ways to build it, what is self-awareness and how to develop it, how to not be nervous for a presentation — 13 tips that work (really), what i didn't know before working with a coach: the power of reflection, self-advocacy: improve your life by speaking up, building resilience part 6: what is self-efficacy, why learning from failure is your key to success, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

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Self Presentation And Self Presentation Theory Explained

What is Self Presentation?

Self presentation is something that everyone needs to learn, but not many do. If you watch television, movies, read magazines, or even visit social networking websites, you’ll see lots of people talking about who they are. However, very few actually talk about how they feel and why they think the way that they do.

One thing most people struggle with when it comes to self presentation is confidence. People often don’t know what to say or what to ask. They worry about what other people might think of them or what others will think if they start to open up to them. So, instead of taking the plunge and starting to share things about yourself, you just stay quiet. This makes no sense because you never get anywhere in life by keeping silent.

But here’s a little secret – sharing who we are can help us grow personally, professionally and financially.

Self-presentation Definition

When you’re trying to get ahead in life, you need to be able to present yourself in the best possible way. If you don’t know how to do this, you might end up looking like an amateur.

Here is a definition of self presentation.

A person’s self presentation is the way that he or she presents himself to other people. This includes things such as his or her clothing, hairstyle, and makeup.

What Is Self Presentation Theory?

Self-presentation theory is a psychological theory that explains how people present themselves to others. Self-presentation can take many forms, including verbal, nonverbal, and behavioral.

It has two parts: the self-concept and the self-schema. The self-concept is how we see ourselves concerning others; the self-schema is how we see ourselves concerning our thoughts and feelings.

The impact of self-presentation theory on organizations has been significant because it helps us understand why people make some choices over others when they are trying to sell something or position themselves for a job interview or promotion.

The theory was originally developed by anthropologist Sherry Turkle in 1977. In her book Life On The Screen, she wrote about how people use technology to try to create an idealized version of themselves for others, and then try to make their idealized selves real through interactions with other people.

This idea has become more popular in recent years as we have become increasingly connected through technology like social media and smartphones. We see examples all around us: people posting selfies on Instagram with their friends or families who aren’t there; people tweeting updates about their lives while they’re at work, and other examples too numerous to name here.

Drew is the creator of myselfintroduction.com, designed to teach everyone how to introduce themselves to anyone with confidence in any situation.

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Goffman’s Self-Presentation Theory: Insights and Applications in Social Psychology| Applied Social Psychology| Dr Manju Rani

Erving Goffman’s self-presentation theory is a foundational concept in social psychology, offering insights into how individuals present themselves in everyday interactions. Goffman, a Canadian sociologist, introduced this theory in his seminal work The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life (1956), where he conceptualized social interactions as theatrical performances. This theory is a key framework for understanding how people consciously or unconsciously manage their image in social situations, depending on the context, audience, and desired outcomes.

1.1 Overview of Erving Goffman’s Contributions

Goffman’s contributions to sociology and psychology extended beyond self-presentation. His work touched on topics such as stigma, total institutions, and face-to-face communication. However, self-presentation remains one of his most enduring legacies. This concept plays a crucial role in applied social psychology, as it helps explain the underlying motivations behind human behaviour in various social contexts, from the workplace to social media interactions.

2. The Concept of Self-Presentation

At the heart of Goffman’s theory lies the idea that individuals are constantly performing for an audience, striving to control the impressions others form of them. This performance can vary based on the environment, audience, and specific social norms guiding the interaction.

2.1 The "Front Stage" and "Back Stage" Metaphor

Goffman introduced the metaphor of a theatrical performance to describe human interactions. The "front stage" refers to the public face that individuals present in social settings, while the "back stage" is where they retreat to prepare or relax away from the gaze of others. On the front stage, individuals perform roles that are shaped by the expectations of the audience and societal norms, while the back stage is reserved for moments of privacy where they can step out of their roles.

2.2 Impression Management as a Core Concept

Central to Goffman’s theory is the concept of impression management , which refers to the process by which individuals attempt to influence the perceptions of others. Whether consciously or unconsciously, people manage the impressions they create through their appearance, speech, body language, and actions. In applied social psychology, this concept is crucial for understanding how individuals navigate various social roles and relationships.

3. Key Elements of Self-Presentation Theory

Goffman’s theory includes several key elements that help explain how people present themselves and how these presentations are influenced by the social environment.

3.1 Social Roles and Social Scripts

In social interactions, individuals perform roles based on societal expectations, much like actors following a script. These social scripts provide guidelines for how to behave in specific situations, such as a job interview, a date, or a family gathering. Goffman’s theory highlights how people internalize and enact these roles, adjusting their performance based on feedback from others.

3.2 The Importance of Audience in Self-Presentation

Goffman emphasized the role of the audience in shaping self-presentation. Just as actors tailor their performances to fit the expectations of their audience, individuals modify their behavior based on the people they interact with. The same person may act differently in front of friends, colleagues, or strangers, depending on the social context and the desired outcome of the interaction.

3.3 Strategic Disclosure and Concealment of Information

Self-presentation often involves the strategic disclosure or concealment of information. Individuals may choose to highlight certain aspects of their identity or experience while downplaying or hiding others, depending on what will create the most favorable impression. For example, in a professional setting, one might emphasize their competence and reliability while concealing personal challenges.

4. Dramaturgy in Social Life

Goffman’s theatrical metaphor, known as dramaturgy , is a powerful tool for understanding social interactions. This perspective frames individuals as actors who use various strategies to present themselves to others.

