how to write a brief bio for a presentation

• Event Website Publish a modern and mobile friendly event website.
• Registration & Payments Collect registrations & online payments for your event.
• Abstract Management Collect and manage all your abstract submissions.
• Peer Reviews Easily distribute and manage your peer reviews.
• Conference Program Effortlessly build & publish your event program.
• Virtual Poster Sessions Host engaging virtual poster sessions.
• Customer Success Stories
• Wall of Love ❤️

How to Write a Speaker Bio for a Conference (with Examples)

Published on 28 Jul 2022

Author bios, or speaker bios, can be used for a variety of purposes. They can be included as part of your application to present at a conference or posted to an event website to introduce yourself as a presenter at the event. Bios can also be helpful to have on your profile in the participant directory of the conference management tool used for the event, so that others to know what you’re working on. 

For many, an author bio is their first introduction to their peers – sort of like a digital, written handshake. In the world of academic conferences, conference programmes and websites will include a biography of every speaker.

An interesting, engaging bio can help encourage others to participate in the event, and impact the number of people who attend your presentation, so it’s important to take your time, do your research, and write a biography that will highlight the characteristics that set you apart from the rest. 

How do you write a good short bio?

Start by taking notes of your strengths and accomplishments. Look at your CV and pull out the very basics like where you went to school and your primary area of interest, then add in the impressive details like fellowships, published pieces, or exciting collaborations.

Here are the detailed steps to take to write a bio that will inspire your peers to attend your presentation or connect with you in a breakout session.

Step 1: Find out the required length

When you’re writing a speaker bio for a specific conference, make sure you know the length of bio the organizer is looking for. Each conference will have its own guidelines, and some will even ask for two versions – a longer one for the event website and a shorter one for the printed program. 

Step 2. Write in the third person

Write your bio as if you’re writing it about someone else. Not only is this the most common format for a speaker biography, but it gives you the opportunity to add many details of your success and experiences without coming across as pompous or arrogant. Writing in the third person gives some authors more confidence to speak about themselves and their accomplishments. 

Start out with your full name, then decide whether to refer to yourself throughout using your first name or last name. For less formal events, using your first name creates an air of familiarity, while referring to yourself by your last name is more professional and formal. 

Step 3: Make a list of the basics

There are basic pieces of information that should be included in every speaker's biography.

• Your full name
• Your credentials
• Where you completed your graduate studies
• Your current position and where you work
• Your areas of interest
• How your experience is relevant and beneficial to the focus of the event
• Your most notable accomplishments - avoid building a laundry-list of published pieces, focus on the most impressive
• If you’ve published in any top peer-reviewed journals like Science, Nature, or the equivalent for your field, be sure to include this 
• List any patents you hold or any breakthrough findings
• Note any impressive research collaborations with well-known subject matter experts

Step 4: Write to your audience

Get to know your audience before you start writing. I don’t mean get to know them personally – that will happen at the event. I mean get an understanding of the demographics and areas of interest of the potential conference attendees that will be reading your bio. 

If you’re presenting at an ornithology conference and your audience is passionate about hands-on research, focus the content of your bio more heavily towards your applied experience studying birds. You can do this by highlighting the hands-on research you’ve done rather than the degrees and certifications you’ve earned. In this example, when discussing your PhD thesis, you would focus on the part of your research that led you to travel to Antarctica to study the Wandering Albatross migration. 

If your audience is made up primarily of institutional academics, highlight who funded your research and which institutions you were collaborating with when the work was being conducted. For example, focus the mention of your PhD thesis around the fact that you studied at UCLA under one of their many renowned Professors of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. 

Step 5: Add some personality

One way to set yourself apart from other speakers is to inject some fun into your bio. You want it to be interesting and engaging – that’s how you will encourage other conference attendees to read the biography from start to finish. Don’t be afraid to try out some wordplay or alliterations. While there are great bios that start out with the speaker’s primary research area, some of the most engaging bios start off with a sentence or statement that is bold, unexpected, and captures your reader’s attention. 

Examples of speakers' bio

Here are two good examples of the type of speaker’s biographies you’ll find on conference websites and programs. 

Brandon Farbstein

Brandon Farbstein’s bio is short, it’s interesting, and it opens with information that highlights the attributes that set him apart from other speakers. It gets personal and draws the reader in. Personally, if I saw this bio in a conference program I would definitely make time in my schedule to attend this presentation. 

“At just 20, Brandon Farbstein has already made a name for himself worldwide as a sought-after speaker and prominent Gen Z activist. Diagnosed with a rare form of dwarfism at the age of 2, Brandon stands at 3’9” – making his life’s journey full of adversity, strength, and impact. After feeling invisible and without a purpose for the first 15 years of his life, he discovered his calling on the TEDx stage, and suddenly realized his life’s meaning: to change the lens through which people see their world.  In just three years of speaking, over five million people across the globe have been inspired by Brandon; and his work continues to touch audiences from every walk of life.”

One notable thing lacking here is clear information about Brandon’s work. We know a lot about him personally, we know that he’s a TEDx speaker, and we know that his work has impacted millions of people, but we really don’t know what he actually does. 

Nicole Redvers

Nicole Redvers' bio starts by identifying her personal connection to her field of study, peaking the interest of readers and making it clear that she is passionate about her work. She goes on to cover her specific area of research, the institutions she’s connected with, and the advocacy works she’s involved with to advance her research in a way that will improve the lives of others. 

“Dr. Nicole Redvers, ND, MPH, is a member of the Deninu K’ue First Nation in Denendeh (NWT) and has worked with Indigenous patients, scholars, and communities around the globe her entire career. She is an assistant professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine and the Department of Indigenous Health at the University of North Dakota where she helped develop and launch the first Indigenous health PhD program. Dr. Redvers is co-founder and current board chair of the Canadian charity the Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation based in Yellowknife, NWT, providing traditional Indigenous-rooted Land-based wellness supports to northerners. She has been actively involved at regional, national, and international levels promoting the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in both human and planetary health research and practice. She is author of the trade paperback book titled, ‘The Science of the Sacred: Bridging Global Indigenous Medicine Systems and Modern Scientific Principles’.”

One thing I like about this bio is that it takes the reader through a logical flow of information that ends with Redvers’ most notable accomplishments. 

A good speaker's bio is short, direct, and sparks interest. It provides the speaker with an opportunity to connect with conference attendees before the event begins, and it provides event attendees with an introduction to the speakers presenting at the event which will help them determine which presentations they want to attend.

With the instructions we provided and half an hour of your time, you’ll have a bio that stands out from the rest!

5 Best Event Registration Platforms for Your Next Conference

By having one software to organize registrations and submissions, a pediatric health center runs aro...

5 Essential Conference Apps for Your Event

In today’s digital age, the success of any conference hinges not just on the content and speakers bu...

Table of Contents

Understanding the purpose of a speaker bio, how to write a speaker bio for a conference, how to use artificial intelligence to write speaker bios, 3 examples of effective speaker bios, free speaker bio template, unlock the power of speaker bios, how to write a speaker bio for a conference (with examples).

A well-crafted speaker bio is a great way to create a strong first impression with event attendees and generate buzz. Not only can a solid bio establish credibility for your event and pique the audience’s curiosity, but it also can accelerate event promotion efforts.

Keep reading to learn more about why speaker bios matter, discover how to write a bio for a conference, and view speaker bio examples that should give you a better idea about what a strong bio looks like.

Speaker bios play a pivotal role in effective event marketing strategies . By populating your event website with speaker bios, you can showcase your event’s content caliber while creating interest and engagement. Once speaker bios are live, you can repurpose this content — for example, by creating graphics, sharing them on social media, and tagging the speakers.

The best speaker bios include the following elements:

• The speaker’s name and title
• Their current affiliation (e.g., CEO of Acme Corp.)
• Relevant experience and expertise
• Accomplishments and achievements (e.g., awards or publications)
• Education and qualifications
• Information about previous speaking engagements
• A personal touch that describes the speaker’s hobbies, interests, or passions outside of their professional life
• Contact information

Effective speaker bios begin with a compelling opening line that grabs the reader’s attention. At a high level, speaker bios should showcase the speaker’s expertise, credentials, and achievements. They should also highlight relevant industry experience and accomplishments. 

Now that we’ve got the basics down, consider these five tips for writing winning speaker bios.

1. Tailor the Bio to the Conference Theme and Audience

Since every event is different, ensuring that your speaker bios align with the conference theme and resonate with the target audience is essential. 

For example, if you’re hosting an event catering to executives, you must ensure each speaker’s bio highlights their executive experience. Incorporate language and keywords that resonate with the audience. In this example, you may want to include leadership qualities, board appointments, and examples of driving innovation, digital transformation, and return on investment.

2. Structure the Speaker Bio Effectively

Organize the speaker bio logically and concisely so readers can quickly determine what each speaker is about. Pay attention to the structure, too. Using bullet points and short paragraphs can make the bios more accessible, improving readability. Generally speaking, bios should be 300 words at maximum.

3. Include Social Proof and Credibility

Incorporate testimonials, endorsements, and other accolades from previous speaking engagements to demonstrate the accomplishments of your speakers. Mention notable publications, awards, and recognitions.

For example, if a particular speaker was named CEO of the Year, ensure their bio conveys that information. At the same time, share relevant statistics or achievements demonstrating expertise (e.g., grew ARR 250% in two years). 

4. Add a Personal Touch 

At the end of the day, we’re all people, and your speakers are more than the sum of their professional accomplishments. Compelling speaker bios include personal anecdotes about their lives or experiences related to the event’s theme. 

After reading a bio, audience members should know precisely why each individual was invited to participate in the event. To humanize speakers, include a sentence or two about their interests outside of work.

5. Review and Refine the Bio

Once you’re done writing a bio draft, proofread it to ensure there aren’t any typos and that the content is grammatically correct. Double-check your work to ensure that the bio is tight and free of unnecessary details. Run the bio by a trusted colleague for a second opinion if possible, and then get the stamp of approval from the professional who is featured. 

Lean events team? You can use generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT to jumpstart the process of writing speaker bios. Here’s an example of what you could ask ChatGPT to pump out a high-quality speaker bio. 

Here are some additional prompt ideas you can use to write your conference speaker bios:

• Full speaker bio: Can you write a comprehensive speaker bio for [Speaker’s Name], who will speak at our upcoming [Event Name]?
• Key accomplishments: Write a speaker bio highlighting the most important accomplishments of [Speaker’s Name].
• Professional background: Provide a brief overview of the professional background of [Speaker’s Name] for their speaker bio.
• Relevant experience: Write a bio emphasizing [Speaker’s Name]’s relevant experience and expertise in [Industry/Topic].
• Thought leadership: Create a bio that showcases [Speaker’s Name]’s thought leadership and unique insights in the field of [Industry/Topic].
• Notable contributions: Write a speaker bio outlining the notable contributions that [Speaker’s Name] has made to the [Industry/Field].
• Presentation Style: Provide a bio that captures [Speaker’s Name]’s engaging presentation style and ability to connect with diverse audiences.
• Innovative approach: Write a speaker bio highlighting [Speaker’s Name]’s innovative approach to [Industry/Topic] and their impact on the field.
• Audience takeaways: Create a bio communicating the practical takeaways attendees can expect from [Speaker’s Name]’s presentation.
• Upcoming speaking engagement: Write a brief speaker bio for [Speaker’s Name] for their upcoming presentation at [Event Name, Date, and Location].
• Education and credentials: Provide a speaker bio with the educational background and relevant credentials of [Speaker’s Name].

Feel free to mix and match these prompts or provide specific details about the speaker’s background and accomplishments and the event they will be speaking at to get a tailored and impactful speaker bio. Just know that you must fact-check the output because the information may not be up-to-date or accurate. 

What exactly does this look like in practice? Here are three speaker bio examples that should get you thinking in the right direction.

Bio Example for a Tech Conference Speaker

Derek Jeter’s bio for INBOUND 2023 keeps it short and sweet, likely because most people are familiar with this baseball powerhouse. 

Here is the text of that bio:

Derek Jeter

Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and National Baseball HOF Inductee

The Baseball Hall of Famer and business leader shares what his leadership experience on and off the field has taught him about business. 

Bio Example for a DE&I Conference Speaker 

Here is the bio for Charisse Kosova, who will be speaking at the 26th annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conference . This event serves as a platform for accomplished DE&I practitioners worldwide to showcase their work and engage in dialogues about critical subjects such as race, social justice, neurodiversity, women’s health, disability, allyship, and other themes.

Charisse Kosova 

Director, DEI Learning & Development 

McDonald’s Corporation 

Charisse Kosova is director of DEI L&D at McDonald’s Corporation, working to drive the success of McDonald’s DEI learning journey at all levels of the organization. Before McDonald’s, she was the head of Global Training & Development at Shure Incorporated, where she built the first centralized learning function and advised the D&I council on global learning strategy. As director of Global Talent Development for IOR Global Services, she consulted with multinational corporations to build greater intercultural leadership and management skills across culturally diverse teams. Over time this work of bridging “otherness,” combined with her own commitment to social justice, led to a more focused expertise in DEI. Charisse has lived and worked in Ethiopia, Morocco, Japan, and the UK, and has seen first-hand how continuous learning in a diverse, inclusive environment leads not only to greater employee productivity and engagement, but also to increased professional and personal well-being.

Bio Example for a Fintech Conference Speaker

Stephanie Yu’s bio page for FinovateFall — the world’s premier fintech showcase — is outstanding, partly because it includes the sessions at which she’ll speak. Check it out:

Stephanie Yu

Director of Product Management

Stephanie Yu, director of Product Management at Uplift. Uplift is the enterprise Buy Now, Pay Later solution for the world’s leading travel, retail, and e-commerce brands.

Stephanie leads the core product development at Uplift. As a product leader, she has led the business to over 200% revenue growth in 2022.

Prior to Uplift, Stephanie held various leadership roles at Moody’s. She started out as a research data analyst at Moody’s and expanded into product management, leading market research and driving innovative product development like the Data Contribution Portal at Moody’s Commercial Real Estate line of business ⸺ resulting in improved workflows for 200 property researchers, and “Pulse” AI-powered commercial real estate market news feed.

Former Bizzaboer Rachel Heller , who is now GitHub’s senior content program manager of events, uses a helpful template for writing conference speaker bios:

• Something descriptive about what you do (not just your title and company)
• Why are you credible
• Your role and/or any previous relevant roles 
• Any extracurricular professional accolades or organizations you’re part of
• Something personal that humanizes you

Here is her 99-word bio using this formula:

Rachel Heller is an event content professional with over a decade of experience working on events ranging from 50 to 50,000 attendees. Currently, she is the senior content program manager for events at GitHub. Rachel is a member of the Event Content Council and previously held event content strategy roles at Sage Intacct and PTC. She is passionate about diverse, equitable, and inclusive presenter lineups, and when she’s not thinking up new session format ideas or searching for the best speakers, Rachel enjoys hiking, restoring furniture, and trying to beat her fastest time solving the NYT crossword puzzle.

What would your bio look like using this template?

Although many event marketers might underestimate their importance, speaker bios can profoundly impact event success. By creating concise, compelling bios that interest your target audience, you can gin up excitement, sell more tickets, and ensure your next event is the best yet.

As you begin creating speaker bios for your next event, keep this blog’s tips in mind. And remember to lean into generative AI tools to speed up the process!

But wait, did you know you can use generative AI to supercharge your event planning and promotion efforts? It’s true, and we’ve built a guide to help: 100+ chatbot prompts for event professionals .

You may also be interested in

The Future of Events: Hear From Experts on Sustainability, AI, and Event Data

Beyond Discounts: 7 Innovative Strategies To Build Event Sponsor Incentives 

Satellite Events: How Localized Gatherings Can Help Scale Your Event Strategy

Enjoying this article.

• Event Software Overview
• Klik Experiential & SmartBadge
• Product Integrations
• Security & Compliance
• Enterprise Event Software
• Insights & Reporting
• Capabilities
• Room Block Management
• Event Content
• Event Networking
• Event Marketing
• Audience Engagement
• Onsite Software & Wearables
• Event Live Streaming
• Sponsors & Exhibitors
• Mobile Event App
• Event Registration Software
• By Event Format
• In-person Events
• Virtual Events
• Hybrid Events
• By Use Case
• Conferences
• Field Marketing
• Internal Events
• By Who You Are
• Corporations
• Higher Education
• Associations
• Customer Stories
• Knowledge Center
• Professional Services
• Bizzabo Studios
• Hopin vs. Bizzabo
• Cvent vs. Bizzabo
• Stova vs. Bizzabo
• Resource Library
• Event Success Book
• Event Experience Podcast
• Conference Planning Guide
• AI-assisted Events Guide
• Event Management FAQs
• Become a Partner
• Press & Awards
• Help Us Grow

Maximize your event ROI with Bizzabo

Event Guide

How to write a powerful speaker bio(with examples) for 2024.

See how Eventify can help you.

