http://www.drmichellemazur.com/2013/12/introverts-make-the-best-speakers.html
I gave a speech this weekend and, not to brag but… I nailed it! I used to speak in front of groups all the time in my work as an HR Director and Training Program developer. I always thought I was a good speaker because I’m an extrovert.
Recently though, I’ve come to realize i am an introvert. Yes, I can put on my big girl panties for social events, but it is exhausting. The extroverts are fueled by social situations; I am drained by them. I require alone time after social events, simply to recuperate.
When I was asked to accept this award, which of course meant speaking, I was worried. How, if I have finally accepted that I am an introvert, would I be able to pull off a compelling speech? Perhaps my sucess at speaking before was because I was inauthentic, I was pretending to be something I am not. Now that I’ve embraced who I really am, wasn’t I doomed for failure?
Not only did I not fail, I made a difference. People listened and committed to my message. And, strangest of all, I enjoyed it!
So, as the queen of google, I looked this up. How is it an introvert can be an interesting, compelling speaker. I found the article above. And it hit home with me. I do spend a tremendous amount of time thinking about the issues that are dear to me. I also spend a lot of time preparing for my speeches. And, the day of the speech, I took a 2 hour nap in preparation.
So yes, I am an introvert who is a good public speaker. And, I enjoy it. Which seems totally counter-intuitive but…….. there it is.