My early career was often marked by self-doubt.
Particularly in high-pressure situations like presentations and interviews.
The fear and uncertainty that accompanied these moments were debilitating.
But then, I did one thing that dramatically boosted my confidence:
Scripted my introductions
Yes, that.
Most designers avoid it, and there are plenty of excuses why:
- It will sound like I'm reading from a script
- I know myself, I don't have to write it down
- It's difficult to talk about me, so I'll just avoid it
- Don't think I can write a good introduction, so I'll just wing-it
I felt the same way, but then I scripted my introduction.
The first time I introduced myself using a script my confidence skyrocketed.
And, yours will too when you script and memorize your intro.
Here's how:
Write out a short intro about your design experience
Set time aside and start to write a rough introduction.
From your education to what you're currently doing.
And, everything in between.
Don't worry about sentence structure, length, or that it even makes sense.
Just write.
Write about:
Your skills
Your successes
Your experiences
Different jobs you had
The things you learned along the way
Teams you worked on
Courses you took
The reason why you got into design in the first place
What project you recently worked on
What you're currently working on
What you're looking to do in the future
Designers tell me just the act of writing about themselves felt amazing.
It gave them perspective on who they are, and what they've accomplished.
Next.
Refine, practice and perfect
Once you've drafted your introduction, it's time to refine and practice.
This helps you identify areas for improvement but also boosts your confidence.
Here's a step-by-step approach to refining your script:
1. Introduce yourself.
2. Share an overview of your career path, add key milestones & accomplishments
3. Highlight your core skills and how they've been applied to real-world projects
4. State your career goals and how you can contribute to the company
Here's what it might look like:
“Hi, I'm [Your Name], a [Your Title] with [Number] years of experience in [Industry].
I started my career at [Company Name] as a [Your Title], where I gained experience in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2].
Over the years, I've had the opportunity to work on [Project Name], a [Project Description]. I also led a team of [Number] designers on [Project Name].
Currently, I'm seeking a role in [Industry/Role] where I can leverage my skills in [Skill 1, Skill 2, Skill 3].“
The length of your script will vary.
Good rule is keeping it between 40 sec. - 1 min.
Practice makes perfect
Now it's time to start practicing.
Read it out-loud. Hear yourself say the words.
Or, record yourself to analyze your delivery and identify areas for improvement.
Share your script with friends, mentors, or colleagues and ask for feedback.
Embrace any nervousness and channel that energy into enthusiasm.
Finally
Follow these guidelines, practice regularly and build your confidence.
Look to improve your script over time and refine it as you gain more experience.
Thanks for reading. See you next week!
Anthony Faria
the Designer's Roadmap
Helping designers navigate the path to success
When you're ready, here are few ways I can help you:
- Portfolio Review Laser focused 1:1 portfolio review where I evaluate all aspects of your work; visuals, storytelling, overall approach recommending key improvements to help your work stand out.
- Career Accelerator My 1:1 coaching sessions are designed to help you overcome challenges, set clear objectives, and develop a personalized roadmap for success.
- Job Hunting Checklist The exact steps I use to help designers successfully improve their job search all in a free checklist! Stay organized, focused, and prepared throughout your job hunt (free).
- Job Posting Sites for Designers Over the years I've collected job boards exclusively for design jobs. 100+ active links (free).
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