Creating a presenter bio is like practicing a solid, firm handshake. Not only does it make a great first impression but also makes the recipient curious about you and your personality. That’s the impact a strong, well-written speaker bio can make on your digital presence. Speaker bios, unlike the brief on your CV or social media profile, are curated to display a holistic viewpoint of your professional achievements and personal milestones.

It’s the first glimpse that audiences and event attendees have into your work and personality. It enables your audience, event organizers, and exhibitors to understand what value you bring to events and conferences. So leverage the power of speaker bios with this presenter bio guide with tons of presenter bio examples to get you started.

Your Guide To Speaker Bio That Converts Audiences to Attendees.

Speakers everywhere, irrespective of experience, face the initial hiccup of curating a speaker biography. So if you feel the jitters, know that you are not alone. It’s tough when you don’t know exactly what to include.

Should you talk about the marathon you won or the first time you conquered your fear of heights? Is a reference to your Ph.D. on ‘Psychology of War Veterans’ relevant? Should you write about the book on Finance Management you co-authored?

You do have a lot to offer and, understandably so, are unable to decide on what to include and what to discard. This is a common question that speakers have - how to write a bio for a conference?  This guide with speaker examples will help you strategically create a bio that is interesting, relevant, and grabs eyeballs.

1. List Down Relevant Information

Start by listing down your academic experience, professional wins, achievements, awards, and any other personal milestones. This list will give you a bird's eye view of what can be included in your sample speaker bio. Keep in mind that, based on the conference type, you include only relevant points in your presenter bio.

This relevant conference speaker bio with examples will help organizers and attendees alike understand how your expertise aligns with the larger theme of the event.

“Not many people can claim to have saved over 1000 lives, but then Joe Erwin is not most people. Having graduated from the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University with a degree in Medical Education, he has been working as an emergency responder for 15 years. Being present in dangerous situations, where a single decision can be the difference between life and death - Joe has proved his mettle by displaying grit, courage, and level-headedness. In addition to these services, Joe has co-started a volunteer organization ‘Road Safety For All’. The foundation aims to bring awareness about road safety to the masses and his aim is to spread awareness across the United States.

The larger aim that Joe and his colleagues are working towards is to minimize the loss of lives from driving negligence. When he is not out there saving lives, Joe loves to hike and has a self-proclaimed love for ‘the great outdoors’.

This presenter bio is an example of including relevant points in the description. It’s kept brief with a stronger focus on the speaker's professional services. While doing this, do make sure to include tidbits about your personal life and experiences. This helps your audience see how your work builds your character and personality.

For instance in this bio the statement ‘ grit, courage and level-headedness’ paint a picture of Joe as one who has developed soft skills that are key to the service he offers.

2. Length of Your Speaker Biography

Once you have the relevant information listed down, it’s important to check the bio length requested by the event organizer. While some expect short and succinct descriptions, others are open to longer descriptions.

A hack to follow here is to create a longer, generalized speaker bio template for your brand’s personal site. This can cover your diverse experiences and achievements. You can then edit and personalize this personal bio based on the nature of the conference. All it then takes is to eliminate irrelevant information and retain pointers that align with the event’s guidelines.

“ Tamara Syed is a renowned psychologist and a mental health and wellness consultant. Having published 26 papers on topics of Mental Health, Emotional Well Being, Mental Disorders, Lifestyle and the Impact of Mental Health, Tamara’s work has caused ripple effects in the field of Mental Health & Psychology. Her focus has always been on encouraging women and especially women of color to take on challenging projects in the field.

Not only does Tamara preach empowerment but she also practices it. Having worked with children of refugees, Tamara has set up over 45 tech hubs that act as educational spaces for these children to learn about and adopt new-age technology. Tamara has also taken on the role of dean at the Institute of Mental Health and Welfare Studies. Her work here is based on curating a more empathetic and modern training manual for new interns to adopt. She wants to humanize the field even more with creative approaches that equip doctors to work well with patients.

With such accolades under her belt, Tamara has been a force to reckon with not just in the professional field but even on the sports field. She is a ‘born runner’ and has participated in multiple marathons - successfully acing them. Her love for sports doesn’t end here though - she loves indulging in football and volunteers as a coach at the local club. Tamara has always believed that the sky is the limit when it comes to everything women can achieve. Despite a tough childhood and limited opportunities, Tamara has today carved a niche for herself in her work. She has inspired millions of people, especially women of color, with her enthralling speeches at TED Talks. With so much to do, Tamara still finds time to indulge in re-reruns of ‘Gossip Girl’ - a guilty pleasure she cannot do without. Oh and did we mention, she has a Twitter account where she tweets about the latest fashion trends? Go figure!

This master presenter bio example has multiple elements working cohesively to paint a vibrant personality of the speaker. It begins with the speaker's professional achievements and experience. But gradually moves to their altruistic nature. It also focuses on her love for sports - subtly displaying the spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork she brings to the table.

An authentic addition comes from mentioning her love of popular shows and fashion - aspects that most audiences would not expect of her based on her work profile. This tells the audience that not only is the speaker accomplished but is also relatable.

The feeling of ‘He/She is one of us’ holds a huge allure when it comes to attendees displaying interest in speakers. This lengthy master sample bio for presentation can be edited and customized to focus on one facet of the speaker's personality or can be included as a whole.

3. Tell Your Story

‘Once upon a time’ is an adage we have all grown up listening to. Our subconscious minds relate to stories and tales. According to a study, stories used in public speaking can increase retention by 26% .  So leveraging the power of storytelling can work wonders in retaining the attention of your audience.

Also, ensure that your story is authentic and true to your on-stage personality. Often there is an impulse to create a ‘larger-than-life' persona in your speaker bio. This can lead to cognitive dissonance because it leaves your audience confused and unsure of what to expect from you.

“In her own words, Amy Baker loves making an entrance. After all, it's not every day that you see a 19-year-old on stage speaking of the gift of life. When Amy was 4 she was diagnosed with a muscular disorder causing her to take on the assistance of a wheelchair. Growing up and unable to perform everyday tasks like her peers, riddled Amy with self-doubt. Amy admits that these phases of her formative years were the hardest to accept.

Yet Amy was born a fighter. She realized that her journey was unique but not rare. There were many others like her who felt isolated. So Amy began vlogging her everyday journey. She shared hacks, resources, and information on centers that help people like Amy lead a good quality life. In addition, Amy began volunteering at schools for the differently abled. Witnessing Amy leading a life of purpose has inspired many young children and adults to emulate the same. At the age of 14, Amy was invited to her first TED event and since then Amy has flown across the globe spreading her message of hope and grit. She is currently a high school student pursuing her distance education in the field of Social Services. Just like any other teenager though, Amy loves music and is often seen humming the latest Taylor Swift song.”

This bio is one example of bios for speakers where the reader is taken on a journey. It starts with the speaker's formative years, struggles, vulnerabilities, and their story of perseverance. Since stories have a very clear beginning, middle, and end - readers know what to expect. In addition, a story keeps people guessing about the element ‘of what next’, thus ensuring that your speaker biography is read till the end.

4. Write in The Third Person

You must have observed a pattern in all the above sample bios for presentation. They are all written in the third person. While this is not a rule set in stone, it’s often followed by speakers as a standardized barometer. The reason is simple - it’s easier to speak of your achievements if you write about them in the third person.

Speakers, irrespective of experience, struggle to speak about their achievements. We usually assume that we can come across as pompous for writing highly of ourselves. But it's important to publicize your presenter bio and even exaggerate certain aspects of your life. This does not mean you speak of fictitious events but rather market your brand to get the attention you deserve.

Here’s an example of a short bio written in the third person.

“Jimmie Kramer is a man who dons several hats. But never mistake him for a jack of all trades and a master of none. Jimmie has successfully mastered several skills in his journey as an IT Consultant. He has worked with several big-league organizations like Amazon, Apple, and Tesla and has been on the board of tech giants like Google. His affinity for all things Tech has transferred into a full-blown course on ‘The Future of The Internet’ for young tech enthusiasts.

Jimmie has won multiple prestigious awards but still believes that the best accolade he has won is that of being called a ‘Dad’. His four children are the light of his life and when he is not spearheading the tech industry with innovations, he is busy playing ‘head chef’ for his family.”

The beginning of this bio, if written in the first person could be mistaken for Jimmie being egoistic. However, the third-person tone completely shifts this idea and aids the natural flow of the bio.

5. Humor Sells

Funny does stick and as per research 77% of people are likely to buy from a funny sales rep . You too are a salesperson, marketing your brand to exhibitors, organizers, and audiences. So adding humor (not forced though) is key to making your audience feel connected.

This speaker bio template is an example of a humorous one, where we break the traditional approach and write it in the first person.

“I work as a stand-up comic in my time off - there, that was the joke. I am George Seinfeld, a man of few words and many jokes up my alley. Well, I don’t want to bore you with long introductions about my many talents, so here’s what I really do.

I and my team are spearheading research in the field of Bone Grafting. So yes, you could, in simpler terms, call me a ‘medical man’ who sometimes lands a joke (quite rarely). Our research is aimed at helping patients suffering from various muscular dystrophies find hope with this treatment. It’s a battle we undertake every day and while we don’t always win, we always show up.

So, while I may not always tickle your funny bone, I have a team who will help you fix it.”

The topics covered here deal with medical battles that George and his team undertake. Yet his presenter bio speaks of his ability to see perspective and a silver lining in dire situations. The humor helps the audience feel at ease when difficult topics are discussed. His speaker bio template is reflective of his humor - which audiences know will filter into his on-stage presence.

We hope that these points and examples of bios for speakers help you create a stellar introduction to your personal brand.

The Eventify Edge - Getting Speakers The Recognition They Deserve

Wait a minute…! That stellar bio needs a Speaker Profile to be showcased and marketed. As an event organizer, coordinating with speakers, it’s important to not just have a great speaker bio that attracts audiences but also market your speakers. Eventify , a 360* mobile event application helps you achieve just that. Our speaker management software offers a dedicated ‘Speaker’ dashboard that lets you key in relevant details, speaker bios, social media links, and accessible details about speakers.

So contact us today to empower your event and your speakers with the power of an intuitive platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you write biography for a speaker.

Writing a biography for a speaker is a multi-step process. It's best to start with a draft that you can edit and modify. Remember, adding humor and a story are key to creating a speaker biography - one that is engaging, fun, and interesting.

What is the Biography of Speaker for a Seminar?

Speaker bios for seminars are snippets that elaborate on the speaker’s achievements, accolades, experience, and subject matter expertise. This bio is the first peek the audience and seminar attendees get into the speaker’s personality and fields of interest. A well-curated speaker bio can be the decisive factor for audiences on whether they wish to attend the particular session.

How Do You I Write Bio About Myself?

Writing a bio about yourself begins with

1. Listing down all your achievements, life experiences, professional milestones, and future plans.

2. Infusing the list with elements from your own personality - for instance, you could be great at dry humor and so can include comebacks and witty remarks into your speaker bio.

3. Writing about yourself in the third person. This is an easy hack to write about yourself without falling prey to self-doubt or self-consciousness. This method helps you be objective about your own experiences and shortcomings.

What is a good Speaker Bio?

A good speaker bio is one which is created keeping in mind the type of event or seminar and the interests of the target audience. These are two primary factors that when taken into account help create an engaging speaker bio. In addition, elements of humor, dialogue, a conversational style, and tone - all add to the speaker bios appeal.

What is Short Bio of The Speaker?

A short speaker bio is a brief overview of the speaker’s professional and personal journey. A short bio is often added as a snippet on event management apps, seminar introductions, and event lists. The purpose of a shorter bio is to allow audiences to gauge your work and its relevance to them before committing to attending your session. Considering the ever decreasing attention spans of audiences, a short bio is a great way to engage audiences and convert them into attendees.

Hussain Fakhruddin

About the author, love the smell of events every morning like us.

Similar posts

What Is Event Management? Event Management Types, Stages and Main Components

All Types Of Event Management & Planning Services

How to Create An Ideal Marketing Plan For An Event In 2024?

What Is An Event Management System? Here’s What Event Organizer, Joe, Says [An Eventify Case Analysis) 

Request a Demo

Please fill out the form below to request a demo. Our team will be in touch with you shortly to schedule a personalized demo.

Home > Blog > Speaking 101 > 10 Speaker Bio Examples That Will Inspire You To Update Yours

10 Speaker Bio Examples That Will Inspire You To Update Yours

In managing a speaking business, there are dozens of moving pieces that operate simultaneously. There are the more exciting pieces of the puzzle, like the signature on a new contract, as well as the more tedious components, like cleaning out your customer relationship management system ( CRM ). However, of these components, there are a handful that are recycled for each speaking gig, and over time, it becomes easier and easier to not only identify them but also refine them. Together, these details form your “speaker kit,” a comprehensive set of information that provides your clients with all the tools they need to prepare for their event with you as the highlight. Within this kit, although there are many things included, we’re going to just focus on a single one here: your speaker bio.

A few months ago, we published a guide to six quick and easy steps for writing a stellar speaker bio. From things you should include to mistakes you should avoid, these six steps were focused on providing speakers with actionable and straightforward advice, making the process of writing your bio a little easier. However, while we went through plenty of “to-do”s, we didn’t cover many examples for you to reference as you write your bio. In light of that, in this guide, we’re going to highlight the SpeakerFlow team ’s top ten speaker bios.  That way, the next time you give your bio a facelift, you’ll have a solid set of examples to get you started. 👍

1.  Meridith Elliott Powell

First on our list is the one and only Meridith Elliott Powell . As both an experienced saleswoman and a decorated speaker, Meridith’s speaking business can serve as an example in many regards. However, in the context of her speaker bio, there are a few things that make it especially noteworthy. First, it highlights her accomplishments in her field and as a speaker right from the beginning. This shows her confidence as well as her experience, making her a valuable hire for any event organizer reading her bio. Second, she names the industries for which her content is designed, specifically “banking, healthcare, and finance”. In this way, she clears up any confusion the reader may have as to whether or not she’s a good fit for their organization. She also saves herself from having to meet with event organizers that turn out to be a bad fit for her message. 

Lastly, as far as speaker bios go, there are three variations to have on hand: the full version, a 100 word version, and a “super short” version. The version of Meridith’s speaker bio below is a perfect example of what a 100-word version should look like. Direct, detailed, and succinct, it not only communicates everything you would need to know, as an event organizer. More importantly, it does so in a read-time of less than a minute. That means less time spent reading, for the event organizer considering her, and a shorter timeline between “first landed on her website” and “contacted her to learn more”. 

The Biography:

“Voted one of the Top 15 Business Growth Experts to Watch by Currency Fair, sales and leadership expert Meridith Elliott Powell is an award-winning author, keynote speaker and business strategist. With a background in corporate sales and leadership, her career expands over several industries including banking, healthcare, and finance. Meridith worked her way up from an entry-level position to earn her seat at the C-Suite table. Meridith is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), a designation held by less than twelve percent of professional speakers. She is passionate about helping her clients learn the sales and leadership strategies they need to succeed no matter what this marketplace does.”

2. Neen James

Second is Australian leadership and productivity speaker Neen James . In many ways, Neen’s speaker bio is admirable for the same reasons as that is Meridith Elliott Powell. To begin with, it mentions her certifications, both within the speaking industry and outside of it. Additionally, it goes on to give details from her past clients, regarding her value as a speaker, specifically. For example, in the third sentence she states, “Meeting planners love working with Neen, often describing her as the energizer bunny for their events.” This functions well as both a quick way to work in a testimonial and a fun way to suggest her energy. Plus, as someone who has also been described as the “Energizer Bunny,” it already makes me want to get to know her, and I’m not even planning an event! 

Lastly, the final thing to notice in Neen’s speaker bio is her strong and unique ending. In it, she says, “Oh, did we mention that Neen is Australian? Why does that matter? Well, it means that she’s a bit mischievous, is pretty witty and a little cheeky. She also considers herself an unofficial champagne taste tester … and a really slow runner.” In sharing a bit of personal information as well as a few jokes about herself, Neen ends the entire bio with a laid-back and “don’t take life too seriously” sort of attitude. This makes her memorable both as a potential event hire and as a potential connection. After all, who doesn’t like working with someone that works hard but is humble enough to laugh at themselves? I know I do. 🤷

“Neen is a leadership expert who delivers high-energy keynotes presentations that challenge audiences to leverage their focus and pay attention to what matters most at work and in life. Audiences love her practical strategies they can apply personally and professionally. Meeting planners love working with Neen, often describing her as the energizer bunny for their events.

Neen earned her MBA from Southern Cross University and the Certified Speaking Professional designation from National Speakers Association. She has received numerous awards as a professional speaker. Her strong background in learning, development and managing large corporate teams makes her the perfect fit. Organizations that hire Neen because of her implementable strategies that help employees avoid distractions, stop interruptions, prioritize daily objectives and say ‘no’ to requests that steal time from real goals and priorities.

Oh, did we mention that Neen is Australian? Why does that matter? Well, it means that she’s a bit mischievous, is pretty witty and a little cheeky. She also considers herself an unofficial champagne taste tester … and a really slow runner.”

