I recently finished reading a book called Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain.

The book looks at how in our culture, extrovert qualities and personalities are valued and respected more highly than introverted personality traits.

Being an extrovert is seen as being more desirable. Extroverts are supposedly more interesting and exciting people. The book looks at the reasons behind this bias, and how introvert qualities are too often overlooked.

What I like about the book is how Cain argues that many qualities of being an introvert, can be highly desirable and successful in many different fields from politics, business and as part of the creative process.

 

Have a look at Susan Cain speaking about her book and introverts at this TED presentation earlier this year.

 

 

As someone who knows they’re a classic introvert, the book immediately appealed to me. Now that I’ve read it, I appreciate more of my own introverted qualities.

The book’s got me thinking about different forms of writing, and whether writing can be seen as introvert and extrovert. I think it can – as the qualities that characterise introvert and extrovert personalities can also come through in people’s writing.

So in celebration of everything introverted I’ve decided to look at what introvert qualities can help you in your writing.

 

Introverts like to think before they speak

Extroverts like to tackle things quickly, while introverts tend to work more slowly and deliberately. When you’re writing, sometimes its more important to think about what you’ve written and how it reads before pushing the publish button.

It’s always a good quality to think carefully about who you’re writing for. What information does your reader need or want to know. How will it help them. What’s the tone you want to convey, what type of words and language are you using?

 

Once you’ve written your piece, don’t rush to push the publish button or send it off for approval. First drafts always need re-reading. Always remember to proof read and sub-edit. Sometimes I’ve acted impulsively and published an article because I wanted to get it out on my blog as soon as possible. A few days later I’ve read it again and spotted all my mistakes and typos! Very embarrassing.

A slower and more deliberate approach can mean re-reading your content over and over again before publishing. This requires editing words, re-writing paragraphs, getting rid of obvious mistakes that your eyes miss first time round. An introverts slower more methodical approach often works in this instance.

 

Introverts listen more than they talk

Does your writing show your reader that you understand their needs and interests? Are you answering their questions in the content you’re producing? Do you actually listen to want your audience has to say about you?

Or are you using your writing to talk at your audience, rather than with them. Is your writing an excuse to promote your own individual opinions or that of your company or brand, without any consideration for the feelings and opinions of your audience?

In the digital age, communication is now increasingly a two way process. You can no longer talk at your audience without any comeback. Audiences expect to be able to talk to you and as part of that process, you need to be able to listen to what’s being said to you and about you. What you write has to show that you’re listening.

 

Introverts enjoy talking about topics that matter to them

I’ve met many introverts in my time, including myself who at times are happy to remain quiet. It maybe a social setting, with a group of people are chatting. Introverts may hold back – quietly listening to what’s being said, not saying too much.

All of a sudden this can change when introverts start talking about something they’re really passionate about or interested in. Introverts really come alive. Small talk can seem boring, but when talking about things that matter to them, introverts can become very outspoken, engaging and passionate.

These are important qualities to have in your writing, and you should find those topics that are of interest to you whereby you can reveal your passion and interest.

If you can show your reader that what you’re writing about really matters to you, you can build greater rapport and engagement with you reader. Your reader may feel compelled to leave a comment, if you’ve written a blog. subscribe to your newsletter, make a donation or a purchase of a product or service.

 

Introverts enjoy one-to-one discussions

Introverts tend to prefer deep one-to-one discussions about meaningful topics, rather than small talk. I thought about this, and I remember having similar intimate conversations.

That sense of intimacy is another quality that you can include in your writing. Can you write in way that feels like an intimate conversation between two people? Where your reader feels like they’re the only person you’re actually writing for?

I’m not suggesting you need to write like this all of the time, but I think it’s a quality to bear in mind when trying to build audience engagement and developing deeper relationships with your audience

 

Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, there are qualities that we can all learn and appreciate from each other, and I hope I’ve shown you a few introvert qualities that can improve your writing.