Introverts on stage? Is that really possible? Do the quiet ones ever get up on stage and do their thing? Is it the extroverts that rule the world of public speaking and showbiz?
I can see the introverts smiling calmly and the extroverts protesting. But aren’t these just stereotypical images that have become simplified?
Carl Jung popularised the terms extroversion-introversion and then later said: ‘There is no such thing as a pure extrovert or a pure introvert, such a person would be in the lunatic asylum.’
More recent research into human behaviour shows that all of us have, to some degree, a mix set of attributes from the extrovert and introvert blends. The ambivert, (a person who lies in the middle of the spectrum) is gaining popularity. After all, people are individuals and not yet programmed to react like robots.
Many a time, I have seen musicians, singers, actors and speakers perform with extraordinary energy and panache and then leave the stage and turn back into coy, demure, reticent, reserved…pumpkins!
-It’s funny how when I’m loud, people tell me to be quiet, but when I’m quiet people ask me what’s wrong with me – Anon –
What makes people jump out of their skin to perform and speak out on stage? Could it be passion and the desire to serve? Could it be the self belief they can entertain, give pleasure and satisfy? To inspire, motivate, educate, learn or amuse, the list is endless.
According to Scott Barry Kaufman, a psychologist, it is all about the amount of dopamine in your system. He stated recently,
“An extroverted brain’s dopamine reward system, responds more actively to rewards such as money, sex, social status, and social affiliation. Extroverts get more energised by these things in their environment. Introverts, on the other hand, just don’t get as energised. Their dopamine system is not as active when they see these kinds of things in the environment.”
The trendy question is, how are your levels of dopamine?
So, extroverts can be quiet and introverts can be gregarious! The good news is that it is no longer acceptable to hide behind the veil of demureness and meekness. Believe me, it is good news! Stop telling yourself you are shy and full of fear. Pack up those adjectives and throw them out. All you need is a healthy dose of natural dopamine to get your energy levels up. To say you are an introvert and therefore cannot possibly get up and speak out, share your message, your thoughts and ideas…well, it’s just not acceptable or believable.
I believe that new skills can be learnt and you can teach and be coached to develop the confidence to impress upon any audience your truth. You can gain, attain and master the art of expressing your talents and raising your confidence.
Just remember, if you need a natural boost of dopamine eat chocolate. However, if in doubt, contact me and we can chat.
Step Up & Stand Out can show you how to boost your energy, with or without chocolate.
Hi Georgia,
Excellent post!
I’m the classic extrovert/introvert, and guess that millions… of us.Brits (especially of more mature years) could wear such a label. Its all that ‘indoctrination’ when young….Americans, on the other hand, at a guess, I’d say lean towards being extrovert Perhaps I should up my daily intake of dark chocolate…
Ambivert Joy! Has a ring to it!
Very well said. Never to late to discover our hidden or oppressed sides.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, one of those chemicals that is responsible for transmitting signals in between the nerve cells (neurons) of the brain.
Dopamine neurons become activated when something good happens unexpectedly. So surprise yourself via looking for the unexpected. Like reading this writing, the dopamine will do the rest of it unvailing latent energy. Thanks for this very interesting temptation.
So, are you an Ambivert?
As you wrote all of us ambivert , so as well I am. The question only that what is the proportion between the two set of attributes.
My introverted side eg. says it´s not important what I think about this, but what I actually able to be.
The other side makes me to write this thought down.
The two /extro.- intro./ are each other fetuses.
Here we go again!!! What “insight” what “stimulus” you give to those who read your articles, Georgia. You are perfectly right, anyone can acquire and develop such “skills” as it is all about learning the techniques and putting them into practice (present and perform)!!
I now know, thanks to this article, that I am definitely “ambivert”!!
Thank you.
I love it when we can all break the rules and declare, I am an Ambivert! Thanks Jeffrey!