Stepping Into The Spotlight As A Speaker: 7 Ways That Introverts Can Own The Stage
“Introversion is a gift. Believe that you have something important to say. The audience is there for you. Drown out the self-defeating voices in your head and be present for them. Your voice is powerful and your words have the power to change lives.”
You may be surprised to learn that many of our most effective public speakers are introverts. Most notably, President Barack Obama, Malcolm Gladwell, Susan Cain, Glennon Doyle and Nelson Mandela. I didn’t have that awareness in my youth, so it took me over 30 years to understand my introversion and become comfortable with it. In my elementary to high school years, most of my teachers assumed that I was shy or withdrawn. I knew that I was not withdrawn but did not have the right words to describe my inner world, so I just accepted that I was different from many of my peers. I spent most of my 20s hiding from social events that required interacting with a large group or that would require public speaking. Experience had taught me that I wasn’t good at it so I became adept at hiding from it.
I had a deep love for books; most introverts do. Many of us spent our childhood living in a world created by great authors. My biggest awakening came from the pages of the book, the Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney. I began to understand my need for quiet and realized that I wasn’t alone; there were introverts all around me but very few were vocal about their introverted nature. Self appreciation and acceptance gave me the courage to leave a job that had me in meetings daily and accept a position that was a perfect fit for my strength - listening and decision making. In my personal life, I found my tribe - a small group of friends that loved and accepted me. I learned to navigate social events in a manner that was not draining and became adept at leaving before my batteries needed to be recharged. I was able to step out of my comfort zone and into the spotlight of my own life.
Being in the spotlight of my own life didn’t transcend to a love for being in the spotlight on stage. About 10 years ago, I started my writing journey in earnest. I thought that I could quietly write and sell books, and be an inspirational writer but without having to speak about the topics that I wrote about. However, the more that I built an audience, for which I am very grateful, the more that I was asked to step out of my comfort zone - poetry readings, book signings, motivational speaking. I was hearing my introversion say, “Stay in your comfort zone, we are happy here.” However, that was the voice from my younger days when insecurity about facing an audience ruled my thoughts. When I listened closer, I heard - introversion is a gift so don’t be afraid to be authentically you, take this new journey on your own terms, your voice matters and you have something important to contribute. It wasn’t an easy mindset shift but I am passing on what I learned on my journey so that it can be easier for other introverts to recognize the power of their voice and use it to lead, teach and inspire.
the gift of introversion: How to turn the spotlight of the stage into your comfort zone
Understand that you have something important to say. The audience is here for you. Get out of your head and be present for them. Introverts are great listeners and we love to provide value to others. When we take the time to have a conversation, we want it to be meaningful. Bring that same fearlessness and conviction to your speeches.
Drown out the self-defeating voices. Are these thoughts familiar to you? - I don’t want to be in the spotlight; I have nothing important to say; They will see me sweat; My voice will shake; I won’t remember my speech (Introverts are very familiar with brain fog). I know that you would rather be getting a root canal than giving a speech but here we are, so be your biggest cheerleader. Repeat: I look great, my voice is powerful and my words matter.
Are you familiar with the unique sound of your voice? Talk to yourself in the mirror, read a poem out loud, sing a song in the shower, practice your speech with your best friend. Fall in love with the sound of your voice and imagine the audience doing the same.
Know yourself and your speaker personality so that you can play to your strengths. Do you prefer to use a teleprompter, tell personal stories, teach, or spend the time engaging the audience. In most cases, you are in control of the style of your presentation.
If you think of speaking as a performance, your biggest fear may be forgetting your lines or losing your place if you have written notes or slides. The last time that happened to me, my body temperature rose, my palms became sweaty and a very uncomfortable 20 seconds felt like 3 minutes. It is ok to stumble because it shows your humanity. Don’t let it derail your performance; joke with the audience about it. The audience will laugh with you or cry with you but they won’t give up on you; you will find your way.
PREPARE. As introverts, we have all had that “deer in the headlight” moment when you are called on unexpectedly in a meeting or in class with no time to prepare your response. Your speech or presentation is not that moment; you are in control. Know your audience, arrive at least an hour before your presentation, visit the room before your presentation, have several copies of your speech, memorize your stories and jokes, and be familiar with your entire speech. Mishaps will happen but if you are prepared, you can approach it with humor instead of panic.
Finally, avoid overstimulation before your speech because your battery needs to be fully charged when you get on stage. Get a good night’s sleep, try to get at least 15 minutes of quiet time before you go on stage, and wear comfortable clothing that makes you feel your best self. Alway remember that in every room, on every stage, and in every conversation, your voice matters. Your introversion is always a gift.
“The breakthrough for me in speaking came when I realized that it required about 10 X more work than I was giving to it. I’m not giving a speech, I’m giving a performance, I have to throw myself into it in a significant way.”
Janet Autherine is the creator of the Introvert Village. She is also an Administrative Law Judge, and Author of 3 books: Growing into Greatness with God: 7 Paths to Greatness for our Sons & Daughters (children); Wild Heart, Peaceful Soul (poetry); Everything is Irie: An Island Girl’s Journey to Mindful Living (March 2020). Books available on Amazon. Through her publishing company, Autherine Publishing, she creates opportunities for personal and professional growth through creative writing. She speaks and writes on: Mindfulness, The Power of Your Story to Change Lives, Building Strong Leaders through Creative Writing, Growing into Greatness, and the Beauty and Benefits of Introversion.
For speaker opportunities or to collaborate, contact: JanetAutherine@gmail.com. www.JanetAutherine.com
