task assignment introducing myself

The Best Ways to Professionally Introduce Yourself: Tips & Examples

Table of Contents

Introducing yourself in a professional setting can be nerve-wracking.

You have to be confident and charming, present the most important information about yourself, and appear as someone others would want to work with. 

It’s not an easy task, whether you’re:

• Meeting your coworkers for the first time, 
• Reaching out to a new client,
• Attending a networking or work event, or 
• Trying to ace a job interview.

That’s why, in this article, you’ll learn the most useful tips on how to professionally introduce yourself and leave a great first impression.

• A lot of things are at stake with first impressions, especially when it takes people less than 7 seconds to form an opinion of us. So, how can you professionally introduce yourself and win over your peers?
• Whether it’s a job interview, networking event, or meeting new colleagues, prepare for introductions by being aware of your body language, having talking points ready, and expressing genuine interest in others.
• Nonverbal cues such as smiling, maintaining good posture, and making eye contact significantly influence first impressions. Dressing appropriately and being well-groomed can positively impact perceptions through the halo effect.
• Adapt your introduction to the context and audience, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether in person, via email, or in a letter, customize your introduction to leave a memorable and positive impression.
• Avoid negative language, complaining, or using the same introduction for every situation when introducing yourself in professional settings. Be mindful of cultural differences and exhibit respectful behavior to build meaningful connections.

Why does the first impression matter?

No pressure — but, leaving a good first impression is a big deal.

This is partly due to a phenomenon called the primacy effect . In simple terms, our brains tend to recall the information presented first better than information presented at the middle or end of “a list of items.” 

Moreover, a Harvard study cited in Forbes revealed that after a bad first impression, it takes 8 subsequent positive encounters to change someone’s negative opinion of us .

This means that the first impression significantly affects how others perceive you — so, how you introduce yourself matters. 

Nervous? The good news is — there’s no need to lose sleep over this. 

If you follow our tips when introducing yourself, you’ll master the art of leaving a good first impression and appear as pleasant and professional as possible.  

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How to introduce yourself professionally

The best way to introduce yourself in a professional manner is by preparing for the interaction beforehand and maintaining a professional tone throughout the conversation . 

Here’s what you can do to put your best foot forward:

• Be more aware of your body language ,
• Prepare the talking points you want to highlight , and
• Show interest in your interlocutor .

Example of a professional introduction

How do all of these tips look in action? Let’s find out with the following example where Sarah is walking into a job interview. 

As Sarah approaches the interviewer, she tries to exude confidence through her body language. Thus, she:

• Stands upright , 
• Smiles , and 
• Goes in for a handshake.

As the conversation unfolds, she seamlessly incorporates her talking points, sharing details about her background and current projects:

“ I’ve been in the industry for 8 years, and my journey has been quite exciting. 

I started my career as a software engineer and gradually transitioned into product management.

I’m currently overseeing a project that involves launching a new cloud-based collaboration tool for our remote teams. 

It’s been a rewarding experience navigating the challenges and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure its success. One aspect I find particularly interesting is ensuring seamless integration with existing workflows while enhancing user experience .”

Additionally, she doesn’t dominate the conversation but engages in a balanced exchange of information . 

She inquires about the company, showing she has closely followed the conversation:

“ How would you describe the company culture? […] 

I’ve seen that the company has recently gone public. How has this milestone impacted the team? “

The above elements give the interviewer a positive impression of Sarah’s: 

• Professionalism , 
• Confidence , and 
• Genuine interest in building a meaningful connection .

Now, let’s delve into the above tips in more detail so that you can also take advantage of business opportunities. 

Tip #1: Pay attention to your body language

If you’re introducing yourself in written form (via email or a team collaboration app , for example), you do not have to worry about body language.

However, body language is crucial if the introduction takes place in person .

According to a Princeton University study on first impressions , it takes us a mere tenth of a second to form a judgment about someone. 

Similar research conducted by Vanessa Van Edwards , a behavioral investigator, found that we need approximately 7 seconds to make up our minds about something. 

Before you even speak, people will have already formed an impression of you based on nonverbal cues, so try to make them count. 

