You can be an introvert and a great communicator
In society, labels are expressed to help understand a person, a business, or a relationship. The most common is whether someone considers themselves an introvert or an extrovert.
The truth is, whether you are an introvert or an extrovert – anyone can become a great communicator as long as they put in the work. It may take more time and more effort, but it is absolutely possible!
Breaking Free of Your Label
Don’t use being an introvert or that you’re a shy person as an excuse that you can’t be a powerful communicator.
We all have some sort of mental barrier that prevents us from moving forward. However, breaking free from it can be done. In fact, there are plenty of people, including CEOs of major corporations who are introverts and are considered effective communicators.
So how do you break free and start thinking proactively?
1. Leave the Label At the door
Just because you are an introvert doesn’t mean you have to take on all of the communication assumptions about introverts. When you walk into your workplace, remember you are there to add value. You were hired for a reason, which is that you’re great at what you do. So remember, leave behind any doubts at the door, and trust that you can express your capabilities. More importantly, you should! It’s how you can increase visibility. Leaving the label at the door doesn’t mean changing who you inherently are – you are still an introvert – but it releases the hold on you where you say to yourself that you can not. You can!
2. Face The Uncomfortable Head On
As an introvert, there will be parts of your job that may be uncomfortable or not within your desired wheelhouse – and that’s okay. The key is to acknowledge this and face it head-on. Giving a presentation or leading a meeting can make you feel out of control – so the best thing for you to do is to practice the tools you’ve been, including using your body language and your tone of voice so you can gain more confidence. Also, practice any public speaking engagement out loud. There is a huge difference between rehearsing in your head versus projecting your voice.
3. Don’t Compare Yourself – Focus On You
We all know that comparison is the thief of joy, and comparison in the workplace is no exception.
Comparing yourself will almost likely always lead to self-doubt. And self-doubt will make communicating your ideas more difficult, it will prevent you from speaking up during a meeting, or it may even prevent you from sending that very important e-mail to your superior.
You can be an introvert and a great communicator – the key is to not let that label and the things we tell ourselves about it hinder us. You have the power to break free. You can get better with practice and effort!
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