4.1 The Theatrical Metaphor: Actors, Audience, and Props

In Goffman’s view, social life is like a stage where individuals are actors performing for an audience. The "props" in this performance can include clothing, accessories, or even language and gestures that help convey the desired image. These performances are often shaped by the setting and the roles people are expected to play.

4.2 Managing Impressions in Everyday Life

Goffman’s theory suggests that people are constantly managing impressions in their everyday lives, whether consciously or not. From the way they dress to how they speak, individuals aim to control how they are perceived by others. This constant management of impressions is a key part of navigating social life and maintaining relationships.

5. The Role of Social Norms in Self-Presentation

Social norms play a significant role in shaping how individuals present themselves. These unwritten rules guide behavior and define what is considered acceptable or unacceptable in different social contexts.

5.1 How Social Norms Guide Behavior in Different Contexts

Social norms vary depending on the situation, and individuals adjust their behavior accordingly. In formal settings, such as a business meeting, the norms may require a professional demeanor, while in informal settings, such as a casual gathering, the norms may allow for more relaxed behavior. Goffman’s theory emphasizes how these norms influence self-presentation.

5.2 Social Norms and Identity Performance

Identity performance is closely tied to social norms, as individuals often conform to these norms to fit into their social roles. For example, a teacher may adopt a formal and authoritative manner in the classroom, even if their natural personality is more relaxed. This adjustment is a form of impression management that aligns with societal expectations.

6. Applications of Self-Presentation in Social Psychology

Goffman’s self-presentation theory has wide-ranging applications in social psychology, particularly in understanding how people manage their image in different contexts.

6.1 Self-Presentation in Online Environments and Social Media

The rise of social media has brought new challenges and opportunities for self-presentation. In online environments, individuals have more control over the image they present, carefully curating their posts, photos, and interactions. However, the pressure to maintain a certain image can also lead to stress and anxiety, particularly when the online persona differs from the individual’s true self.

6.2 Self-Presentation in Professional Settings

In professional settings, impression management is crucial for career success. People often engage in self-promotion, emphasizing their skills, achievements, and qualifications to create a favorable impression on employers and colleagues. This strategic presentation is essential in job interviews, networking events, and workplace interactions.

6.3 Self-Presentation in Romantic and Friendship Relationships

In personal relationships, self-presentation plays a key role in forming connections. Individuals may present different aspects of their personality depending on the stage of the relationship and the desired outcome. For instance, early in a romantic relationship, people often highlight their best qualities while concealing less favorable traits.

7. The Psychological Impacts of Self-Presentation

While self-presentation can be a useful tool for navigating social interactions, it can also have psychological effects.

7.1 Effects of Self-Presentation on Self-Esteem

The need to constantly manage impressions can impact self-esteem, particularly when individuals feel that they are not living up to the image they present. This dissonance between the "front stage" self and the "back stage" self can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

7.2 Anxiety and Cognitive Dissonance in Self-Presentation

The pressure to maintain a certain image can also cause anxiety, especially in situations where individuals fear that their true self will be revealed. Cognitive dissonance, the discomfort caused by holding conflicting beliefs or behaviors, can arise when the image a person presents does not align with their internal sense of self.

8. Impression Management Techniques

Individuals use various strategies to manage the impressions they create. Goffman identified several common techniques in his analysis of self-presentation.

8.1 Ingratiation

Ingratiation involves using flattery or other forms of positive reinforcement to gain favor with others. People often use this technique to appear more likable or cooperative, particularly in situations where they want to be accepted by a group.

8.2 Self-Promotion

Self-promotion is a strategy where individuals emphasize their accomplishments and positive qualities to create a favorable impression. This technique is common in professional settings, where individuals seek to showcase their competence and expertise.

8.3 Supplication and Exemplification

Supplication involves presenting oneself as needy or vulnerable to gain sympathy or help from others. Exemplification, on the other hand, involves demonstrating integrity and high moral standards to earn respect and admiration.

9. Self-Presentation and Social Identity Theory

Goffman’s self-presentation theory can be linked to social identity theory, which explores how individuals derive their sense of self from their group memberships.

9.1 Linking Goffman’s Ideas to Social Identity Theory

Social identity theory, developed by Henri Tajfel, suggests that people identify with certain social groups and derive part of their self-concept from these affiliations. Goffman’s theory complements this by explaining how individuals present themselves in ways that align with their group identities, managing impressions to fit in with group norms.

9.2 Identity, Group Membership, and Social Roles

In applied social psychology, Goffman’s ideas help explain how individuals navigate the tension between personal identity and group membership. People often adjust their self-presentation to align with the expectations of their social groups, whether in the workplace, at home, or in social gatherings.

10. Criticisms of Self-Presentation Theory

Despite its influential status, Goffman’s self-presentation theory has faced some criticisms.

10.1 Overemphasis on Social Performance

Critics argue that Goffman’s theory places too much emphasis on the performative aspects of social interaction, suggesting that all behavior is a calculated performance. This perspective may overlook more spontaneous or genuine aspects of human behavior that do not involve conscious impression management.

10.2 Limitations in Addressing Non-Conscious Behavior

Another criticism is that Goffman’s theory does not adequately address non-conscious behaviors. Many social interactions involve automatic, habitual behaviors that do not involve conscious impression management, which is not fully accounted for in the dramaturgical framework.

11. Case Studies of Self-Presentation in Social Psychology

Several case studies highlight how Goffman’s self-presentation theory applies to real-world social interactions.

11.1 Workplace Scenarios: Managing Professional Image

In workplace settings, individuals often engage in impression management to navigate professional relationships. For example, employees may present themselves as competent and dedicated to gain the trust of their superiors, while also managing their image among colleagues.

