Introverts can be compelling speakers.
In her phenomenal book, Quiet Susan Cain writes, “Introverts are drawn to the inner world of thought and feeling, extroverts to the external life of people and activities. Introverts focus on the meaning they make of the events swirling around them; extroverts plunge into the events themselves. Introverts recharge their batteries by being alone; extroverts need to recharge when they don’t socialise enough”.
If you find that when you speak, you draw on every last ounce of energy inside you and that you are often drained and in need of time alone to recharge, it is very likely that you are an introvert, like me.
It took me a while to really own the badge of introvert because I found it hard to explain that even though I have chosen to spend decades in front of audiences; I battle with the anxiety and fatigue it causes me. The only way to make sense of this is to accept myself for who I am and understand that my life mission and purpose to pass on a story, message, theory or my knowledge to others is stronger than my desire to stay quiet. In my quest, I found my voice as well as the strategies that help me to speak when I choose.
In my work as a speaking consultant and coach, I meet so many people who, like me, need quiet time alone and are happy to let the extroverts take the focus. Sadly, they labour under the myth that being an introvert must automatically make them a poor candidate for public speaking and leadership. These people wrongly label themselves as shy or lacking in confidence when, in reality, they simply prefer quiet contemplation over being centre of attention. I quickly dispel the myth and help my clients appreciate that they have a valuable and compelling voice which many of us want to hear when they choose to speak; this leads to powerful life and career changing results.
In this world full of noise; a minefield of stimulation, words and sounds assaulting our senses and causing many of us to draw the curtains and sit in a quiet, dark room to catch our breath; there is a tribe of people gathering at pace, who are hungry for thoughtful, authentic communication that speaks to us.
Introverts are awesome listeners and deep thinkers; accurately processing what they hear and compiling thoughtful and often enlightened responses, therefore making valuable contribution when they choose to speak. This attribute makes them essential participants when it comes to communication, whether it be one to one, in groups or as leaders.
If you are battling with finding your communication balance as an introvert, please be assured that the extroverts, though equally valuable and important to us when it comes to interaction and speaking, do not hold the lions share when it comes to successful communication. And, it is not only introverts verses extroverts. There is a space, time and ear for every voice. Diversity is key to our rich landscape and I am heartened by an ever growing movement which seeks to include all gender, race and personality types.
If you have a voice and you feel you have something to say then now is a great time to figure out how you take up your space, your way and let the world hear your voice.
I’d love to hear from you if you have thoughts on this, please DM me or send me an email me@audriewoodhouse.com.
