Describing People: A Simple Guide to Clear, Respectful Communication

When you meet someone new or need to help a friend find someone in a crowd, the ability to describe a person clearly is one of the most practical language skills you can have. In this episode of the Slow English Podcast, hosts David and Emma break down the mechanics of describing people—covering both appearance and personality—while emphasizing that the goal is not just accuracy but also respect.

The Two Sides of Description: Appearance and Personality

Describing a person means giving information about what someone is like, and that falls into two distinct categories. Appearance covers how someone looks: height, hair, clothing, glasses, and facial features. Personality covers the kind of person they are: how they think, feel, and act in daily life.