How to Tell About Yourself in a Brief Bio

Student working on biography with help of her teacher.
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Even if your self-esteem is healthy, you might be intimidated by the task of writing a brief biography, or bio, of yourself. “Brief” can mean anything from one paragraph to a full page. Determine the parameters, then focus on telling your story.

1 Craft a Theme

All compelling stories feature a theme. Rather than begin your bio with a standard, “My name is Matthew White and I was born…,” imagine your life as a story and consider what makes it engaging or unusual. Inject personality into your bio so it's not a bland recitation of facts. If humor is your style, try writing, “My last name is White but I think I've already lived a colorful life.”

2 Tell Your Story

Flesh out your bio with details, such as where you were born, where you live, your interests and hobbies and what your family is like. Stay focused on the purpose for writing the bio, and be selective about what you reveal. If your bio is written for school, share relevant information about your favorite subjects or activities and highlight significant accomplishments and accolades. Conclude your bio by pointing forward, revealing what you aspire to study in college and pursue as your life's work.

With education, health care and small business marketing as her core interests, M.T. Wroblewski has penned pieces for Woman's Day, Family Circle, Ladies Home Journal and many newspapers and magazines. She holds a master's degree in journalism from Northern Illinois University.

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