Introverts want their voices heard – just in their own way.

 Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, former corporate lawyer and self-professed introvert Susan Cain stated that the corporate world and society is fighting against introverts in the marketplace. She went on to say about the one third of Americans who believe that they’re an introvert, according to Forbes writer Jenna Goudreau, that “personality shapes our lives as profoundly as gender and race, and where you fall on the introvert-extrovert spectrum is the single most important aspect of your personality.” In a world where everyone is telling introverts to speak up, put themselves out there, and network, how can they maneuver through the job pool and really be noticed?

 

Below are 6 ways introverts can help get their voices heard. 

1. Go to more intimate events

• Attending events that are more intimate and have less of a crowd might be more appealing to introverts. Having one-on-one conversations might be easier to manage, and the person won’t have to mingle around a bunch of new people. This will allow someone to get to know one person at a time, and will have the opportunity to speak more freely about their business.

2. Bring a friend

• It’s hard to step out of the comfort zone that is so comforting. However, having a friend to be there while networking or meeting new group of people will make it a little bit easier. The friend might be able to start the conversation, and then you might be able to follow. The friend can be the buffer.

3. Create mental goals

• Establish goals that you want to meet while attending a social event. Have a checklist of what you want to accomplish at the event: handing out your business card to five people, going up to two people and introducing yourself. Plus, once you do one of the goals, you’ll be proud of yourself for going out of your comfort zone. This will boost your confidence while you’re attending the event.

4. Be the interviewer

• Sometimes, it can be nerve wracking to talk about yourself with someone new. That’s why YOU should be the one asking the questions! Really listen to what the person is saying, and come up with questions to follow-up with. It’ll give you the chance to be out of the hot seat, as well as allowing you to practice your journalist abilities. 

5. Change your body language

• If you’re standing in a corner with your arms folded and looking uninterested, then you’re channeling your mind to feel the same way. Change your posture and your body and be more open. Smile warmly, and have your arms by your sides. A little nervous? Hold your business cards or your drink in your hand so that your hands have something to hold.

6. Go online

• Still feel a little overwhelmed with a dozen or so people mingling around you? Go online to network! Establish a Twitter account where you can interact with people in your field and discuss various topics and hashtags. Step it up a notch on LinkedIn. You can share articles and pieces on your profile and get a general conversation going with people behind the computer screen.

 

Content courtesy of  Lara Ashley, Founder and Editor of Brenley Magazine, Redefining what it means to be a Southern belle; an online magazine that helps women wear their crowns with grace.

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Contributing Author, Lara Ashley

Lara Ashley is a multifaceted Journalist. Lara Ashley obtained her Mass Communications degree at Southern University and A&M College and is obtaining a Master’s degree in Magazine Journalism in the U.K. from Cardiff University. When she’s not watching her fav reality shows (LOVES the Real Housewives franchise), spending her afternoons watching Netflix or with a good book, she’s writing and journaling.

Follow Lara @brenleymag and connect with her on Facebook