Specific body language cues can improve your first impression significantly , such as: 

• Smiling , 
• Speaking clearly , 
• Shaking hands firmly (but not too hard) , 
• Maintaining good posture , and 
• Making eye contact with others (without staring excessively). 

Also, remember to dress appropriately for the occasion and ensure your clothes are clean and well-ironed . Being confident and well-groomed can positively influence people’s perceptions of you, partly because of the halo effect . 

This cognitive bias happens when a positive quality of a person affects our judgment of their other related traits . For example, if someone is assertive and confident, we may assume they are competent and knowledgeable — even if they are not.

💡 Pumble Pro Tip

Body language is an essential factor in virtual meetings, too. So, check out our best tips for improving body language during virtual meetings:

• Tips for improving body language during virtual meetings

Tip #2: Prepare what you’re going to say

As Benjamin Franklin said, “ By failing to prepare, you’re preparing to fail . ”

Before you introduce yourself to someone, prepare what you’re going to say.

But, don’t plan and memorize every single word — it will come off as if your speech was scripted.

Instead, have a general idea of what you’ll talk about while leaving room for improvisation and letting your personality shine .

Additionally, planning what you will say:

• Prevents rambling and oversharing, and 
• Helps maintain a professional and respectful atmosphere. 

Keep in mind that others may be waiting for their turn to talk, so try not to hijack the conversation.

Tip #3: Show interest in the person you’re talking to

If the introduction goes well, it will likely lead to a full-blown conversation. 

What are you going to talk about?

If you plan to continue talking about yourself, it’s best to reconsider your plan.

After all, no one is particularly fond of “ me, me, me ” people.

The best way to spark the interest of others is to be interested in what they have to say . In his book How to Win Friends and Influence People , Dale Carnegie sums it up nicely: 

“ To be interesting, be interested . ” 

That’s also a good way to form an actual connection with someone, which can benefit you in many ways.

Here’s what you can do to show interest:

• Listen attentively and carefully .
• Ask questions . Summarize what’s been said to make sure you understand, or ask follow-up questions to dig deeper and show interest in the topic.
• Have open body language (see Tip #1).
• Nod from time to time when they’re speaking . It shows that you’re engaged and following along.
• Don’t interrupt people .
• Show appreciation . For instance, you can say, “ It was a pleasure meeting you. Thank you for your time and your invaluable advice. Looking forward to talking to you again soon .”

At first glance, this tip doesn’t seem applicable in some contexts — like job interviews, where a conversation is more structured.

However, showing interest and asking questions is still the way to go. Instead of asking personal questions, focus on inquiring about the job’s responsibilities, the company culture, and the expectations of the role — this will help you stand out from other candidates.

Extra tip: Always include relevant background information about yourself

If you’re unsure what information to include in your introduction, we’ve got you covered. 

You should keep these things in mind: 

1. Start with the basics — introduce yourself by name and job title . 

2. If your job title is not self-explanatory, briefly describe what you do . 

3. Explain the reason for reaching out and mention any mutual connection that could capture their attention . 

4. Let them know what value you can offer and how you can benefit them , especially in formal contexts like job interviews.

To professionally introduce yourself to people quick and easy every time — have your team use Pumble.

Phrases to use when introducing yourself professionally

We now know how to introduce ourselves in theory — but, let’s go over some specific phrases we can use.

Start simple, for example:

“Hi, my name is __, and I’m a [job title] at [company]”

“Let me introduce myself, I’m…”

“Nice to meet you, my name is…”

“I don’t think we’ve met before — I’m…”

When you’re describing what you do, you can stick to “ I’m [job title] at [company] ,” as we’ve mentioned above — or, you can say:

“I work in [field/industry]”

“Currently, my job is to…”

“I work as a [job title], and my role is to…”

“My job is [job title], which essentially means …”

“I work as a [job title]. I’m responsible for…”

“I work with [person].”

“I’m self-employed/freelancer in [industry].”

Then, you can let them know why you’re there and/or what they can expect from you:

“I’m here to…”

“I’m reaching out because…”

“For the next [amount of time], I’m going to…”

“My purpose today is…”

“I’d love to…”

Let’s see how that looks all together in different scenarios.

How to introduce yourself in an interview

Introducing yourself in an interview can be daunting, but it’s crucial for establishing your personal brand. 