3. Jason O. Harris

Next up, let’s take a look at the speaker bio for motivational speaker and decorated veteran Jason O. Harris . As one of the longest examples in this list, Jason’s speaker bio clocks in at 224 words. Overall, it’s a great example of what the long version of a bio should look like and the sort of details it should include. From his credentials to his experience, it shares the details about Jason that not only have made him a good person but also a good leader. Because these details are also what makes him a good consultant, speaker, and coach, in sharing them, he subtly shows his value without having to state it outright. In your own speaker bio, that’s exactly the level of class to aim for. In other words, your goal is to provide evidence that you are well worth hiring without ever saying “Hire me!”. 

On a secondary note, Jason’s speaker bio is also smart in that it’s organized with the assumption that the reader may not finish it. The first paragraph alone mentions the services he provides, the experiences that make them credible, and the reasons that hiring him is a good move. In this way, even though it doesn’t necessarily include everything a speaker bio should, it ensures that, as long as the reader makes it through that first paragraph, they’ll want to continue learning about Jason and the benefits of booking him for their event. 

“Jason Harris is a motivational speaker, consultant, and certified character coach who values dedication, service and excellence. As a decorated combat veteran, Jason brings unique perspectives gained from his battlefield experience to your organization, empowering you to unleash the untapped potential of your employees. Using real-world examples, Jason sheds light on how the invaluable talent each person brings to your organization can positively impact your mission.

Jason learned the value of dedication at an early age growing up in East Oakland, CA, as the second of six children in a single-parent home. Jason’s dedication, hard work, and determination to avoid a life of poverty and mediocrity inspired him to earn a congressional nomination to the United States Air Force Academy which lead to an accomplished military career as a decorated Air Force pilot. Jason’s career has been a model of service recognized with awards and decorations.

Earning several military awards for his superior military career has proved this attitude and consistent mission of excellence. Jason knows that excellence is a journey, not simply a destination. This perspective inspired him to teach, develop, inspire, and mentor hundreds of future Air Force leaders as an academic instructor at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He brings this same dedication to his work with business leaders as they strive to empower their teams and achieve greater success.”

4. Mimi Brown

Number four on the speaker bio list is that of the hilarious Mimi Brown . As a speaker and coach, Mimi is all about authenticity, as anyone who’s met her can attest. Whether you’ve seen her speak or talked with her at an NSA event, a conversation with Mimi is relaxed and candid. In the same way, her speaker bio doesn’t just share the standard info about her credentials and speaking skills. It also gives the reader an idea of what Mimi is like, so they can know right off the bat if she’s the speaker they’re looking for. 

Additionally, like Jason O. Harris’s speaker bio, Mimi’s speaker bio begins with the most important information you should know about her, if you’re considering her for your event. As a whole, her first paragraph also serves as an example of what a promise statement should look like. If you haven’t heard of a promise statement, essentially, it’s a short and sweet description of a speaker, their clients, their services, and the results of their work. Considering this, besides looking to Mimi’s bio as an example of what a full speaker bio looks like, it’s definitely worth looking at the first paragraph for crafting your promise statement, too. 

“Motivational Keynote Speaker, Mimi Brown works with individuals and organizations to amplify their communication, connection and confidence so they can make an influential impact on the world. She mentors with passion, guiding her clients to effectively strengthen and elevate their leadership vision to new heights.

With over ten years of corporate training experience, a knack for making meaningful connections with audiences and an insatiable appetite for helping others maximize their potential, Mimi knows how to rock a platform, connect with a crowd and provide training so that others can effectively do the same.

Mimi’s down-to-earth humor compels audiences to laugh while they learn. She engages groups from the moment she steps in front of them and leaves them with empowering tools and focused mindsets that they will use long after the lights have gone out on the event. Mimi is passionate about people, leadership and successful businesses. She is especially inspired to help people take their careers – and themselves – to unprecedented levels.

Mimi’s honors include being recognized as one of Michigan Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 Under 40, Ms. Michigan Plus America 2015 and a proud contestant on NBC’s The Biggest Loser.

When not speaking or training, Mimi can be found creating delicious meals with chef and hubby Mr. Brown and bribing her snobby cat Kitty Brown with treats in exchange for snuggles.”

5. Brittany Hodak

Moving on, the fifth speaker bio example comes courtesy of keynote speaker and customer happiness expert Brittany Hodak . Overall, Brittany’s speaker bio is a fine example for several reasons, starting with the length. Unlike those of Jason O. Harris or Mimi Brown, Brittany’s bio totals about 125 words, making it perfect for an event program or landing page. 

Additionally, despite being relatively short, Brittany’s speaker bio is jam-packed with credentials and proof of her skills. In the last paragraph alone, she mentions Walmart , Disney , Amazon , Luke Bryan , and Katy Perry as past clients. These not only catch the reader’s eye, even if they merely skim her bio. They also are a huge testament to her business and speaking abilities, due to their reputation. In the same way, in your own speaker bio, include a few of your biggest clients in the long-form version. That way, even if the reader hasn’t met you before, your clients’ names will give you some added desirability. 

“Brittany Hodak is an international keynote speaker and award-winning entrepreneur. She is widely regarded as the go-to source on customer engagement and retention.

Additionally, Brittany has been invited to speak to organizations across the world including American Express, WeWork, Inc. and the United Nations. She has published more than 350 thought-leadership articles for media including Forbes, Adweek, and Success, and has been featured on CNBC, Bloomberg, NBC, CBS and Shark Tank.

Brittany co-founded, scaled, and successfully exited The Superfan Company, a fan engagement company whose roster included Walmart, Disney, Amazon, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and more under her eight-year leadership. She has been named to Advertising Age’s 40 Under 40 list, Inc.’s 35 Under 35 list, and Billboard’s 30 Under 30 list.”

6. Dave Raymond

Next, let’s take a look at another example, the speaker bio of the self proclaimed “Emperor of Fun,” Dave Raymond . Dave’s bio is a notable example for a few reasons. For one thing, like Brittany Hodak’s bio, it’s short, sweet, and includes the names of some eye-catching clients, in this case the Philadelphia Phillies . Again, including the names of your biggest clients in this way can boost your reputation and make hiring you an easy “yes.” In other words, don’t skip it, if you have some big clients under your belt. It might feel a little like boasting, but it’s almost guaranteed to get other event organizers’ attention. 

In addition, Dave’s bio also stands out from the other examples in this list because of how personal it is. In fact, Dave’s speaker bio focuses less on his speaking life and more on his life as a whole. From his experience on the baseball field to his experience behind a desk, it shares more personal details than the average bio, suggesting the same level of openness between him and his clients. Likewise, when writing your own bio, keep in mind that, while it’s important to include your professional info, it never hurts to include some fun facts about yourself, too. 

“Moving directly from college student to campy green fur-ball, Dave Raymond pioneered the field of sports mascots as the first enhabitor of the world-renowned Phillie Phanatic. Over his sixteen years in the suit, David’s performance as the Phanatic carried the Philadelphia Phillies to World Series victories and unimagined levels of popularity, helping to spawn a revolution in the mascot industry.

Leveraging the unique lessons he learned from the inside out – literally! – Dave made a seamless transition to the world of character branding and mascot training. Since starting Raymond Entertainment nearly twenty years ago, he has overseen the creation and rehabilitation of hundreds of mascots and the brands that support them.

With The Power of Fun, Dave shares his “phantastic” story. Learn how Dave’s time as the Phanatic led him to realize that fun’s transformative effects are the key to living a happier, healthier, and more productive life.”

7. Brandon Farbstein

The seventh speaker bio example we’ll look at comes from empowerment speaker and thought leader Brandon Farbstein . The youngest speaker in this list, Brandon’s bio is a perfect example of what a short bio looks like. To start, it opens with mention of his age and his dwarfism diagnosis, both of which are unique among speakers. From there, it mentions his TED appearance, alluding to his speaking skills and clientele, as well as his purpose, “to change the lens through which people see their world.” Finally, it concludes by asserting “In just three years of speaking, over five million people across the globe have been inspired by Brandon”. In this sentence alone, he shows his dedication and the impact he’s had on his audiences, despite only having been a speaker for a short time. 

All in all, Brandon’s speaker bio covers all of the things we mentioned already. If you forgot, these include your credentials and experience, some personal details, and mention of your target audience. However, it also does an exemplary job of telling a story, engaging the reader and leaving them with a desire to meet Brandon, either for their event or just for a conversation. In the same way, when writing your own speaker bio, try writing it as a story about you. Focus on answering the questions, “What is your experience?,” “Where have you spoken in the past?,” and “What are you doing these days?”. Not only will it help hold the reader’s attention. It will also show your story-telling skills, inadvertently crediting your speaking abilities, as well. 

“At just 20, Brandon Farbstein has already made a name for himself worldwide as a sought after speaker and prominent Gen Z activist. Diagnosed with a rare form of dwarfism at the age of 2, Brandon stands at 3’9” – making his life’s journey full of adversity, strength, and impact. After feeling invisible and without a purpose for the first 15 years of his life, he discovered his calling on the TEDx stage, and suddenly realized his life’s meaning: to change the lens through which people see their world.  In just three years of speaking, over five million people across the globe have been inspired by Brandon; and his work continues to touch audiences from every walk of life.”

8. Cassandra Worthy

Eighth on our list of speaker bios is that of change management speaker Cassandra Worthy . Like Meridith Elliott Powell, Cassandra’s speaking brand is spot-on for a variety of areas, including her website and social presence. However, looking at her bio specifically, there are a few things that make it stand out. Arguably, the most noticeable thing that differentiates her speaker bio from the others in this list is that it’s told in first person. In other words, reading Cassandra’s bio, it’s almost as if you’re listening to her, rather than just reading about her. 

Additionally, like Brandon Farbstein, Cassandra’s bio shares her story as just that: a story. For example, between the first and second paragraphs, she states, “Fueled by frustration and stress, I found myself on the precipice of walking out of the office and never coming back. Had I done so, I would have become another statistic. Yet another Africa-American female departed from a STEM-driven industry…But I didn’t.” In doing this, she doesn’t juat pull the reader in. She also gives them a hint of the engaging way in which she speaks. In your own speaker bio, remember this as you tell your story, too. Your voice on paper (or on a screen, alternatively) is just as important as your voice on stage. 

“Early on in my career, when my company was in the aftermath of a $5B acquisition, I almost quit. Fueled by frustration and stress, I found myself on the precipice of walking out of the office and never coming back. Had I done so, I would have become another statistic. Yet another Africa-American female departed from a STEM-driven industry. Top talent voluntarily resigning during a time of significant organizational shift. Another change victim.

But I didn’t. Instead, I woke up one day and decided to view those feelings as a signal that I was sitting in a moment of opportunity. 

An opportunity to transform that chemistry, that feeling into something better. To choose every day to do something, say something, behave in some way that would move the needle of my work experience towards a better feeling. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was cultivating a teachable strategy to inspire anyone to become enthusiastic about change, to find their unique power of resilience during turbulent times.

Today, I help organizations disrupt ‘change as usual’. Through a practical and repeatable framework, I show them how they can transform their culture from surviving change to growing through change.”

9. Wayne Lee

Next is another example of a quick and inviting speaker bio, that of Canadian speaker and hypnotist Wayne Lee . Like the bios of Mimi Brown and Dave Raymond, Wayne’s speaker bio is a written representation of his stage presence. It is straightforward in that it explains his experience and general approach to positively impacting his audiences. However, it’s also engaging in its mention of “magic and visualization,” leading the reader to wonder how that plays a role in his presentations. 

Furthermore, Wayne’s speaker bio is also another great example of finding balance. It’s self-promotional but not to the point of arrogance. It’s engaging but not so much that it’s flashy. Above all, it’s long enough to be detailed but not so long that it’s boring. As you craft your own speaker bio, keep these balances in mind. That way, you can effortlessly gain event organizers’ attention and respect, again, without explicitly saying, “I’m well worth hiring!”.  

“One of North America’s premier Corporate Presenters, Entertainers, and Peak Performance Experts, Wayne Lee is a veteran of thousands of successful shows and presentations, a published author, and a mentor to professionals of all walks of life.

Wayne’s own journey to excellence has been fueled with an unrelenting passion for empowering people. From a childhood fascination with magic and visualization, Wayne’s gift and passion for seeing great potential and acting on it have allowed him to grow his career and perform to audiences worldwide.

Today, he works with leading brands to guide their teams through the high-stress, constant change, and fast-paced environment that is now commonplace. Wayne shows each audience how to reconnect with what matters most so they can achieve any result, all while enjoying the ride of their life.”

10. Gregory Offner

Last but not least on our list of speaker bios is that of creativity speaker and musician Gregory Offner . I saved Greg’s for last partly because it meets all the requirements already mentioned but also because it does a wonderful job of being unique and memorable. For example, one of the most important components of a speaker bio – of any written text, really, is the ending. In Greg’s bio, he ends the entire thing almost as if he wants to be respectful of your time and keep things short. But he has one last thing to mention before letting you go: “Oh, and he also brings an electric piano!” Not only is this a unique selling point. It also gives you a  glimpse of Greg’s down-to-earth attitude, even though his bio is written in third person. 

In the same way, as you write your speaker bio, make sure to start with your background and credentials and then segway into your services and what you’re currently doing. But, most importantly, remember to be authentic in telling your story and end on a high note. At the end of the day, after looking at a bunch of speakers, event organizers are going to consider those they remember the best. Even if it also functions as a source of basic information, the goal of your speaker bio is to put you in that group. 

“Using his background in Music and Entertainment, Greg weaves song and story together with insight from his 16 year career in business and sales to deliver a mesmerizing tale of fortune and frustration – the ups and downs of disruption. Having worked over 40 jobs before turning 30; attending 4 different schools before age 14; and then surviving 12 major surgeries to repair extensive damage to his voice from a career in music and sales, Greg doesn’t just speak on disruption, he’s lived it. 

His studies of Philosophy and Psychology enable him to simplify the science of why we create the patterns we do – where they come from, and how to change them to amplify results. From his 16 year career as a top-performing sales executive with Fortune 500 companies, to a 12 year run around the globe as a professional musician (dueling pianos); Greg brings a track record of integrity, creativity, and passion to every event – oh, and he also brings an electric piano!”

Hopefully, this list of examples provides you with some inspiration as you consider your own speaker bio, moving forward. For more information, check out our previous guide, “ Writing A Speaker Biography: The Beginner’s Guide ”. Conversely, feel free to shoot us an email at [email protected] , too, if you have any additional questions. 👋

Subscribe To Our Blog

Get updates every time we release a new blog. Plus, join thousands of other speakers, coaches, and consultants learning to use systems to take control of their business.

Other Articles You Might Like

The SpeakerFlow State Of The Industry 2023 Report

Beyond Box-Checking: Why Speaker Diversity Matters

How To Speak Publicly With Confidence

[…] speaker bio should include a summary of your education, work experience, and relevant career paths. When […]

Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Website Terms of Service | Terms of Use | SF University Terms of Service | SpeakerFlow CRM Terms of Service

Made With ❤️ By SpeakerFlow

Improve Your Systems in 10 Minutes or Less

Running your business doesn’t have to be a grind. Take our free Systems Check Up to identify the systems you need to stay out of the weeds once and for all.

SpeakerFlow Payment Plans

We understand not everyone’s in a position to pay up front. That’s why we don’t require credit checks or use outside lending services – Just your word. Split your payments over 3 months. 👍

Power Up ⚡️

The system without any live training, migration, or implementation

$1,100.00/mo

Total Over 3 Months: $3,300

Flow Zone 🎯

Done-for-you migration and implementation of our Flow Stack

$2,200.00/mo

Total Over 3 Months: $6,600

Flow Zone+ 🚀

Flow Zone plus migration of other complex systems

$3,666.67/mo

Total Over 3 Months: $11,000

We add a flat rate 10% fee to any financed tier and own the rights to your accounts and its data until the amount is paid in full.

If you’re interested in a payment plan, please email [email protected] .

How to write an awesome speaker’s bio or introduction

You’re going to be speaking at an event – congratulations! Now comes the awkward, nail-biting task of writing your speaker’s bio so that you can be properly introduced. But what to put in the bio? How do you highlight your skills without sounding like you’re bragging or have an over-inflated ego?

I know I’ve felt this angst myself, and so many people have asked me about writing their bio. Mike wrote in and summed up the problem perfectly in his question:

“Hi Lauren, I’ve been invited to speak at an association event (congratulations, Mike!). The organizers have asked for my speaker’s introduction and bio. What should I put into this? Every time I try to write something, it sounds cheesy or made-up. I don’t even know how long it should be! Any help would be appreciated.  Yours, Mike”

I love this question, Mike, because it brings up something that’s tricky for a lot of us – talking about how awesome we are without feeling gross!

So get ready to up your confidence, take pride in your accomplishments, and put your best food forward when you take your place in front of your audience:

(Embedded video being fussy? Click here to watch it on YouTube )

What accomplishment would you be most proud to share in your speaker’s bio? Share it in the comments below or drop it my way @lsergy on Twitter

Remember to like the video, subscribe to my  channel, and share this post with your colleagues so that they, too, can create speaker bios they feel good about!

