How to Talk About Yourself in English | English Podcast for Learning English | B1 Speaking Practice

[00:00:00]Hey English learners, welcome back to the Modern English podcast where we practice real conversations and useful English for everyday life.

[00:00:09]>> Today's episode is for A2 and B1 learners, and we will also use a few helpful B2 words. Don't worry though, when a word is less common, we will explain it in clear, easy English.

[00:00:25]>> I'm Ava and I'm very happy to be here.

[00:00:28]Lucas, how are you today? Did your day feel calm or did life throw a small chair at you again?

[00:00:35]>> No chairs today, so I think I'm doing well.

[00:00:38]But I joined an online meeting this morning and someone asked me to share one interesting fact about myself.

[00:00:46]I panicked and said, "I own a green towel."

[00:00:51]>> A green towel? Lucas, that is powerful information. I'm sure everyone in that meeting thought, "Wow, this man has lived."

[00:01:00]>> I could see the respect in their eyes.

[00:01:03]Or maybe it was confusion.

[00:01:05]Anyway, my brain had many better facts, but none of them arrived on time.

[00:01:12]>> I understand that feeling. Yesterday, I recorded a short voice message for a new group, but I deleted it six times because every version sounded like an airport announcement.

[00:01:23]>> Attention everyone. Ava has arrived at gate seven with two hobbies and one personal goal.

[00:01:30]Honestly, I would listen to that announcement.

[00:01:34]>> Please don't give me ideas. Before we begin, we have a small request for you.

[00:01:40]If you enjoy calm and natural English practice, like this episode and subscribe to the channel.

[00:01:46]>> And leave us a simple comment about your day. You can write one word such as busy, peaceful, strange, exciting, or tired. We do not grade your comments, and Ava has lost her imaginary red pen anyway.

[00:02:03]>> I did not lose it. I never bought it because mistakes are welcome here.

[00:02:08]Every comment is a small chance to use English, and using English is how it slowly becomes part of your life.

[00:02:16]>> Now, let's move to today's topic. We are talking about a question that sounds very easy, but can suddenly make people forget their own life.

[00:02:26]Tell me about yourself.

[00:02:28]>> You know your name. You know where you live. You know what you do every day.

[00:02:33]But someone asks that question, and suddenly you think, "Who am I? Have we ever met?"

[00:02:39]>> Exactly.

[00:02:41]In this episode, we will show you how to give a short, friendly, and natural introduction without memorizing a huge speech. We will build three different versions for casual, learning, and professional situations.

[00:02:56]>> We will also teach you what to say when you forget a word, how to continue the conversation, and how to avoid giving your complete life history.

[00:03:06]At the end, we'll share our own introductions and give you a speaking challenge.

[00:03:11]>> Let's begin with the real problem.

[00:03:13]Many learners believe there is one perfect answer to "Tell me about yourself." So, they prepare a paragraph and try to remember every word.

[00:03:24]>> I did that years ago before a class. I prepared eight beautiful sentences.

[00:03:30]Then I forgot sentence number four, and sentences five, six, seven, and eight decided to leave with it.

[00:03:38]>> They were loyal sentences. They refused to continue without their friend.

[00:03:43]What did you say after that?

[00:03:45]>> I smiled for a very long time and said, "Well, that is mostly me."

[00:03:51]It was not my strongest moment, but I learned something useful. Memorizing every word can make you more nervous.

[00:04:00]>> The other problem is giving an answer that is too short. Someone says, "Tell me about yourself." and you answer, "I'm Lucas. I work."

[00:04:09]Then both people stand there waiting for the rest of the sentence to grow.

[00:04:14]>> Maybe water it and give it some sunlight. No, a good introduction does not need to be long, but it should give the other person something they can understand and respond to.

[00:04:26]>> Here is our main idea for today.

[00:04:28]Your introduction is not your complete biography. It is a small picture that you choose for one particular moment.

[00:04:37]>> The important word is choose. You do not need to share everything. You choose information that is relevant, and relevant means useful for that place, person, or situation.

[00:04:49]>> If you are meeting people at a weekend art class, your interest in painting is relevant. If you are speaking in a job interview, your work experience is probably more useful than the story of your first bicycle.

