Introverts & Public Speaking

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From quickly establishing rapport to speaking up in meetings, subtle interpersonal behaviour just comes more naturally to extroverts. Introverts are often misunderstood and undervalued in our mostly extroverted workplaces and cultures. Introverts are reserved, have low key facial expressions and appear more private in early interactions. Collecting their thoughts ahead of time, they prefer expressing them after much deliberation. As they prefer small groups and one-on-one interactions, larger meetings doesn’t work for introverts.?Also, introverts prefer writing to speaking which explain why email is their preferred communication tool. As they build on the preference for one-on-one conversations, introverts are very effective as coaches and mentors, using their calm focus and grounded energy to provide reassurance to their mentees during times of change.

If you’re an introvert, you don’t need to change your personality to develop leadership presence. You just need to learn a few skills.

·????????Focus on making eye contact : For introverts, who typically need time to warm up to strangers, making eye contact is a simple yet tremendously potent way to demonstrate executive presence. In reality, all 'shy' people struggle with this non-verbal mode of communication . Practice by establishing direct eye contact for at least 2-3 seconds with the person you are speaking with as visual connect accelerates rapport building.?

·????????Tell A Story: Storytelling is an effective tool for introverts as it offers a quick way to connect emotionally without feeling inauthentic.?There’s a palpable sense of bonding between the storyteller and his/her listeners, who are all leaning forward in their seats, waiting as to hear what happened next.

·??Speak 'to' the group: Fear of public speaking is shared by introverts and extroverts alike. But introverts actually find it easier to speak to an audience than trying to have a group discussion with other people. Public speaking is a rehearsed message while group discussions are about jumping into a 'live' discussion. Preparing a speech is easy for introverts as they are gifted with the ability to research, prepare and practice their timing/ delivery. Also, unlike extroverts, introverts are not seeking attention and can make their message the main focus.