Communication Tips For Introverts
Some of the best speakers are introverted. Some of the best speakers tend to be on the quieter side. But how we show up in the workplace is way more than being an introvert or extrovert – it’s considering what we’ve been taught about how we should talk about our work. For some of us, because of our upbringing, we may have been told to shy away from the spotlight or to be more humble and modest.
But when it comes to accelerating our career, we have to get good at speaking in all situations, in all environments, in front of all people.
In this week’s newsletter, global communication expert, Jessica Chen, Diana YK Chan, MBA and Lorraine K. Lee, share their communication tips for introverts and those who tend to be on the quieter side at work.
Below is a small snippet of their entire conversation held on our Soulcast Media | LIVE show on LinkedIn to celebrate the launch of Jessica’s new book, “Smart, Not Loud: How to Get Noticed at Work for All the Right Reasons.”. If you’d like to watch or listen to the entire interview, click below. The transcript has been slightly edited for reading ease.
📺 Watch the full live event here
🎙️ Listen to the Podcast episode here
🔗 Order the book, “Smart, Not Loud”
On Workplace Dynamics and expectations
Jessica – There are many reasons for why someone may feel uncomfortable speaking up in meetings, but the one I highlight in “Smart, Not Loud” is looking at the cultural influences around us, specifically what we were taught in our younger years by our caregivers and even in our culture.
For example, there are certain traits we were taught to embody, such as being a “studious kid,” which might have helped us in our younger years, but didn’t exactly prepare us for the realities of working in a fast-paced corporate environment. For example, we were raised to embody what I call “Quiet Culture” traits such as:
- Listening more than speaking
- Putting our heads down and working hard
- Being humble and not boasting
- Avoiding conflict to maintain a harmonious environment.
However, what’s actually expected and even rewarded in large global organizations are “Loud Culture” traits such as:
- Being able to participate by discussing and challenging others
- Spend time building connections with people
- Ensuring others notice achievements made
- Addressing problems openly and honestly.
It’s important to note, one is not better than the other, but if “Quiet Culture” traits are what we only apply in a “Loud Culture” workplace, then it’ll be challenging for us to speak up and build visibility at work.
Communicating As An Introvert
Lorraine – Introverts can be social and have great things to say. It’s just about finding the right moment and then also managing your energy. Introverts are often really amazing writers.
In fact, communicating at work doesn’t just mean speaking up in a meeting; it can be writing something insightful in the chat, or asking an interesting question.
I’ve found introverts tend to thrive in one-on-one settings, so if you are looking for buy-in for an idea, plan to meet with everyone individually, one-on-one, before the meeting. Develop those relationships, share, and maybe give them a heads-up about what you will be talking about.
On Developing Communication Confidence
Diana – I think the first step is believing you are enough and that you have something valuable to offer. A lot of times, what I’ve been hearing from a lot of people is that I want to share this, but I don’t know if my English is good enough, or what if my idea doesn’t make sense. What I say is:
You have to believe in yourself and be bold.
As I started to embrace my authentic self, I was able to connect with people better and believe that what I have to offer is valuable.
When you step into your most authentic self, people are magnetized to you.
📺 Watch the full live event here
🎙️ Listen to the Podcast episode here
🔗 Order the book, “Smart, Not Loud”
__
Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways we can help you:
- Discover your communications style so you know where to start. Over 4,000 people have found theirs here.
- Attend our monthly communication workshop to build communications confidence (new topics: public speaking, advocating for yourself, building credibility, etc) here.
- Get your brand in front of 43k+ people by sponsoring our newsletter or Soulcast Media | LIVE LinkedIn events [contact: hello@soulcastmedia.com
