TODAY'S QUESTION

From Ogilvie in Omaha

"I was wondering if you could comment about introverts and public speaking."

ANSWER

Dear Ogilvie:

II know that many introverts try hard to improve their ability at public speaking. One of the forums I belong to ... the people frequently mention the virtues of Toastmasters. After much thought on this matter, I myself recommend taking another course in life. Not often are introverts at their best in front of the public and it is fortunately not necessary for success and material well being.

If you are doing this because you think it is something you "should" do, think again, please. It is not valid in life to come from a place of "should" but rather we want to come from a place of centeredness and integrity.

If you're doing this to get a point across or to influence others, consider doing this instead in a way that is familiar and comfortable to introverts, such as working diligently behind the scenes, supporting a dramatic outgoing extrovert who is a natural public speaker, or use the written word where your chances of being persusive are better.

One exception I will make to this is the use of a microphone. In some caess, in a darkened room and on a stage, you can hold the mike to your mouth and feel like it's just you and the mike. There is a intimacy created which excludes the audience.

If you have a burning desire to be a public speaker, I suggest you may not be an introvert after all

Gauge this by how exhuasted you feel afterwards. Sometimes the more exhausting part is the questions and answers after the talk!

If you want to know what he is thinking or feeling, know that if he is there with you, he's happy with you.
Sometimes you can find a way to ask an introvert to put it in writing ... especially if you are separated on a vacation or somethin and there's a natural reason to be writing back and forth.

Please browse Introverts Discovery Program and learn more.

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