How an Introvert Can Survive Giving a Presentation

by Susan Dunn, MA Clinical Psychology, The EQ
Coach

Around 10% of us are introverts (though even Jung
proposed it was the rare person who was 100%
introverted 100% of the time), but nevertheless
the world is more neatly arranged for the
extravert. Introverts can be excellent salespeople
and also presenters (as can extraverts), but they
do it differently. If you are one and do public
speaking, or manage one who does, here are some
tips.

1. Extraverts speak to think; introverts think to
speak.

Speaking is not the 'first' tongue for an
introvert. Extraverts talk it out, figuring out
what they think by talking to someone. Introverts
are often on the receiving end of this! An
introvert prepares everything in their head
thinking it through first, before they speak,
which is excellent preparation for a presentation.

2. Create the day before.

Introverts tend to be introspective. Since you'll
likely be preoccupied the day before, clear your
desk of complicated matters, and do easy, mindless
tasks.

3. Create the day after.

People energize the extravert, and drain the
introvert. Plan the day after a presentation as
well. Immediately following the presentation, do
what calms, soothes, or reenergizes you. The next
day, generally there's processing of the speech or
event, as people call you to compliment you, go
over points, or praise the event. Aside from that,
don't have anything taxing scheduled.

4. If you manage an introvert, understand the
rhythm pattern.

Something intensely people-oriented is a much
longer-term event for an introvert than it is for
an extravert. Allow for this in scheduling and
you'll get the best out of your introverted
employee, along with their deep appreciation.

5. Have someone come work the presentation with
you.

Managing a presentation is a lot more than
standing up there talking. It's 'crowd control'
when done right. Working the crowd beforehand,
visiting with them during breaks and afterwards,
passing out business cards and brochures, getting
email addresses ... there are a lot of details to
attend to, and you can present better if you know
someone trustworthy is 'taking care of details'.

6. Hire an introvert coach.

Introvert coaches understand the needs of an
introvert and can help you master the things that
tend to be obstacles for all introverts. I refer
clients to Nancy Fenn, http://theintrovertzcoach.
com, who is an iNfp introvert, a rare 1% of the
population called The Healer. (the Keirsey
Temperament Sorter). You can find an introvert
coach by checking on a coaching referral site or
search engine for other introvert coaches.

7. Learn what nurtures and revitalizes you.

As an introvert, it is likely others will have
ideas of how to help you, and likely they'll be
wrong since "you" are 10%, and "they" are 90%.
Knowing yourself and being able to ask for what
you need is always the best policy.

8. Train your colleagues and loved ones.

I presented on a cruise last year that also
featured "The Fifth Dimension," and the lead
singer came to my presentation, as did her
husband. I asked him what it was like being with
her during the time before she, an introvert,
performed. He said he had learned that she
"disappeared" and wasn't reachable, and the best
thing for him to do was to "be around but not very
much present." Now there's a loving couple.
"Coffee," he said, "but no demands. I save
discussing world peace or the in-laws for another
time."

9. Get a massage.

Introverts tend to carry tension in their muscles.
Just as a tennis player gets a massage immediately
after the match to get rid of the toxins, you can
get a massage, literally, and/or have a coaching
session where the psychic muscles can be massaged
and de-toxed.

10. Project confidence.

Introverts respond well when around someone who
quietly believes in them. Since they generally
over-prepare for things, you can assume (unless
proven otherwise), they're prepared and will
perform well, but all performance situations go
best with learned optimism and a positive yet
gentle forcefield. In other words, don't "fuss"
over them or over details. And if you're an
introvert, work on your emotional intelligence
skills, including optimism.
------------------------------------------------
(c)Susan Dunn ,MA, Clinical Psychology, The EQ Coach,
http://www.susandunn.cc . I offer emotional
intelligence coaching to individuals and businesses;
EQ Alive!( http://www.eqcoach.net)-the tools and
training you need to coach emotional intelligence,
a wonderful specialty for introverts and extraverts
alike, with classes starting monthly. Nancy Fenn, The
Introverts' Coach, http://www.theintrovertzcoach.com .

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