6.5 What Word Describes You Best
Activity
Resources
The goal of this tool is to build ones motivation, goalsetting, self-esteem and personal promotion.
This activity
requires,
pens,
papers and
blank
badges
In this exercise, the learners will have to choose one
word that describes them best. The process they go
through to find this one word helps them better
understand their own likes and dislikes, the way they
want to be seen by outsiders. The exercise is ideal for
courses on motivation, goal setting, self-esteem and
personal impact where knowing who one wants to be is
critical.
The following steps must be followed:
1.
2.
3.
Explain the learners that everyone has certain
likes and dislikes that define their character.
Sometimes by describing people will
understand where they are and where they
want to go.
Ask the learners to think of 10 words or
phrases that describe them the best and write
this down. Words can describe their character,
talent, personality or even their emotional
state. The words can describe how they are or
how they want to be.
For your reference, see below. However, you
do not need to elaborate too much on this as
not to anchor learners on their use. You want
them to come up with their own original words.
Examples are:



Character
o
Determined
o
Prosperous
o
Over Achiever
o
Go getter
o
Honest
o
Problem solver
o
Competitor
Emotions
o
Super-happy
o
Enthusiastic
Skills
o
Windsurfer
o
Artist
o
Explorer
Time
Assigned
Providing
explanations
on the
exercise and
tool: 5
minutes
The actual
activity takes
= 10 minutes
for 10 words
and 5
minutes for
one final
word = 15
minutes
Group
feedback =
30 minutes
Total time is
approximately
= 50 minutes
but this
highly
depends on
the size of
the group
involved and
will increase
in duration as
participants
increase in
number.
Outcome
Knowledge:

Basic words
that describe
oneself

Language to
be used in
describing
one-self
Skills:

summarize
his/her
personality in
one word

communicate
with others

efficiently
work in groups

present
his/herself in
one word
Competence:

Summarize
his/her
personality in
one word
Be concise and to
the point
o
Pilot
o
Writer
1.
Allocate 10 minutes for this part.
2.
After the allocated time, ask the learners to
choose one word from the set that describes
them the best.
3.
Allocate 2 minutes for this part.
4.
Ask everyone to present their ideal word to
other.
5.
Distribute the blank badges and ask them to
write their ideal word on their badges. They
should wear the badges for the rest of the
course to emphasize the word both to
themselves and to others. This will also make
the word more memorable for them.
Optionally, ask the learners to share the other 9 words
they have chosen with other participants too. This helps
the group to get to know each other better and can act
as an icebreaker.
A questionnaire to be completed by all participants, who
will provide feedback on the overall effectiveness of the
specific activity.
Feedback
Assessment can also take place in the group through
group discussion and provision of feedback between the
participants. A questionnaire can also be used to
evaluate the overall group settings and outcome of the
exercise.