[00:05:03]>> Unless the bicycle gave you excellent leadership skills.

[00:05:07]Maybe you led it into a wall and learned how to recover from failure.

[00:05:12]>> That story is available in my 40-minute professional introduction.

[00:05:16]Tickets will be sold after the podcast.

[00:05:20]>> Please keep your money, everyone. We are going to use a simple three-layer introduction. Layer one is the basic picture.

[00:05:28]Layer two is one human detail. Layer three is a conversation door.

[00:05:34]>> The basic picture tells people who you are and what is part of your life now.

[00:05:39]The human detail makes you sound like a real person, not a form on a computer.

[00:05:45]The conversation door gives the other person an easy way to reply.

[00:05:50]>> You can use only the first layer for a very quick introduction.

[00:05:54]You can use all three layers when you have more time.

[00:05:58]That makes the structure flexible, which means you can change it easily when the situation changes.

[00:06:05]>> Let's look at three common situations.

[00:06:08]In a casual place, maybe a local event or a friend's gathering, 15 seconds can be enough.

[00:06:15]Your name, one current detail, and one interest can open the conversation.

[00:06:21]>> In an English class or an online learning group, you may speak for about 30 seconds. You can mention where you are from, what you do, why you are learning English, and one goal you have.

[00:06:35]>> In a professional meeting, workshop, or interview, you may need 45 seconds or a little more.

[00:06:42]You can explain your current role, one relevant skill or experience, and what you hope to do next.

[00:06:49]>> These times are only guides.

[00:06:52]You do not need to watch a clock while speaking.

[00:06:55]The main lesson is simple.

[00:06:57]A neighbor, a teacher, and an interviewer are not asking for exactly the same picture of you.

[00:07:04]>> Now, let's build layer one, the basic picture.

[00:07:08]Start with your name, then add where you live or what you were doing these days.

[00:07:14]For example, you can use I'm, I live in, I work in, or I'm studying.

[00:07:22]>> You can also say, I'm currently working in retail.

[00:07:26]Or, these days I'm learning web design.

[00:07:29]Currently simply means now, so it sounds advanced, but the idea is easy.

[00:07:35]>> If you are not working or studying, you still have natural options.

[00:07:41]You can say, I'm looking for work."

[00:07:43]"I'm taking a career break." or "I work for myself."

[00:07:48]Just describe your present situation without apologizing for it.

[00:07:53]>> You might also say, "I'm a stay-at-home parent." or "I'm retired and learning photography."

[00:08:00]Your job is only one part of you, and it does not decide your value.

[00:08:05]>> Choose whether your birthplace, current city, or both are useful.

[00:08:10]You never have to share your age, address, relationship status, or family details if they feel private.

[00:08:18]>> Especially your Wi-Fi password. That is not a personal detail. That is a gift to the entire building.

[00:08:26]>> And suddenly, your neighbors are very interested in getting to know you.

[00:08:31]So, layer one is a clear, basic picture, not a secret file about your whole life.

[00:08:39]>> Now we need layer two, the human detail.

[00:08:43]This can be one interest, one small goal, one quality, or one short reason.

[00:08:49]It gives your introduction warmth and makes it more memorable.

[00:08:53]>> Memorable means easy to remember.

[00:08:56]A list of six facts can disappear from someone's mind, but one simple detail often stays.

[00:09:04]Instead of listing five hobbies, choose one and say why you enjoy it.

[00:09:10]>> You can use frames like, "One thing I really enjoy is" or "I recently started."

[00:09:17]You can also say, "I became interested in this because."

[00:09:22]The word because is small, but it adds meaning.

[00:09:26]>> Can you give us one real example, Eva?

[00:09:29]Choose something true and personal, but please do not share another Wi-Fi my >> My human detail could be that I collect beautiful notebooks.

[00:09:40]I love the paper, the covers, and that wonderful feeling of a completely clean page.

[00:09:47]>> That sounds lovely.

[00:09:49]How many of those notebooks have actual writing inside them?

[00:09:53]>> That is a very private question, Lucas.

[00:09:56]They are not empty.

[00:09:57]They are waiting for the correct sentence, and I respect their patience.

[00:10:02]>> So, your hobby is protecting notebooks from language.