Welcome to Communication Q&A, where I take your tough speaking and communication questions and dish out a bit of advice to help you through them. Today we’ve got Mike writing in with a question about his speaker’s bio.

There’s a couple of reasons why something that should be as simple as writing your speaker’s bio can actually be very difficult.

First, it’s sometimes hard for us to appreciate our own skills and accomplishments because we’re viewing them through our own internal lens, and they don’t always seem all that impressive to us. It’s that adage of us being our own worst critics.

Second, we don’t want to come across as if we’re bragging or arrogant. So our reaction is to downplay a lot of what we’ve done to keep ourselves humble.

But the thing is, Mike, neither of these help your audience.

A speaker’s bio is a critical piece of information for them – it’s what tells them who you are and why you’re the RIGHT person to be speaking to them about your topic!

It helps establish your credibility even before you open your mouth to speak, which is important for making a good first impression and boosting your persuasiveness.

When you’re writing your bio, you want to focus in on how the audience perceives you, rather than how you perceive yourself. What parts of your experience would be most important to them? How did you come to be an expert on this topic (and if you’re the speaker, you’re the expert – whether you like it or not!)? What would make the audience sit up and say “wow, that’s really impressive!”

For most talks, it’s going to come down to these details:

1: Your name and title or what you do

2: How many years of experience you have (this could be years of experience in your field, or with the topic you’re speaking about)

3: What sort of people you work with or clients you’ve had (you might say that you work with certain fortune 500 companies, or you  could describe the types of clients your typically help)

4: Significant accomplishments, such as honours or awards, books you’ve written, media appearances you’ve had, or major projects you’ve worked on.

Keep the details short and always make sure they’re relevant to the audience and the topic. For example, let’s say that you’re a policy analyst specializing in zoning regulations, and you’re speaking to an engineers’ association. You’ll definitely want to tell them about your Master’s degree in governmental policy, but maybe leave out that Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Design or the fact that you’re a certified yoga instructor. On the other hand, if you were speaking to an association of art educators, the theatre degree and yoga instruction might suddenly become relevant again.  Always ask yourself: will the audience see this as adding to my credibility? Will it help them understand my views better? Will they care?

If you’re really stuck, ask your friends what THEY would put in your speaker’s bio, and run your bio past them for feedback. That can help you get that outsider’s perspective you need.

Best wishes for your talk, Mike, and take pride in all the great things that make it into your speaker’s bio!

And now it’s over to you – if you were writing your speaker’s bio, what would you be most proud to put in? Share your comments down below.

And as always, please like this video and subscribe to this channel – it helps others find this video and gives me some warm fuzzies as well. And of course if you haven’t already, make sure to visit laurensergy.com and sign up for speaking tips like this sent straight to your inbox.

Thanks for watching – see you on the next Communication Q&A!

Author:  Lauren Sergy

Related posts.

How to be Less Stressed Before Your Presentation: A Public Speaking Pro Tip August 2, 2018

Thank you Lauren, that was very helpful. (coincidently my name is Mike as well).

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Post comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Call 713-714-8446

How to Write a Speaker Biography

If you’re planning to speak at an event or you want to pitch yourself to speak at an event , you’ll need to write a speaker biography to properly introduce yourself to the audience. But what should you put in the bio? How do you highlight your skills without sounding like you’re bragging? Personally, I’ve found it hard to encapsulate all of who I am in one short speaker biography while not sounding a tad self-important.

Your biography is potentially the most important piece you’ll ever write about yourself. It’s the first introduction to who you are, what you do, and what you’re all about. It’s an opportunity for you to succinctly explain your work, competence, and areas of expertise. What you choose to highlight will play a role in others deciding to attend your speaking session, follow you online, call you, connect in person, or invite you to participate in an event.

Professional speakers are the most important factor in encouraging event turnout for 65% of attendees . Thus, the ability to get the right message out about a speaker has a huge impact on event attendance. While giving a great speech for your audience is important, without a strong bio attracting attendees to your speech you might wind up without an audience at all. A speaker biography helps establish your credibility before you even speak, which in turn encourages attendees to view you as an expert, making them more likely to attend your presentation.

Speaker Bio Format and Content

A speaker bio should include a brief summary of your education, work history, and experience relevant to your speaking topic. When you’re writing your bio, you want to focus on how the audience perceives you. What is it about you that would be most important or interesting to them? How did you become an expert on this topic? One of the biggest goals of a speaker biography is to grab potential event attendees’ attention and get them to register and attend your presentation. A fascinating bio can convert an undecided into an attendee.

The organization requesting your speaker bio may specify a format and length. If they don’t, follow these guidelines:

• Always write about yourself in the third person.
• Make it clear what the speech is going to be about to gather the right audience.
• Keep it brief at no more than 75 to 100 words, because if it’s too long simply won’t get read.
• List your current position and a brief mention of work history and experience.
• State academic qualifications, awards, and published work.
• Include one remarkable fact about yourself to help personalize you to your audience and make you more memorable.
• Keep it brief and relevant to the speaking engagement topic.

No One Can Have Just One: Cater It To Your Audience

Your speaker bio will go a long way! It will be used for introductory purposes on promotional materials. And, a good speaker biography for a conference will attract the right target demographic to come hear you speak. Keep in mind that your speaker bio is not a static element, meaning it should be tweaked and updated so it’s tailored to the presentation you are giving, the conference you are attending, and/or the audience you want to attract. Make sure to review your bio and check it against all of those factors before submitting it to ensure the best possible result.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Share with friends

" * " indicates required fields

Looking for a new direction?

Get in touch.

• Marketing Services
• Testimonials

How to Write a Professional Bio – and 6 Great Examples

• Carolyn Manion Kinnie
• March 25, 2024

Table of Contents

 If you care about your personal brand, you care about how to write a professional bio. Regardless of your position and industry, learning how to write a good professional bio is non-negotiable. Even if you just need a short paragraph for your company’s website,  That’s why we’ve compiled this guide for how to write a professional bio. Today we’ll talk about why your professional bio matters, share a rough template for your bio, and share six professional bio examples for several situations that might be applicable to your own needs. Get ready to learn how to write the best professional bio of any length, for any reason! 

Why your Professional Bio Matters

Many professionals don’t focus on building a personal brand until they need a new job, are trying to win over a customer, or decide to start their own business. But waiting until you’re in a jam isn’t the way to go about building your personal brand! Rather, you should start building it once you’re comfortable in your career. That way, no matter where you go and what goals you strive for, you are always putting your best professional foot forward. Learning how to write a great professional bio now will save you time later and create a foundation for a consistent brand. 

Whether you’re content in your profession, or considering a career pivot, writing a great professional bio will help you meet your goals. First impressions matter a lot–recruiters and potential employers will see your professional bio and make a snap judgment about you if anything seems “off.” For established professionals, a good bio helps represent you and your company. Clients or anyone else for whom you are the “face” of the company will read your bio and decide whether they want to work with you. And if you’re thinking of shifting into a new industry or launching a speaking business, a professional bio will help others learn about your personal brand. 

Ultimately, your personal brand is the story you tell on and offline. Your professional bio is the vehicle for putting that story into words. It’s worth putting in extra effort to polish and perfect–whether it’s on your website, LinkedIn profile, company directory, or your speaker one sheet . 

How to Write a Professional Bio

We’ll cover several different bio examples for all kinds of professionals today, but they have a few key elements in common. Mastering how to write a professional bio comes down to communicating the essential information about yourself while interesting the reader in your business, product, or personal brand!

There are five non-negotiables for any good professional bio. You can use these as a template, but keep in mind every situation is different! Sometimes, it might be expedient to leave out one of these elements, especially if you have a word limit. However, in general, you should strive to include them all! They are: 

1. Your name and title. It’s very important that people know who they’re reading about–this could mean having “CEO” next to your name on a company directory, or it could mean describing your entrepreneurial ventures succinctly and clearly at the start of your LinkedIn profile. Even if the person reading your bio closes the tab after the first sentence, at least they will remember who you are and where you work! 

2.Where you work or serve currently (even if it’s your own business!). If you’re writing a professional bio for work, this means elaborating on the role you play at your company. If your bio is for an event program, social media, or personal website, this means mentioning your place of work and position or the services you or your company offers. In the latter case, if you’re a photographer, speaker, or another kind of “solopreneur,” you should explain what you do and who you serve in more detail–especially for unique professions. 

3. Your expertise or experience (certifications, degrees, other roles served, etc.). This is the part where you summarize your resumé, but make it interesting! Trace the path from the start of your career (or even earlier!) to where you are today. List past jobs, military service, volunteer experiences, or anything else that shaped your professional life.  

4. Career highlights (awards, recognition, accomplishments, companies founded). We can’t commend bragging all the time, but your professional bio is one place you should brag! Remember, this bio is an integral part of your personal brand that could affect future job opportunities, client relationships, and your overall journey to success. Mention as many career highlights, awards, and big achievements as you can. You can leave out accomplishments unrelated to your current field of work if you are writing a shorter bio, but those “irrelevant” facts can add color and expansiveness to the impression of your expertise. If you’re one of the “solopreneurs” we described above, you should also include testimonials from past clients here. 

5. A personal touch (family, hobbies, or fun fact). Many people struggle with integrating their personal life into a professional bio. After all, how does your dog’s name, your marathon time, or how many grandchildren you have factor into your business endeavors? The truth is, your bio is being written for people to read. And humans like reading about other humans! Where appropriate, reminding the audience of your bio that you are just like them, a person with personable interests, will engage and create a positive first impression. 

Audience targeting tips

While you should always maintain these five critical elements as much as possible, the audience of your bio will determine exactly how you implement them. Whether your bio appears on your company site or on an event program will drastically affect how you structure it and what details you include or exclude. Before you write a professional bio for any purpose ask: what does the reader already know about me? Why are they looking at this bio? What are they hoping to find out? What do they need from me? Then, write a bio that answers those questions. Knowing your audience is the key for how to write a professional bio that really stands out from the crowd!

Feeling overwhelmed by the many possible variations of your professional bio? We always recommend maintaining a “master bio” that you can tweak for any audience. In your “master bio,” you can include the maximum amount of information that might belong in a professional bio. Then, you can edit, update, or rearrange for various contexts. Now, we’re going to move on to professional bio examples from leaders, entrepreneurs, and world-transformers. As you read through them, take note of elements that you can add to your “master bio.” By the time you get to the end, you’ll have a well-rounded sampling of all the amazing forms a professional bio can take!

Find Out Exactly How Much You Could Make As a Paid Speaker

Use The Official Speaker Fee Calculator to tell you what you should charge for your first (or next) speaking gig — virtual or in-person! 

Professional bio examples

Dominique luster.

For a great example of a short professional bio, we’ll start with TSL alum Dominique Luster. (You could say we’re biased, but Dominique is really cool!)Dominique is a historian and DEI speaker who helps  In this bio for a program at a university employee conference , Dominique introduces her unique platform in one powerful sentence. While this might seem challenging, you can and should learn how to do the same. Even if you have carved a unique career for yourself, it’s important to figure out how to communicate it in as few words as possible. If you’re an entrepreneur, doing so can help you verbalize your Expert Positioning Statement , one of the most important assets in your marketing toolkit. 

Dominique’s bio goes on to describe how her professional experience illuminated the historical realities that inspired her to educate others. Finally, she finishes strong with her mission . If you are a speaker, entrepreneur, or founder, try to include your mission in even the shortest of bios. 

Since her keynote is being delivered in a fairly formal academic setting, it makes sense to avoid personal details. Furthermore, her bio is clearly oriented to pique interest in the subject of her talk. As we’ll discuss in more detail further on, a bio for an event usually serves the double purpose of informing audience members about who you are and marketing your talk. Dominique uses the limited space allowed to her to vividly describe a historiographical problem and her solution for it, so the audience knows exactly what they’re getting into. Sounds pretty fascinating, right? Good news–you can listen to Dominique tell her story of becoming a DEI speaker on our Podcast here .

Dan Martell

Dan Martell’s bio for SaaS academy is another great example of using just a few words to convey a lot of useful information. In just over 100 words, he supplies all the information that someone wanting to learn more about SaaS Academy would need to be assured of the company’s credibility. In the first paragraph he describes his relationship to the company, what the company does, and what he does outside of the company. Then he dives in deeper with the professional qualifications of himself and the business. Finally, for readers interested in Dan the person rather than SaaS Academy, he directs them to his personal site where you can read his much longer professional bio.

Unlike Dominique, Dan introduces a personal touch at the very beginning of this bio. In a company founder’s bio, personal details are extremely helpful to the audience. The founder’s personal brand significantly affects the perception of their company. details like “father” and “triathlete” remind readers that behind this business are normal people who do interesting things. Even if you have a strict word limit, try to include “fun facts” in any professional bio where humanizing the brand might make a difference. 

Learning how to write a short professional bio (~100 words) is incredibly useful for situations like event programs , social media profiles that aren’t LinkedIn, the author section of an article you write, and anywhere else with limited verbal real estate. These bios should include all the relevant information without going into too much detail. That doesn’t mean to just summarize your resume and hope for the best. Instead, you should strive for the same intentionality as you would with a long professional bio. List the information that most accurately communicates who you are, what you do, and how you can help whoever is reading the bio. We had Dan on the TSL podcast last year–listen to his branding tips here. 

Nancy Duarte

Nancy Duarte’s CEO blurb on the site for Duarte, her communications firm, is an incredible example of an executive professional bio. When you’re an executive, all eyes are on you. Even more so when your company is named after you! It’s normal to base your opinion of a company on what you know of the executive team. Nancy caters to this perception with a bio that emphasizes her professional qualifications as well as various interesting facts. It makes you think: “wow, I’d trust a company with her at the helm!”

When you have as many amazing achievements as Nancy Duarte, you can pick and choose what you open your bio with. She goes with her six books and her position within the company, establishing her brand as an author and executive. Her bio develops her brand with the added connotations of consultant, speaker, and University Lecturer. 

Notice the list of media organizations who have featured her takes up a lot of space. This kind of name-dropping plays a big role in professional bios, especially for executives. Keep in mind that people perusing the Duarte website are thinking about making what could be a very expensive investment in professional training or consulting. Whenever money is involved, well-established credentials are of utmost importance. Nancy isn’t just showing off–she’s letting potential customers know her methods are well-attested. 

After her long list of accomplishments, Nancy explains what her company does that is so unique in one simple sentence. Explaining your area of expertise in a single mission-oriented statement brings readers back to the why of your bio. Why are they reading about you? Because you have something to offer them. What do you do that other people don’t and what drives you? Always try to squeeze this information into your bio. Career highlights are and credentials are essential, but so is expressing what makes you different. We’ve got an amazing podcast episode about storytelling with Nancy Duarte that you can listen to right here . 

Anne Marie Anderson

Anne Marie Anderson is a woman of many talents. After a successful career in broadcasting, she started applying sports coaching expertise to corporate leadership. Her methodologies led her to become an incredibly successful speaker. Her professional speaker bio for a women’s leadership symposium is a great example of how to communicate the arc of your career alongside your expertise. Even if you’re not a motivational speaker, you likely have made or plan to make a career pivot at some point in your life. When that happens, your qualifications in one field may not seem immediately relevant to the next. If you simply list off bullet points from your resume, readers of your bio could turn skeptical. Your professional bio should solve this problem by connecting the dots.

Because Anne Marie’s bio is oriented toward a speaking presentation, she focuses on the subject of her talk. She describes the transformation her keynote offers the audience in simple but inviting terms. This kind of “teaser” makes people excited for her talk and interested in how they too can achieve that transformation. Then she explains how “Building an Audacious Mindset” rests on the methodology she learned behind the scenes of her sports broadcasting career–connecting the dots between her two career fields.

If you want more insights into making this kind of career pivot, we’ve got you covered! Anne Marie talked to our team about her amazing career and “building an audacious mindset” on the podcast right here.  

The next two professional bio examples we’re covering today are applicable to your personal website or LinkedIn profile. (LinkedIn profiles have a generous allowance of 2,600 characters or about 370 words.) In these situations you can really let the creative juices flow and tell your story. You also have the comfort and confidence of knowing your reader wants to know all about you. They aren’t looking to learn about your company, or an event, or somebody else whose name is on the same page. They want to know about you and how you can help them. 

Our first exemplar, Ty Bennett, has a personal website oriented toward his speaking and leadership training services. He begins with prestigious qualifications that showcase the variety and extent of his entrepreneurial career. When you’re a solopreneur who offers a service like speaking or consulting, it’s important to back up your qualifications. Testimonials are a straightforward way to do just that. Ty somewhat humorously arranges his at the top of his bio. He goes into more details about his past clients in the second paragraph after explaining the impact of his groundbreaking leadership methodology. 

He finishes off with a quick descriptor of his personal life and a short explanation of his mission. This rounds out his longer bio with a reminder of what’s important. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to end your bio on a more personal, engaging note. No matter how many amazing awards you’ve won, your audience wants to know what really drives you. In Ty’s case, that’s clearly his family and a passion for cutting-edge leadership strategies. 

