4 Issues Introverts Have with Communication
As an introvert, I know what issues we have with communication.
I have at one time or another experienced these issues. I have also worked hard to harness my energy to step up and overcome these issues.
When you understand why and how you react in situations you know how you can overcome those issues.
Do any of these resonate with you?
Neglect phone calls – You find yourself procrastinating making important phone calls or returning calls. You have to feel energized enough to be an enthusiastic participant in the conversation, which can cause you to put off making calls, even if they are vital. You much prefer to text or email because you can skip the small talk and it’s socially acceptable with those forms of communication. The thought of cold calling makes you shudder. Yes, I’ve been there!
Your conversation must be brilliant – Introverts frequently don’t speak up, they prefer to listen. For some introverts it’s the perfectionistic tendencies, for others it’s the energy to break into or start a conversation, even when they have something to say because they fear it won’t be insightful enough or it will come out all wrong. Yes, I’ve been there!
Difficulty thinking in groups – Because you need to think before you speak and because you need to have silence while you ponder, you find it challenging to participate in the conversation when there are comments and ideas flying everywhere. Introverts often feel like they are being left out of the conversation because they can’t gather their thoughts well enough or quick enough to contribute to the conversation. Yes I have felt like this!
Big groups exhaust you – This is massive for introverts. Quite simply crowds and big groups overwhelm introverts. When you have to be around a lot of people, especially if you don’t know them, you feel exhausted fast. One reason for this is because it involves a lot of small–talk, which doesn’t come naturally to introverts. Putting out that much effort wears you out. I have definitely been in this situation!
So how you do introverts overcome these issues. The key is understanding how you communicate as an introvert. Know yourself, know your energy level. Accept that there are going to be times when you are going to be overwhelmed. Pace yourself.
Plan your phone calls, take a deep breath and pick up the phone. Remember, it is not about you it is about the person you can help, the person who needs to hear from you.
Remember listening is a great communication skill. Practice conversation starters. Build on what you hear to start a conversation – ask questions.
How are you going to build on your communication skills?