To simplify the process, try following these steps:

• Start with a statement that introduces your name and job title .
• Share relevant details about your background, such as education, past projects, employers, or accomplishments .
• Express enthusiasm for what’s ahead .

Example of an introduction at a job interview

Your self-introduction doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective. To give you an idea of how to start, here’s an example:

“ Hello, my name is Samantha Johnson, and I’ve been working as a social media manager for the past 9 years.   I’m excited about the opportunity to be a part of your Marketing team!  I’ve successfully managed many social media accounts, including X and Y. I would love to help you grow your social media, increase brand awareness, and improve customer communication.”

Since she’s at a job interview, she doesn’t need to clarify her job title — hiring managers should be familiar with the position and what it entails. 

Then, she goes on to:

• Express her enthusiasm to work for their company ,
• Mention the relevant work experience and achievements , and
• Describe how she’s going to provide value to the company .

All of this makes an excellent introduction for a job interview.

How to introduce yourself in an email

We’ve broken the task of introducing yourself professionally via email into simple steps to help you ace your self-introduction:

• Use a catchy subject line : Make sure the subject line catches the recipient’s attention and includes your name and position.
• Research the company culture : Before writing your email, take some time to learn about the company’s culture. This way, you can tailor your tone and style to match. 
• Show your value : Include your strongest skills and mention examples of where you’ve excelled in previous roles. 
• Express enthusiasm : Let your excitement for the new position shine through in your email. Share what you’re looking forward to and highlight your relevant work experience.
• Respond and ask questions : Once you’ve sent your email, be sure to respond to any replies promptly and ask questions to get to know the business better.

 Example of introducing yourself in an email

How exactly would an attention-grabbing self-introduction email look like? Well, something like the below example, which follows all the steps we’ve mentioned. 

Subject: Experienced Data Analyst with a passion for data analysis processes 

“ Dear Andrew, 

I am a data analyst with over 6 years of experience in data analysis and visualization. I’m excited to express my interest in the Data Analyst role at your company. 

Your company’s goal to improve data-driven decision-making models aligns with my passion for the analysis and research fields, and I believe I can contribute to your organization’s future success. 

My experience and skills will enable me to provide valuable insights and drive decision making for your organization. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with your team and help elevate your organization’s procedures. 

Let me know if we can schedule a call or meeting to discuss this further. Thank you for considering my application.

I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

Kind regards, 

Anne Marie Donaldson ”

How to professionally introduce yourself in a letter

A well-crafted introduction letter can show your accomplishments or business in the best light.

To ensure you include sufficient background information about yourself, you should:

• Begin with a formal greeting and elaborate on the purpose of the letter .
• Provide more details about yourself and highlight key skills, qualifications, and accomplishments . If possible, mention a mutual acquaintance.
• Finish off by thanking the recipient for their consideration and providing your contact details after the sign-off . 

Example of introducing yourself in a letter

Self-introduction letters can bolster your networking efforts and help you form connections with organizations, colleagues, and recruiters. You can use the example below for inspiration on how to tailor your letter. 

“ Dear Jordan, 

I hope this message finds you well. 

I came across your profile while searching for accomplished professionals in the online marketing domain and was impressed by your experience and achievements.

As a fellow professional in the marketing industry, I believe it’s valuable to connect with like-minded individuals to foster mutual growth. I’m particularly interested in social media marketing, and I think your advice could help me push my efforts forward. 

I would appreciate the opportunity to arrange a brief call to discuss our shared interests and potential collaborations. 

Please let me know a time that works for you. Thank you for considering my request. 

Best regards, 

Tom Roberts ”

Providing a new contact with background information about yourself is one of the many networking strategies you can try. If you want to take your career to the next level, you can learn more networking tips from the blog post below:

• How to Network Effectively to Advance in Your Career (+ Tips)

How to introduce yourself to a new colleague at work

When speaking to a new colleague for the first time, you can communicate with them in a more informal but still professional manner. To make sure the conversation goes down smoothly, you should:

• Ask your colleague questions : Show your genuine interest in their work and opinions. 
• Mind your body language and go in for a handshake : Sometimes, open body language is just as effective as positive language. 
• Focus on the positives : There’s no need to use negative language and bring up past grievances during your first few weeks. 
• Keep the messages short : If your workplace uses a business messaging app for professional correspondence, don’t send lengthy introduction messages. Your self-introduction on the first day of work should state who you are and highlight your enthusiasm for being part of the team. 