Ty has been a guest on our podcast a couple times before. We highly recommend his tips for speaking 100 times a year !

Free Download: 6 Proven Steps to Book More Paid Speaking Gigs in 2024​

Download our 18-page guide and start booking more paid speaking gigs today!

Ryan Holiday

Ryan Holiday’s personal website is oriented toward his career as a writer. Unsurprisingly, it reads like a story–from his college dropout experience to his ranch in Texas. You’ll notice right away he talks a lot about his blog and his email list in his bio. These are his main way of connecting with readers…and potential customers.

If you have one product or platform that generates most of your followers or customers, emphasize it in your bio. Remember, your bio is probably the first touchpoint the reader has with your personal brand. You shouldn’t turn it into a sales pitch, but emphasize whatever one thing it is you want someone to do after reading your bio. For Ryan, that’s signing up for his email list! He makes this call to action easy peasy by including a newsletter form below this bio. 

Ryan is a speaker as well as a writer, and he talked about merging these two occupations On Our Podcast. Give it a listen if you’re interested in becoming a multifaceted entrepreneur!

Conclusion 

Writing a professional bio is an important skill for executives, mid-level employees, and entry-level professionals alike. With the help of these professional bio examples, you can craft your own stellar bio for any occasion. The most important advice we can give? Keep your audience in mind and tell a story. Stories are almost always a surefire way to make a good first impression. And most importantly, they help your personal brand remain fixed in your readers’ memory. 

• Last Updated: March 26, 2024

Explore Related Resources

Learn How You Could Get Your First (Or Next) Paid Speaking Gig In 90 Days or Less

We receive thousands of applications every day, but we only work with the top 5% of speakers .

Book a call with our team to get started — you’ll learn why the vast majority of our students get a paid speaking gig within 90 days of finishing our program .

If you’re ready to control your schedule, grow your income, and make an impact in the world – it’s time to take the first step. Book a FREE consulting call and let’s get you Booked and Paid to Speak ® .

About The Speaker Lab

We teach speakers how to consistently get booked and paid to speak.  Since 2015, we’ve helped thousands of speakers find clarity, confidence, and a clear path to make an impact.

Get Started

Let's connect.

[email protected]

Copyright ©2023 The Speaker Lab. All rights reserved.

PhDLife Blog

Sharing PhD experiences across the University of Warwick and beyond

How to Write an Academic Bio for Conferences

There are very few things as challenging as writing academic biographies (perhaps academic writing?). It seems simple, but things soon get awkward as you try to show how amazing you are without sounding arrogation or pretentious. Sophie shares her tips on writing a balanced bio…

It’s all going swimmingly until you read the Call for Papers: Please submit a proposal and brief bio.

What on earth is a bio (otherwise known as an ‘academic bio’)? And just how brief does it need to be? Writing an academic bio is a skill you can pick up like any other, and this article will take you through the basics of what to include, what to leave out, and how to craft this tricky piece of your academic arsenal.

Covering the Basics

Whatever discipline you’re working in, you’ll definitely need to include the following in your academic bio:

•  full name,
• position (i.e. PhD student; PhD candidate),
• institution.

All this should go into the first sentence, so it reads something like this:

Joe Bloggs is currently a PhD candidate [meaning he’s passed his upgrade] at the University of Warwick.

You can also mention your department, although it’s not strictly necessary for most of us.

The Big Picture

The rest of your academic bio should tell the reader about your research interests. Start by setting out your broad research question , whether that’s finding new ways to create Omega 3 in algae cultures or exploring fashion statements at Charles II’s court. Then focus it further; are you looking at a specific type of algae culture, or a particular poet who was into fashion? This is the most important part of your bio: it tells other people attending the conference where you’re coming from, and may present links between your research areas.

You can end your bio here, or add another sentence situating your research within wider scholarship. Is it important to reference your specific style of criticism, or how you’re leading on from recently-published developments in the field, for example? If it’s important for the theme of the conference, you may wish to add another sentence on the future directions of your research. However, if this isn’t relevant or necessary, feel free to leave it out, especially if you’ve been asked to submit a brief bio – best to keep it brief and stick to your research interests.

What Not to Do

Inevitably, we all do things early in our career/academic life that, with hindsight, make us cringe. To avoid that uncomfortable feeling in the future, four common errors are:

• Treating your bio like a humorous essay : only include a joke if you’re sure it’s really, really funny (maybe check with a straight-talking friend).
• Getting too personal : an academic bio is a chance to make an impression pre-conference, and it may be what people remember you by, so ensure that you stay professional.
• Giving too much information : remember that an academic bio isn’t the same thing as a CV – the conference organisers don’t need to know where you did your undergrad, MA or how much you’ve won in grants.
• Using exclamation marks : your writing should be relatively formal in style, so avoid coming across as too chatty – save your engaging manners for the big presentation day!

One final tip is to use the third person. This isn’t a hard and fast rule, but at some conferences, your bio will be read out as an introduction, so personally I prefer to start a sentence like Joe Bloggs above.

What do you think about this approach?

Any more tips for writing academic bios?

Text credits: Sophie Shorland 

Sophie is a PhD student at Warwick, where she’s one of the organisers of the English Department’s annual postgraduate symposium for 2017. You can find out how to get involved in the symposium here , or check their Twitter here .  

Share this:

One thought on “ how to write an academic bio for conferences ”.

What a concidence. I’m sending the abstract and the bio for a conference at Warwick

Comments are closed.

Want the latest PhD Life posts direct to your inbox? Subscribe below.

Type your email…

Blog at WordPress.com.

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

How to Write a Short Professional Bio (With Examples and Templates)

3 key takeaways

• What a short professional bio is and why you need one
• What to include in a short bio to make it stand out and relevant to your audience
• Examples, templates, and a faster way to write your bio with Teal's Professional Bio Generator

In a world where just about everyone is represented online, your short professional bio often serves as a first introduction.

Often, it's what employers or other professionals will use to form their initial impression. And how you present yourself can help influence whether someone invites you to connect, interview you, or simply move on.

Below, you'll learn what you need to write your bio and how to actually write one. You'll also find templates and some short professional bio examples to use as a guide.

Looking for a quicker way to a polished bio? Sign up for Teal for free and try the Professional Bio Generator.

What is a short professional bio? 

A short professional bio is exactly what it sounds like—a short professional biography that introduces yourself and gives a brief overview of your career and accomplishments. It gives future employees, colleagues, and anyone else you're networking with a more well-rounded picture of who you are.  

While "short" can be subjective, length often depends on the platform and the audience you're sharing your bio with. There's no one-size-fits-all, and you'll tailor the length based on where it's being shared—whether that’s on your personal website, LinkedIn profile, Twitter bio, or your resume.

What’s the difference between a professional bio and short professional bio?

A professional bio and a short professional bio both summarize your career, qualifications, and achievements, but each caters to different contexts and needs. 

A professional bio is a detailed account—that can span several paragraphs—and covers your:

• Career background
• Most noteworthy achievements and impact or results
• Skills you've developed or are developing
• Some personal insights

This version is appropriate for professional websites, long-form pitch documents, or networking platforms (like in your LinkedIn About Me section) where a more thorough introduction is valuable.

On the other hand, a short professional bio is a concise version that filters the most important information from your professional bio into key takeaways. A short bio:

• Communicates your core qualifications
• Briefly touches on your professional persona
• Is ideal for your resume, author bio, or speaking engagements
• Can be used across social media profiles like Twitter and Instagram

What to include in a short bio 

Your short bio should summarize the key takeaways from a longer, more rounded-out professional bio. Think of it as kind of an elevator pitch that highlights what you'd want your target audience (who doesn't know much—if anything—about you) to understand about your career so far.

Here are some things you'll want to address.

• Level of education, if relevant to the audience
• Years of experience in your field, if relevant to the audience
• Your current or former career title
• Major professional accomplishments with impact or goals
• Professional experience, skills, and area(s) of expertise

Now, if you're a student or making a pivot, like transitioning into a new field where you might not have relevant work experience, you'll focus more on your educational achievements (think relevant awards, projects, or volunteer experience) and the skills and knowledge you're developing.

What to include in a short bio if you’re a student

Even if you're still in school, there's plenty of information you can include in your bio, like: 

• Where you're from
• What university, trade school, or boot camp you're attending
• Your area of study or intended major
• Any clubs, teams, volunteering, or other extracurriculars you're a part of 
• Any internships you've completed
• Your career goals 
• Your availability

Generate your professional bio with AI

Want to save time? You can also use the Teal to generate multiple versions of your short professional bio.

How to write a short bio

There's no right or wrong way to write your own bio. Think of this next section as a guide, and remember: short professional bios are unique to each person.

Here are the things you might want to consider if you're ready to write your professional bio:

1. Choose your voice

You have the option to write your short bio from either a first or third-person POV.

In the first person, you'll use  "I, me, and my." In the third person, you'll refer to yourself using your name and preferred pronouns.

As a general rule, using the third person is typically considered more formal, while using the first person is more casual and personal.

 First-person example : "I'm a bestselling author. My work has been published in The New York Times."

Third-person example: "Zane Smith is a bestselling author. His work has been published in The New York Times."

If you want to write and store multiple versions of your short professional bio in different tones or even with different information, use Teal to write and save as many versions as you need for free.

2. Choose your tone

Language can convey different moods. Depending on the context and your personal brand , your bio can sound more buttoned-up or more relaxed and conversational.

These two sentences describe the same person but showcase very different tones and writing styles: 

Example 1: “A recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Sally is currently a consultant at XYZ Consulting based out of their New York office.” 

Example 2: “A recent UPenn grad, Sally swore off econ after years of hard classes only to end up as a consultant at a major firm — but don't worry, she loves it.” 

3. Start with your name and a current or recent role

This isn't a hard and fast rule, but to get your bio started, it's usually easiest to start with your name and current professional title or role. 

Example: “Zane Smith is currently the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company.”

If you're pivoting careers , you can list your most recent role and use your first sentence to say what you're looking to do next.

Example 1: “Previously the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company, Zane Smith is actively pursuing new opportunities in marketing management.” 

Example 2 : “Previously the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company, Zane Smith is now an aspiring 2nd grade teacher.” 

4. Share your accomplishments and achievements

Once you've introduced yourself and your current title, you can flow into your professional background, former job titles, and what you've done or aspire to do. Together, the first two sentences of your bio could read something like this: 

Example:  “Zane Smith is currently the Demand Generation Manager at ABC Tech Company. Previously, he was a Marketing Specialist at FGH Tech Company, where he grew paid traffic to their website by 500% year over year.” 

Pro Tip: Not sure where to start? Try the generative AI in the Teal Resume Builder . With Teal's AI, you can write individual achievements using a job description, keywords, or a custom prompt to articulate your accomplishments effectively and confidently.

5. Share your philosophy or “why” 

Self-promotion can feel incredibly uncomfortable, but it's important to make sure you don't undermine your value. Your “why,” the reason you do what you do every day, can be powerful and meaningful. Adding what gives you the spark to start each workday can set your own professional bio apart from others. 

Example: “Claire was inspired to pursue a career in elder law after volunteering in a nursing home throughout high school and college.” 

6. Add your personal touch

Even though your bio will be used in a professional capacity, it's okay to list a few personal details. We're more than just our jobs, and adding a few personal facts can help illustrate who you are outside of the office. 

Example: “When he's not working, Martin can be found tending to his spice garden and going on nature walks with his golden retriever.” 

Short professional bio examples

Examples of professional bios are invaluable because they provide a clear framework and inspiration for writing your own. They can also help you see how to condense years of experience into a few compelling sentences so you communicate the right details clearly, briefly, and full of impact. 

Short bio example for a personal website

"AUDREE KATE LOPEZ IS A FASHION STYLIST, EDITOR, INDUSTRY EXPERT AND INFLUENCER BASED IN NEW YORK. Audree began her professional career in the fashion departments at Glamour, O, the Oprah Magazine, Editorialist and Redbook magazines. She launched Audree Kate Studios in 2017 and worked on freelance projects at Marc Jacobs, Alice + Olivia, J.Crew and Club Monaco, joined the styling team at Alice + Olivia and became a contributing fashion editor for StyleCaster.com. Over the past few years Audree has styled for various publications, celebrities and retail brands. In 2016, Audree founded a digital course and community for fashion students called Fashion Fundamentals and has hosted workshops and classes around the country, and wrote an ebook titled Fashion Fundamentals."

Why it works: Audrey's bio immediately establishes her as a multifaceted professional within the fashion industry. It outlines her career trajectory and showcases broad experience and evolution, demonstrating growth and adaptability. The mention of initiatives and workshops adds a layer of approachability and commitment to education in her field, improving her appeal as an influencer and mentor.

Professional short bio example on LinkedIn

"Latina creator. Speaker. Tech Mentor. Christen is the Founder of the newly launched app Clara, a community that empowers creators through transparency, brand reviews, and discoverability. An industry vet, Christen has almost a decade of experience working with top content creators at social networking companies such as Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. She is a motivational speaker and mentor in the tech space who is passionate about helping people break into the industry through career advice and actionable content."

Why it works: This professional bio online is punchy and concise. It opens by noting Christen's titles and includes years of experience, giving her credibility while underscoring her heritage (which can resonate strongly with a diverse audience on LinkedIn). By focusing on her app, she not only showcases initiative but also aligns herself with trends in tech innovation. Rounding out her short bio are details of working with top content creators, establishing her as a seasoned industry pro.

Short bio example on social media

"Founder of Makelane, a private community for female DTC founders. 70K followers on TikTok where I analyze consumer brands"

Why it works: With only 160 characters to work with, Dulma’s Twitter bio is an example of brevity. It clearly outlines her two main pursuits: managing an online community and producing content for TikTok, making it easy for readers to gauge her interests and activities at a glance.

Company website short bio examples

"Meet our wonderful team We're a tight-knit group of curious creatures, always learning, and constantly seeking out new perspectives and ideas. Get to know our team—they're what makes Teachable, well, Teachable."

Why it works: "Meet our wonderful team" feels like a personal invitation to get to know the group, which can make visitors more inclined to engage. Describing them as "tight-knit" and "curious creatures" adds character and illustrates a vibrant and collaborative work environment. Highlighting that the team is "always learning" and "constantly seeking out new perspectives" positions Teachable as a dynamic and innovative company—committed to growth and evolution.

Tips for writing a short bio

Even though there aren't official rules for writing a bio, there are still some things you should strive for as well as steer clear of if you want to make the best possible impression. 

1. Tailor your professional bio to your audience

Whether it's potential employers, LinkedIn connections, Twitter followers, or visitors to your website, each platform and audience has its own expectations. Keep your information relevant and concise, focusing on what matters most to that intended audience.

2. Be authentic

Your bio is not the place to fudge the truth about who you are. Be honest about what you've done and where you're heading. Not telling the truth could bar you from achieving your goals and land you in hot water. 

3. Prioritize relevant information

We really hate to be the one to tell you this, but unfortunately, most people do not have the time or patience to read a five-paragraph essay about your life story. Sorry to break it to you! 

4. Be relatable

No matter how lofty your accomplishments are, staying grounded may help you establish stronger connections with others. This is where adding personal details and highlighting your personal brand can serve you well. Whether that's with a hobby, interest , or other role outside of work, being relatable can let others understand and get to know you better and determine if you would be a good fit for a company.  

5. Be professional

It's appropriate and expected for you to talk about your professional skills and accomplishments in your short bio. That said, there's a fine line between talking about your achievements and sounding arrogant. These two examples talk about the same accomplishment but come across differently: 

Example 1: “An accomplished pianist, Ryan was selected out of nearly 7,000 applicants to perform at the annual New York State School Music Association festival last spring.” 

Example 2: “An accomplished pianist, Ryan was the obvious choice to perform at the annual New York State School Music Association festival last spring (because he's the best).” 

Also, if you're revising your bio after a lay-off or termination, avoid sounding spiteful. As tempting as it might be, don't make negative statements or accusations in your short bio. Positivity and a good attitude will get you much further.

Short professional bio templates

If you prefer to plug and play or need a short bio in a pinch, don't worry; here are three short bio templates to get you started:

Short professional bio template for working professionals

[First name last name] is [currently/formerly] a [insert most recent job title] at [most recent company name] . A proud graduate of [school or university] , they were inspired to pursue a career in [field] after [explain what led to your decision to work in your industry] . Prior to working at [most recent job title], they were the [previous title] at [previous company], where they were responsible for [insert professional accomplishments here] . In their free time, they can be found [insert your favorite hobbies] . 

Short professional bio template for students

[First name last name] is a current [year] at [institution] majoring in [area(s) of study] . On campus, [First name] is actively involved in [activity name] , for which they [insert details about what you do for the activity you're involved in] . They most recently [interned/worked] at [organization name] , where they had the opportunity to [insert details about what you did on the job] . They intend to work in the [insert field name or industry] after graduation to follow their passion of [insert what you are passionate about] . In their spare time, they can be found [insert your favorite hobbies] . 

