CIP019: An Introvert's Guide To Cracking Conversation

In this week's episode of the Creative Introvert Podcast, we tackle what makes for a cracking conversation - and how introverts can, er, crack it.

First of all let’s clarify this myth about introverts being social recluses who hate people.

Hopefully you know that that is bullshit - unless that is the case for you, well, just know it’s not true for all introverts.

I LOVE a good chat with someone. Not even close friends - I’ve been known to enjoy talking to strangers sometimes just as much.

BUT.

There are a few conditions that make for a stellar introvert conversation - and a few conditions that make for a dire one.

The kind where you want the ground to part and to be sucked in to a black abyss - just to relieve you of the awfulness.

Anyway - the point of this podcast is to acknowledge the conditions that generally make for a great conversation if you are an introvert OR if you’re an extrovert talking to an introvert - some things to consider.

Not every conversation will be wonderful - whether it’s at work, at family gatherings, parties - if you’re unlucky enough to find yourself at one - and general day-to-day activities.

BUT I’m convinced that with these tips I’m about to outline, you’ll be able to steer a conversation into a much more introvert-friendly direction, use your natural introvert strengths to make it even better - and get the fuck out of it if it is really that bad.

What I cover:

• Why introverts are at a disadvantage when speaking in meetings and debates
• What to do when you keep getting interrupted
• The real deal with eye contact
• The top mistake we make when meeting in a public location
• Small talk - how to make it big talk (without being weird)

 

Links mentioned:

How noise affects us

Patricia Weber

Laurie Helgoe - Introvert Power

Amy Cuddy's TED talk

Erich Fromm's Art of Listening

Alain de Botton - The Course of Love