5 ways being an introvert is your writing superpower

Running a business means getting out there, sharing your message, finding clients, and selling what you do.

For an introvert, that can feel like an uncomfortable ‘to do’ list.

I was reminded yesterday of quite how uncomfortable that is when I witnessed an experienced coaching and marketing expert selling from the stage.

The buzz in the room was palpable. The woman next to me had her credit card out, ready to buy the ‘once in a lifetime offer’ before the speaker had even finished speaking her closing words. I

felt trapped, and was struck with the awareness that I could never, ever connect with people in that way.

It’s not that I couldn’t do it, I don’t think I’d even want to do it.

Events for extroverts

The whole event was wired for extroverts. People who were happy to embrace strangers, respond with whoops and cheers, and share their experiences with a crowd. High energy, noisy, no time to think. Her message resonated with lots of people in the room, but I felt awkward.

I don’t like feeling like that and I don’t want other people to feel that way either.

But if success depends on ‘getting out there in a bigger way’, is that way of selling to a crowd just something I need to learn to do?

How can introverts connect with an audience?

Maybe not. You can connect with people through your words in many other ways than from a stage.

You can write blogs that help your audience with their challenges. You can write a fantastic newsletter that draws people together. You can teach what you know. You can make people laugh, think and take action through the words that you share. You can create communities with words. You can share your expertise online and build a reputation that spreads far and wide.

Good writing is at the heart of all this. And in many of those ways being an introvert is a position of strength for a writer.

Here’s why being an introvert could be your writing superpower.

1.Better listener

Being happier listening rather than talking is good for a writer. Reading a room rather than filling it gives you fuel for writing excellent content.

You’ll hear what was said, what was unsaid, and the sub text too. You’ll know what’s really on your client’s minds, and be able to write content that speaks directly to them. Empathetic content connects, quietly but surely.

2.More observant

Writing comes alive when you can add real life details that can make other people see and hear what you’re writing about.

The wall-to-wall beige of the hotel conference room, the bitterness of the tepid filter coffee, the hysterically rising pitch of a room full of people all talking at once.

Observation can be an introvert’s superpower, helping you write content that touches your audience as deeply as is you were in the room with them.

3.Thoughtful

Introverts like to get thoughts fully formed and validated before they speak them out loud.

You might hate being put on the spot to share your ideas, but given a bit of time and space you’ll be able to articulate exactly what you think.

If you’re the kind of person who can only ever come up with a great reply once the moment has passed, then get into the habit of shaping your ideas in written content, and sharing them when you’re ready. Write your way to clarity, then share your ideas with confidence.

4.Deep work

The number one reason people give for not writing and sharing content is that they don’t have time. And it’s true, running a business is full on and writing needs quiet and space. The two activities might feel incompatible.

However, it’s also true that some people just hate to be on their own, with their own thoughts for company. Whereas for an introvert, the solitude needed for writing can be blissful.

If solitude is your happy place, use your natural inclination to seek out quiet to carve out time for writing that will connect with people and build your business.

5.Reflection

Introverts like to absorb, reflect and expand on what they experience rather than giving an instant response. Writing is the perfect vehicle to do this, and also the perfect way to share your reflections.

If you can use your experience and expertise to create content that helps your reader see things differently, or understand something more clearly, you’ll make a lasting connection with them.

Play to your strengths

Do I believe only introverts can write? Not at all. Just as I know that many brilliant speakers aren’t extroverts. We’re all complex and shaped by experience.

Whether you’re gregarious or shy, you can choose to connect with your audience in whatever way feels right. Good communication is a matter of intention and practice, and everyone can learn to do it better. I do believe though, that if you can play to your strengths, you’ll make your life just that little bit easier.