Introduction 

When we answer a question in an interview, a classroom or daily conversation using a personal example can make the response more engaging, clear and also relatable to the experience. Personal examples help to connect the ideas to the real life experience instead of only giving general or abstract examples from anywhere.

The approach of giving personal examples while answering questions makes it easier for others to understand your perspective clearly and it also helps to remember the response. Personal examples are useful especially in discussion essays and interviews where someone’s opinions , experience or problem solving skills matter the most and it is important to be demonstrated via personal examples.

They also provide the evidence that supports the claims provided by the person and also makes the response more convincing by showing the personal experience. This article will talk in detail about the role of personal examples in answering questions about their benefits and some tips on how to use them effectively.

Importance of personal examples 

Personal examples play a significant role in communication and there are many reasons for it.

1. Make the answers relatable 

If someone hears your real life experience then they can connect emotionally to your answer in a better way. This happens because human beings naturally relate to stories and feel more connected to the stories. For example if a student is asked about time management they can answer this question simply like, time management is important because it helps to stay organised.

However this answer is correct but it does not engage the listener and does not create any longing effect. Students can share a personal example to answer this question like last year I struggled with time management while preparing for my exams.

It happens because I always leave my assignment at the last minute which also makes me stressed. When I started to plan my things before head I noticed a pic improvement in my productivity. This answer from the student can make the response seem more engaging and relatable to others.

https://youtu.be/VUzlCG_eoFs?si=MVtfV_oQesx8sM_D

2. Add credibility to answers

When someone includes their personal examples or experience then it shows that they have the first hand knowledge about the topic. It helps to add authenticity to the response which is needed by the listener. If someone asks in a job interview what teamwork is to you and the candidate answers like I work well in a team which is not convincing to the interviewer.

The candidate can answer like in my last project at work I collaborated with 5 team members to complete an important task. We divided all the responsibilities and supported each Other which helped us to meet the deadline. Through this answer the interview can prove that the candidate has real experience and teamwork which shows credibility.

3. Make answers more memorable 

Personal examples or stories stay in people’s minds for a longer time than abstract information. We often see that there are many teachers, speakers and writers who use personal anecdotes to make their points more impactful and engaging. For example if a motivational speaker is talking about overcoming failure then they can show it through their own struggle which can help to keep the audience more engaged.

It also helps the audience to remember the session and to be inspired by it. Personal examples can be used when writing essays to make any argument stronger. In the opinion or persuasive essay, personal examples provide the evidence for supporting any point. 

4. Helps in critical thinking 

Personal example also helps to reflect on your own experience and to think critically about the lessons you have learnt through all the experiences. When someone answers a question and considers their own past action successes for mistakes then it helps them to relate to the topic but also strengthen their own analytical or critical thinking skills.

Using personal examples 

1.Essay writing 

Personal examples can be used when writing essays to make any argument stronger. In the opinion or persuasive essay, personal examples provide the evidence for supporting any point. For example, in any persuasive essay on time management, students can use their own example of how they manage their time well during their task and it allows them to pass their exams with great marks to show the effect of time management.

2. Interviews

There are many job or college interviews that ask personal example questions to show your mindset. These questions include like can you describe a time you faced a challenge and tell us about a situation where you work as a leader. If any candidate answers these questions with their own personal examples then they can make the answers more compelling instead of giving weak answers.

Also another is features of presentations. It is important to keep the audience engaged and personal examples work in this favour. If the speaker talks about environmental conservation then they can share how they started to use less plastic in their daily life which can make the topic more relatable.

https://youtu.be/fr-mwiyhZAo?si=-KhTmZOpOYM9xO7F

Effective use of personal examples 

• It is important to be relevant while choosing the examples that directly relate to the questions. If someone asks about leadership then discussing my school project where you manage tasks is more relevant and talking about a related hobby. 
• Also it is necessary to keep your personal examples or stories concise because long stories can make the audience bored or the audience can lose their interest. Summarise your experience in a few sentences while focusing on the key details.
• When someone includes their personal examples or experience then it shows that they have the first hand knowledge about the topic. It helps to add authenticity to the response which is needed by the listener. If someone asks in a job interview what teamwork is to you and the candidate answers like I work well in a team which is not convincing to the interviewer.
• Personal example also helps to reflect on your own experience and to think critically about the lessons you have learnt through all the experiences. When someone answers a question and considers their own past action successes for mistakes then it helps them to relate to the topic but also strengthen their own analytical or critical thinking skills.

Conclusion 

Personal examples help to connect the ideas to the real life experience instead of only giving general or abstract examples from anywhere. The approach of giving personal examples while answering questions makes it easier for others to understand your perspective clearly and it also helps to remember the response. Personal examples are useful especially in discussion essays and interviews where someone’s opinions , experience or problem solving skills matter the most and it is important to be demonstrated via personal examples.

Personal examples or stories stay in people’s minds for a longer time than abstract information. We often see that there are many teachers, speakers and writers who use personal anecdotes to make their points more impactful and engaging. For example if a motivational speaker is talking about overcoming failure then they can show it through their own struggle which can help to keep the audience more engaged.

There are many job or college interviews that ask personal example questions to show your mindset. These questions include like can you describe a time you faced a challenge and tell us about a situation where you work as a leader. If any candidate answers these questions with their own personal examples then they can make the answers more compelling instead of giving weak answers.

Interview Forge Team

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