What is self-disclosure? What elements should it include to be effective?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Self-disclosure means making the self known to others, letting others know what you think, feel, and want. It is revealing personal information to another that results in an enhanced and trusting personal or business relationship. 

Effective self-disclosure includes these elements:
1. Feelings as well as facts: When you share your feelings about or reactions to others, let them get to know the real you. Saying you have three co-workers is interesting information, but revealing the kind of relationship you have with them helps others get to know you better.
2. Greater breadth and depth over time: In order for self-disclosure to facilitate building a relationship, it has to grow gradually in depth (becoming more revealing about your feelings toward a particular issue or set of issues) and breadth (expanding the discussion to cover more issues, such as work, family, leisure, and core beliefs).
3. A focus on the present rather than the past: While sharing about your past might help explain why you behave the way you do, it is not advisable to share all your past skeletons. Doing so might feel cathartic, but it also might leave you feeling vulnerable, especially if this disclosure is not reciprocated. Stay in the present.
4. Reciprocity: To the degree possible, try to match the level of self-disclosure offered by people with whom you become acquainted. Be careful not to overdisclose prematurely, before the relationship has had time to build familiarity and trust.
5. Transparency: When you share information either face to face or online, to the extent that you can, prepare in advance, think twice before "speaking," and provide details as appropriate to ensure those with whom you are interacting have the necessary information. Speak openly and transparently without hidden agendas. This will build trust and ensure your comments are taken as genuine.
6. Authenticity: Make sure that the way you are presenting yourself in meetings and interactions is consistent with what people may already know about you from your online presence.