11.2 Political Leaders and Public Perception

Political leaders are constantly engaged in self-presentation, as their public image plays a crucial role in their success. They often craft speeches, public appearances, and social media profiles to create a favorable impression on their audience.

11.3 Social Media Influencers and Digital Impression Management

Social media influencers provide a modern example of Goffman’s self-presentation theory in action. Influencers carefully curate their online personas to attract followers, using a range of strategies to manage their image and maintain engagement with their audience.

12. Cultural Influences on Self-Presentation

Self-presentation is not universal; it varies significantly across cultures, influenced by different social norms and values.

12.1 Variations in Self-Presentation Across Cultures

Cultural norms play a key role in shaping how individuals present themselves. In collectivist cultures, for example, self-presentation may emphasize group harmony and conformity, while in individualistic cultures, people may focus more on personal achievement and uniqueness.

12.2 Cross-Cultural Research and Goffman’s Theory

Cross-cultural research in social psychology has explored how Goffman’s ideas apply in different cultural contexts. These studies have found that while the basic principles of self-presentation hold across cultures, the specific strategies and norms guiding behaviour can vary widely.

13. The Evolution of Self-Presentation in a Digital Age

The rise of digital communication has transformed self-presentation, creating new opportunities and challenges for managing impressions.

13.1 Changing Dynamics in Virtual Environments

In online environments, individuals have greater control over their self-presentation, but they also face new pressures. The ability to edit and curate digital content allows for more deliberate impression management, but it can also lead to a disconnect between one’s online persona and real-life identity.

13.2 Social Media and the Performance of Multiple Selves

Social media platforms enable individuals to present different versions of themselves to different audiences. For example, someone might present a professional image on LinkedIn, while maintaining a more casual or playful persona on Instagram. This ability to manage multiple selves is a key aspect of digital self-presentation.

14. Ethical Considerations in Self-Presentation

The strategic nature of self-presentation raises important ethical questions, particularly around issues of authenticity and deception.

14.1 Authenticity vs. Deception in Social Interactions

One of the central ethical dilemmas in self-presentation is the balance between authenticity and deception. While it is natural to present oneself in a favorable light, there is a fine line between managing impressions and misleading others. This is particularly relevant in online environments, where individuals can easily manipulate their image.

14.2 Ethical Boundaries in Managing Impressions

In professional and personal relationships, maintaining ethical boundaries in impression management is crucial. Overemphasizing certain qualities or concealing important information can lead to mistrust and damaged relationships, highlighting the importance of transparency in social interactions.

15. Conclusion

Erving Goffman’s self-presentation theory remains a powerful framework for understanding social interactions and the ways individuals manage their image in different contexts. From everyday encounters to the complexities of social media, the theory provides valuable insights into how people navigate the expectations of others while maintaining their sense of self.

15.1 Revisiting Goffman’s Influence on Social Psychology

Goffman’s work continues to influence the field of social psychology, particularly in the study of social identity, group dynamics, and online behavior. His theory provides a useful lens for exploring the nuances of human behavior and the ways people adapt to different social roles and expectations.

15.2 The Future of Self-Presentation Research

As technology continues to evolve, so too will the study of self-presentation. Future research may focus on how digital environments shape self-presentation strategies and the psychological effects of maintaining multiple personas across different platforms. Goffman’s insights will remain relevant as scholars continue to explore the complexities of social behavior in an increasingly interconnected world.

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The Best Tips for Presenting & Introducing Yourself

Last Updated: August 22, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Alexandra Janelli . Alexandra Janelli is a Certified Hypnotherapist, Anxiety & Stress Management Coach, and owner and founder of Modrn Sanctuary, a holistic health and wellness facility in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With over 10 years of experience, Alexandra specializes in helping clients push through their roadblocks to achieve their goals using her hypnotherapeutic approach. Alexandra holds a BS from the University of Miami. She graduated from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute with an Advanced Training Graduate Diploma in Hypnotherapy and Handwriting Analysis. Alexandra is also a Certified Life Coach from the iPEC Coach Training Program. She has worked with Academy Award Nominee Actors, world-renowned photographers, singers, top-level executives, and professionals across many sectors of business. Alexandra has been featured on MTV, Elle Magazine, Oprah Magazine, Men's Fitness, Swell City Guide, Dossier Journal, The New Yorker, and Time Out Chicago. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 76,980 times.

How you present yourself to others makes an enormous difference in how you view yourself. With the right mindset, confidence, look and behavior you can improve your self-image and feel your best. Take a look at the tips in this article and change your life for the better.

Improving Your Look

• Simple dietary changes can lead to massive improvements in your overall health and look. Focus on eating more healthy foods, like lean proteins (salmon, chicken breast, soy beans), fresh fruits and vegetables (cranberries and avocados are loaded with nutrients), and healthy grains (brown rice).
• Avoid trans fats and foods high in sodium. Cutting fast food and soda out of your diet will help.
• Jogging is a fun and easy way to exercise and stay fit that doesn’t require equipment or a health club membership. Get a friend to tag along and keep each other motivated.

• People are more likely to trust, be friendly with, and invest in a person who wears nice clothes. Subconscious judgments occur in the minds of even the most non-judgmental people. [1] X Research source
• Iron your shirts and pants to avoid looking like you just rolled out of bed. It’s easy to do and doesn’t take very long, yet the results have a big impact on your presentation.
• Try to coordinate outfits that match, using clothes that fit and accessories that don’t clash.

