How You Present Yourself
Communication and perception influence each other. Communication is largely responsible for our self-
perceptions. Communication can also be used to change the perceptions that others have of us. We
attempt to influence others perceptions of ourselves through self-presentation, or impression management,
the sharing of personal details in order to present an idealized self.
In our daily interactions, whether they be face-to-face or online, we present ourselves to people, both
consciously and unconsciously.
Generally, our self-presentation is consistent with an ideal self-image, allows us to enact an appropriate
role, influences others' views of us, permits us to define the situation in our terms, and/or influences the
progress of an interaction.
Erving Goffman first described the process of self-presentation. Goffman adopted the symbolic
interactionist perspective mentioned earlier. He described everyday interactions through a dramaturgical,
or theater arts, viewpoint. His theory embraces individual identity, group relationships, the context (the
situation), and the interactive meaning of information. Individuals are viewed as "actors," and interaction
is seen as a "performance" shaped by the context and constructed to provide others with "impressions"
consistent with the desired goals of the actor. Through impression management, people try to present an
idealized version of themselves to reach desired ends.
Your understanding of verbal and nonverbal communication will be enhanced by your understanding of
identity and impression management. Three types of communication are used to manage impressions:
Communication and perception influence each other. Communication is largely responsible for our self-
perceptions. Communication can also be used to change the perceptions that others have of us. We
attempt to influence others perceptions of ourselves through self-presentation, or impression management,
the sharing of personal details in order to present an idealized self.
In our daily interactions, whether they be face-to-face or online, we present ourselves to people, both
consciously and unconsciously.
Generally, our self-presentation is consistent with an ideal self-image, allows us to enact an appropriate
role, influences others' views of us, permits us to define the situation in our terms, and/or influences the
progress of an interaction.
Erving Goffman first described the process of self-presentation. Goffman adopted the symbolic
interactionist perspective mentioned earlier. He described everyday interactions through a dramaturgical,
or theater arts, viewpoint. His theory embraces individual identity, group relationships, the context (the
situation), and the interactive meaning of information. Individuals are viewed as "actors," and interaction
is seen as a "performance" shaped by the context and constructed to provide others with "impressions"
consistent with the desired goals of the actor. Through impression management, people try to present an
idealized version of themselves to reach desired ends.
Your understanding of verbal and nonverbal communication will be enhanced by your understanding of
identity and impression management. Three types of communication are used to manage impressions:
