Public Speaking Tips for Introverts

By Victoria Lioznyansky, M.S., M.A.

If there’s one thing I hear again and again as a public speaking coach, it’s “I’m an introvert. That’s why I’m not good at public speaking.”  

I get it. I’m an introvert, too. 

But here's the truth: being an introvert has absolutely nothing to do with your ability to speak with confidence and authority. In fact, as introverts, we have many unique strengths that can actually give us an edge in public speaking! 

Let’s explore some tips for public speaking for introverts.

Debunking the Introvert Myth

First, let's clear up a common misconception. Being an introvert doesn't mean you're shy, antisocial, or a hermit. It simply means that you recharge your energy differently than extroverts. 

While extroverts find themselves energized by social interactions, introverts get their energy from solitude. This difference in energy is at the core of being an introvert, NOT an inherent fear of public speaking or social situations.

Believing this myth limits your potential. The truth is, anyone can learn and master the skill of public speaking, regardless of where they fall on the introvert-extrovert spectrum. 

Both introverts and extroverts can have public speaking anxiety. Fortunately, it’s no more difficult to overcome for an introvert than it is for an extrovert. You just need to build your confidence from within.

Leverage Your Strengths as an Introvert

As an introvert, you have many unique strengths that can make you a brilliant and engaging public speaker. Let's explore how you can leverage these strengths to your advantage:

1. Shift the Focus to Your Audience

As introverts, we have a natural tendency to shift the focus off of ourselves and onto other people. We often hate talking about ourselves. Contrary to what you may think, this is a valuable skill when it comes to public speaking.  

Instead of worrying about how you look or sound, channel your energy onto your audience and their experience. By redirecting your attention to their needs, you'll become less self-conscious and more confident. You’ll also become more engaging because your presentation will feel more relevant to them. 

Ask yourself, “What does my audience need to hear? How can I make this information valuable to them? What questions might they have?”

2. Prepare and Craft a Thoughtful Presentation

Introverts are also often experts at preparation and deep thinking. We never like to be unprepared. Use this to your advantage! When you have a speaking engagement coming up, use your time beforehand wisely. Research your topic thoroughly and anticipate potential questions so you can address them before they come up.

Organize your thoughts into a loose outline. Think through a logical framework to best get your ideas across to your audience in a way that’s memorable and engaging.

Sometimes, you do have to speak spontaneously, at a moment’s notice. But most of the time, you have plenty of time to prepare. Focus on the preparation so you have less time to catastrophize.

In fact, while some experts may argue that you shouldn’t think about worst-case scenarios, I think it can be helpful for many with a fear of public speaking. When you think through what could go wrong, you can actively prepare for each scenario - and rest easy knowing that you have it handled.

3. Use Empathy to Your Advantage

Introverts are typically excellent listeners who demonstrate a lot of empathy. These skills can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level. 

During your presentation, pay attention to your audience’s reactions. Are they making eye contact? Do they seem engaged? If not, shift to a different part of your talk. Or take a beat and ask them questions to get them more energized.

Your ability to tune into your audience's needs and feelings can make your presentations more impactful and memorable.

Helpful Tips for Public Speaking for Introverts

Now that we've identified your strengths, let's look at some practical strategies for public speaking for introverts, so you can thrive in any speaking situation, whether it’s a presentation, a meeting, or a networking event.

1. Manage Your Energy Beforehand

Remember Elvis Presley? Believe it or not, he was a notorious introvert. But, he was still able to successfully perform on stage in front of thousands night after night. All because he knew how to manage his energy.

Before concerts, he'd spend time alone in his trailer, using that quiet time to recharge and focus. Even though he was constantly surrounded by people, he made the effort to get as much ‘me-time’ as he could. This allowed him to give his all during performances. 

If you know you have to speak, whether it’s a presentation, meeting, or podcast interview, take some time for yourself beforehand. Don’t go out and socialize the night before. Instead, focus on preparation or relaxation.

That way, you’ll have a full battery when it’s time for you to speak. And the fuller your battery is, the easier it will be for you to stay in the flow and keep your energy high.

2. Embrace Your Authentic Style

Many people see the big celebrity speakers out there and try to emulate them. People like Tony Robbins or Oprah Winfrey or the latest politician running for office.

The problem is, these speakers are often extroverts. They speak loudly and with high levels of enthusiasm. They’re theatrical. They do a whole ‘show’. 

Mimicking them will only burn you out. And it won’t feel comfortable or natural. Instead, develop your own speaking style that feels authentic to you. Use a conversational tone instead of forced enthusiasm.

The more authentic you can be, the more your audience will resonate. Remember, loud doesn’t equal impactful. There’s power in being quiet and genuine.

