Communication Tips For Introverts

Some of the best speakers are introverted. In fact, some of the most effective communicators are on the quieter side at work. However, when it comes to why we may have a more quiet disposition, we have to talk about traits beyond just being an introvert or extrovert.

For some of us, we may resonate with "quieter behaviors" because of how we were raised. Some of us may have been taught to shy away from the spotlight, stay more modest, be humble, and to defer to others.

But when it comes to accelerating our career, we have to get good at speaking in all situations, in all environments, in front of all people at all times.

In this week’s newsletter, global communication expert, Jessica Chen, Diana YK Chan, MBA and Lorraine K. Lee, share their communication tips for those who tend to be quieter at work.

Below is a small snippet of their entire conversation held on our Soulcast Media | LIVE show on?LinkedIn to celebrate the launch of Jessica’s new book, “Smart, Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons.” If you’d like to watch or listen to the entire interview, click below. The transcript has been slightly edited for reading ease.?

?? Watch the full live event here

??? Listen to the Podcast episode here

?? Order the "Smart, Not Loud" book

ON WORKPLACE DYNAMICS AND EXPECTATIONS

Jessica – There are many reasons why someone may feel uncomfortable speaking up in meetings, but the one I highlight in “Smart, Not Loud” is looking at cultural influences, specifically what we were taught in our younger years by our caregivers and even in our culture.

For example, there are certain traits we were taught to embody, such as being a “studious kid,” which might have helped us in our younger years succeed in school, but didn’t exactly prepare us for the realities of working in a fast-paced corporate environment. For example, we were raised to embody what I call “Quiet Culture” traits such as:

• Listening more than speaking
• Putting our heads down and working hard
• Being humble and not boasting
• Avoiding conflict to maintain a harmonious environment.

However, what’s actually expected and even rewarded in large global organizations are “Loud Culture” traits such as:

• Being able to participate by discussing and challenging others
• Spend time building connections with people
• Ensuring others notice achievements made
• Addressing problems openly and honestly.

It’s important to note, one is not better than the other, but if “Quiet Culture” traits are only what we apply in a “Loud Culture” workplace, it’ll be challenging for us to speak up and build visibility at work.

COMMUNICATING AS AN INTROVERT

Lorraine – Introverts can be social and have great things to say. It’s about finding the right moment and then also managing your energy. Introverts are often really amazing writers.

Communicating at work doesn’t just mean speaking up in a meeting; it can be writing something insightful in the chat, or asking an interesting question.?

I’ve found introverts tend to thrive in one-on-one settings, so if you are looking for buy-in for an idea, plan to meet with everyone individually, one-on-one, before the meeting. Develop those relationships, share, and maybe give them a heads-up about what you will be talking about.?

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ON DEVELOPING COMMUNICATION CONFIDENCE

Diana – The first step is believing you are enough and that you have something valuable to offer. A lot of times, what I’ve been hearing from people is that I want to share this, but I don’t know if my English is good enough, or what if my idea doesn’t make sense. What I say is:

You have to believe in yourself and be bold.

Once I started to embrace my authentic self, I was able to connect with people better and believe that what I have to offer is valuable.

When you step into your most authentic self, people are magnetized to you.?

?? Watch the full live event here

??? Listen to the Podcast episode here

?? Order the "Smart, Not Loud" book

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This article is part of the Soulcast Media Newsletter, which has over 29,000 subscribers. Read the entire Book Launch Series newsletter here .