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For many introverts, the workplace can be a challenging environment, where the pressure to engage with others and communicate effectively can be overwhelming. However, effective communication is critical to success in most workplaces, and it is essential for introverts to find ways to build their comfort level in engaging with others.
Below, a panel of 15 Forbes Human Resources Council members provides practical strategies that introverts can use to become more effective communicators in the workplace. Whether you're a new employee or an experienced professional, these strategies can help you build your confidence and become a more effective communicator.
1. Learn From Others And Engage In Topics That Interest You
Learn from others who are good at it. How do they show up? What are some topics you can safely and confidently navigate? I like to say I am allergic to small talk—I simply don't do it well. But I have found that when I engage about topics that are genuine and of interest to me, I show up differently. I am more confident and more willing to speak up regardless of whom I am communicating with. - Carmen Barboza, Crowell & Moring LLP
2. Make An Effort To Socialize In Different Settings
Make a conscious effort to socialize. Introverts tend to be more reserved, so it's important to make a conscious effort to socialize with colleagues. Make small talk in the break room, attend company events and participate in group projects. The more you put yourself out there, the easier it will become. - Jennifer Patterson, Patterson Consulting Group
3. Focus On The Message You Want To Share
Often people who are less comfortable communicating are focused on their own discomfort. The solution to this challenge is to focus on the message you have to share with others. It's an important message that they need. If you focus on others and not on yourself, over time with practice, you will build comfort and capability to do it well. - Lisa Toppin, Illumina
4. Don't Feel Pressured To Speak Up
If there’s a meeting with a big group coming up, request an agenda so you can prepare or express your views in writing prior. Don’t feel like you must speak up in group meetings if you’re uncomfortable; consider going away with the information you learn during the meeting and chiming in afterward. - Kim Pope, WilsonHCG
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5. Open Up About A Skillset You're An Expert In
We have sharing presentations where people can talk about a work-related process or skillset that they are an expert in for whoever wants to attend. Certain teams require their employees to participate. We have opened it up so they can present on anything they are an expert in—such as photography, skateboarding or something else. Our goal is to have all of our employees speak in a setting that is supportive. - Erin ImHof, CertiK
6. Partner With An Extroverted Co-Worker
Team up with an extroverted co-worker to help break the ice. They can help start the conversation. Have a couple of questions ready that you can ask anyone to find out more about them, what they do and maybe some advice questions. Most people like to talk about themselves. Practice doing this, and eventually, you will feel confident to start a conversation without an extroverted co-worker. - Amy Casciotti, TechSmith Corporation
7. Begin With Small Talk
Start with short conversations and work on common interests. Engaging in small talk with your colleagues will allow you to establish a relationship with them whilst taking the depth of the conversations at your own pace. Over time you will pick up on common interests, and then you can begin building on the shorter conversations until you feel more confident to start engaging in other ways. - Nick Frey, Avomind
8. Control The Conversation
Most individuals are not wholly extroverts or introverts, and those tilted toward introversion are masterful at listening, observing and collecting the facts. To raise up their comfort level in communicating with others, they will find an entry point to the conversation that requires the sharing of data, encounter briefly and retreat to recharge. Controlling the situation builds confidence. - Laci Loew, XpertHR (a division of LexisNexis)
9. Utilize Listening Skills To Develop Connections
As an introvert, I've found listening to be one of my best traits. When I listen, I learn, I build relationships, I find out how I can be impactful and I learn pain points. I utilize my listening skills to gain a connection with others and develop a safe space to freely share my ideas and thoughts—on my terms—open communication on an as-needed basis. - Nakisha Griffin, Neustar Security Services
10. Prepare Questions For Co-Workers
Be prepared. Have a list of questions available that you could ask co-workers during social situations to break the ice. Have an outline of talking points if you're going to speak at a meeting. Check in on the progress of your projects before you attend a meeting where you could be asked questions. Preparation increases an introvert's comfort level and confidence as it wards off jumbled thoughts. - Gina Deciani, Association for Supply Chain Management
11. Allow Yourself Time To Think Topics Through
There is an extraversion bias in the workforce so the worst thing to do is to try to be someone you are not. Know what you need and know your strengths. Introverts are amazing at passive listening, understanding the value of a pause and producing efficient meetings. There is power in saying, "Let me have a moment to think this through." - Jessica Wallen, Wurl, LLC
12. Practice Communication
Just like with any new skill, practicing communication will make you better and help you feel more comfortable when engaging with co-workers. Putting forth the effort to just say hello when you encounter someone at work forms a relationship foundation that can eventually open the door to you asking for feedback, giving your own and potentially creating more personal relationships with co-workers. - Laura Spawn, Virtual Vocations, Inc.
13. Understand What You Need To Be Successful
Recognize your needs. Do you need to make eye contact when giving a presentation? Do you need to be off-camera to present? Understanding how you need to adapt to the situation will give you the power to show up authentically and confidently. What do you need post-meeting? Do you need to download it with someone or take time to decompress? Knowing what you need to succeed is critical! - Julie Hankins, NNIT
14. Write Notes
Effective communication is often mistaken for "the loudest voice in the meeting" in today's corporate environment. While introverts might not get their energy from social gatherings, they are keen observers and better listeners. My advice is to leverage these "superpowers" and send written notes to stakeholders, even something as simple as a summary of the meeting. - Catalina Schveninger, Catalina S.
15. Start Out Small And Grow As You're Comfortable
The best approach will go step by step. To start, introverts can check in with themselves about how they feel most comfortable communicating. If they prefer one-on-one Zoom calls, for instance, introverts can start by pushing themselves to share more and move on to group calls from there. Then, introverts can build up to in-person group presentations over time. - Niki Jorgensen, Insperity
