Attention, fellow introverts!
Yes, I'm on national TV and radio. Yes, I cold-call strangers to talk about the worst and best days of their lives. And yes...I'm one of you.
It's not natural for me to spark up a conversation with just anyone. I'm shy! And yet, the number one compliment I get after interviews is that I help others feel comfortable during conversations, even when there's a camera in their face.
...my second favourite compliment is that I'm relentless, but that's for another day. 💁♀️
Here are my top communication tips for introverted professionals. These can help with interviews, public speaking, building relationships with stakeholders...really, any time you need to get out of your comfort zone.
1) Find your version of "Reporter Barbie"
...or your Sasha Fierce. Or whatever name you want to give your confident alter ego. That persona you can put on when you REALLY feel like a fish out of water.
Mine is "Reporter Barbie." She isn't shy about being the first one to ask a question in a scrum. She will ask the uncomfortable-but-necessary questions of those in power. She handles herself with composure when someone screams "fake news" as she's doing a live report.
As introverts, it can be hard to put ourselves out there. This mindset can help you get the job done, but still feel like you're being yourself.
JUST DON'T let this persona take over. You're still you, and it's important to be authentic. Especially when someone is being vulnerable with you.
2) Have a goal
If you're sitting down to have a focused conversation (a podcast episode, a lunch with an investor), sprinkle your goals in near the beginning. Especially if you're on a time crunch. Helping the other person know where you intend to go is not only smart communication, but it helps both of you organize your thoughts. As someone who's naturally shy, there's nothing worse than feeling like you have nothing to say. So stay focused and be clear about your intentions.
3) Get good at small talk.
Ugh. I know. I KNOW. Just hear me out.
Small talk helps people relax. It's a warm-up exercise before you get into the meat and potatoes of a convo. They also get to know your personality a bit, which helps set an honest tone.
I always chat interviewees up. " What do you have to do after this? I love your shoes, where are they from? The view from your office is incredible, what's your favourite spot to look at?" Literally anything to remind them that, even though we're setting up a giant camera and lights, we're both humans and this conversation should feel natural.
But this takes PRACTICE. So give it a go the next time you're in line at Superstore during the holidays or the next time your train is late. Honestly, who even cares if you strike up a conversation. The fact that you spoke to a stranger (not in a weird way!) is success for us quiet kids.
Best of luck, my fellow shy pros.
