Can Introverts Be Great Public Speakers?
When thinking of public speaking, it’s very easy to think:
Extrovert.
The typical perception of an extrovert is of someone who is surrounded by people, chatting them up, and seamlessly handing out business cards.
An introvert will imagine the extroverted lifestyle of a public speaker and be like:
‘I can never do that!’
But that’s false.
Let’s first address, what’s the difference between an extrovert and an introvert?
The common misconception is:
-The extrovert is charming while the introvert is shy.
Not true.
-There are plenty of shy extroverts and charming introverts.
It really comes down to energy.
Do you feel charged up around people or by yourself?
If you’re charged up around people = Extrovert
If you’re charged up by yourself = Introvert
(Typically, I am not a fan of these labels. I prefer being the coveted ambivert. But I’m using these 2 labels to make a point.)
Now with that out of the way, can introverts thrive in public speaking?
Yep!
Because here’s how the typical public speaking lifecycle works:
- Think of a speech topic.
- Brainstorm the talk.
- Practice the talk.
- Deliver in front of a live audience.
Steps 1-3 are done by yourself.
While step 4 is done around people.
So, don’t not be surprised if a lot of great public speakers you know are closet introverts.
You’ll be like:
‘Forreal? I thought you were always surrounded by people?!’
That’s when the great public speaker smiles, puts a palm on your shoulder, and says:
‘That’s because you’re only seeing step 4, not steps 1-3.’