[00:10:06]That is certainly memorable, and strangely genuine, which means real and honest.

[00:10:13]>> Fine, we will discuss your hobbies later.

[00:10:17]You can also show personality through an example. Instead of only saying, "I'm curious," explain that you enjoy learning how everyday things work.

[00:10:26]>> You do not need to say, "I am an extraordinary, dynamic, highly powerful person."

[00:10:34]If you say that while entering a cooking class, people may slowly protect their vegetables.

[00:10:40]>> The carrots are not ready for that level of confidence.

[00:10:44]A calmer sentence such as, "I enjoy meeting new people, although I'm quiet at first," sounds more natural.

[00:10:52]>> That example also feels human because it has two sides.

[00:10:57]You can be friendly and nervous. You can be hardworking and sometimes tired.

[00:11:03]Real people are not perfect little advertisements.

[00:11:06]>> That is the goal.

[00:11:08]Sound like yourself, not like a perfect advertisement. Once the human detail is clear, we can give the other person space to join us.

[00:11:17]>> Now we come to layer three, the conversation door.

[00:11:22]Many introductions end like a speech, but real conversation needs space for the other person.

[00:11:30]You can add a simple question or mention something they can respond to.

[00:11:34]>> Useful questions include, "What about you?"

[00:11:38]"How did you get interested in that?" or "Are you learning English for work, too?"

[00:11:44]You only need one natural question, not a police interview with 12 questions and a bright lamp.

[00:11:51]>> Let's show what happens without the conversation door.

[00:11:55]Ava, imagine we've just met at a community class. Please introduce yourself, and then do absolutely nothing.

[00:12:03]>> Hi, I'm Ava.

[00:12:05]I live nearby, and I recently started learning how to make bread, because I wanted a relaxing weekend hobby.

[00:12:13]There. I am now looking at you with friendly, but slightly frightening eyes.

[00:12:20]>> Uh, thank you. I can feel the pressure from across the table. Now, add one small question, such as, "Have you made bread before?" And suddenly, I know how to enter the conversation.

[00:12:34]>> Exactly.

[00:12:35]A conversation door does not need to be clever. It simply tells the other person, "You can speak now. I would like to know something about you, too."

[00:12:45]>> Showing interest is a powerful speaking skill. You can react with, "Really? That sounds interesting." or "I know what you mean." Sometimes, a warm reaction keeps a conversation alive better than another long fact about yourself.

[00:13:02]>> And if you are nervous, remember that listening is part of speaking well. You do not have to perform like an actor on a huge stage. You are only building a small connection with another person.

[00:13:15]>> Of course, real speech is not always smooth. You may forget a word, change your idea, or begin a sentence in the wrong way. That does not mean the conversation is over.

[00:13:28]>> You can say, "Let me think for a second." or "How can I say this?"

[00:13:34]Those phrases give you a little time, and they sound more natural than standing completely silent while your face asks for help.

[00:13:42]>> If a sentence comes out strangely, say, "Sorry, let me start that part again."

[00:13:48]or "What I mean is" You can also say, "I forgot the exact word, but" and explain the idea with easier words.

[00:13:59]>> Let me try a messy example.

[00:14:02]I work with um people who want to learn No, wait. I help adults practice English through online lessons.

[00:14:12]The second sentence is clearer, and the small correction is completely normal.

[00:14:17]>> That is real communication. You noticed a problem, repaired it, and continued.

[00:14:24]Repair is a B2 word here, but it simply means fixing your sentence while you speak.

[00:14:31]>> You fix the sentence and keep moving.

[00:14:34]You do not throw away the whole conversation.

[00:14:37]Now, let's look at common mistakes our listeners can avoid.

[00:14:41]>> Mistake one is giving too much information. If someone asks for a short introduction, they probably do not need every school you attended, every pet you had, and a detailed report about Tuesday afternoon.

[00:14:57]>> Mistake two is giving almost nothing.

[00:15:00]"I'm Ava. I'm fine." is not a full answer to "Tell me about yourself."

[00:15:06]Add one current detail and one human detail, so the other person has somewhere to go.