• Maintaining eye contact when you talk to someone assures them that you’re invested in what they have to say and that you respect them. This reflects well on you.
• Practicing proper posture tells people that you’re alert, focused, and care about your health. Don’t slouch, instead, try to sit upright while aligning along the natural curve of your back. Set reminders throughout the day to keep you on track until its second nature. [3] X Research source

• Good personal hygiene will keep you looking and feeling better. It helps prevent disease and improves confidence and self-image. [4] X Research source
• Keep a clean house. When you have guests over, a tidy living room, organized kitchen, and made bed inform visitors that you are in control of your life.

Demonstrating Proper Behavior

• Offer small compliments to make people feel appreciated. Maybe they got a new hairstyle or made a strong contribution to a good effort. Saying “You look nice today” or “That was a great idea” can make somebody’s day and doing so improves their perception of you.
• Simply saying “please,” “thank you,” or “bless you” goes a long way when meeting new people.

• Be careful not to over-share or pry to hard with your questions. Keep topics light in the beginning by asking about fun parts of people’s lives like vacations and hobbies.

• When encountering new people, find a balance between shyness and assertiveness. Make an effort to introduce yourself to people but don’t force your way into conversations. Be aware of people’s body language.

• Besides the benefit of other people’s perception of you, working hard results in improved feelings towards yourself. People derive satisfaction and pride from a strong work ethic.
• Good ways to improve your work ethic include: Better punctuality, avoiding procrastination, helping with other people’s projects, focusing on small details, embracing responsibility, starting early, and never saying “that’s not my job.” [6] X Research source

Changing Your Attitude

• Many of the steps listed above in this article can help build confidence. Exercising, dressing well, and being a gracious and friendly conversationalist all lead to improved levels of confidence.

• When focused on your own flaws, it’s easy to forget other people aren’t perfect either. If you actively work to better yourself, people will notice and admire you for it.

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Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about psychological resilience, check out our in-depth interview with Alexandra Janelli .

• ↑ https://riskology.co/dress-well/
• ↑ https://artofeloquence.com/articles/body-language/
• ↑ https://personalexcellence.co/blog/good-posture/
• ↑ https://www.hygieneexpert.co.uk/importancegoodpersonalhygiene.html
• ↑ https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4005/10-Ways-to-Be-More-Gracious.html
• ↑ https://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2014/02/how-to-build-a-strong-work-ethic/
• ↑ https://lifehacker.com/how-to-build-your-confidence-and-why-it-matters-1442414831

About This Article

If you want to successfully present yourself to others, improve your look by dressing in flattering clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable. You should also project positive body language by maintaining proper posture and eye contact during conversations, so people know you're interested in what they have to say. In addition, be gracious, polite, and kind to others as well as yourself to show that you are a caring, balanced person. For example, offer small compliments to make people feel appreciated, and try to say "please," "thank you," and "bless you" more, since little friendly gestures like these can go a long way with people you've just met. Furthermore, remember to demonstrate a strong work ethic by meeting deadlines and showing up on time, so others will see you as reliable. For more advice, including how to change your attitude and present yourself with confidence, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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3. Self-Presentation

How we perceive ourselves manifests in how we present ourselves to others. Self-presentation is the process of strategically concealing or revealing personal information in order to influence others’ perceptions. 47 We engage in this process daily and for different reasons. Although people occasionally intentionally deceive others in the process of self-presentation, in general we try to make a good impression while still remaining authentic. Since self-presentation helps meet our instrumental, relational, and identity needs, we stand to lose quite a bit if we are caught intentionally misrepresenting ourselves. In May of 2012, Yahoo!’s CEO resigned after it became known that he stated on official documents that he had two college degrees when he actually only had one. In a similar incident, a woman who had long served as the dean of admissions for the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology was dismissed from her position after it was learned that she had only attended one year of college and had falsely indicated she had a bachelor’s and master’s degree. 48 Such incidents clearly show that although people can get away with such false self-presentation for a while, the eventual consequences of being found out are dire. As communicators, we sometimes engage in more subtle forms of inauthentic self-presentation. For example, a person may state or imply that they know more about a subject or situation than they actually do in order to seem smart or “in the loop.” During a speech, a speaker works on a polished and competent delivery to distract from a lack of substantive content. These cases of strategic self-presentation may not ever be found out, but communicators should still avoid them as they do not live up to the standards of ethical communication.

Consciously and competently engaging in self-presentation can have benefits because we can provide others with a more positive and accurate picture of who we are. People who are skilled at impression management are typically more engaging and confident, which allows others to pick up on more cues from which to form impressions. 49 Being a skilled self-presenter draws on many of the practices used by competent communicators, including becoming a higher self-monitor. When self-presentation skills and self-monitoring skills combine, communicators can simultaneously monitor their own expressions, the reaction of others, and the situational and social context. 50

Sometimes people get help with their self-presentation. Although most people can’t afford or wouldn’t think of hiring an image consultant, some people have started generously donating their self-presentation expertise to help others. Many people who have been riding the tough job market for a year or more get discouraged and may consider giving up on their job search. Now a project called “Style Me Hired” has started offering free makeovers to jobless people in order to offer them new motivation and help them make favorable impressions and hopefully get a job offer. 51

There are two main types of self-presentation: prosocial and self-serving. 52 Prosocial self-presentation entails behaviors that present a person as a role model and make a person more likable and attractive. For example, a supervisor may call on her employees to uphold high standards for business ethics, model that behavior in her own actions, and compliment others when they exemplify those standards. Self-serving self-presentation entails behaviors that present a person as highly skilled, willing to challenge others, and someone not to be messed with. For example, a supervisor may publicly take credit for the accomplishments of others or publicly critique an employee who failed to meet a particular standard. In summary, prosocial strategies are aimed at benefiting others, while self-serving strategies benefit the self at the expense of others.

