Goffman argues that individuals are motivated to maintain a positive self-image in order to gain social acceptance and avoid rejection.

Goffman uses the terms impression management, self-presentation, and face-work interchangeably to refer to the process of managing one's impressions in social interaction.

Goffman distinguishes between front stage performances, which are those that occur in public settings, and back stage performances, which are those that occur in private settings.

Goffman uses the terms social norms, cultural values, and institutional rules interchangeably to refer to the set of norms and expectations that govern behavior in a particular social setting.

Goffman uses the terms impression management, self-presentation, and face-work interchangeably to refer to the process of adjusting one's behavior to conform to the norms and expectations of a particular social setting.

Goffman uses the terms emotional labor, emotion management, and feeling management interchangeably to refer to the process of managing one's emotions in social interaction.

Goffman uses the term face-saving to describe the process of saving face when one's performance is threatened.

Goffman uses the term self-repair to describe the process of repairing a damaged self-image.

Goffman uses the term identity management to describe the process of managing one's identity in social interaction.

Goffman uses the term self-enhancement to describe the process of constructing a positive self-image.

Goffman uses the terms relationship management, social interaction, and communication interchangeably to refer to the process of managing one's relationships with others.

Goffman uses the terms interaction management, social interaction, and communication interchangeably to refer to the process of managing one's interactions with others.

Goffman uses the terms communication management, social interaction, and interaction management interchangeably to refer to the process of managing one's communication with others.

Goffman uses the terms nonverbal communication management, body language management, and kinesics management interchangeably to refer to the process of managing one's nonverbal communication.

Goffman uses the terms verbal communication management, speech management, and linguistics management interchangeably to refer to the process of managing one's verbal communication.