[00:15:13]>> Mistake three is using the same version everywhere. A fun sentence about your weekend may work at a party, but a professional meeting needs information connected to your role, skills, or reason for being there.

[00:15:29]>> Mistake four is using difficult job language that nobody understands.

[00:15:34]Some people think a long title sounds impressive, but clear English creates a better impression.

[00:15:41]Impression means the feeling or idea someone gets about you.

[00:15:46]>> I am a strategic communication optimization partner responsible for cross-functional customer happiness solutions. My role produces integrated value through advanced service pathways.

[00:16:01]>> Do you repair spaceships, Lucas?

[00:16:03]Because I understood four words, and one of them was customer.

[00:16:09]>> I help different teams speak clearly with customers.

[00:16:13]That version is shorter, and now nobody expects me to fly to the moon.

[00:16:19]>> Mistake five is trying to sound perfect.

[00:16:22]If your voice is natural and your meaning is clear, a small pause will not destroy your introduction.

[00:16:29]Confidence does not mean never feeling nervous. It means continuing while you feel nervous.

[00:16:36]>> Let's practice with three role plays.

[00:16:39]First, we are meeting at a weekend photography walk, and I will sound far too formal for people wearing comfortable shoes.

[00:16:49]>> I'm the organizer, and I am already worried about you. Please begin, Mr. Professional.

[00:16:55]>> Good afternoon. My name is Lucas Gray, and I am deeply honored to participate in today's photographic activity. I have prepared several objectives for my personal development during this event.

[00:17:09]>> Thank you, Mr. Gray.

[00:17:11]We are walking around a park and taking pictures of birds.

[00:17:15]You sound like you are accepting an international award.

[00:17:19]>> Fair point. A better version would be, "Hi, I'm Lucas. I live on the north side of town, and I started taking photos a few months ago. I'm still learning, so what do you enjoy photographing?"

[00:17:33]>> Much better.

[00:17:35]We heard the basic picture, one human detail, and a conversation door.

[00:17:41]It was friendly, clear, and short enough for the situation.

[00:17:47]>> For our second role-play, we are in an online English class.

[00:17:52]Ava will give correct facts without connecting them. So, her introduction will feel like a shopping list.

[00:18:01]>> Hi, I'm Ava. I live near Chicago.

[00:18:05]I work from home.

[00:18:08]I like old bookstores.

[00:18:11]I study English.

[00:18:13]I have a yellow bag.

[00:18:16]I sometimes make soup.

[00:18:19]My phone battery is at 23%.

[00:18:23]>> The battery update was very honest, but I'm not sure it helped us know you.

[00:18:29]Choose fewer details and connect them with a reason or goal.

[00:18:35]>> Okay, let me try again.

[00:18:39]Hi, I'm Ava, and I live near Chicago.

[00:18:43]I work from home, and I'm improving my English because I want to speak more confidently with international clients.

[00:18:51]In my free time, I enjoy visiting old bookstores.

[00:18:56]What is your main reason for learning English?

[00:19:00]>> That version has direction.

[00:19:02]Your facts work together, and your question invites another learner to join.

[00:19:09]Also, we can all relax because your battery information is now private.

[00:19:16]>> It is at 22% now, but I will be brave.

[00:19:21]Let's do the professional role-play before my phone begins its final speech.

[00:19:27]>> In our last scene, I am joining a customer support team.

[00:19:32]I'll give my current role, useful experience, and next goal without using science fiction language.

[00:19:41]>> Welcome to the team, Lucas.

[00:19:45]Please tell us a little about yourself, and remember that the spaceship is parked outside.

[00:19:52]>> I'm Lucas, and I recently joined the customer support team.

[00:19:56]Before this, I worked in retail for 3 years. So, I'm comfortable speaking with different kinds of customers.

[00:20:05]I'm looking forward to learning the new system and helping the team solve problems more quickly.

[00:20:12]>> That answer was professional, but still easy to understand.

[00:20:17]You gave relevant experience, explained why it matters, and ended with a clear goal.

[00:20:24]>> In an interview, I could add one specific example, but I would still keep the answer focused.

[00:20:32]Specific means clear and exact, not general.

[00:20:37]One useful example is stronger than five empty adjectives.

[00:20:43]>> Notice that none of these introductions included every part of our lives.

