Quiet Confidence: A Vocal-on-Social Guide for Introverts

As an introvert, I used to hate the idea of self-promotion on social media. I despise talking about my life, personal or professional. I have had multiple break-ups with Instagram and I have bid Facebook goodbye forever. But then I had an epiphany: it's not about impressing people with likes and followers, it's about expressing ourselves in a way that resonates with those who care.?

So, I take personal branding seriously now. Here are three tried and tested recommendations by a hopeless fellow introvert that may help you find your own dignified space on social media without feeling like you are selling your soul:

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Creativity

You're an introvert, which means you're probably good at thinking deeply and reflecting on your strengths. Use that to your advantage!

Author Elizabeth Gilbert once said, "You do not need anybody's permission to live a creative life." It also reminds me of writer and comedian Akilah Hughes. She's known for her hilarious and relatable Twitter and Instagram posts, as well as her YouTube channel where she shares everything from political commentary to beauty tips. By using her unique voice and sense of humor, she's built a loyal following and created a personal brand that's all her own.

Another example I can think of is the renowned poet Rupi Kaur, who has used social media, particularly Instagram, to share her poetry and connect with her audience. Rupi is a self-proclaimed introvert who is known for her short, powerful poems that explore themes of love, loss, trauma, and healing. Her Instagram page is an example of how introverted individuals can use social media to express their creativity and connect with others on their own terms.

So, let's embrace our creative side and find unique ways to express ourselves online. For me personally, I've found that experimenting with different forms of content has been a great way to keep things interesting and engaging. I have started sharing my poems, musings and even personal anecdotes on social media. Trust me every time I post something, the voice in my head says- “Who would care to read that? You might as well drop the idea.”

If you hear the same nagging voice in your head, here’s my suggestion- Go ahead, hit ‘Share’.

Authenticity

Inauthentic content has an unmistakable odor. People can smell it from miles away. Authenticity has the power to embrace and empower, create a community and give people hope. In 2020, Deepika Padukone shared a post on Instagram about her experience with depression. By talking about her vulnerable side with bare-all authenticity, Deepika was able to start a conversation about mental health stigma in India and encourage others to seek help if they were struggling.?

At the same time, it's important to remember that authenticity doesn't mean sharing every detail of our lives online. It's okay to set boundaries and keep some things private. What's most important is that we're honest and true to ourselves in what we choose to share. So, let's just be ourselves. Let's share our stories, our passions, and our quirks. Who knows, maybe we'll inspire someone along the way.

Courage

Unfortunately, not everyone on social media is kind or supportive, and sometimes we may face negative comments or feedback.

But as introverts, we have a unique strength that can help us handle

criticism and trolling with grace and dignity. We're often reflective and

introspective, which means we can take negative feedback as an opportunity for

growth and learning.

At the same time, it's important not to let the fear of criticism or

trolling hold us back. Remember, you are here to share your perspective, and not

to echo everyone’s. It just reminds me of a very empowering statement I heard somewhere-

‘I may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I'm someone's glass of wine. And

that's enough for me.’

So, on that sassy note, my urge to all those who call themselves introverts is to let the thoughts flow, let your voice be heard, let the world see what quiet confidence means.