Short professional bio template for a gap in employment

[First name last name] is a [position/job title] with [number] years of experience in [specific skills or industry] . Following [briefly mention the reason for the employment gap] , [he/she/they] took some time off to focus on [briefly mention what they did during the gap, e.g., personal development, family obligations, health reasons] . During this time, [he/she/they] also [briefly mention any relevant skills or achievements acquired during the gap] . [Name] is now eager to return to the workforce and is excited to bring [specific skills/accomplishments] to [his/her/their] next role. With a proven track record of [list specific achievements or skills] , [Name] is confident in [his/her/their] ability to contribute to [specific industry/profession] and make an impact in [his/her/their] next position.

If you decide to use any of these templates, tweak it ever-so-slightly. Once you've finished entering your details, try adding a bit of personal flair.

Swap adjectives, remove anything that doesn't quite fit with your vibe or experiences, or append some more personal details as you see fit. Feel free to work off of any one of the bios from these resume examples to get a feel for how different styles can be used across roles.

Create your short professional bio with Teal

In a digital world where your online presence often speaks before you do, writing a good, short professional bio is more important than ever. It's the first glimpse potential employers, clients, or colleagues get of your professional life and persona, and the right presentation can open doors to new opportunities and connections. 

Teal's Professional Bio Generator saves time by speeding up the writing process with AI. Whether you're trying to impress potential employers, clients, or peers, Teal's generator adapts to your needs and experience, allowing you to create a unique short bio for any audience with one click.

Ready to write a professional bio with maximum impact in less time?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of a short professional bio.

An example of a short professional bio is: "Katie is a seasoned marketing professional with over 10 years of experience in digital advertising strategies. She has helped numerous brands achieve their online marketing goals, leading to increased visibility and 3x revenue YoY."

How do you write an impressive short bio?

To write an impressive short bio, focus on your most significant achievements, relevant skills, and experiences that set you apart. Keep it concise and tailored to your audience to engage and leave a memorable impression. You can also use the Teal  AI Resume Builder  Generative AI to craft a bio that highlights your unique professional journey and skills in an engaging way.

What is a short biography about yourself?

A short biography about yourself should concisely summarize your professional background, major accomplishments, and skills. For example, "I'm an innovative software developer with 5 years of experience in creating scalable applications, known for my ability to troubleshoot complex issues and my commitment to delivering high-quality software solutions."

Emily Polner

Related articles.

How Long Should You Stay at a Job? (6 Questions to Ask)

6 Most Essential People Skills in the Workplace & How to Improve Them

30 Best Core Competencies For Your Resume (+ Examples)

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be? (Ideal Length for 2024)

We help you find the career dream.

Home Blog Business Stand Out With a Professional Bio: Tips, Bio Template (Examples Included)

Stand Out With a Professional Bio: Tips, Bio Template (Examples Included)

Entrepreneurs and professionals need a solid description to attract potential employers, clients, and investors. A bio should demonstrate one’s strengths and motivations and portray them as experts in their field, all without making it too long where the prospect may find it boring to listen to or read further.

You might be familiar with short bios used in social media profiles to describe one’s interests, career, and other things. However, a Professional biography goes way beyond that and is used to attract potential leads resulting in better job opportunities, more clients, and profitable connections. 

Why Is a Bio Important for Professionals and Entrepreneurs?

A bio briefly describes a professional’s work experience, skill set, qualifications, and the accomplishments that they have achieved in their field. 

It serves as an introduction to a specific audience, highlights an entrepreneur’s and professional’s intriguing qualities, and enables prospects to reach out for future investment and job opportunities. 

Read on more to find out the importance of a professional business bio,

1. Builds Credibility Among Your Professional Network

For building your personal brand, a professional bio is one of the key elements that identify who you are, what you do, and what you can do for your prospects. It enhances credibility among your professional network and strengthens your reputation. 

2. Enables You to Tell Your Story 

What sets you apart from the competition is your own story that you can tell using your professional bio. It enables you to outline your journey to where you are now and what makes you an expert at what you do. 

3. Helps You Stand Apart from the Competition

A professional bio is a part of your brand that helps you stand apart from the crowd. Everyone sends the typical resumes to introduce themselves to potential prospects. 

But to set yourself apart, you can send a sharp one-page bio during the introduction phase. It will leave a positive impression and significantly increase your chances of landing the job or closing the business deal. 

4. Attracts Potential Leads and Prospects

Professional bios play a significant role in attracting new job opportunities, enhancing customer base, gaining investors, and obtaining clients for your business. It is a valuable resource that employers and investors look at, first and foremost, to determine expertise. A strong bio will impress your prospects and motivate them to learn more about you .

5. Can Be Used for Media Profiling

A professional bio can be used for media profiling and is useful for journalists and other media personnel when covering a story related to your business’s or professional career’s achievements. 

This is why a professional bio is an essential part of your brand’s overall press kit and enables media professionals to reach out when they are looking for an expert to speak on a specific topic. 

Tips for Writing an Effective Professional Bio

When writing a professional bio, the first draft can be challenging as there are so many things you want your audience to know about you. It becomes challenging to cram all information and write a compelling professional bio for the company website, a bio for your business profile, or even a startup founder bio to attract potential leads. 

So, here are some tips to help you write a professional bio for yourself to enable you to draft a compelling bio for multiple uses. 

1. Introduce Yourself as a Third Person

Introducing yourself as a third person is essential for writing a professional bio. Start with your first name and surname, then proceed to enter your details from a third person’s perspective , which gives your bio a formal feel that is good for business.

2. Keep Your Bio Concise and to the Point

Consider your audience and the purpose of your professional bio to determine which facts are relevant to keep your bio concise and to the point. Your potential prospects want to know why they should hire you, invest in you, or buy your services. 

Stating relevant accomplishments without exaggerating will help them know what makes you an expert and if you are worth their time and money. 

3. Update Your Bio as You Progress in Your Career

Occasionally update your professional bio to keep your audience updated on your career progress, current projects, and whereabouts. 

Keep them informed on what your upcoming goals are as well, so they can reach out to assist you, invest in your business, or connect you with potential employers that could land you your dream job. 

4. Don’t Forget to Add a Call to Action (CTA)

Ending with a Call to Action (CTA) will prompt your audience to reach out for further information about you. It will help you build your network and get your name out there for relevant opportunities. 

State your contact details, such as a primary business email , and stay responsive to your audience to build credibility and trust. 

What to Avoid When Writing a Professional Bio? 

A professional bio can contain facts about your career and your business, but keep in mind that some things are better to be left off of your bio. 

Here are the top things you should avoid writing in your bio,

1. Starting With Your First Job

Starting chronologically with your first job is not a good idea when writing a professional bio. Employers and business investors are not interested in what you did a few years back, but rather they want to know what you are doing now, what position you hold, and what your goal is for the future. 

2. Family Information

Describing your family history and background will not pique the interest of your potential prospects. Family information is best kept off of the professional bio unless it is somehow related to your business. 

3. Dates to Describe Your Career

Your audience does not care about the dates that describe your job promotions or specific business events. With many industries having ageism rampant, writing dates in your bio will cause more harm than good. 

4. Hyperbole

Hyperbole refers to exaggerated claims or phrases that are not meant to be taken literally. Adding hyperbole to your resume will make you appear unprofessional and might even put off potential prospects from reaching out to you, 

5. Exaggerating Achievements

Exaggerated, false, and fabricated achievements should never be a part of your professional bio. In today’s digital age, false statements are caught instantly, and the fallout for claiming something fabricated will stay with you for a long time. 

In contrast, you should not downplay your accomplishments and highlight essential achievements that will attract potential employers and business investors. Add professional awards you have received in your field to let your clients know that you are worth their investment.  

Professional Bio Template to Write Your Bio

You can use a professional bio template to write your short bio by compiling your career facts and achievements. This work bio template can be used to present your professional skills, motivations, personality, goals and frustrations.

What does a professional bio look like? Here is the template that you can use to create your own strong business bio:

Start With Your Full Name

To write a professional bio, you should first start with your full name and describe your professional journey from a third-person’s perspective in a few words.

Add Your Current Job Title or Brand

After that, you should add your current job title or brand that you are associated with to let your target audience know what you are working on currently. 

Briefly Explain Your Work Responsibilities

Next, you should explain work responsibilities in a way that defines your expertise and portrays the skill set. 

Describe Your Motivations for Your Field of Work

Define what motivates you to do your job or business and why you are passionate about progressing in the field. 

State Relevant Accomplishments and Your Goal

Next, you should explain relevant accomplishments and state your goal for the future by possibly associating them with your career journey in a way that describes how you will reach your goal. 

Reflect Your Personality by Adding Hobbies and Interests

Personality is an integral part of a professional bio and can be reflected by adding your hobbies and interests. This makes you relatable to your target audience and builds your network based on relevance.

Contact Details and Call to Action

Lastly, adding the call to action and active contact details will prompt prospects to reach out for business opportunities and job offers. 

How to Present a Professional Bio?

Professional Bios can be presented in several ways. 

A bio can be used to gain the attention of visitors on a personal, brand’s, or even a business company’s website. 

It can be used in presentations at speaker events, webinars, during the introduction phase, and even when presenting a business proposal to obtain investments. 

You can browse our collection of 100% editable PowerPoint templates to create your business presentations , insert your professional bio in a way that captures your client’s attention, and deliver your message by using captivating graphics and reports.  

Other than that, professional bios can also be used on social media profiles, specifically LinkedIn, where like-minded professionals and entrepreneurs can learn more about you, connect you with the right audience, and help you reach your goals.

Professional Bio Examples for Inspiration in Multiple Contexts

Here are a few sample bios for you to take inspiration from and use in multiple contexts to attract potential prospects,

Professional Bio for Website or Portfolio

Here is an example of professional bio for a business biography case.

Josh Daniel is the founder and current CEO of Boundless, a traveling company specializing in creating customized travel plans and tours for solo travelers, family trips, and vacations so people can enjoy their travels to the fullest. 

Being an avid traveler himself, Josh wanted to create an application that could help people travel without worries, save time and money by quickly finding tour packages that fit their lifestyle and interests, and plan their traveling journey conveniently from their smartphone. 

He launched Boundless in 2018 after graduating from Yale University, and since then, the application has been downloaded over 1.5 million times, has served about 90,000 users to create their specialized tour plans, and has helped people make memories that last a lifetime. 

Currently, the company has over 120 employees on board and was named “Top Traveling Application of the Year 2020” in Travel Unlimited Magazine. 

Josh lives in Chicago, Illinois, spends free time with his family of two, enjoys traveling and working remotely. He plans to expand the company by offering a specialized program for digital nomads to find affordable travel destinations to enjoy working remotely. 

Reach out to Josh via contact form or email at joshemail at gmail.com

Professional Bio for LinkedIn

Meet Ryan Chase, a Digital Marketing Executive who surpassed over a Million Followers on social media and drove advertisement sales for several brands by 50%. 

Currently working for Vibe Media Company, Ryan has been working in the digital marketing field for over five years. His professional duties involve developing digital marketing strategies , launching social media campaigns for different brands, and analyzing outcomes. 

Ryan’s interest in digital media marketing increased when he was still in college studying business and psychology. His understanding of business growth and human psychology has led to him successfully launching campaigns that attract the right audience, boost ROI, and develop a positive brand image. 

He was awarded “Best Digital Marketer of 2020” by Vibe Media company as his campaigns broke the company’s previous records. 

Ryan enjoys reading books, cooking, and traveling in his spare time. He lives in Manhattan with his pet dog named Jasper. 

Reach out to Ryan via DMs, and he will get back to you shortly!

Professional Bio for Using in Presentations

When using a professional bio to present yourself during a meeting, there is a thin line where you can either captivate the audience or make them bored. To avoid making the audience bored with your presentation, make sure you use a captivating bio template. 

SlideModel has several editable bio templates that you can use to create your own professional bio. Their presentation bio templates will help you save time and create a professional bio within minutes!

Check out the Biography PowerPoint Template , for example. Here you can enter your name, your designation, and other facts you need the audience to know about you. You can end with a quote to make it even more interesting and let the audience know you. In summary, you can showcase a short bio and include a photo of yourself.

Another great example is the Self Introduction PowerPoint Template , which has a simple and professional design. You can simply add your professional bio to the presentation and have an attractive bio slide without wasting your precious time. 

Your professional bio should evolve as you do in your business and professional career. A bio should reflect your best professional version so people will know about your achievements before they meet you. 

Even if you use the conventional structure for writing your bio, your unique accomplishments will make it stand out and help your audience determine the value you provide. 

The best bios are written with the audience, purpose, and context in mind. They are crafted with the intention to attract clients and customers. It is not something that you should leave to the last minute, but it should be written carefully and thoughtfully used in each context. 

Like this article? Please share

Introduce Yourself, Resume Filed under Business

Related Articles

Filed under Presentation Ideas • October 6th, 2023

How to Give A Compelling Interview Presentation: Tips, Examples and Topic Ideas

Interview presentations have now become the new norm for most industries. They are popular for sales, marketing, technology, and academic positions. If you have been asked to deliver one for your job interview presentation, prepare to build a strong case for yourself as a candidate. Giving a general presentation is already daunting. But selling yourself […]

Filed under Presentation Ideas • July 21st, 2021

About Me Slides: How to Introduce Yourself in a Presentation

In this article, learn how to introduce yourself with About Me slides.

Filed under Design • July 19th, 2021

Creative Resume Ideas with Examples

This blog post presents some creative resume ideas that can be used for inspiration.

Leave a Reply

How it works

Transform your enterprise with the scalable mindsets, skills, & behavior change that drive performance.

Explore how BetterUp connects to your core business systems.

We pair AI with the latest in human-centered coaching to drive powerful, lasting learning and behavior change.

Build leaders that accelerate team performance and engagement.

Unlock performance potential at scale with AI-powered curated growth journeys.

Build resilience, well-being and agility to drive performance across your entire enterprise.

Transform your business, starting with your sales leaders.

Unlock business impact from the top with executive coaching.

Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.

Accelerate the performance and potential of your agencies and employees.

See how innovative organizations use BetterUp to build a thriving workforce.

Discover how BetterUp measurably impacts key business outcomes for organizations like yours.

A demo is the first step to transforming your business. Meet with us to develop a plan for attaining your goals.

• What is coaching?

Learn how 1:1 coaching works, who its for, and if it's right for you.

Accelerate your personal and professional growth with the expert guidance of a BetterUp Coach.

Types of Coaching

Navigate career transitions, accelerate your professional growth, and achieve your career goals with expert coaching.

Enhance your communication skills for better personal and professional relationships, with tailored coaching that focuses on your needs.

Find balance, resilience, and well-being in all areas of your life with holistic coaching designed to empower you.

Discover your perfect match : Take our 5-minute assessment and let us pair you with one of our top Coaches tailored just for you.

Research, expert insights, and resources to develop courageous leaders within your organization.

Best practices, research, and tools to fuel individual and business growth.

View on-demand BetterUp events and learn about upcoming live discussions.

The latest insights and ideas for building a high-performing workplace.

• BetterUp Briefing

The online magazine that helps you understand tomorrow's workforce trends, today.

Innovative research featured in peer-reviewed journals, press, and more.

Founded in 2022 to deepen the understanding of the intersection of well-being, purpose, and performance

We're on a mission to help everyone live with clarity, purpose, and passion.

Join us and create impactful change.

Read the buzz about BetterUp.

Meet the leadership that's passionate about empowering your workforce.

For Business

For Individuals

3 stand-out professional bio examples to inspire your own

Jump to section

What’s a professional bio?

How to write a professional bio, professional bio examples to inspire your own, promote with pride.

Opportunities to self-promote can arise when you least expect them. Whether you exchange LinkedIn profiles at a networking event , receive an invite to submit a resume , or share your personal website with a potential client, branded materials that effectively describe you are crucial to making a great first impression . 

A professional biography (bio) is more than a simple self-introduction or opportunity to boast — although you should promote your skills and accomplishments with pride . With such little space and so much to say, you may struggle to find the perfect words.

After all, who you are and what you do extends far beyond a couple of sentences. But conciseness is possible — it just requires a little self-reflection and guidance. 

Let’s explore different strategies for writing a bio that's engaging, adaptable, and, most importantly, encapsulates your professional values and identity. With these tips and professional bio examples to guide your process, you’ll learn how to write a bio about yourself that shows off your best side. 

A professional bio is a brief but impactful blurb that introduces who you are and what you do. Ranging from a few sentences to several paragraphs, it sums up your area of expertise, talents, and professional background. 

Think of your professional bio as an opportunity to expand your personal brand statement , which uses marketing strategies like punchy and emotion-provoking language to sell you in a few choice sentences. Your bio includes additional information and personal touches to create a fuller picture of your professional accomplishments and future aspirations . 

You never know who scans your social media profiles, company website, or resume. A thoughtful bio is adaptable and provides consistent messaging regardless of the platform and audience. Whether it’s a recruiter , client, or collaborator checking out your branded materials, your professional bio works around the clock to promote your personal brand . 

