Use sensual details. Sensual details are things that you can see, touch, taste, hear and smell. Sensual details not only enliven your writing but offer readers a chance to see and hear experiences in the similar way you did. This brings them closer to the material and will make them want to read more. Since personal essays are based on real experiences and memories, try to remember as much as you can about the experience and enhance them with your senses.
Use strong descriptive language. When describing a person or place, use language that will bring them to life. When describing a person, use a specific detail that will stand out to the reader. For instance, if your aunt has an unusual laugh or speaks in a gravelly voice, then describe this aspect of her character. If a particular character in your essay has a certain quirk, like coughing before making a speech, include that as well. When describing a place, try to be as detailed as necessary. Where is this place? Who populates it? What does the architecture look like? Adding details, such as the way the place looks like during sunset, will add realistic detail that will make the setting come alive.
Write realistic and true-to-life dialogue. Writing dialogue in a personal essay can always be tricky, especially if you don’t always remember exactly everything that is said or heard. But try to be as truthful as possible. Capture the way people talk, including their rhythms and cadence of speech as well as their use of aphorisms or sayings. Make a character’s speech as specific to the way she speaks in real life as possible.
Use details that describe time and place. If the personal essay takes place during a specific era, such as the 1950s, add details which will center the essay in its specific time frame. For instance, describe the type of furniture, cars or clothes of the era. Pop culture, such as TV shows or popular songs of the day, are recognizable time setters. Popular phrases or slang can also be effective.
Use correct names of places and things in your essay. The names of streets and towns, the types of trees, birds, or animals native in a region, etc. are all important in strengthening details in your personal essay. Instead of saying, “The trees in our neighbor’s yard,” write: “The eucalyptus trees in our neighbor’s yard.” Be as specific as possible. Do any relevant research. Knowing the type of coffeemaker or automobile, especially if from a different era, will make your personal essay realistic and true-to-life.