BUSINESS STRATEGY
persuasively in public . In the words of famous introvert and bestselling author , Malcolm Gladwell , ‘ speaking is not an act of extroversion ’. In his view , public speaking is a performance .
THEN SEEK OUT INCREASINGLY COMPLEX , AND LARGER AND LARGER GROUPS TO TALK TO – AND YOU ’ LL FIND THAT , WITH TIME , WHAT USED TO MAKE YOU NERVOUS NO LONGER DOES .
Researchers are also discovering that there are different types of introverts : one person might be a reflective introvert and have an emphasis on slow , deliberate decisionmaking but be comfortable in social settings of any size , whereas someone else might be a social introvert and need a larger amount of time alone , but might make decisions more quickly than the reflective introvert . We really are all unique . Similarly , it ’ s not possible to tell from looking at someone whether they ’ re an introvert or not . There are many famous performers and orators who consider themselves to be on the introverted spectrum , such as Steve Martin , Tom Hardy , Christina Aguilera , RuPaul , Prince , Taylor Swift , Lorde , Bob Dylan , Emma Watson , Barack Obama , to name a few . These individuals perform for a living and live their lives in the public eye , not because of or despite their introversion – but simply as an aside to it .
Therefore , if you ’ re an introvert and nervous about public speaking , know that this isn ’ t an immutable or fixed part of your personality or that it will limit your future career trajectory , it ’ s simply a skill that hasn ’ t yet had its muscles exercised sufficiently – and everyone needs practice to improve in skills we don ’ t use very often . Unlike your introversion , which is a part of your personality and likely to stay with you for life in some form or other , nervousness about public speaking is something you can alleviate or eliminate , depending on how you approach it and what your current anxiety levels are . Doing something you ’ re nervous about repeatedly , in increasingly difficult contexts , also helps to reduce the nerves associated with that activity ( psychologists call this exposure therapy ).
It is important to recognise that leadership often does come with an expectation to speak in public , to convey authority and expertise and to instil confidence in the listener that your company is in good hands . In this context , it ’ s important to make sure you ’ re comfortable with public speaking , or at the very least that you look comfortable while doing it . You can look for opportunities to do this , starting from any level you ’ re currently at . If there ’ s a town hall meeting in your department at work , suggest that you talk about the latest project you ’ re working on to give everyone an update ; if this feels too much ( or if your department is too big for this to be a comfortable first step ), do it in a team context instead . Alternatively , go one level up and do
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