A list of 125 talents and skills

A list of 125 talents and skills for character development and self-reflection. Includes artistic, athletic, and intellectual abilities.

By Brad Nakase, Attorney

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Table of Contents

Introduction

125 Skills and Talents

Creative & Artistic Talents

Physical Skills and Talents in Athletics

People Skills and Talents

Intellectual & Academic Talents

Morally Questionable Talents

Other Talents & Skills

Introduction

A character’s skills and talents are important factors to take into account. Consider your own skills and the way you would characterize yourself while using it!

An individual’s character and identity are fundamentally shaped by their talents, which might be either private or public, broad or narrow, widely appreciated, or unfairly overlooked. These talents, which are sometimes referred to as “soft skills” or “people skills,” are not limited to those that could inspire someone to embark on a profession or pastime; they also include talents that could be harder to quantify.

Please bookmark or pin this list if you believe you’ll need it later! I realize there is a lot of overlapping although I’ve divided things into categories, and some of these you might have placed under another subject.

125 Skills and Talents

Creative & Artistic Talents

Painting
Dancing
Writing
Storytelling
Dressmaking
Graphic design
Blacksmithing
Acting
Woodworking
Architecture
Singing
Knitting
Composing music
Jewelry-making

Pottery
Leather-working
Hairstyling
Calligraphy
Origami
Interior decorating
Brewing
Playing a musical instrument
Winemaking
Carving pumpkins
photo/video editing
Baking
Cooking

Physical Skills and Talents in Athletics

Hunting
Archery
Shooting
Gathering
Skipping stones
Fishing
Swimming
Sword fighting

Horseback riding
Firefighting
Acrobatics
Boxing
Running
Wrestling
Ice skating
Juggling
Jumping
Hiking
Climbing

People Skills and Talents

Listening
Leading meetings for business meetings
Charming people
Persuading people
Parenting
Comforting others
Teaching
Debating
Negotiating
Peacemaking
Telling jokes
Public speaking
Persuading individuals to divulge their secrets
Keeping secrets

Intellectual & Academic Talents

Physics
Spelling
Memorizing things
Learning languages
Logic
Herbology
Speed-reading
Cartography
Mathematics
Navigating
Bookkeeping
Computer coding
Investing
Playing chess
Researching
Solving crimes
Diagnosing illness

Morally Questionable Talents

Forgery
Cheating
Lying
Spying
Disguising oneself
Gambling
Computer hacking
Stealing
Safecracking
Sneaking
Hypnotizing
Assassinating people
Cursing people

Other Talents & Skills

Rhyming
Waiting tables
Having the ability to nap wherever
Lip-reading
Roofing
Repairing things
Cleaning
Sailing
Flying a helicopter or plane
Mining
Farming
Plumbing
Whistling
Stone Masonry
Planning
Falconry
Budgeting
Palm reading
Herding sheep
Knot-making
Watching long distances
Driving
Hypnotizing
Weather prediction
Surgery
Bridge-building
Gem-cutting
Shoemaking
Spinning wool
Dog training
Horse training
Surgery
Doing pedicures and manicures
Kissing
Massaging

As you create personalities for your novel or film, or as you consider your own abilities and talents, I believe that this compilation of talents may be useful. Though viewers or readers may occasionally object to individuals who seem to be excellent at everything, bear this thought in mind if you are employing this for building characters. If they have been born bearing it or gained it in some other way—superpowers or psychic abilities, for example—you should, at a minimum, be truthful as to how they became skilled at what they are skilled at.

Keep in mind that a few of the characteristics on this list can apply to an entire tribe or civilization if you create fantasy tales. Giving distinct characters distinct strengths, however, can add interest to a work involving an ensemble casting. Furthermore, it might be quite entertaining if your protagonists discover someone has a secret skill.

Please add any further recommendations you may have for the many types of talents individuals have (or that you yourself possess) in the discussion area!

Have a quick question? We answered nearly 2000 FAQs.

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A list of 125 talents and skills

Introduction

125 Skills and Talents

Creative & Artistic Talents

Physical Skills and Talents in Athletics

People Skills and Talents

Intellectual & Academic Talents

Morally Questionable Talents

Other Talents & Skills

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