Can Introverts Be Great Public Speakers?

I was talking with a friend the other day and she didn’t believe me when I told her I was  shy, quiet and introverted as a kid. I told her that my mom says quite frequently that she can’t believe what I’ve chosen to do professionally. I was the kid that always hid behind her skirt.

It’s true. I was shy. I was, and still am quiet in certain situations. Let me explain because I know this will help you if you are shy or introverted.

I was an incredibly shy kid. This one of my mom’s favorite stories to tell anytime she talks about my personality as a child. I grew up in eastern Washington State about 3 hours from my grandparents on my mom’s side of the family. My grandfather immigrated from Germany when he was a young boy. He was tall and was a farmer in North Idaho. His hands were gigantic like bear paws. His skin was weathered from the sun and long days farming. His voice was deep, gruff and somehow also smooth. My grandmother was also a little larger than average size for a lady... or at least it seemed that was as a child. Since they lived in Idaho I didn’t get to see them very often.  One day, when I was probably 2 or 3 years old, my grandparents came to visit. On the evening they came to visit, my parents went out for the evening. As soon as my parents left I, being extremely shy and timid, hid from my grandparents behind an upright piano that stood 18 inches from the wall. When my grandparents called I didn’t answer. They called for me and searched the house. They searched every room, every closet and under every bed. I didn’t move a muscle or make a peep. They knew I hadn’t escaped because all of the doors were still locked. It was the ultimate game of shy, timid Brian’s hide-and-seek. They never found me. I “appeared” as soon as my parents got home.

That was pretty much me growing up. I don’t think I ever asked a girl to dance at school dances. I hated oral reports and would have rather written a 20-page paper than done a 5 minute oral presentation. I didn’t want or need to be the center of attention. 

In some ways that is still me now. My personality hasn’t changed all that much although now I have a lot more confidence in myself than I did as a kid.

To make sure we are on the same page let me define a few of those terms. An introvert is, quite often, someone who is “quiet.” However, being an introvert is primarily about how a person processes information, which in an introverts case would be internally. Introverts have a very real internal world where they think and process information. It is also about how an individual recharges their energy. Introverts recharge by being alone. To the contrary, extroverts process information externally. Extroverts can talk about issues immediately and come to now what they believe about something through talking. Introverts will think about it before they talk. Extroverts recharge by being with other people. If you come across the term "ambivert" the reference is to someone who splits both extravert and introvert and is usually dependent upon the situation. This is probably where I find myself.

Can an introvert be a great public speaker? Yes! Absolutely! In fact I think introverts make fantastic public speakers. In my next few blog posts I will tell you why introverts are great public speakers. I will also  give you a list of some of the world greatest speakers who are… you guessed it… introverts. If you are an introvert, and reading this blog, let me give you 3 insights that will help you grow as a public speaker.

3 Insights to Grow as an Introverted Public Speaker

1. Understand Public Speaking is a Skill

Public speaking is not a personality type or behavioral trait. It is not an innate ability that a person is born with. It is a skill and can be learned and developed like any other skill. David JP Phillips said, “There is no such thing as presentation talent, it’s called presentation skills.” You can learn the fundamentals of public speaking which will help reduce the anxiety of the unknown. Once you know that it is a skill where everyone starts out at the beginning, you can concentrate on learning the necessary skills to be a powerful communicator. Check out these communication courses and coaching offers here. 

2. Focus on Confidence 

Far too often I hear my introverted coaching clients focusing on previous “failures.” Their focus becomes either past failures or current fears. Instead of allowing your mind to run down the infinite rabbit hole of despair, you will need to, in the words of Morpheus to Neo, “Let it all go… Fear, doubt and dis-belief.” Instead of succumbing to the worst possible outcome, align your mind and mouth to successful outcomes through uplifting, empowering and confidence-building affirmations. When you do this your focus will begin to shift. With all of the clients I’ve coached and people I’ve trained, I would say without a doubt that the numbering barrier to public speaking is lack of confidence. Focus on building your confidence.

3. Let Passion Drive You

Having a passion to make a difference in the lives of people drove me to face my fear of public speaking. For me as an extremely shy young person, there was a big difference between being asked to speak to a group of people to inspire life change and delivering an oral report on Shakespear’s, Romeo and Juliet. When you are asked to speak, focus on an aspect of the topic that fuels your fire. Passion is something that lights you up and causes your eyes to catch fire. Your passion is something that you can easily talk about when standing in a circle with a group of friends. Find your passion and let it drive you. When you do this, you will have discovered one of the secret keys to public speaking. You will have moved beyond giving a presentation to speaking to influence, educate or inspire.

Keep these three insights in your mind as you pursue to grow as a public speaker. Don’t believe the voice of fear that will lie to you and tell you that since your are either shy, introverted or both you won’t be a good public speaker. Nothing could be farther from the truth.