Avoid the mistake of over-focusing on what you did. Nothing is more snooze-inducing than reciting a factual timeline of your life, your resume, or your achievements. 

The part that builds connection, that turns your story from a couple of black and white statistics into a colorful film, that adds the spice and herbs to your otherwise bland potatoes, is the passion and personal motivation behind your facts.

Don’t lie about your accomplishments. Don’t stretch the truth, either. Don’t go about wearing your curriculum vitae on your forehead and ensuring that everyone in your vicinity gets exposed to your list of good deeds. 

If you’re telling a story where the facts emerge naturally, don’t try to hide or play down the awesome things you did because of modesty.

Get to know yourself and what your most authentic and interesting responses are for the common questions you’re asked.

Get out there and speak up. Express yourself as you really are, in your one-of-a-kind brilliance. 

Be understood. And in the process, you might just find out that you aren’t alone.