How to Describe a Person’s Personality?

Every person we meet in life leaves an impression on us. The special ones we value are those who impress you the most throughout your life. Again, we measure individuals based on abstract values, which contributes to developing our perception of them. What about expressing them accurately?

Most native speakers struggle to choose the correct jargon when asked to describe someone through oral and written communication. How to describe a person’s personality with accuracy? Described in lucid words, this is a must-read if you fumble in personality description or wish to add finesse to your communicative skills.

1. Identify Person’s Characteristics

Every human being has a unique trait that distinguishes them from the rest. When meeting someone, we categorize every individual as per features otherwise familiar to us.

Before describing any personality, one must observe and deduce its distinguished characteristics. Here’s how to classify every persona you meet with accuracy:

• Observe their behavior (manners)
• Note their body language (emotions)
• Mark the tonality of their speech (characteristics)

Now, use that information to determine:

• Do they appear in a positive mood?
• Are they trying to be neutral?
• Do you feel offended by their words?

Next, we discuss how to describe individuals based on the mentioned traits.

Positive Words to Describe a Person’s Character

We consider an individual positive or having the right intent when their body language, emotions, and overall character have a likable impact on us.

Abstain from attaching physical descriptions when describing someone (generic description includes both). Here’s a list of positive words to describe a person’s character:

• Good
• Generous
• Happy
• Reliable
• Polite
• Honest
• Frank
• Friendly
• Thoughtful
• Pragmatic
• Compassionate
• Courageous
• Charming
• Diligent
• Proactive
• Sincere
• Empathetic
• Sympathetic
• Sensible

Negative Words to Describe a Person’s Character

Most of us would not prefer being on the receiving end of a negative individual. If an individual makes you feel offended without provocation, has a cold approach, imparts a feeling of discomfort, or shows denigrating behavior, they are negative folks.

Besides, people with a narcissistic mentality may appear positive first before their dark traits ooze out. Here’s a list of negative words to describe a person’s character:

• Dishonest
• Cunning
• Selfish
• Gloomy
• Cold
• Cruel
• Rude
• Controlling
• Scheming
• Unscrupulous
• Guileful
• Manipulating
• Foxy
• Devious
• Rogue
• Egoistic
• Nasty
• Intolerant
• Inconsiderate
• Obnoxious

2. How to Describe Personality Over Verbal Interaction?

When speaking about someone, it’s vital to choose accurate phrases to describe with precision. Most people describe an individual based on their physical attributes (which is necessary) but fall short of accuracy while missing out on their behavioral characteristics. Here’s how to describe a person’s personality verbally:

• Begin by mentioning what you observe (it could be their facial structure or custom style)
• Add up with your first impression (covers their behavior and emotional outlook)
• Mention their most striking feature (helps classify them as an individual)
• Briefly enlighten regarding their personality (mention their preferences, body language, traits, and characteristics)

You saw a kind man helping an old lady cross the road. Here’s how you narrate it:

“I saw the helpless lady standing on the opposite pavement, trying to cross the road. Amidst the crowd of busy folks, none came forward. While I was thinking about whether to help, there came a kind soul. A man dressed in a formal suit, probably in his 40s, guided the lady across the road. The traffic patiently stood still until she passed.”

3. How to Describe Someone Over Written Communication?

Writing demands more accuracy and precision while describing a personality. Unlike speaking, it requires clarity to prepare the context with sufficient relevance. Here’s how to use positive words to describe a person’s character in writing:

• Begin with an outline. Give the reader a brief idea about the personality.
• Start with highlighting their attire, attitude, approach, behavior, body language, and emotions.
• Mention their plausible features (it helps decide whether they are positive, neutral, or negative as an identity).

You are penning down in brief about a tall lady’s speech on International Women’s Day:

“Then she spoke in a voice determined enough to compel everyone to listen. With her towering height over the rest of her female coworkers, her words had a masked sarcasm subtly taunting the man presiding over the female worker’s association.”

Summary

When describing someone, it’s best not to use negative words to describe a person’s character without making it personal. Remember, the perfect narration or report should be free from the author’s bias to deliver a description without compromising its accuracy or precision.