Example of introducing yourself to a new colleague at work

So, how can you introduce yourself to a coworker in a brief and friendly manner? Perhaps Joseph can give us some ideas as we look at how he virtually introduces himself to a new team.

His self-introduction strikes the right tone because:

• It is short and friendly .
• It conveys his genuine happiness about being part of the team . 

How to introduce yourself and ask for a favor from a coworker

If you want to ask a coworker you don’t know for a favor , you need to introduce yourself first — especially if you’re new to the company.

This makes a lot of people anxious, but it doesn’t have to be as awkward as you’d imagine it would be.  

When asking for a helping hand:

• Briefly explain who you are and what your job responsibilities entail.
• Be clear about what you’re asking .
• Take into account your coworker’s current workload .
• Inform them of your request in advance .
• Choose a convenient time to schedule a meeting or send a message . 
• Explain why you’re asking them for a favor .
• Accept rejection with grace .
• Thank them for their time .

If your coworker agrees to help, don’t forget to offer to return the favor down the line. 

Example of an introduction to a coworker to ask for a favor

When you reach out to a coworker, it’s essential to keep the message brief and polite . Then, without beating around the bush, you should explain why you’re contacting them, just like in the below exchange.

What NOT to do when you’re introducing yourself professionally

Is there something we have to pay attention not to do when introducing ourselves in a professional setting?

Yes, there is — for example, don’t :

• Use the same introduction in every situation . How you introduce yourself to your new manager will differ from how you greet a new coworker, right?
• Complain and be negative . Even if what you’re saying is true, there’s a time and place for everything, and you don’t want to be remembered as a Negative Nancy.
• Check your phone every couple of minutes . You may be doing it because you’re nervous, but it comes off as rude and shows disinterest in the person you’re talking to.
• Assume everyone comes from the same (cultural) context as you . This is especially true if you work in a multinational company or your network is multicultural. For example, grabbing someone’s hand and giving it a firm shake is perfectly acceptable in the West, but it would make a person from Japan uncomfortable — their handshakes are much softer.

If you’re having trouble navigating cross-cultural communication in a business environment, check out our blog post:

• How to perfect cross-cultural communication at the workplace

Use Pumble to introduce yourself and communicate at work

You only get to make the first impression once — so, put effort into crafting the perfect, professional introduction.

If your team uses Pumble to communicate and collaborate, you can easily introduce yourself to anyone at work — no matter whether their workstation is several desks or even countries away from yours.

Pumble is a team communication app that let’s you:

• Send DMs to individuals and groups
• Talk about specific topics in dedicated private and public channels (perhaps your team would even benefit from a public channel where every newcomer can introduce themselves on their first day?)
• Make audio and video calls (after all, face-to-face introductions via video are a great option for remote teams who rarely or never have the chance to meet in-person)

Dunja Jovanovic is a content manager at Pumble, leading a team of communication authors and researchers. She has been researching and writing about communication and psychology, especially in a professional setting, since her university days. As she has been working remotely since the beginning of her career, she likes helping others not only survive but also thrive in a virtual work environment.

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Understanding Assignments

What this handout is about.

The first step in any successful college writing venture is reading the assignment. While this sounds like a simple task, it can be a tough one. This handout will help you unravel your assignment and begin to craft an effective response. Much of the following advice will involve translating typical assignment terms and practices into meaningful clues to the type of writing your instructor expects. See our short video for more tips.

Basic beginnings

Regardless of the assignment, department, or instructor, adopting these two habits will serve you well :

• Read the assignment carefully as soon as you receive it. Do not put this task off—reading the assignment at the beginning will save you time, stress, and problems later. An assignment can look pretty straightforward at first, particularly if the instructor has provided lots of information. That does not mean it will not take time and effort to complete; you may even have to learn a new skill to complete the assignment.
• Ask the instructor about anything you do not understand. Do not hesitate to approach your instructor. Instructors would prefer to set you straight before you hand the paper in. That’s also when you will find their feedback most useful.