Wherever you network, job search , or show off your work are all great places to include a bio. That may include: 

The “About” section on your personal website, YouTube channel, or podcast , giving insight to visitors about the person behind the work

Your LinkedIn profile's summary section , providing a personal touch to the career achievements and skills highlighted in your work experience section

Promotional materials or event programs , like for a workshop, speaking engagement, or training webinar

On the team page of your organization’s website , showcasing your unique role and contributions to your team

In an author bio for blog posts and articles , establishing your trustworthiness and providing context to readers

In the bio sections of social media profiles used to promote your personal brand , adding personality to reflect your professional identity

Within a cover letter , letter of intent , or letter of interest , connecting your unique value to a potential employer’s needs

In a grant or proposal submission , lending credibility when applying for funding or pitching a project

On your online or physical portfolio , helping people connect more deeply with your work as a creative

On a book jacket, author page, or academic journal , highlighting your expertise, background, or focus areas

Adapting your professional bio template to fit different platforms helps you paint a consistent and engaging picture of yourself for varying audiences. You can control the narrative that surrounds your professional identity and reputation.

And clarity across platforms acts as a powerful call to action — the more your target audience understands what you represent, the more likely they’ll want to connect with you. 

A great bio shows off your unique value, reflects your goals, and displays your personality . But, despite its highly personalized nature, you can still use templates or follow frameworks to write your own. Here are a few guidelines for writing different bio types. 

How to write a short bio

A short professional bio offers your reader a quick snapshot, making it best suited for professional situations requiring brevity, like a cover letter or social media platform with character limits.

And a well-written short bio captures attention and entices your audience to follow through, carefully reading an attached resume or scrolling your LinkedIn profile. 

Here are some general guidelines:

• Start with the basics: Explain who you are, what you do, and your current work. Keep it as brief as possible and focus on essential information that reflects your identity and current professional situation. 
• Establish credibility: Share valuable professional triumphs to give readers insights about your unique value and credibility. Descriptors like “Award-winning” or “With 10 years of experience” are concise ways to express the breadth of your experience. 
• Be personal but appropriate: Add personal touches to make your bio feel more authentic and relatable , remembering to consider context. “Adventure-loving mechanical engineer” may suit an Instagram bio, whereas “ Innovation-seeking mechanical engineer” is better suited for a professional portfolio . Each conveys a sense of personality and aligns with the goals of the medium. 

How to write a long bio

A long bio offers your audience a more comprehensive understanding of who you are and what you stand for. They’re best suited for professional situations requiring a more in-depth intro, like an author page, “About Me” section, or funding proposal. 

A well-crafted long bio doesn’t just illuminate key experiences and skills. It humanizes you, showing off professional goals and personal interests that capture reader attention and build trust . 

Here are some general tips: 

Introduce yourself: Just like you do in a short bio, the first sentence should clearly establish who you are and the work that’s most important to you. Consider mentioning your current position and clarifying your responsibilities . 

Go in-depth on your values: In a long bio, you can elaborate beyond short descriptors and action verbs . Depending on the medium, tell a fuller story that adds depth to your personal values and professional pursuits.  

Mixing the personal with the professional, like mentioning your alma mater and describing your first roles, adds nuance and richness to your character representation. This creates a sense of closeness and understanding with your reader. 

Detail your professional journey: While the focus should be on your current job title and area of expertise, readers can build a deeper connection when they learn more about your professional story.

Consider highlighting career milestones, including certifications, notable successes, and work experience. But describe yourself with humility . Bragging about your skills and accomplishments may come off as arrogant instead of confident , a misunderstanding that might put the reader off.

General guidelines

Regardless of format, a successful professional bio follows a few basic rules, like: 

Keep it fresh: Your career is never stagnant, and your personal bio shouldn’t be, either. Regularly update your bio to include new achievements, professional skills , and shifts in your career focus. 

Keeping your LinkedIn bio, portfolio website, and other materials current ensures that potential employers and collaborators have access to the most relevant information about you, avoiding misunderstandings and missed opportunities. 

Provide a call-to-action: You’ve captured your target audience's attention — now what? Invite readers to connect, engage, and start a conversation . Clarity can help direct the kind of engagement you want. 

Something like “For consulting inquiries or collaborations, contact me at [email]. For copyright requests, contact my publisher at [email].” is appropriately clear and direct. 

Proofread for consistency: Like any professional communication, always double-check for grammar and spelling mistakes. Hiring managers and clients may interpret poor writing skills as a lack of clear thinking or attention to detail , discouraging them from following up with you. 

And choose a point of view (first person “I” or third person full name), staying consistent to ensure a better reading experience. You want your reader to focus on the content without bad mechanics distracting them. 

Now that you have the basic rules down, here are some bio examples to help you write yours. Pay attention to flow and content, and edit them to meet your needs. 

Short bio examples

Here’s a short bio for an events brochure for a graphic designer leading a workshop:

[name] is a speaker, graphic designer, and UX engineer who builds performant branding strategies with an eye for accessibility. [name] helps brands of all sorts, from startups to multinationals, transform how they tell stories through visual design and cutting-edge technologies that focus on sustainable, inclusive engagement. 

And here’s a data analyst’s work bio example for LinkedIn: 

I’m a certified data analyst with a natural curiosity for transforming complex data into action. With more than 10 years of experience, I’ve developed expertise in statistical modeling and predictive analysis.

Currently, I’m a project manager at TechBiz focused on enhancing business strategies through data optimization. I’ve been instrumental in driving growth for several Fortune 500 companies and was recognized in 2022 as one of “America’s Innovators” by Women in Data. 

Why they work: Both bios concisely illustrate current job roles, career focus, and unique character traits. Small details like “eye for accessibility” and “natural curiosity” show personality and professional values, illustrating what they’ll be like to work with. 

Long bio example

Here’s a freelance writer example for their portfolio website: 

I’m a Mexico City-based freelance writer by way of Louisville, Kentucky. My weekly newsletter on sustainability, policy, and culture — Sustainability Now — has been mentioned by the LA Times, The Nation, and Vogue London and has over 20,000 subscribers.

My work recently appeared in Foreign Policy, the New York Times, and Mother Jones, where I’ve written about sustainability in cities, business, and consumption. And I’ve also contributed to Politico and Dissent and won an award for my story on the history of natural wine for MOLD. 

I’m a firm believer that positive environmental change is powered by conscientious consumption. Since 2018, I’ve consulted content marketing teams of startups and branding agencies to transform how their businesses and consumers engage with our planet through storytelling. 

I have a bachelor’s degree in environmental science with a minor in journalism from Boston University. I also have completed Google’s SEO Fundamentals and UC Davis’ Content Marketing Strategy course. 

In my spare time, you can find me hiking through the national parks surrounding CDMX with my dog, Mole, when we aren’t looking for the city’s perfect vegan taco.

For business consulting, please contact me at [name]@gmail.com. For editorial inquiries and media work, please contact my agent at [name]@talentcorp.com. 

Why it works: This bio is comprehensive and focused on professional goals while listing key achievements, recognitions, and core principles to establish credibility and align the reader with her values.

And personal details and a touch of humor add warmth and authenticity that resonate and illustrate a well-rounded individual. 

A successful professional bio covers all the bases, letting your reader know what you’re about and what it’d be like to work with you. Clarity and conciseness require nuance and careful curation, but the extra work pays off.

With these tips, professional bio examples, and a little self-reflection about your accomplishments and aspirations, you’ll soon write a bio like a natural wordsmith.

Invest in your career

Get your promotion. Make your career change. Build the future you dream about. And do it faster with a world-class BetterUp Coach by your side.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

6 presentation skills and how to improve them

Writing an elevator pitch about yourself: a how-to plus tips, how to make a presentation interactive and exciting, reading the room gives you an edge — no matter who you're talking to, 18 effective strategies to improve your communication skills, 20 marketing skills professionals should have in 2023, ready for a fresh start 7 best jobs for a career change, wondering how to change careers 12 steps to switch it up, ace your first day on the job with 15 confidence-building tips, similar articles, 10 personal brand statements to put all eyes on you, personal branding: why you need to control the message, 3 cover letter examples to help you catch a hiring manager’s attention, how to write an impactful cover letter for a career change, 7 tips to make your resume stand out and get that job, tips for how to write a linkedin summary and examples, heat up your networking with a better cold connect (try these examples), 3 essential traits for leaders in turbulent times, how to write a memo: 8 steps with examples, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

3100 E 5th Street, Suite 350 Austin, TX 78702

• Platform Overview
• Integrations
• Powered by AI
• BetterUp Lead™
• BetterUp Manage™
• BetterUp Care®
• Sales Performance
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Case Studies
• Why BetterUp?
• About Coaching
• Find your Coach
• Career Coaching
• Communication Coaching
• Life Coaching
• News and Press
• Leadership Team
• Become a BetterUp Coach
• BetterUp Labs
• Center for Purpose & Performance
• Leadership Training
• Business Coaching
• Contact Support
• Contact Sales
• Privacy Policy
• Acceptable Use Policy
• Trust & Security
• Cookie Preferences

Explore Jobs

• Jobs Near Me
• Remote Jobs
• Full Time Jobs
• Part Time Jobs
• Entry Level Jobs
• Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

• $15 Per Hour Jobs
• $20 Per Hour Jobs
• Hiring Immediately Jobs
• High School Jobs
• H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

• Business And Financial
• Architecture And Engineering
• Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

• What They Do
• Certifications
• Demographics

Best Companies

• Health Care
• Fortune 500

Explore Companies

• CEO And Executies
• Resume Builder
• Career Advice
• Explore Majors
• Questions And Answers
• Interview Questions

The Best Short Professional Bios (Examples + Templates)

• Resume Tips
• Best Resume Writing Services
• Things To Avoid On A Resume
• Resume Paper To Use
• What To Include In A Resume
• How To Write A Bio
• How To Write A Personal Statement
• Lied on Your Resume?
• Avoid Age Discrimination
• Words and Phrases You Shouldn't Include in Your Resume
• How Many Skills Should You List On A Resume
• Send A Resume As A Pdf
• Resume Critique
• Make A Resume Stand Out
• Resume Spelling
• Resume Past Or Present Tense
• How To List Projects On A resume
• Best Resume Action Words
• How To Quantify Your Resume
• Resume Bullet Points
• Are Resume Writers Worth It
• How Many Jobs To List On Resume

Summary. To write a short bio you should first make an initial introduction introducing yourself in the first or first person. Your short bio should include your brand, your accomplishments, and your values and goals. Your short bio should be one to three short paragraphs or four to eight sentences long.

Knowing how to write a concise, informative, and interesting biography about yourself can help throughout various parts of the professional process. You can use your bio to capture the attention of potential employers or clients and convince them to choose to employ or work with you.

In this article, you’ll learn more about what goes into a short bio and how to write one, and you’ll also get to see some short bio templates and examples to help you get an idea of what yours should look like.

Key Takeaways

A short bio serves to introduce you, your achievements, and what you offer professionally to potential employers or clients.

It’s important to keep your bio brief so that readers stay engaged and will remember your main points.

You may need to adjust your bio for different audiences, as your clients may want to know different information than a recruiter would.

Talk about your skills and accomplishments in your bio, but don’t exaggerate them.

What Is a Short Bio?

How to write a short bio, what to include in a short professional bio, short bio examples, short bio templates, tips for writing a short bio, writing a short bio faq.

• Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs

A short bio serves as your introduction to the professional world. In terms of finding or expanding on your job, a bio will cover your:

Work history

Achievements

Any other relevant professional information

Think of it as a professional memoir that a hiring manager or consumer can read and understand quickly. It’s usually about one to three paragraphs depending on experience.

There’s an emphasis on being succinct when it comes to writing a professional bio. This is because a bio is supposed to be a preface to attract recruiter attention and incline them to reach out for more information. Many readers will get lost or bored with a lengthy bio.

Using a short bio can be helpful across very different industries, from marketing to accounting, from psychiatry to sales.

You’re probably familiar with providing short bios on social media websites and applications. While the information and skills you include in a professional bio may differ, the general formatting is similar.

There’s a lot of considerations to take into account when writing a short bio, and it can quickly become intimidating. Deciding what information is relevant and how to keep it near 140 characters is no small task.

If you’re having difficulty writing a short bio, follow the outline below to craft an introduction that engages your reader.

Make an initial introduction. You can’t jump right into everything you’ve done and what you want to do in the future before introducing yourself.

Your bio’s first sentence should begin with your full name in the third person or introduce yourself in the first person and continue to briefly outline your most notable skills and accomplishments. It’s a good place to state your current job and employer.

Go deeper with what motivates you. Once you’ve catchily illustrated who you are in your short bio, you can use the second sentence to describe your motivations for your work.

Stating what drives you to do the work you do is essential to employers and customers alike. Whether you work as a physician or fitness consultant , there’s a reason why this is your profession, and you should explain that in your short professional bio.

Describe your accomplishments. Your short bio is for detailing why you’re the ideal candidate to be trusted with handling an employer or consumer’s business. By describing your prior accomplishments, you let them know what you could offer as an employee and how you’ve succeeded in the past.

While you should avoid sounding braggy, the reader is looking for information about what your qualifications are , and your accomplishments generally measure these qualities.

Even though you could probably go on for ages about the details of your accomplishments, save that for an interview . In a short bio, only include the most impressive of your achievements to outline.

Accomplishments relevant to a short bio could include:

Impressive results on a project

Former promotions

Awards received in your field

Certifications received

Include contact information. The purpose of a short bio as either a business or a job seeker is to inspire the reader to reach out. Without contact information, this pursuit becomes futile. Make sure your short bio has some way to contact you at the end.

Relevant contact information may include:

Phone number

Professional networking profile

A short professional bio includes:

Your full name. You can choose to write your bio in the first person (I, me, my) or third person (he, she, they), but either way, you need to include your full name at some point. Branding doesn’t work so well without a brand name (i.e., you!)

Your brand. Of course, if you have an actual brand that you’re trying to market, you should include the brand name as well.

What you do. Summarize what you want the reader to know about what you do in one sentence — tricky, we know.

Your accomplishments. For a short bio, you can stick with just one major accomplishment from your professional life. Or, if you have a string of impressive achievements, try condensing all of them down to one sentence.

Your goals and values. Let the reader know what makes you tick — why do you do what you do and what do you hope to achieve with your work? People are compelled by a story more than anything else, so it’s important to get this part right.

Something personal (optional). If you have a quirky tidbit about yourself you’d like to include, go for it. Just make sure it doesn’t throw off te the tone of the rest of your bio.

Contact info (optional). If your bio is serving as a call-to-action to drum up business or get leads on job opportunities, it makes sense to include your contact information at the end of your bio. It’s not necessary if that information is available elsewhere on the page , though.

Entry-Level Job-Seeker Bio Example

Mitchell Morrison is an upcoming video producer and editor who believes in the art of visual organization. He is a recent graduate from the University of Washington and focused on post-production during his time studying there. He was introduced to the magical world of visual art production by watching his father work on editing commercials growing up and has been working towards his dream of becoming a video editor ever since. During his last year of college, Mitchell participated in a competitive internship with Digital Space Films. He was chosen out of 2,000 applicants based on his academic portfolio and personal statement essay. This internship was an incredible learning experience and resulted in three professional accreditations for music video editing. Mitchell currently lives in Seattle, Washington pursuing freelance opportunities and spending time with his Dog, Pikachu. To get into contact with Mitchell: MitchellMorrisonVideo.com/contact

Working Professional Website Bio Example

Lisa Kennedy is an experienced real estate professional. She knows how important a home is for long-term happiness and has invested her career in putting people in the house they’ve always dreamed of. Lisa was driven to pursue real estate from her passion for helping people during life-altering times, and a keen interest in high-end, luxury homes. She’s been working in the real estate industry for ten years and in that time has assisted over 3,500 people in finding homes. She was educated at the University of Los Angeles with a bachelor’s in business management. She’s worked for some of the most respectable Real Estate companies in Los Angeles and individually under her agency “Kennedy Homes.” Lisa has also been published in Real Estate Quarterly Magazine as the 2017 winner of the “Top Luxury Home Seller” award. Lisa loves the culture of Los Angeles and has been living there with her family of five since she graduated from college. She enjoys spending her free time exploring towns along the West Coast and swimming. If you’d like to get in touch with Lisa: Email: [email protected]

Professional Networking Profile Bio Example

Bianca Jones Marketing Manager Miami, FL The first step towards customer satisfaction is being reached by stellar product marketing, and that’s what I aim to provide. My professional experience as a product marketing manager has allowed me to assist many organizations in improving their sales margins and audience response to emerging products. I’ve brought dedication and positive results to the companies I’ve worked for because I am passionate about product perception, marketing, and business statistics. What drives a product to success interests and inspires me. I specialize in long-term growth strategies and audience outreach. In addition to eight years of experience in professional product marketing, I have also published two books on creating a career as a marketer called “What to Do After Your Bachelor’s” and “A Marketer’s How-To.” If you’re interested in learning more about how to market your business better, or just discuss more, feel free to contact me by email at [email protected].