In general, we strive to present a public image that matches up with our self-concept, but we can also use self-presentation strategies to enhance our self-concept. 53 When we present ourselves in order to evoke a positive evaluative response, we are engaging in self-enhancement. In the pursuit of self- enhancement, a person might try to be as appealing as possible in a particular area or with a particular person to gain feedback that will enhance one’s self-esteem. For example, a singer might train and practice for weeks before singing in front of a well-no respected vocal coach but not invest as much effort in preparing to sing in front of friends. Although positive feedback from friends is beneficial, positive feedback from an experienced singer could enhance a person’s self-concept. Self-enhancement can be productive and achieved competently, or it can be used inappropriately. Using self- enhancement behaviors just to gain the approval of others or out of self-centeredness may lead people to communicate in ways that are perceived as phony or overbearing and end up making an unfavorable impression. 54

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Our self-concept is the overall idea of who we think we are. It is developed through our interactions with others and through social comparison that allows us to compare our beliefs and behaviors to others.
• Our self-esteem is based on the evaluations and judgments we make about various characteristics of our self-concept. It is developed through an assessment and evaluation of our various skills and abilities, known as self-efficacy, and through a comparison and evaluation of who we are, who we would like to be, and who we should be (self-discrepancy theory).
• Social comparison theory and self-discrepancy theory affect our self-concept and self-esteem because through comparison with others and comparison of our actual, ideal, and ought selves we make judgments about who we are and our self-worth. These judgments then affect how we communicate and behave.
• Socializing forces like family, culture, and media affect our self-perception because they give us feedback on who we are. This feedback can be evaluated positively or negatively and can lead to positive or negative patterns that influence our self-perception and then our communication.
• Self-presentation refers to the process of strategically concealing and/or revealing personal information in order to influence others’ perceptions. Prosocial self-presentation is intended to benefit others and self-serving self-presentation is intended to benefit the self at the expense of others. People also engage in self-enhancement, which is a self-presentation strategy by which people intentionally seek out positive evaluations.
• Make a list of characteristics that describe who you are (your self-concept). After looking at the list, see if you can come up with a few words that summarize the list to narrow in on the key features of your self-concept. Go back over the first list and evaluate each characteristic, for example noting whether it is something you do well/ poorly, something that is good/bad, positive/negative, desirable/undesirable. Is the overall list more positive or more negative?After doing these exercises, what have you learned about your self-concept and self-esteem?
• Discuss at least one time in which you had a discrepancy or tension between two of the three selves described by self-discrepancy theory (the actual, ideal, and ought selves). What effect did this discrepancy have on your self-concept and/or self-esteem?
• Take one of the socializing forces discussed (family, culture, or media) and identify at least one positive and one negative influence that it/they have had on your self-concept and/or self- esteem.
• Getting integrated: Discuss some ways that you might strategically engage in self-presentation to influence the impressions of others in an academic, a professional, a personal, and a civic context.

ACC Interpersonal Communication by Megan Rector is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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When you give a presentation, it is important to remember the whole package, and that means how you present yourself as well as how you present the material.

It is not good to spend hours and hours preparing a wonderful presentation and neglect the effect of your own appearance.

Whether you like it or not, people make judgements about you based on your appearance.

These judgements may be conscious or subconscious, but they all affect how, and whether, your audience is prepared to take on board your message as presenter.

Our pages on Personal Appearance and Personal Presentation explain the importance of presenting yourself effectively, more generally. This page focuses on the impact of self-presentation in presentations.

The Importance of Expectations

When you stand up to give a presentation, the audience already has certain expectations about how you will behave, and what you will say.

These expectations may be based on the event, the marketing, their knowledge of you, or their previous experience more generally.

Expectations may also be based on societal norms, such as business people are expected to wear suits.

You don’t have to match people’s expectations, of course, but you do need to be aware that, if you don’t, they are going to have to spend time processing that difference. This mismatch will take some of their concentration away from your message.

You also need to be aware that people can only take so much discomfort.

A mismatch between expectations and reality can even lead to a situation called cognitive dissonance , where individuals come into contact with something — whether idea, person, or belief — that causes them to question their own internal beliefs and values.

This can be very uncomfortable, and the normal reaction is to try to avoid it. In a presentation situation, that's going to mean either leaving or just not listening, neither of which is ideal.

This is particularly important if you want to say something that your audience will find difficult to hear.

If you want to say something outrageous, wear a suit.

The late Dr Joe Jaina, Organisational Psychologist at Cranfield School of Management.

Aspects of Personal Presentation

Your personal presentation includes:

• Accessories, which in this context means anything that you’re carrying or wearing, including your notes, although it also includes luggage, bags, phones, jewellery, watches, and scarves;
• Body language; and

Your clothes are probably the most obvious aspect of personal presentation.

In deciding what to wear, there are several things to consider:

What does the audience expect?

It’s not actually as simple as ‘wear a business suit’, because this may not always be appropriate.

It does depend what your audience is expecting. On some occasions, or in some industries, smart casual may be much more appropriate. If you’re not sure, ask the organisers about the dress code. You can also ask someone who has been to the event before, or have a look online.

If it’s a regular event, there will almost certainly be photographs of previous occasions and you can see what other people have worn.

Within the audience’s expectations, what will make you feel comfortable?

You will present best if you are fairly relaxed, so you need to find a balance between the audience’s expectations, and feeling comfortable.

For example, you may have a particular suit that you think makes you look good. For women, it’s also worth thinking about shoes: you’re going to have to stand for the duration of the session, so make sure that you can do that.

If you’re not used to heels, don’t wear them.

