Most introverts are commonly challenged when it comes to communication and wanting to make a great first impression and standing out from the crowd. The common misconception is that introverts should fake it and act as extroverts to be successful in communicative situations. That is not true. The best strategy is to leverage the qualities of an introvert with the best communication skills. This will alleviate the stress that comes with faking extroversion.

Here are some tips:

1. Have a positive overall view of your temperament and personality
Being introverted is not a flaw. We can acknowledge the things that are challenging, but don’t view it as a downfall.
2. Stay cool and save energy by picking a suitable physical environment
If possible, arrange communication to take place somewhere that won’t get you anxious. A place that’s quiet with little noise is recommended because noisy environments will force both of you to speak louder, which can also be disruptive and distracting. The temperature and decor should set a comfortable vibe to relax. You don’t want to be thinking how cold you are and maybe your partner is cold also, you want to limit distractions to stay comfortable.
3. One-On-One conversations
For some, this can be just as uncomfortable as giving a speech. The best thing to do is let the other person talk while you engage and lead the conversation. To start the conversation, ask an open question. If you want the conversation to continue, select a piece of information that your partner shared and ask them to elaborate further. The key is to listen, don’t worry about talking. Listening and asking questions to keep your partner talking is participating and engaging and shows that you are attentive.
4. Buying time to organize your thoughts
There is nothing wrong with telling your partner that you need time to gather your thoughts. It’s best to have clear thoughts which are concisely shared. Don’t be afraid to use phrases such as “Let me take a moment to think this through…” or “Ok let me wrap my head around this.” But don’t create awkward moments of silence. This buys you time to just organize your thoughts.
5. Taking a break
If conversations start to get lengthy and you need a break, it’s okay to simply say that you need to go to the restroom, get a drink of water, get something from your desk, or that you will be right back. Use this time to collect yourself, take some breaths, and refresh.
6. Distinguishing introversion or lacking confidence
Introversion and lacking confidence can be misunderstood as one or the other. If you’re not confident in your abilities or question if you’re liked by others, you might be lacking confidence. This can benefit from being worked on. And if being introverted makes you less confident, remember that it is not a flaw and introverted qualities should be leveraged, such as being an attentive listener.

 

Resources:

Confident communication skills for introverts. (2014, October 12). Psychology Today. Retrieved October 15, 2014, from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/communication-success/201410/confident-communication-skills-introverts

7 success tips for introverts. (2013, February 6). Psychology Today. Retrieved October 15, 2014, from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-practice/201302/7-success-tips-introverts