Public Speaking

My brain turns off when it’s my turn to speak: I’m an introvert

A small canvas divided into two diagonally and headed “Energy Accounting”. The red side has a list of withdrawals; the purple side has a list of deposits.

On a Christmas blog, a reader mentioned being an introvert as part of her brain turning off if she had to speak in public. Even if it’s not Christmas, see if this helps.

Being an introvert doesn’t dictate your ability to speak in public. But a couple of things about being an introvert can cause you to think it has a detrimental effect, so they’re worth addressing:

Introverts tend to get their energy from being alone or in small groups so speaking in public can cost you energy. (Extroverts tend to get energy from other people.)
Introverts often like to have their thoughts together before they say anything. (Extroverts often form their thoughts by talking.)

Throw in Christmas – a time when there are often a lot of people and a lot of talking – and introverts can feel like they just need to shut down and not say anything. Here are a few tips to help you get on top of that.

1. Look after your energy

If you’re going to give out some energy speaking in public, make sure you have some energy to give. Figure out what gives you energy (deposits) and what uses energy (withdrawals).

I’ve put a pic of an energy accounting exercise below. Try it for yourself and see if you can come up with at least a couple of things on each side.

[You can see that I have to pat at least one horse before I can phone a call centre. 😊]

2. Ask for time

Ask the person who wants you to speak to give you some notice so you can put some notes together. You might have ages, and be able to put some substantial thought in, or you might only have minutes. In that case, bullet points are your friend.

3. Practise under less pressure

Take every chance to you to practise public speaking so it becomes more normal to your nervous system. Then, when the Christmas pressure is on, you’ll have already developed a foundation.

4. Extroverts are just doing it their way

Knowing this could help you not get buried in the number of words an extrovert says when they’re in full flight.

If you happen to have a little people-pleasing sprinkled in with your introversion, you might think you have to react to everything an extrovert says. Realising that, sometimes, they’re just forming their thoughts, will help you discern whether action – and energy output – is required from you.