Your accessories should be consistent with your clothes.

That doesn’t mean that your bag needs to be the same colour as your jacket.  However, if you’re wearing a suit, your notes should be in a briefcase or smart bag, and you’re not carrying a backpack or plastic carrier bag. Again, it’s about not distracting your audience from your message.

Likewise, your notes should be part of your thinking. Producing a dog-eared sheaf of paper is not going to help you project a good image. Papers tend to flap about, whereas cue cards can be held on your hand, which is why it is worth considering using cue cards, or even memorising most of what you’re going to say and using your visual aids as cues.

See our page: Managing your Presentation Notes for more on this.

The Importance of Self-Presentation

In 2005, the Conservative Party in the UK faced a leadership election as leader Michael Howard announced that he would step down. The actual election was held between October and December that year. In October, at the Conservative Party Conference, each of the announced candidates was given an opportunity to make a 20-minute speech.

Before the speeches, David Davis was very much the front-runner in the competition. However, his conference speech was considered poor. He spoke from notes, and never really came alive. David Cameron, a more junior member of the party and considered by many an outside chance as leader, made a speech that set the hall alight. He spoke without notes, and with passion, presenting himself as the young, upcoming potential leader who could take the party in a new direction.

By the following morning, the bookies had David Cameron as the front-runner and he went on to win the leadership election.

Self-Presentation also Includes Body Language and Voice.

While there are many important elements of body language, perhaps the most important is to project self-confidence .

You need to demonstrate that you believe in what you’re saying. Otherwise, why would anyone else believe it?

For more about this, and other aspects of body language that may help your communication, see our pages on Managing a Presentation Event and Non-Verbal Communication .

Part of projecting self-belief is being able to control your voice, and speak slowly and clearly. You also need to vary your tone and pace to keep people interested.

For more about this, see our page on Effective Speaking .

In conclusion…

When you are making a presentation, you are presenting a package: you and your message. The more you are aware of the impact of every element, the more effective the package will be as a whole.

Further Reading from Skills You Need

The Skills You Need Guide to Getting a Job

Develop the skills you need to get that job.

This eBook is essential reading for potential job-seekers. Not only does it cover identifying your skills but also the mechanics of applying for a job, writing a CV or resume and attending interviews.

Continue to: Presenting to Large Groups Top Tips for Effective Presentations

See also: Coping with Presentation Nerves Giving a Speech Presenting Data Building a Personal Brand

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7 Self-Presentation Strategies

Posted on February 12, 2020 November 10, 2024 Author Dr. Balaji Niwlikar 3 Comments

Self-Presentation Strategies are important to create a good impression on oneself and others.

Self-concept

‘Self ’ and ‘self-concept’ are used interchangeably to refer to an individual’s overall self-awareness.

‘The self is the individual as known to the individual’. (Murphy, 1947)

Burns (1980) defines it as ‘the set of attitudes a person holds towards himself’.

According to Leary (2004), the self is a cognitive structure that permits self-reflection and organizes information about oneself.

Click here for Practice MCQ Test

Self-Presentation

Self-presentation is how we perceive ourselves whether that be in front of others or alone.

Self-presentation is behaviour that attempts to convey some information about oneself or some image of oneself to other people.

According to the APA Dictionary of Psychology , self-presentation is the act of intentionally conveying information or an image of oneself to others . It can involve verbal and nonverbal displays, and is part of a broader set of behaviors called impression management

Self-presentation is the set of method and strategies, we use selectively to apply in the situation to shape and enhance or to change our self-image to others.

It can be conscious or unconscious.

Self-Presentation Strategies

Strategic self-presentation- the process of constructing and presenting the self in order to shape other people’s impressions and achieve ulterior goals.

Example –Image, we put on social media sites. we choose it carefully.

Self-presentations can become automatic with practice. Not being able to project an appropriately presented self causes embarrassment.  These presented self rarely judged as harshly as we think.

Thus Social acceptance is a very strong motive. We want to appear friendly, likeable, and honest. We are less concerned about appearing competent and intelligent.

There are seven different strategies with different goals.

Ingratiation –

Edward E. Jones, Ingratiation is a psychological technique in which an individual attempt to  influence another person by becoming more likeable to their target. We try to shapes other’s impression through flattery. It increases the recipient’s self-esteem. This is the most common self-presentation strategy.

There are 3 types –

• Acquisitive ingratiation : Goal of obtaining something from others.
• Protective Ingratiation : To prevent possible negative consequences
• Significance ingratiation : To cultivate respect/approval from others, rather than an explicit reward.

Example –Towards Boss, a salesperson will appreciate our choice to get the tip.

Under representing own positive traits, contributions, or accomplishments to be humbler.  Moderating the estimation of one’s own abilities, sometimes seen as self-deprecation.

Very effective in increasing likeability.

Preserves high levels of perceived competence and honesty.

Women do it more frequently with greater effect.

Limitation – it is only effective when others are aware of an individual’s accomplishments.

Self-promotion –

Self-promotion conveyance of positive information through one’s behaviour or by telling others about once positive asset and accomplishment.

Desire to be respected for intelligence and competence.

Commonly during work-related interactions.

used more frequently by men.

Exemplification –

A strategy for  self-presentation  that involves inducing other people to regard one as a highly moral, virtuous person whose actions are consistent with positive, shared values.

This strategy is used to elicit the perception of integrity and moral worthiness while arousing guild and ammunition in others.

A person can accomplish  exemplification  by presenting him- or herself as honest, disciplined, self-sacrificing, generous, or principled.

The individual appears absorbed by devotion to some cause and suffers from the welfare of others

Can foster strong loyalty and group cohesion.

