I’m sure that all of you have taken a personality profile at some time in your life, and you weren’t surprised that you were classified as an introvert or an extrovert. Both classifications are well understood, and we all share some of each. Basically, introverts derive energy from being alone, often with their thoughts, ideas and dreams, while extroverts derive energy from being around others, chatting and exchanging thoughts and ideas. However, Introversion should not be confused with shyness or reclusion.
In coaching, speakers who are introverts often tell me that they don’t like small talk (talking about the weather, the local baseball team, etc.) and are not confident speaking at larger social or work gatherings. This does not mean that every introvert has a deadly fear of speaking to others; it simply may be that the ideas going on in their own minds are more interesting to them than the people around them. In this regard, their interests are amplified. Amplified interests can lead to immense passion for a particular subject, one in which they might be called upon to speak about. Possessing such passion, introverts make electrifying and engaging speakers. They also tend to speak less, so when they do, people listen more closely.
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face your fear head on
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have a script, but don’t write it down
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be in the sharing mindset
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be wary of PowerPoint
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get the worst one out of the way
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the only cure for insecurity is experience
Dan recounts his journey to being a better public speaker; his article can be found here http://goo.gl/xXeUBW.
We all know that practice makes speaking in public easier for everyone. Express your passion about the savory cheese at a cocktail party or the speaker’s thought-provoking topic at your next work event. Confidence will come with experience and practice.