[00:20:49]We selected a few details for each situation.

[00:20:53]That is what makes the method flexible.

[00:20:57]>> Now, we promised to share our own friendly introductions. Ava, you can go first, and please feel free to use one of your protected notebooks for emotional support.

[00:21:10]>> They support me by staying safely closed.

[00:21:14]All right, here I go.

[00:21:17]Hi, I'm Ava and I'm one of the hosts of the Modern English podcast.

[00:21:23]I love creating friendly lessons and I collect beautiful notebooks because they make new ideas feel exciting.

[00:21:31]These days, I'm also learning pottery, although most of my bowls look a little tired.

[00:21:37]What creative activity do you enjoy?

[00:21:41]>> That was warm and memorable, especially the tired bowls.

[00:21:46]You gave your current role a personal detail with a reason, another honest detail, and a clear question.

[00:21:56]>> Thank you.

[00:21:58]Now it is your turn and I expect the green towel to receive the respect it deserves.

[00:22:05]>> [sighs and gasps] >> I knew that towel would become part of my public identity.

[00:22:10]Hi, I'm Lucas and I co-host the Modern English podcast with Ava.

[00:22:16]I enjoy making difficult ideas feel simple and on weekends, I like repairing old radios, even when they clearly want to stay broken.

[00:22:28]I'm a calm person, but I become very enthusiastic when I learn how something works.

[00:22:35]What is one small thing you enjoy learning about?

[00:22:41]>> That sounded genuine and approachable.

[00:22:44]Approachable means friendly and easy to talk to.

[00:22:49]I also like that your question is simple enough for almost anyone to answer.

[00:22:55]>> These were not perfect speeches. They were clear, personal, and open.

[00:23:01]Your introduction can change with your job, interests, goals, and situation.

[00:23:08]So, you are never trapped inside one old paragraph.

[00:23:13]>> So, here is your practice challenge.

[00:23:17]First, write a 15-second introduction with your name and what you are doing these days.

[00:23:23]Keep it simple enough to say without reading.

[00:23:27]>> Second, make a 30-second version by adding one human detail and a reason.

[00:23:35]Third, make a professional version with one relevant skill, experience, or goal.

[00:23:43]>> Record all three versions as voice notes on your phone.

[00:23:48]When you listen, do not search for every tiny grammar mistake.

[00:23:53]Ask three questions.

[00:23:56]Was I clear?

[00:23:58]Did I sound like myself?

[00:24:01]Could another person respond?

[00:24:04]>> If the answer is not perfect, record it again tomorrow.

[00:24:09]Speaking becomes easier through use, not through waiting for a magical day when fear completely disappears.

[00:24:19]>> For today's comment challenge, write three sentences.

[00:24:23]Tell us what you are doing these days, one thing you enjoy, and one thing you hope to learn.

[00:24:30]Simple English is completely welcome.

[00:24:33]>> If this episode helped you, like it, subscribe to the Modern English podcast, and share it with someone who becomes nervous during introductions. You can practice together and ask each other one follow-up question.

[00:24:46]>> And yes, Lucas, I will write my introduction in one of my notebooks. I just need to choose the correct notebook, the correct pen, the correct chair, and perhaps a quiet weekend.

[00:24:59]>> Wonderful. At this speed, the notebook will contain a sentence by 2034.

[00:25:06]I believe in you, Ava.

[00:25:08]>> Thank you for that powerful support. And thank you to everyone listening with us today.

[00:25:13]Your English does not need to sound perfect to help people know the real you.

[00:25:18]>> This was the Modern English podcast with Ava and Lucas.

[00:25:23]Keep your introduction clear, add one honest detail, and leave the conversation door open.

[00:25:30]>> Take care of yourself, keep using your English, and remember that a pause is only a pause. It is not the end of your sentence, and it is definitely not the end of your progress.

[00:25:42]>> We'll meet you again in the next episode with another real conversation and more useful English.

[00:25:49]Until then, try your three introductions, and give that green towel the privacy it deserves.

[00:25:57]>> Bye, everyone. Keep speaking, keep connecting, and please write something in your notebooks before I do.

[00:26:05]>> Goodbye, everyone. We'll talk to you soon.