Others might feel inadequate in the face of their own shortcomings

Example- Sending coworker home whiling doing work alone.

Intimidation-

An individual produces fear and gains power by convincing others they are powerful and/ or dangerous.

It can be overt or covert.

Example – direct threat or implied threat.

Supplication–

Advertise the weakness or dependence, hoping the solicit help for sympathy out of a sense of social obligation.

Example homeless asking money to strangers.

Limitation- the people tend to blame the victim believing suffering is self-inflicted or judge an individual as poorly functioning .

7 Self-Handicapping–

An individual creates an obstacle to his or her own performance.

• to provide an excuse for failure
• to enhance the success

Most likely use when being evaluated on skills or attributes Central to self-concept.

• Self-reported handicapping

Complaining about illness or stress-induced ailment to engage in a task, work, exam etc.

It will provide an excuse for failure without hampering the performance. It can increase performance by lowering expectations does reducing anxiety.

Both men and women use.

2. Behavioural self-handicapping-

Not adequately preparing for a task or by using drugs or alcohol to inhabit performance for work.

Men use it more usually than women; Possibly because men are more competitive and driven by public standards in performance situations.

The danger with this strategy is people can perceive you as lazy or unmotivated.

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IResearchNet

Self-Presentation

Self-presentation definition.

Self-presentation refers to how people attempt to present themselves to control or shape how others (called the audience) view them. It involves expressing oneself and behaving in ways that create a desired impression. Self-presentation is part of a broader set of behaviors called impression management. Impression management refers to the controlled presentation of information about all sorts of things, including information about other people or events. Self-presentation refers specifically to information about the self.

Self-Presentation History and Modern Usage

Early work on impression management focused on its manipulative, inauthentic uses that might typify a used car salesperson who lies to sell a car, or someone at a job interview who embellishes accomplishments to get a job. However, researchers now think of self-presentation more broadly as a pervasive aspect of life. Although some aspects of self-presentation are deliberate and effortful (and at times deceitful), other aspects are automatic and done with little or no conscious thought. For example, a woman may interact with many people during the day and may make different impressions on each person. When she starts her day at her apartment, she chats with her roommates and cleans up after breakfast, thereby presenting the image of being a good friend and responsible roommate. During classes, she responds to her professor’s questions and carefully takes notes, presenting the image of being a good student. Later that day, she calls her parents and tells them about her classes and other activities (although likely leaving out information about some activities), presenting the image of being a loving and responsible daughter. That night, she might go to a party or dancing with friends, presenting the image of being fun and easygoing. Although some aspects of these self-presentations may be deliberate and conscious, other aspects are not. For example, chatting with her roommates and cleaning up after breakfast may be habitual behaviors that are done with little conscious thought. Likewise, she may automatically hold the door open for an acquaintance or buy a cup of coffee for a friend. These behaviors, although perhaps not done consciously or with self-presentation in mind, nevertheless convey an image of the self to others.

Although people have the ability to present images that are false, self-presentations are often genuine; they reflect an attempt by the person to have others perceive him or her accurately, or at least consistent with how the person perceives himself or herself. Self-presentations can vary as a function of the audience; people present different aspects of themselves to different audiences or under different conditions. A man likely presents different aspects of himself to his close friends than he does to his elderly grandmother, and a woman may present a different image to her spouse than she does to her employer. This is not to say that these different images are false. Rather, they represent different aspects of the self. The self is much like a gem with multiple facets. The gem likely appears differently depending on the angle at which it is viewed. However, the various appearances are all genuine. Even if people present a self-image that they know to be false, they may begin to internalize the self-image and thereby eventually come to believe the self-pres

entation. For example, a man may initially present an image of being a good student without believing it to be genuine, but after attending all his classes for several weeks, visiting the professor during office hours, and asking questions during class, he may come to see himself as truly being a good student. This internalization process is most likely to occur when people make a public commitment to the self-image, when the behavior is at least somewhat consistent with their self-image, and when they receive positive feedback or other rewards for presenting the self-image.

Self-presentation is often directed to external audiences such as friends, lovers, employers, teachers, children, and even strangers. Self-presentation is more likely to be conscious when the presenter depends on the audience for some reward, expects to interact with the audience in the future, wants something from the audience, or values the audience’s approval. Yet self-presentation extends beyond audiences that are physically present to imagined audiences, and these imagined audiences can have distinct effects on behavior. A young man at a party might suddenly think about his parents and change his behavior from rambunctious to reserved. People sometimes even make self-presentations only for themselves. For instance, people want to claim certain identities, such as being fun, intelligent, kind, moral, and they may behave in line with these identities even in private.

Self-Presentation Goals

Self-presentation is inherently goal-directed; people present certain images because they benefit from the images in some way. The most obvious benefits are interpersonal, arising from getting others to do what one wants. A job candidate may convey an image of being hardworking and dependable to get a job; a salesperson may convey an image of being trustworthy and honest to achieve a sale. People may also benefit from their self-presentations by gaining respect, power, liking, or other desirable social rewards. Finally, people make certain impressions on others to maintain a sense of who they are, or their self-concept. For example, a man who wants to think of himself as a voracious reader might join a book club or volunteer at a library, or a woman who wishes to perceive herself as generous may contribute lavishly to a charitable cause. Even when there are few or no obvious benefits of a particular self-presentation, people may simply present an image that is consistent with the way they like to think about themselves, or at least the way they are accustomed to thinking about themselves.