Assignment formats

Many assignments follow a basic format. Assignments often begin with an overview of the topic, include a central verb or verbs that describe the task, and offer some additional suggestions, questions, or prompts to get you started.

An Overview of Some Kind

The instructor might set the stage with some general discussion of the subject of the assignment, introduce the topic, or remind you of something pertinent that you have discussed in class. For example:

“Throughout history, gerbils have played a key role in politics,” or “In the last few weeks of class, we have focused on the evening wear of the housefly …”

The Task of the Assignment

Pay attention; this part tells you what to do when you write the paper. Look for the key verb or verbs in the sentence. Words like analyze, summarize, or compare direct you to think about your topic in a certain way. Also pay attention to words such as how, what, when, where, and why; these words guide your attention toward specific information. (See the section in this handout titled “Key Terms” for more information.)

“Analyze the effect that gerbils had on the Russian Revolution”, or “Suggest an interpretation of housefly undergarments that differs from Darwin’s.”

Additional Material to Think about

Here you will find some questions to use as springboards as you begin to think about the topic. Instructors usually include these questions as suggestions rather than requirements. Do not feel compelled to answer every question unless the instructor asks you to do so. Pay attention to the order of the questions. Sometimes they suggest the thinking process your instructor imagines you will need to follow to begin thinking about the topic.

“You may wish to consider the differing views held by Communist gerbils vs. Monarchist gerbils, or Can there be such a thing as ‘the housefly garment industry’ or is it just a home-based craft?”

These are the instructor’s comments about writing expectations:

“Be concise”, “Write effectively”, or “Argue furiously.”

Technical Details

These instructions usually indicate format rules or guidelines.

“Your paper must be typed in Palatino font on gray paper and must not exceed 600 pages. It is due on the anniversary of Mao Tse-tung’s death.”

The assignment’s parts may not appear in exactly this order, and each part may be very long or really short. Nonetheless, being aware of this standard pattern can help you understand what your instructor wants you to do.

Interpreting the assignment

Ask yourself a few basic questions as you read and jot down the answers on the assignment sheet:

Why did your instructor ask you to do this particular task?

Who is your audience.

• What kind of evidence do you need to support your ideas?

What kind of writing style is acceptable?

• What are the absolute rules of the paper?

Try to look at the question from the point of view of the instructor. Recognize that your instructor has a reason for giving you this assignment and for giving it to you at a particular point in the semester. In every assignment, the instructor has a challenge for you. This challenge could be anything from demonstrating an ability to think clearly to demonstrating an ability to use the library. See the assignment not as a vague suggestion of what to do but as an opportunity to show that you can handle the course material as directed. Paper assignments give you more than a topic to discuss—they ask you to do something with the topic. Keep reminding yourself of that. Be careful to avoid the other extreme as well: do not read more into the assignment than what is there.

Of course, your instructor has given you an assignment so that he or she will be able to assess your understanding of the course material and give you an appropriate grade. But there is more to it than that. Your instructor has tried to design a learning experience of some kind. Your instructor wants you to think about something in a particular way for a particular reason. If you read the course description at the beginning of your syllabus, review the assigned readings, and consider the assignment itself, you may begin to see the plan, purpose, or approach to the subject matter that your instructor has created for you. If you still aren’t sure of the assignment’s goals, try asking the instructor. For help with this, see our handout on getting feedback .

Given your instructor’s efforts, it helps to answer the question: What is my purpose in completing this assignment? Is it to gather research from a variety of outside sources and present a coherent picture? Is it to take material I have been learning in class and apply it to a new situation? Is it to prove a point one way or another? Key words from the assignment can help you figure this out. Look for key terms in the form of active verbs that tell you what to do.

Key Terms: Finding Those Active Verbs

Here are some common key words and definitions to help you think about assignment terms:

Information words Ask you to demonstrate what you know about the subject, such as who, what, when, where, how, and why.

• define —give the subject’s meaning (according to someone or something). Sometimes you have to give more than one view on the subject’s meaning
• describe —provide details about the subject by answering question words (such as who, what, when, where, how, and why); you might also give details related to the five senses (what you see, hear, feel, taste, and smell)
• explain —give reasons why or examples of how something happened
• illustrate —give descriptive examples of the subject and show how each is connected with the subject
• summarize —briefly list the important ideas you learned about the subject
• trace —outline how something has changed or developed from an earlier time to its current form
• research —gather material from outside sources about the subject, often with the implication or requirement that you will analyze what you have found

Relation words Ask you to demonstrate how things are connected.

