Self Presentation

Self-presentation

we try to control the impressions people form of us, also known as impression management.

Why do we self present?

to obtain resources from others, construct a self image and have our social encounters run smoothly

Self-monitoring

Concern with public image that leads individuals to adjust their behaviors to fit the situation.

Example of self monitoring

Someone who acts casual and funny with friends but serious and professional at work

When do people self present?

when they perceive themselves to be in the “public eye”, when they’re surrounded by members of an out group and when they care about the audience.

Example of being surrounded by members of an out group?

• Being a minority

• Being attractive

• Being the only woman in a room of men

• Being the tallest person in a group

Spotlight Effect

individuals believe that others notice them more than they actually do.

Spotlight Effect Study (Gilovich et al., 2000)

Participants wore an embarrassing shirt and predicted more people would notice them than actually did

Goals of Self Presentation

• Appear to be likeable

• Appear to be content

• Convey status and power

Ingratiation

An attempt to get others to like you

Ingratiation Strategies

• Expressing liking for others

• Creating similarity

• Making ourselves physically attractive

• Projecting modesty

Example of Expressing liking for others

Laughing at someone’s joke even if they aren’t that funny

Example of creating similarity

Saying you love a movie just because your crush does

Example of projecting modesty

Saying “I got lucky” after acing an exam instead of bragging

Halo effect

when we assume someone has other good qualities just because they have one positive trait

Self-promotion

The act of trying to present oneself as competent to others.

Example of halo effect

Thinking an attractive person is also kind and smart

Self promotion strategies

• Staging performances

• Claiming competence

• Using the trappings of competence

• Making excuses, claiming obstacles

Example of staging performances

Volunteering to lead a presentation to provide leadership abilities

Example of claiming competence

Listing accomplishments on a résumé

Example of using the trappings of competence

Displaying awards in an office or dressing like a CEO.

Example of making excuses, claiming obstacles

Saying “I barely studied” after failing an exam to avoid looking unintelligent

High status and power

Greater opportunities, make more money, find desirable mates

Strategies for conveying status and power

• Displaying the artifacts of status and power

• Conspicuous consumption

• Personal associations

• Using nonverbal expressions

Example of displaying the artifacts of status and power

A CEO with a corner office and designer suits

Example of conspicuous consumption

Driving a luxury car

Sex differences in Self Presentation

Factors that explain differences in self-presentation goals between sexes, such as women being more focused on likability and men on power.