Much of self-presentation is directed toward achieving one of two desirable images. First, people want to appear likeable. People like others who are attractive, interesting, and fun to be with. Thus, a sizable proportion of self-presentation revolves around developing, maintaining, and enhancing appearance and conveying and emphasizing characteristics that others desire, admire, and enjoy. Second, people want to appear competent. People like others who are skilled and able, and thus another sizable proportion of self-presentation revolves around conveying an image of competence. Yet, self-presentation is not so much about presenting desirable images as it is about presenting desired images, and some desired images are not necessarily desirable. For example, schoolyard bullies may present an image of being dangerous or intimidating to gain or maintain power over others. Some people present themselves as weak or infirmed (or exaggerate their weaknesses) to gain help from others. For instance, a member of a group project may display incompetence in the hope that other members will do more of the work, or a child may exaggerate illness to avoid going to school.

Self-Presentation Avenues

People self-present in a variety of ways. Perhaps most obviously, people self-present in what they say. These verbalizations can be direct claims of a particular image, such as when a person claims to be altruistic. They also can be indirect, such as when a person discloses personal behaviors or standards (e.g., “I volunteer at a hospital”). Other verbal presentations emerge when people express attitudes or beliefs. Divulging that one enjoys backpacking through Europe conveys the image that one is a world-traveler. Second, people self-present nonverbally in their physical appearance, body language, and other behavior. Smiling, eye contact, and nods of agreement can convey a wealth of information. Third, people self-present through the props they surround themselves with and through their associations. Driving an expensive car or flying first class conveys an image of having wealth, whereas an array of diplomas and certificates on one’s office walls conveys an image of education and expertise. Likewise, people judge others based on their associations. For example, being in the company of politicians or movie stars conveys an image of importance, and not surprisingly, many people display photographs of themselves with famous people. In a similar vein, high school students concerned with their status are often careful about which classmates they are seen and not seen with publicly. Being seen by others in the company of someone from a member of a disreputable group can raise questions about one’s own social standing.

Self-Presentation Pitfalls

Self-presentation is most successful when the image presented is consistent with what the audience thinks or knows to be true. The more the image presented differs from the image believed or anticipated by the audience, the less willing the audience will be to accept the image. For example, the lower a student’s grade is on the first exam, the more difficulty he or she will have in convincing a professor that he or she will earn an A on the next exam. Self-presentations are constrained by audience knowledge. The more the audience knows about a person, the less freedom the person has in claiming a particular identity. An audience that knows very little about a person will be more accepting of whatever identity the person conveys, whereas an audience that knows a great deal about a person will be less accepting.

People engaging in self-presentation sometimes encounter difficulties that undermine their ability to convey a desired image. First, people occasionally encounter the multiple audience problem, in which they must simultaneously present two conflicting images. For example, a student while walking with friends who know only her rebellious, impetuous side may run into her professor who knows only her serious, conscientious side. The student faces the dilemma of conveying the conflicting images of rebellious friend and serious student. When both audiences are present, the student must try to behave in a way that is consistent with how her friends view her, but also in a way that is consistent with how her professor views her. Second, people occasionally encounter challenges to their self-presentations. The audience may not believe the image the person presents. Challenges are most likely to arise when people are managing impressions through self-descriptions and the self-descriptions are inconsistent with other evidence. For example, a man who claims to be good driver faces a self-presentational dilemma if he is ticketed or gets in an automobile accident. Third, self-presentations can fail when people lack the cognitive resources to present effectively because, for example, they are tired, anxious, or distracted. For instance, a woman may yawn uncontrollably or reflexively check her watch while talking to a boring classmate, unintentionally conveying an image of disinterest.

Some of the most important images for people to convey are also the hardest. As noted earlier, among the most important images people want to communicate are likeability and competence. Perhaps because these images are so important and are often rewarded, audiences may be skeptical of accepting direct claims of likeability and competence from presenters, thinking that the person is seeking personal gain. Thus, people must resort to indirect routes to create these images, and the indirect routes can be misinterpreted. For example, the student who sits in the front row of the class and asks a lot of questions may be trying to project an image of being a competent student but may be perceived negatively as a teacher’s pet by fellow students.

Finally, there is a dark side to self-presentation. In some instances, the priority people place on their appearances or images can threaten their health. People who excessively tan are putting a higher priority on their appearance (e.g., being tan) than on their health (e.g., taking precautions to avoid skin cancer). Similarly, although condoms help protect against sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy, self-presentational concerns may dissuade partners or potential partners from discussing, carrying, or using condoms. Women may fear that carrying condoms makes them seem promiscuous or easy, whereas men may fear that carrying condoms makes them seem presumptuous, as if they are expecting to have sex. Self-presentational concerns may also influence interactions with health care providers and may lead people to delay or avoid embarrassing medical tests and procedures or treatments for conditions that are embarrassing. For example, people may be reluctant to seek tests or treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, loss of bladder control, mental disorders, mental decline, or other conditions associated with weakness or incompetence. Finally, concerns with social acceptance may prompt young people to engage in risky behaviors such as excessive alcohol consumption, sexual promiscuity, or juvenile delinquency.

References:

• Jones, E. E., Pittman, T. S. (1982). Toward a general theory of strategic self-presentation. In J. Suls (Ed.), Psychological perspectives on the self (Vol. 1, pp. 231-260). Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.
• Leary, M. R. (1996). Self-presentation: Impression management and interpersonal behavior. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.
• Leary, M. R., Tchividjian, L. R., & Kraxberger, B. E. (1994). Self-presentation can be hazardous to your health: Impression management and health risk. Health Psychology, 13, 461-470.
• Schlenker, B. R. (1980). Impression management: The self-concept, social identity, and interpersonal relations. Monterey, CA: Brooks/Cole.