• compare —show how two or more things are similar (and, sometimes, different)
• contrast —show how two or more things are dissimilar
• apply—use details that you’ve been given to demonstrate how an idea, theory, or concept works in a particular situation
• cause —show how one event or series of events made something else happen
• relate —show or describe the connections between things

Interpretation words Ask you to defend ideas of your own about the subject. Do not see these words as requesting opinion alone (unless the assignment specifically says so), but as requiring opinion that is supported by concrete evidence. Remember examples, principles, definitions, or concepts from class or research and use them in your interpretation.

• assess —summarize your opinion of the subject and measure it against something
• prove, justify —give reasons or examples to demonstrate how or why something is the truth
• evaluate, respond —state your opinion of the subject as good, bad, or some combination of the two, with examples and reasons
• support —give reasons or evidence for something you believe (be sure to state clearly what it is that you believe)
• synthesize —put two or more things together that have not been put together in class or in your readings before; do not just summarize one and then the other and say that they are similar or different—you must provide a reason for putting them together that runs all the way through the paper
• analyze —determine how individual parts create or relate to the whole, figure out how something works, what it might mean, or why it is important
• argue —take a side and defend it with evidence against the other side

More Clues to Your Purpose As you read the assignment, think about what the teacher does in class:

• What kinds of textbooks or coursepack did your instructor choose for the course—ones that provide background information, explain theories or perspectives, or argue a point of view?
• In lecture, does your instructor ask your opinion, try to prove her point of view, or use keywords that show up again in the assignment?
• What kinds of assignments are typical in this discipline? Social science classes often expect more research. Humanities classes thrive on interpretation and analysis.
• How do the assignments, readings, and lectures work together in the course? Instructors spend time designing courses, sometimes even arguing with their peers about the most effective course materials. Figuring out the overall design to the course will help you understand what each assignment is meant to achieve.

Now, what about your reader? Most undergraduates think of their audience as the instructor. True, your instructor is a good person to keep in mind as you write. But for the purposes of a good paper, think of your audience as someone like your roommate: smart enough to understand a clear, logical argument, but not someone who already knows exactly what is going on in your particular paper. Remember, even if the instructor knows everything there is to know about your paper topic, he or she still has to read your paper and assess your understanding. In other words, teach the material to your reader.

Aiming a paper at your audience happens in two ways: you make decisions about the tone and the level of information you want to convey.

• Tone means the “voice” of your paper. Should you be chatty, formal, or objective? Usually you will find some happy medium—you do not want to alienate your reader by sounding condescending or superior, but you do not want to, um, like, totally wig on the man, you know? Eschew ostentatious erudition: some students think the way to sound academic is to use big words. Be careful—you can sound ridiculous, especially if you use the wrong big words.
• The level of information you use depends on who you think your audience is. If you imagine your audience as your instructor and she already knows everything you have to say, you may find yourself leaving out key information that can cause your argument to be unconvincing and illogical. But you do not have to explain every single word or issue. If you are telling your roommate what happened on your favorite science fiction TV show last night, you do not say, “First a dark-haired white man of average height, wearing a suit and carrying a flashlight, walked into the room. Then a purple alien with fifteen arms and at least three eyes turned around. Then the man smiled slightly. In the background, you could hear a clock ticking. The room was fairly dark and had at least two windows that I saw.” You also do not say, “This guy found some aliens. The end.” Find some balance of useful details that support your main point.

You’ll find a much more detailed discussion of these concepts in our handout on audience .

The Grim Truth

With a few exceptions (including some lab and ethnography reports), you are probably being asked to make an argument. You must convince your audience. It is easy to forget this aim when you are researching and writing; as you become involved in your subject matter, you may become enmeshed in the details and focus on learning or simply telling the information you have found. You need to do more than just repeat what you have read. Your writing should have a point, and you should be able to say it in a sentence. Sometimes instructors call this sentence a “thesis” or a “claim.”

