Self-presentation can be defined as the process of controlling how others perceive us (cf. Leary, 2007). In other words, self-presentation encompasses all the messages we “send” to our surroundings through our actions, behaviors, and non-verbal cues, with the aim of conveying a specific image of ourselves.

These messages can be of two types:

  1. Verbal
  2. Non-verbal

Non-verbal communication can further be divided into:

  • Facial expressions
  • Gestures
  • Posture and attire
  • Context

This division is well illustrated by the diagram below:

Some techniques of self-presentation include:

  • Basking in reflected glory
  • Self-description
  • Expressing attitudes
  • Public attributions
  • Memory and forgetting
  • Non-verbal behaviors
  • Shaping one’s environment

Bibliography:

Leary M. (2007) Making an Impression on Others – On the Art of Self-presentation. Gdańsk: GWP

Read also: