THEN THERE WAS THE TIME I WAS THE ONLY INTROVERT IN A ROOM FULL OF EXTROVERTED SPEAKERS…
It started with a game of “This or That.”
For those unfamiliar, it’s a fantastic icebreaker. Do you prefer coffee ☕ (this) or tea 🫖 (that)?
Coffee lovers move to this corner, and tea enthusiasts move to that corner. You get the picture.
Now, imagine this scenario. The lead facilitator asked, “Are you an introvert or an extrovert?”
Every person in the room chose the extrovert corner.
Except for me.
The facilitator, with a mix of confusion and curiosity, urged me to “Say more.”
In a world that often seems tailored for extroverts, my journey as an introvert in professional speaking has been unique. Here’s the reality: I love speaking, yet it will always be a challenge.
Every. Single. Time.
This might not be what you anticipate from a professional speaker and a public speaking and communication trainer. Some might argue this undermines my credibility, but I see it differently.
THE UNIQUE STRUGGLES OF AN INTROVERT SPEAKER
🇲🇽 🇺🇸 Born and raised in a bilingual Mexican household, I encountered language barriers upon arriving in the United States. Faced with ridicule and judgment, I convinced myself that silence was my safest refuge. I know I’m not alone in this.
My perspective shifted when I “accidentally” stumbled into a speech and debate workshop in high school. There, I learned not only the mechanics of speaking but also discovered the invaluable treasures of personal development, self-awareness, and confident communication.
Standing before an audience, I felt transformed. Having spent years believing my thoughts were insignificant, I began to embrace that, despite my shyness, my voice mattered.
REDEFINING INTROVERSION IN COMMUNICATION
Contrary to popular belief, being an introvert doesn’t mean quietness, lack of opinions, or muteness.
Admittedly, gaining the confidence to express oneself effectively, especially as an introvert, can seem insurmountable. Yet, I believe this is precisely what distinguishes me as a speaker and a coach. I empathize deeply, having navigated feelings of muteness and uncertainty myself.
Confident communication is for us all.
This is why I share this journey with you: to affirm that you indeed have a voice and the inherent power to wield it.
Doing so is not easy, but it is worth it. And here’s the catch:
It’s not just worth it for you but for those around you. We need to hear your thoughts, ideas, feelings, experiences, and stories. We need to learn from you.
And it may feel awkward at first. It’s kind of like being the lone introvert in a room of a extroverted speakers. But those moments are reminders that being different doesn’t diminish your voice—it defines it. Just like that game of “This or That,” sometimes the most powerful choice is the one that sets you apart.
Keep speaking up your story,
ENCORE: MORE TO EXPLORE
MICS AND MOVIES
A feature of my YouTube channel is Mics and Movies, where I take speeches from famous movies and television shows and break down why they are so effective. This one is one of my favorite Mics and Movies and one of my favorite TV speeches.
MIC CHECK 1..2…3
Find three strategies on how speakers can build self-awareness. Every speaker should take care of themselves in different ways before the speech to build communication confidence, especially in high-stress, high-stakes situations.