So, if your instructor tells you to write about some aspect of oral hygiene, you do not want to just list: “First, you brush your teeth with a soft brush and some peanut butter. Then, you floss with unwaxed, bologna-flavored string. Finally, gargle with bourbon.” Instead, you could say, “Of all the oral cleaning methods, sandblasting removes the most plaque. Therefore it should be recommended by the American Dental Association.” Or, “From an aesthetic perspective, moldy teeth can be quite charming. However, their joys are short-lived.”

Convincing the reader of your argument is the goal of academic writing. It doesn’t have to say “argument” anywhere in the assignment for you to need one. Look at the assignment and think about what kind of argument you could make about it instead of just seeing it as a checklist of information you have to present. For help with understanding the role of argument in academic writing, see our handout on argument .

What kind of evidence do you need?

There are many kinds of evidence, and what type of evidence will work for your assignment can depend on several factors–the discipline, the parameters of the assignment, and your instructor’s preference. Should you use statistics? Historical examples? Do you need to conduct your own experiment? Can you rely on personal experience? See our handout on evidence for suggestions on how to use evidence appropriately.

Make sure you are clear about this part of the assignment, because your use of evidence will be crucial in writing a successful paper. You are not just learning how to argue; you are learning how to argue with specific types of materials and ideas. Ask your instructor what counts as acceptable evidence. You can also ask a librarian for help. No matter what kind of evidence you use, be sure to cite it correctly—see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial .

You cannot always tell from the assignment just what sort of writing style your instructor expects. The instructor may be really laid back in class but still expect you to sound formal in writing. Or the instructor may be fairly formal in class and ask you to write a reflection paper where you need to use “I” and speak from your own experience.

Try to avoid false associations of a particular field with a style (“art historians like wacky creativity,” or “political scientists are boring and just give facts”) and look instead to the types of readings you have been given in class. No one expects you to write like Plato—just use the readings as a guide for what is standard or preferable to your instructor. When in doubt, ask your instructor about the level of formality she or he expects.

No matter what field you are writing for or what facts you are including, if you do not write so that your reader can understand your main idea, you have wasted your time. So make clarity your main goal. For specific help with style, see our handout on style .

Technical details about the assignment

The technical information you are given in an assignment always seems like the easy part. This section can actually give you lots of little hints about approaching the task. Find out if elements such as page length and citation format (see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial ) are negotiable. Some professors do not have strong preferences as long as you are consistent and fully answer the assignment. Some professors are very specific and will deduct big points for deviations.

Usually, the page length tells you something important: The instructor thinks the size of the paper is appropriate to the assignment’s parameters. In plain English, your instructor is telling you how many pages it should take for you to answer the question as fully as you are expected to. So if an assignment is two pages long, you cannot pad your paper with examples or reword your main idea several times. Hit your one point early, defend it with the clearest example, and finish quickly. If an assignment is ten pages long, you can be more complex in your main points and examples—and if you can only produce five pages for that assignment, you need to see someone for help—as soon as possible.

Tricks that don’t work

Your instructors are not fooled when you:

• spend more time on the cover page than the essay —graphics, cool binders, and cute titles are no replacement for a well-written paper.
• use huge fonts, wide margins, or extra spacing to pad the page length —these tricks are immediately obvious to the eye. Most instructors use the same word processor you do. They know what’s possible. Such tactics are especially damning when the instructor has a stack of 60 papers to grade and yours is the only one that low-flying airplane pilots could read.
• use a paper from another class that covered “sort of similar” material . Again, the instructor has a particular task for you to fulfill in the assignment that usually relates to course material and lectures. Your other paper may not cover this material, and turning in the same paper for more than one course may constitute an Honor Code violation . Ask the instructor—it can’t hurt.
• get all wacky and “creative” before you answer the question . Showing that you are able to think beyond the boundaries of a simple assignment can be good, but you must do what the assignment calls for first. Again, check with your instructor. A humorous tone can be refreshing for someone grading a stack of papers, but it will not get you a good grade if you have not fulfilled the task.

Critical reading of assignments leads to skills in other types of reading and writing. If you get good at figuring out what the real goals of assignments are, you are going to be better at understanding the goals of all of your classes and fields of study.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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