3. Master Q & A Sessions

Many introverts worry about the unpredictability of Q&A sessions. Fortunately, as I mentioned before, you can leverage your tendency to over-prepare here. Think through potential questions and prepare stock answers in advance. You can then adjust these answers to fit the exact context.

Also, remember to take a moment to pause if you don’t have the answer right away. Think it through and ask them to repeat themselves or get additional clarification if needed. 

Be honest if you don’t know the answer, and offer to follow up later. This transparency and follow-through helps you to build trust and cultivate relationships with your audience. 

4. Navigate Networking Events With Ease

Networking events can be draining for introverts, but they can be vital to your career or business’s success. Here are some ways to make networking much more manageable.

Set a goal for a specific number of meaningful conversations that you want to have at a given event - it can be as small as you need. Once you hit that goal, you can stop and know that you were successful in doing what you set out to accomplish.

Be yourself. This sounds self-explanatory, but it’s so important. If you've gone to a fair share of networking events, I’m sure you've met a lot of people who seem completely inauthentic. Don't try to impress anyone, but don’t underestimate your achievements either. 

Use your innate empathy to your advantage. Listen well and ask thoughtful questions to make meaningful connections instead of trying to sell yourself. People remember and want to work with those who make them feel good about themselves.

Finally, take short breaks to recharge in a quiet space. Don’t use up your social battery within the first hour of the event.

Overcome Your Public Speaking Fear Once and For All 

I’ve given you some tips for public speaking as an introvert. But what if you have a strong fear of public speaking? How do you overcome that? Fortunately, this has nothing to do with being an introvert. Anyone can conquer their fear. 

The problem is, most programs and resources just aren’t set up in a way that builds real confidence. They focus on communication skills, ‘faking’ confidence, and practicing endlessly. 

Not only do these tips not work for those with a fear of public speaking, but they could actually be making your fear worse. In reality, the only way to break free from public speaking anxiety is to build genuine confidence from within. 

Inside my Brilliant Speakers Academy coaching program, I’ve helped 100s of executives, entrepreneurs, and high-level professionals do just that! Many of them identify as introverts - that’s how I know I can help you, too. 

This is the only science-backed program for conquering your fear of public speaking. It’s based on my proven Anxiety-to-Authority Framework™, designed to create real, lasting transformation - so you can stop hiding from the spotlight and start showing up as the expert and leader you are. 

Anyone can obliterate public speaking anxiety and show up with genuine confidence, authority, and influence in any situation. Even if you’re an introvert. All you need is the right framework and support!

One Introvert’s Story: From Hiding Behind the Scenes to Hosting a Podcast

Roos, an introvert and entrepreneur of 20 years, first came to me for help because she was struggling to become more visible in her latest business.

She started her entrepreneurial career as the owner of a children’s store and fashion brand. But after closing this business due to the pandemic, she decided to help other entrepreneurs as a business coach.

However, Roos quickly realized she’d have to be much more visible in order to become successful. She’d need to speak on camera, host livestreams, and give interviews to promote her business.

She tried pushing herself to show up for a while, but ultimately found herself making excuses to hide behind the scenes and avoid speaking. Even though she was extremely confident in her expertise, she wasn’t confident as a speaker and battled with imposter syndrome.

After joining Brilliant Speakers Academy, everything changed for Roos. She overcame her fear of public speaking, built confidence, and learned how to use her introversion as a strength.

She used to record the same video over and over again because she was so uncomfortable on camera. But after BSA, she confidently recorded a LinkedIn video in just one go.

And just one year after beginning her journey, she even started her own podcast! She’s now able to impact thousands of people through her podcast and her business. She said she never believed that she could one day speak with so much ease - almost like she’s a natural.

Roos doesn’t feel anxious anymore and says, “it’s really freeing.” And it’s all because she made the shifts from within. She didn’t learn how to act more confident - she learned how to feel more confident.

Once you make this change, the fear will never come back. It opens up a world where anything is possible.

Ready to Obliterate Your Public Speaking Anxiety?

What does being an introvert have to do with public speaking confidence? Absolutely nothing. 

Being an introvert just means that you have a tendency to drain and recharge differently than extroverts. That's literally all it means. There’s no reason it should hold you back from public speaking - it just means you need to approach it in a different way than an extrovert would. 

Remember, as an introvert you have unique strengths that can be your superpowers for public speaking - if you know how to use them. Your ability to shift the focus to your audience, proactively prepare, and demonstrate empathy can make your presentations more thoughtful and impactful.

There are also many strategies for public speaking for introverts who want to improve their skills. However, these strategies are only meant to make you a better speaker - if you have a real fear of public speaking, you need more than tips. You need transformation.

If you’re ready to transform your relationship with public speaking forever and experience exponential growth in your career or business, book a Discovery Call with me, and let's see if I can help you make this your reality.

Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, it’s completely possible to conquer your fear and become a genuinely confident public speaker with the right tools and guidance.