Your first choice is whether you want your bio to be written in the third person or first person. These short bio templates show both options, and also include different ideas for what to include, and how. Feel free to pick and choose your favorite parts of each of the two.

[Full Name] is a [job title] who [believes/knows] in the power of [what you do]. [He/She/They] began their journey in [field] by [how you got started in the field], and now dreams of [what you hope to accomplish]. [His/Her/Their] biggest accomplishment to date has been [your biggest accomplishment]. [Full Name] lives in [where you live] and participates in [a hobby/interest]. To get in touch with [Full Name], call/email/message me on [how you’d like to be contacted].

I am a [job title] who helps [who you help] [what you help them do]. It’s my belief that [your unique perspective on the field]. In the past [# of years] years, I’ve [major accomplishment #1] through [how you accomplished it]. I have a passion for [your professional passion], but on the side, I also enjoy [personal passion]. Get in touch with me today at [contact info] — I look forward to talking with you about [what you want to talk to your readers about].

You have a firm grasp of the structure of a short bio and what to include. Now, you may need some tips for how to polish your short professional bio and make it stand out from the competition.

Be mindful of length. While you’re probably getting sick of hearing that your bio should be short, it’s good to keep in mind throughout the writing process. It’s easy to go off on a tangent while trying to include everything relevant or rationalize, making your bio too long.

Avoid this impulse. The point of a bio is that it’s limited. You want to intrigue the reader enough to inspire them to seek more information about you or your services.

Tailor your bio to your intended audience. Whether you’re using a short bio to attract a particular customer base or potential employer, tailoring it to fit their wants and needs is crucial. Consider your intended audience base and what they’re looking for in a candidate or service.

Be genuine. Your short bio should be an authentic representation of your traits, experience, and personality. People are repelled by what they interpret as stretching the truth. If you’re being received as disingenuous by the reader, they’ll probably move on.

Proofread. The only way to steer clear of errors in your short bio is by proofreading it. Imagine a hiring manager being completely interested in your bio.

They love what you have to say about yourself and find your prior experience enticing. That is, until they come across a mistake that clearly shows you didn’t do proofread or edit.

Include links to your portfolio, website, or networking profile. One way to circumvent the confining factor of keeping your bio short is by including links to more detailed sources.

This can be in the form of linking your portfolio or website to allow the reader to go deeper into your discussed skills if they please, without taking up more space in your bio.

Implement these links seamlessly into your bio by attaching them to anchor words that describe what clicking will lead them to.

Add some personality. You aren’t the only person who has an impressive list of accomplishments to put on a bio, so you’re going to need to find some additional ways to make an impression.

What should a short bio include?

A short bio should include your name, what you do, and your achievements. You should also include your company or product’s brand, if you have one, and your goals and motivations for doing what you do. This humanizes you and helps you stand out from the rest of the pack.

How long is a short bio?

A short bio is typically one to three paragraphs long. These should be short paragraphs though, as other experts say that between four and eight sentences is the ideal length for a short bio.

What makes a good bio?

A good bio is succinct and memorable. Readers don’t want to spend long reading about your professional and personal life, so go back and cut it down to the important parts multiple times after you draft it. You might be surprised at how little you actually need to include.

What should you avoid putting in a short bio?

You should avoid including anything negative or arrogate. It’s never a good idea to write anything negative about previous jobs or employers. Only include positive things in your professional short bio.

It’s important to include your achievements in a short bio, but there is a fine line between mentioning your achievements and bragging about them. Stick to the facts when talking about your accomplishments.

Fremont University – Building Your Professional Bio

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.

Recent Job Searches

• Registered Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Truck Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Call Center Representative Jobs Resume Location
• Customer Service Representative Jobs Resume
• Delivery Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Warehouse Worker Jobs Resume Location
• Account Executive Jobs Resume Location
• Sales Associate Jobs Resume Location
• Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Company Driver Jobs Resume

Related posts

How Many Jobs Should You List On A Resume?

How To Avoid Age Discrimination: How Much Work History To Include On Your Resume

Do Men and Women Write Resumes Differently? The Answer May Surprise You

What Is Resume Paper? (And How To Choose The Best Kind)

• Career Advice >

BUSINESS STRATEGIES

How to write a professional bio (with examples and templates)

• Rebecca Strehlow
• 11 min read

Get started by: Creating a website →  | Getting a domain →

Which three words would you use to describe yourself? Most of us have been asked this question, and many of us have fumbled through it awkwardly.

Coming up with a personal description can be daunting. But there are times when it’s essential - whether we’re updating our LinkedIn profiles, blogging for Medium or creating a business website of our own.

In this post, we’ll go over how to write a bio, step by step. To help guide you, we’ve also included a handy template, along with some professional bio examples for your inspiration. With these resources, you’ll find that writing a bio, as part of making a website , is much easier than you might think.

What is a bio?

Before you learn how to write a bio, you should have a clear understanding of what it is and why you need it.

In the world of literature, a personal biography can span the length of an entire novel, like Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom or Malala Yousafzai’s I Am Malala . In the online world, however, a bio is a short paragraph in which you introduce yourself. Typically, people place bios on the About Us page of their professional website, as well as on their social media pages and other networking platforms.

What to include in a bio

Depending on your audience and goals, your bio can highlight your personal interests, your professional achievements or a mix of both. Here are some of the elements a bio might include:

Job title or workplace

University degree and other qualifications

Hometown or city of residence

Personal or professional goals

Mission statement and values

Skills and expertise

Interests and hobbies

The goal of writing a bio is to provide people with a snapshot of who you are. This is important for a variety of reasons, whether it’s drawing people toward your personal website or promoting your blog, attracting clients and business partners to your brand, or highlighting your achievements for job interviews.

How to write a short bio

The most effective online bios are both professional and concise. Here’s how to write a short professional bio that suits your website or brand:

Introduce yourself

State your company or brand name

Explain your professional role

Include professional achievements

Discuss your passions and values

Mention your personal interests

01. Introduce yourself

Begin your bio by stating your first and last name. If you’re writing in the third person, these should be the first two words of the paragraph. This makes your name easy for your audience to identify and remember. Your bio is a huge part of your personal branding efforts, and should start with a strong intro to make a positive impact.

02. State your company or brand name

Think about whether you want your bio to represent yourself on a personal level, or whether you’d like it to come across as more professional. If you have a personal brand or business - for example, a blog, freelance business or eCommerce site - be sure to mention your brand name at the beginning of your bio. Don’t be afraid if the name sounds simple or redundant. It’s perfectly fine, for instance, to say Mary Smith is the founder and CEO of Smith Digital.

Likewise, feel free to mention the name of another company or brand that you work for if you’d like to associate it with your professional accomplishments - e.g., Mary Smith is a consultant at Google and the founder and CEO of Smith Digital.

03. Explain your professional role

Next, briefly explain your current position. This is relevant whether you’re the founder of a company, a high-level specialist or a beginner in your field, and it can be similar to the description you have on your resume. Your website visitors won’t necessarily know what your job involves, so elaborating on your primary responsibilities helps paint a picture of who you are and what you have to offer. This can also be used, if needed for employment and recruitment opportunities. If you're a freelancer a strong bio can make all the difference in how successful sourcing work can be.

04. Include professional achievements

In addition to explaining what your job entails, highlight milestones that make you stand out. Even if you haven’t won an award or gained external recognition, you can discuss ways in which you’ve contributed to your professional role and touch on new ideas or approaches that you bring to the table.

05. Discuss your passions and values

Once you describe what you do and how you contribute to your role, you’ll need to explain the why . This is one of the most important elements to focus on as you consider how to write a bio.

Think about the values and passions underlying your work, as well as your professional philosophy. What gets you up in the morning? What’s the driving force behind what you do?

You can also think of this part of your professional bio as a kind of mission statement. Perhaps your mission is to serve others, contribute to society, grow your expertise or learn new skills. Whatever your reasons, expanding upon these ideas can help your audience get a better understanding of what truly matters to you. Don't be afraid to deploy storytelling in this part of creating your bio. Explore your narrative and then convey it.

06. Mention your personal interests

The most effective short bios will not only focus on your professional experience, but will also touch on what you like to do in your spare time. Consider mentioning:

Your family

Your hometown

Your hobbies

Side projects you’re working on

Transitioning to a more casual discussion of who you are outside of work is a great way to conclude your bio. This will present you as a more well-rounded person while making you relatable for your audience.

Professional bio template

As you go through the steps on how to write a bio, this handy template will help you get started:

Sentence 1: [Name] is a [job title] who [job description].

E.g., Lisa Green is an English teacher who teaches beginning to advanced literature courses for 10th and 11th grade students at Bloomfield High School.

Sentence 2: [Name] believes that [why you do the work you do].

E.g., Lisa believes that written and analytical skills are not only a fundamental part of academic excellence, but are also the building blocks of critical thinking in high school and beyond.

Sentence 3: [Name/pronoun] has [mention your achievements].

E.g., In addition to managing the English curriculum for the school, she runs an after school program where she works one-on-one with students.

Sentence 4: [Name/pronoun] is a [mention any relevant awards, training or honors].

E.g., She has also been nominated Teacher of the Year for two consecutive years.

Sentence 5: [Name/pronoun] holds a [insert degree] in [field of study] from [university].

E.g., Lisa holds a BA in Creative Writing and a Master’s Degree in Teaching from the University of Michigan.

Once you’ve filled in this template, put it all together into a single paragraph to create an initial framework for your professional biography. Note that you can shorten or expand upon this bio according to your unique needs.

Professional bio examples

Now that you know the basics of writing a professional bio, here are some short bio examples to inspire you. You can use these examples as additional templates for guidance as you craft your own personal biography.

Like the creators of these examples, you can place your bio on your personal or professional website and, later, revise the structure for other online platforms.

01. Bristol Guitar Making School

Of all the professional bio examples, Alex Bishop’s content exudes passion. Strategically placing the bio on the About page of his small business website , he highlights his skills and explains why he finds his work meaningful. In particular, we love his description of why he chose to pursue guitar making:

“​My passion as a guitar maker comes from a life-long obsession with making things. From a young age I have always tried to manipulate objects and materials in order to create something entirely different. I find that working with wood is a way for me to connect with nature. The simple act of shaping wood to make something functional or beautiful brings me endless satisfaction.”

He also lists his accomplishments and awards, adding credibility to his business and building trust among prospective clients.

02. Alexandra Zsigmond

As someone who has served as art director for both The New York Times' opinion section and The New Yorker , it's no surprise that Alexandra Zsigmond's bio is thorough and detailed. Providing statistics or reflections on the things she achieved in her career is a clever way to demonstrate her value without saying so directly. As she explains:

"She has collaborated with a roster of over 1000 artists worldwide and art directed over 4000 editorial illustrations. She is known for greatly expanding the range of visual contributors to the Times, drawing equally from the worlds of contemporary illustration, fine art, animation, and comics."

03. Amanda Shields Interiors

Amanda Shields provides us with another effective bio example on her interior design website. Importantly, she spices up her bio by explaining how home decor aligns with her personal life and why it’s so close to her heart as a mother and entrepreneur:

"After working as a product designer for numerous retailers over the years, and after I had my first child, I decided to take the plunge and start my own home staging business…. Coincidentally, a month later I discovered I was pregnant with my second child. I loved the new challenges I faced as a new entrepreneur and mom and it didn't take long for me to discover that this was my calling…. I felt the need to expand my business and launch Amanda Shields Interiors as its own entity to focus specifically on residential interiors and design."

By placing this content on her website’s About page, she provides potential clients with insights into her expertise and professional experience. She expands upon the choices she made along her career path, strategically making note of her achievements and acquired skills along the way.

Tips for writing a bio

As you write your bio using the professional template above, make sure to keep the following tips in mind:

Keep it concise: Your bio should be sufficiently explanatory, but it should also be short and to the point. A good rule of thumb is to keep each element of your bio - from your job description to your mission statement and hobbies - to about 1-2 sentences. That way, you’ll end up with a brief paragraph that holds your readers’ attention without rambling on.

Consider your audience: The voice and tone you choose for your biography largely depends on your audience and personal goals. If you’re looking for a job and are writing primarily for recruiters, you’ll want to use a serious, professional tone. On the other hand, if you’re creating an Instagram bio , consider using more casual, conversational language that reflects your personality.

Add humor: Relatedly, consider adding humor when appropriate. This is especially valuable if you’ve founded your own business or created your own website , as it can give you a distinct brand identity while helping your audience build a stronger sense of connection with your brand.

Link to your website: When writing a bio for a platform other than your own website - a social media page, another company page, or a guest blog or publication - remember to include a link to your website. This will help you promote your website while highlighting your professionalism and authority.

Adapt for different platforms: You’ll most likely need to adapt the length and writing style of your biography to suit different platforms. For example, you may place a longer bio on your website’s About page and a shorter one on your LinkedIn page. In these cases, use the same main principles for writing a bio while scaling down the most important elements.

By following these tips, you can create a powerful bio that helps you stand out in your field and allows your audience to get to know you better.

How to write a bio in four sentences or less

Really need to create a super short bio? We'd suggest following some of the tips above, just condensing them into less word for a short bio that still makes impact.

But if we really had to choose we'd say focus on - you, your professional role and company. That condenses everything that matters for bio into three sentences. Humor, creativity and uniqueness still all matter - just use fewer words to convey them.

Creating a bio for your website

As we’ve noted in the examples above, one of the most strategic places to put your bio is on your website - so be sure to consider it within your web design plans. Whether the goal of your site is to start and promote your business , showcase your design portfolio or display your resume, including a bio gives your audience a glimpse into the person behind your content. It can also kickstart your professional growth . Show the world what you do, how you do it and why it matters, and people will be drawn to your passion and inspired by your experience.

Pro tip: You can add a bio to many different types of websites, so using templates can help you create yours faster. For example, if you're creating a portfolio website , explore portfolio website templates to help you get started.

Creating a bio for social media

Crafting a professional bio for social media is vital as it introduces you or your brand, and it builds credibility and trust. A well-written bio establishes your expertise, attracts the right audience, and fosters engagement. It helps maintain a consistent brand image, optimizes search and discovery, and opens doors to networking and career opportunities. A compelling bio delivers a concise, informative snapshot of who you are, what you do, and the value you bring, leaving a lasting impression on visitors and potential collaborators alike.

You may need to edit your bio depending on which social media platform you plan to use it on. Some of the most popular ones include Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Focus on getting your bio right on the platforms you plan to focus your personal or brand social media marketing efforts on.

Writing a bio with AI

If you're looking to write your bio fast while creating your website, consider using an AI text generator to build your draft. You'll still need to make sure it goes through. an intensive editing process, so that it really captures the essence of who you are and your professional skills. A bio is about much more than just basic information, so don't forget to include the storytelling too. Build a website with Wix and you can make use of the in-built AI text generator within its Editor .

Why good bios are important for a professional

In a world where first impressions matter, a well-crafted bio can make a significant impact in establishing trust and credibility with potential clients, employers or collaborators. It also offers insight into your personality and values, helping to forge authentic connections with your audience. It acts as a powerful tool for personal branding, allowing you to differentiate yourself in a competitive landscape and leave a memorable impression.

A strong bio also serves as a gateway to opportunities, whether it's securing new clients, landing job interviews or establishing partnerships. It acts as a professional introduction, allowing you to showcase your expertise. A polished and impactful bio is essential for you to effectively communicate your professional identity and stand out in your field.

Writing a bio without experience

Writing a bio when you don't yet have experience can be challenging, but it's an opportunity to showcase your potential and aspirations.

Begin by highlighting your educational background, skills and any relevant coursework or projects you've completed. Focus on your passions, interests and personal qualities that make you unique. Consider including volunteer work, internships or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your commitment and initiative. Emphasize your eagerness to learn and grow in your chosen field and express your future goals and aspirations. Don't be afraid to be honest about your current stage and your willingness to gain experience and develop professionally.

If you don't know what to write in your bio, start by brainstorming your key experiences, achievements, skills and personal attributes. Consider what sets you apart and what you want others to know about you. Look for inspiration from other bios or profiles in your field, and consider seeking feedback from friends, mentors or colleagues. Don't hesitate to highlight your passions, interests and goals, as well as any unique experiences or perspectives you bring to the table. Remember to keep it concise and engaging, and don't be afraid to revise and refine your bio until it accurately represents you.

How to write a bio FAQ

What is a short bio.

A short bio, short for biography, is a concise summary of a your life or professional background. It provides a brief overview of your key achievements, qualifications, experiences, and relevant details. Typically written in the third person, a short bio is often used in various contexts, such as professional profiles, social media accounts, introductions for speaking engagements, author descriptions, and other situations where a brief introduction is required. The length of a short bio can vary, but it's generally kept to a few sentences or a short paragraph to provide a snapshot of the person's background and expertise.

How do I write a bio about myself?

What should i include in a short bio, how do you write a fun bio for work, how do i make my bio stand out, related posts.

How to start an LLC in New York in 7 steps

How to start an LLC in Arizona in 7 steps

How to start a business in Arizona in 7 steps

Was this article helpful?