7 Reasons Why Introverts Become Fabulous Speakers
During an interview a few years ago, I was asked “ Do you think introverts can become public speakers?” Being proudly introverted, I started to smile. Since my early days in Public Speaking, I have noticed that introverts are way better suited for public speaking, even though it can be energy-draining and immensely nerve-wracking for most introverts. The good news is that these obstacles can be easily be overcome with proper systems, techniques, and tactics.
If you are an introvert playing small and diminishing your significance, here what I have to say to you:
Stop being quiet and embrace public speaking. Don’t let incompetent people control the agenda and take advantage of your silence. These days social media amplifies every voice — let that be yours!
If you are an introvert doubting whether you can make the leap! -
Here are 7 reasons why introverts are better poised for delivering impactful presentations, captivating narratives, and mesmerizing speeches. Therefore, it is a shame that many introverts choose to be quiet instead of mastering the #1 skill they can excel in. ( This doesn’t mean all extroverts are terrible speakers.)
Introverts Think Before They Talk (instead of Talk Before They Think)
I explained this point in detail during an interview on Yana TV. As a speaker, the deeper your thought process is, the more profound the impact you can have on your audience. Have you seen speakers/leaders/executives who say what comes to their mind and then try to walk back what they said?
Introverts are more likely to be Messengers
You are probably aware of the 3 milestones in Public Speaking. You can connect with your audience better and leave a lasting impact when you are not a speaker, but a messenger. Introverts are more likely to be Messengers. To know more about the 3 milestones, check out this video.
Introverts are more willing to do more research and deep reflection needed to perfect their presentations
You are more likely to do everything you can to avoid public humiliation. Therefore, once you have agreed to speak, you are more likely to put in your best effort while battling your emotions. (The good news is that this battle of emotions due to an upcoming high-stakes presentation, can be eliminated through anchoring, guided visualizations, and coaching interventions like the Public Speaking Mastery for Introverts)
Introverts are Great Observers (Before, During, After)
Introverts are the best people watchers I have met. Perhaps, being quiet and aloof helps you to gain deeper intuition and the keen ability to ‘read’ other people. This is a unique advantage for you because one essential skill for success in public speaking is to — Know your audience! This helps you to craft better speeches, read audience reactions, and make adjustments on-the-fly — and quickly spot opportunities for spontaneous humour. ( If you are starting off, making people laugh can appear like a moonshot goal. It isn’t. Humour is a learnable skill! It takes 10% talent, 80% techniques, and 10% patience to pause more so that they get your profound punchline. I had a line in one of my speeches We Can Fix It, at one point, I paused for 10 seconds for everyone in the audience to get it. You can watch it here.)
Introverts can develop Unique Perspectives
Albert Einstein, Sir Issac Newton, Charles Darwin, Steven Spielberg, JK Rowling, Steve Wozniak are all famous introverts known for significant creative contributions in their domains. Why is that so? It can be safely concluded that their unique perspectives and genius minds were shaped by the power of reflection. In fact, creativity is born out of the collision of differing ideas during leisurely reflections. You develop this skill through observation, analysis, silence, and patience. In public speaking, the unique perspectives and surprise moments you could deliver will captivate your audience far more than fluency or eloquence.
Introverts will reflect on their mistakes more (and prevent them from repeating)
I believe Ken Blanchard’s line “ Feedback is the breakfast of champions” is more relevant in Public Speaking than in any other field. Why do I say that? I believe without an audience the speaker doesn’t exist. Connecting with your audience is the best way to get called back for more. Due to their empathetic nature, introverts care a lot about the impact they are having on others — and therefore, they are more likely to analyze their speeches and figure out their mistakes. ( Even though watching yourself speak can be the most annoying and embarrassing experience)
Introverts are more sensitive to the emotions of others
Since the time of Aristotle, we know that there are three anchors for Persuasion. Your authority/credibility(Ethos), Your Logic(Logos), and your ability to appeal to the emotions of your listeners (Pathos). Emotions are your keys to persuade your listeners. Do you wonder why some of the most influential speakers are introverts?
There is a less-known factor in successful persuasion — Kairos. This is the need to speak up at the most opportune time. Here’s why introverts need to stay ready to speak up, to connect, to communicate, to network, to lead, and to influence — the most enduring leaders of the world are also introverts — who found they can serve the cause more when they speak up!
If you are an introvert who is competent in your work, but not confident enough, it is high time for you to master this skill.
Call To Action
If you are an introvert who is competent in your work but not confident enough, it is high time for you to master this skill. If not, you are just yielding the ground for the less competent to flourish, dominate, set the rules, block your path, and slow your progress. You will need to leverage your gifts more because you are made to excel in this area. Stop making excuses for your lack of action. This is your time. Your stage is ready. Are you ready? Learn more at Public Speaking Mastery for Introverts
About the Author: Manoj Vasudevan is an internationally renowned Next Level Leadership Readiness expert, management consultant, and the World Champion of Public Speaking. He helps executives and entrepreneurs to break through to the Next Level in career, business, and life. Manoj is known for his expertise in simplifying complex topics into practical strategies. He is the CEO of Thought Expressions and holds an MBA from Imperial College, London. His books include the international bestseller Mastering Leadership The Mousetrap Way. and How to become the World Champion of Public Speaking. He speaks at international conferences, multinational companies, universities, and around the world. As a coach, Manoj has a proven track record in personal transformation and breakthroughs. CEOs, Senior Executives, UN Diplomats, Celebrities & Professionals from over 50 nationalities have benefited from Manoj’s coaching. To contact the author’s team, click here.
Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com/in/manojthecoach.
