5 Reasons Why Introverts & Public-Speaking Are Perfect Together
Is public speaking out of reach for shy, quiet types? Are you doomed to be sweaty and nervous forever?
From one introvert to another, let me say: you and public speaking are not the odd couple that you might imagine. In fact, introverts have qualities that make for great speakers, and public speaking can solve an introvert’s pressing problems. Here’s how:
1. You pay attention
Being introverted doesn’t mean you’re a hermit with no interest in other people. In fact, in social settings the introverts are often the ones paying careful attention to what’s being said, how others are reacting, and generally what kind of dynamics are taking place within the group. They’re also aware of their own feelings and reactions, and how they impact others.
This awareness is the foundation of great public speaking. A speaker needs to be good at reading the room and making informed choices about how to relate to the audience in front of them. As an introvert, you’ve been doing that since the day you were born.
2. You consider ideas carefully
Public speaking doesn’t just mean getting up in front of people and running your mouth. Sure, that happens sometimes, but it’s less than ideal.
To be an effective speaker, you first need to consider whether your ideas are clear and relevant, and figure out how to communicate them in a way that will make sense to the audience and motivate them to act. And you, my quiet friend, were born to deliberate.
3. You respect the time limits
We’ve all sat through presentations that ran way over the allotted time, throwing everybody’s schedule off-kilter, because the speaker got so engrossed their time in the spotlight that they ignored their time limits.
As an introvert, you probably want to deliver your message without remaining the centre of attention for longer than you need to be. You’re happy to wrap it up and let somebody else take the stage.
4. In the spotlight, you call the shots
I know plenty of shy folks who are talented actors and performers; who shine when they’re on stage. In part, this is because your stage is your own little world.
Sure, you’re interacting with the audience through eye contact and maybe some verbal back-and-forth. But you get to do it on your own terms, without interruption, in a physical space that you control. In other words: Introvert Paradise.
5. More public speaking = less small talk
This might be my favourite part of all. Meeting new people is great, but “mingling” and making small talk with strangers is a special kind of agony for the introvert brain. At least, it is for mine.
Luckily, when you’re the speaker at an event, you’re basically networking with the whole room at the same time. Everybody learns who you are and what you’re about, and those who are interested will approach you with meaningful things to say. It’s a way to skip past the “Nice weather today, what do you do for a living” and get straight to the good stuff.
What do you think? Did you discover unexpected talents or benefits when you dove into public speaking?
If you’re inspired to find out what’s possible when you make your voice heard, check out our online Fearless Public Speaking program, or book a free call with me (Alex) and learn how to bring out your inner superstar.