For years, I trained clients face-to-face. Then I began posting videos on TikTok, and people from around the world started reaching out for virtual coaching. This shift forced me to rethink how I teach. I also noticed a pattern during our introductions.
When asked a simple biography question like, “Tell me about yourself” or “What do you do?” Most people either overshare or undersell. They ramble, or they retreat.
The sweet spot is to quickly establish your experience, credibility, and perspective, and to make it seem effortless. That is exactly what today’s newsletter will help you master.
We’ll cover:
First Impressions
This Week’s Tip: Past → Present → Future
Next Week’s Tip
First Impressions
When someone says, “Tell me about yourself,” they’re not just listening, they’re quietly evaluating. See the chart below for an overview of how quickly impressions are formed. We make some verdicts in as little as a tenth of a second!
From your response, people look for signals: Are you polished and warm, or stiff and scattered? From that split-second read, they draw broader conclusions about your competence, confidence, and credibility.
First impressions aren’t permanent, and knowing that can significantly ease the anxiety of meeting new people. I also teach clients about the “liking gap,” the difference between how we think we come across and how others actually perceive us. The takeaway: people tend to like us far more than we assume.
This Week’s Tip: Past → Present → Future
A clear introduction follows a simple structure: past → present → future. It makes your message easy to follow and purposeful. The goal isn’t to say everything, it’s to say what matters.
Past: Who you were professionally or what shaped you.
Focus on relevant experience, skills, or key achievements.
Keep it brief, just enough to show credibility or foundation.
Present: What you do now and the value you bring.
Show your current role, responsibilities, or focus.
Highlight what you’re known for, your strengths, or your impact.
Future: Where you’re headed and why it matters.
Connect your goals to the listener or opportunity.
Keep it aspirational but natural, you don’t need a rigid “mission statement.”
Template you can fill in:
“I started out [PAST — what you did / what shaped you]. Today, I [PRESENT — what you do / the value you bring]. Going forward, I’m focused on [FUTURE — where you’re headed / impact you want to make].”
Examples:
Job interview
“I started in finance, where I built a strong foundation in analytics. Now I’m a product manager creating user-focused financial tools. I’m looking for a role where I can shape strategy and make financial decisions easier for people.”
Casual / networking (I’m using myself)
“I spent nearly 20 years as a broadcast journalist, where I saw firsthand how powerful communication can be- for better or worse. Now I help people strengthen their presence and speak with confidence. I love teaching brands how to share their stories and connect in meaningful ways.”
Next Week’s Tip
Having a clear structure for predictable questions helps both you and your listener. It allows you to shape your narrative and influence the opportunities that follow.
Rather than tell you next week’s topic, help me decide:
Next week I would like communication coaching on:
If you know someone who could benefit from practical communication tips, I hope you’ll share this with them. And if you’re interested in private or team coaching, you can reach me at [email protected]. Thank you for reading this.
