4 KEYS TO INTERPERSONAL SKILLS FOR INTROVERT PEOPLE – JODY URQUHART

Over 55% of people (by their own accord) are introverts. A Keynote speaker at a
recent convention suggested that being less socially expressive means you may
be misinterpreted as withdrawn or cranky. She went on to assumb introverts
have less refned interpersonal skills. I disagree.

Cranky? Hmm, not sure. Introverts do tend to get fed up and feel drained by
having to be around other people. I see this when I am a guest speaker at a
convention, introverts may shy away from conversation. Less refned
interpersonal skills? I don't think so, in fact they may be more refned, they just
speak up less often, so their thoughts are more thought out.

How Introverts Communicate - Shy and Quiet?

In The Introvert Advantage, author guest speaker Dr Laney says that introverts
tend to:

 Keep energy, enthusiasm and excitement to themselves. Introverts

hesitate before sharing personal information.
 Need time to think before they respond. Introverts need time to refect
before reacting.
 Prefer communicating one to one. People with introverted personality
traits don’t like parties and groups as much as extroverts do.
 May occasionally think they told you something they didn’t, because
they’re “always going over things in their head.”
 Need to be invited to speak or be drawn out. Introverts tend to prefer
written over verbal communication.

So what should Introverts do to Refne their Interpersonal Communication Skills?

1. Focus on your Strengths- Having an inward focus means you are

thoughtful and contemplative. You balance the jabber mouth, over eager
to speak up personalities (motivational keynote speakers maybe). Focus
on what make you unique; your strengths are your ability and likelihood to
think things through before speaking. Remember when you speak, people
 will listen because they know your nature. Do not feel you have to speak
up, just make sure your voice is heard when it is important to you.
2. Control your Environment- If you prefer to be alone, adjust your
environment to avoid large scale meetings or interuptions. Meet with
people one on one or over the phone, or email if it does not take away
from your goal. If you attend a convention, go with another introvert
because they won't need to speak as often and drain you as much. A
winger can also help fend of unwanted conversation. If you spend alot of
time around people, recharge by fnding some down time alone.
3. Be Confdent- Try visualizing yourself communicating openly and
confdently in uncomfortable situations with lots of people. Imagine
yourself gliding gracefully across the room, reaching out your hand and
embracing a confdent handshake while initiating conversation. Visualizing
is the quickest way to success, confdence and exceptional interpersonal
skills. As a Keynote guest speaker, I always visualize the convention
before I speak to help me feel prepared for the event.
4. Success requires other people, so don't shy away from all contact.
Communication is a key interpersonal skills. If extroverts like to talk, than
just be a good listener and you will probably be considered one of the best
communicators they know

By Myers-Briggs' defnition, an introvert derives energy from his or her internal

world of emotions and ideas, while an extrovert draws from the outside world of
people and activities for spiritual sustenance.

Motivational Keynote Speaker

Jody Urquhart