There's also a difference between being introverted (you need quiet time to recharge) and to what extent you can communicate with people in person. I've heard keynote speakers at large conferences confess to being introverted, despite having excellent interpersonal skills.
I think interpersonal skills, like public speaking, are things you can learn. Being Introverted or Extroverted -- that I'm not as sure about.
Markdykeman
· 1 year ago
DesignMeme, I agree that there is a different between communication skills and personality types. Introversion is a personality type that you're basically born with and you just have to work with that. On the other hand, introverts can be great thinkers and communicators - they just can't be "on" around other people as much as extroverts can be or for as long.
onefish2
· 1 year ago
Yah know... I can totally relate to this. Sounds just like me.
Neil
· 1 year ago
Being an introvert is probably what spurred me to start forming relationships online so many years ago.
Anderson
· 1 year ago
Yes. Totally Rock Star. Except for the fame. Or fortune. Or anything worth remembering.
Very Rockstar.
Olivier
· 1 year ago
If everybody become a Rock Star, it will be good to be an ordinary people !
I don't believe pretending someone your not is the answer. Being yourself - and learning how to express that - is far more important, and much more empowering for the individual.
status_girl
· 1 year ago
I *used* to be an extrovert... until I started spending all my time online :)
Markdykeman
· 1 year ago
I'm calling BS, Melanie. ;)
sean percival
· 1 year ago
[viddler_video=a5485004]
JDBB
· 1 year ago
Too apropos that you mention "anti" and "social" in the first paragraph. Warning- site dropping!: My site newantisocial.com covers the regular gamut of social networking, new media yadda yadda, but I also gripe with trying to find my intro/extro center.
Markdykeman
· 1 year ago
To everyone who's expressed similar thoughts or struggles - I hear you. For those who've said a kind word, thanks!
Office Evil
· 1 year ago
I used to hide in my cubicle from my manager, from my work, even from my co-workers. With the help of social media, and a ski mask, I've really opened up. Office Evil showed me the way. Office Evil is the answer. OfficeEvil.com
Lou Hoffman
· 1 year ago
Mark, enjoyed your post.
I always thought introverts like myself got a bad rap as being anti social.
When I went through a Meyers Briggs session which explained the difference between an introvert and extrovert in much the same way layed out in your post, it all clicked. I like being around people; just can't do it large numbers for an extended period of time.
I agree with you that social media changes this dynamic. More to the point it allows people who are more gifted with the written word to shine. But I would add that introverts can fall into the trap of hiding behind online communications which isn't the answer either.
Markdykeman
· 1 year ago
Thanks Lou! Quite true: online comms do provide the ability to keep people at arm's length - E-mail is the classic example of this.
Wayne Smallman
· 1 year ago
I can totally relate to the introvert / extrovert thing.
I really enjoy speaking engagements, and have really never had problems talking to crowds of people.
But after a while, I don't want to be around people and need some "me" time to think things through.
I get asked to do guest talks and guest articles quite a lot, but turn a lot them down because the theme isn't quite right, or that I don't feel it's the right crowd.
In short, I prefer the act of thinking than thinking of acting...
All Comments
I think interpersonal skills, like public speaking, are things you can learn. Being Introverted or Extroverted -- that I'm not as sure about.
Except for the fame.
Or fortune.
Or anything worth remembering.
Very Rockstar.
Post published on http://eng.fidgee.com - feeds for geeks
I just started my first shoot at the social internet life and I am trying to put it together.
Take a look at my baby. http://316ex.com
I always thought introverts like myself got a bad rap as being anti social.
When I went through a Meyers Briggs session which explained the difference between an introvert and extrovert in much the same way layed out in your post, it all clicked. I like being around people; just can't do it large numbers for an extended period of time.
I agree with you that social media changes this dynamic. More to the point it allows people who are more gifted with the written word to shine. But I would add that introverts can fall into the trap of hiding behind online communications which isn't the answer either.
I really enjoy speaking engagements, and have really never had problems talking to crowds of people.
But after a while, I don't want to be around people and need some "me" time to think things through.
I get asked to do guest talks and guest articles quite a lot, but turn a lot them down because the theme isn't quite right, or that I don't feel it's the right crowd.
In short, I prefer the act of thinking than thinking of acting...