Ever found yourself losing all confidence when telling a story in front of others? If you're anything like me, even telling your story to a table of friends makes you freeze up!

Not to worry, here are 4 easy ways to improve your storytelling in any social setting:

1/ Grab their attention

Chronological order makes sense but you risk boring your audience before you reach the good part. Entice your audience with a teaser of your story's outcome, and you will hold their attention for longer.

"You won't believe the crazy thing I saw today"
"Let me tell you about this bizarre encounter I had today"

Use adjectives to lure your audience in. Pique their interest to know more!

2/ Set the mood

I used to make the mistake of speeding through my stories like I was under a time limit. Almost as if my listeners would move on if I didn't get my story out quickly enough!

The tone and tempo  of your story matters tremendously. Don't ramble on monotonously.

Use hand gestures. They add a sense of action to your story.

Project your voice. I know its tough as an introvert, but try increasing your volume just a little out of your comfort zone next time. Gradually you will get more and more comfortable.

3/ Let your audience imagine

Engage your audience by pausing before your punchline or climax, and asking them what they think is about to happen. Just like small talk, open ended questions are key here.

This allows them to imagine scenarios and engage more with your story.

4/ Make your story relatable

This might be your story yes, but try your best to make your audience feel included. Link back to shared experiences or stories they've told in the past.

Again, people love it when you remember their stories. Doing this will make them more attentive

And that's it, 4 simple tips that you can take to your next dinner or drinks with friends.

This doesn't come naturally to us introverts, so practice makes perfect.

Strive to improve one 1-2 aspects each time, and you will be a master storyteller in no time.

If you enjoy threads like this on thriving as an introvert in life and at the workplace, do give me a follow and RT the first tweet.

You can read the unrolled version of this thread here: https://typefully.com/high_introvert/IsUadzV

Improve Your Storytelling Skills

There are 5 "imposter archetypes", which one are you? Let me know in the comments!

https://twitter.com/high_introvert/status/1646527333313175552?s=20

1/ The Perfectionist

Do you get anxiety over how things are done?

Perfectionism and imposter syndrome often go hand in hand. Perfectionists set high bars for themselves and question their competence after making mistakes.

2/ The Expert

Do you fear having a lack of knowledge?

You like to spend time improving your skillset or undergo extra training. This can hold you back from applying for that new job or volunteering for that new project.

3/ The Soloist

Do you feel the pressure of handling things alone?

You struggle to reach out when you need help, because getting help somehow invalidates your contributions. Knowing when to ask for help is crucial and should not be viewed as a weakness.

4/ The Natural Genius

Do you stress over not succeeding on the first try?

Success came easily to you in life. So when hard work is finally required, you aren't used to it and think its a sign you aren't good enough.

5/ The Superhuman

Do you feel guilty if you don't work harder than everyone else?

You feel the need to succeed at every element in life, which can lead to burnout and poor mental health.

If you enjoy threads like this on understanding yourself  better, do give me a follow and RT the first tweet

You can read the unrolled version of this thread here: https://typefully.com/high_introvert/xuypGq7

Which Imposter Archetype Are You?

If you're anything like me, you find it tough to end conversations with colleagues. Not to worry, here are 3 easy ways to politely end your next conversation at work:

https://twitter.com/high_introvert/status/1656315802004652037?s=20

1/ Close the loop

Bring the conversation back to how it started, regardless of the final topic you arrive at. I.e. if you started with family, end with family:

"Well I'm glad your family is doing great"
"Great to hear that you've been keeping yourself busy at work"

2/ Check off the list

Indicate to the other party that you've achieved what you wanted out of the conversation:

"I just wanted to come by and make sure you're coping well"
"This has been super helpful for me"

3/ Get out of their way

Assume that they are busy or have better things to do than to continue talking:

"I don't want to keep you too long"
"Don't let me hold you up"

Bonus tip: No matter what you say, always end with a compliment with the person's name. It makes people feel good and leaves a positive impression.

"It's been good to see you"
"It was nice catching up"

If you enjoy threads like this on thriving as an introvert in life and at the workplace, do give me a follow and RT the first tweet! It really warms my introverted soul (not kidding)

You can read the unrolled version of this thread here: https://typefully.com/high_introvert/JFonmHR

3 Easy Ways to Politely End Conversations with Colleagues

If you're an introvert like me, you've definitely struggled with small talk at work. It can seem awkward and pointless, but being able to engage in small talk goes a long way in improving your social capital at the workplace.

Here are 3 tips from one introvert to another:

1/ Make your questions action-oriented instead of static

"What did you do this weekend?"
"What's been keeping you busy?"

Such questions illicit longer responses from the other person, and everybody loves talking about themselves.

A side benefit is that you have to speak less and can listen more. Definitely a plus for us introverts!

Questions like "How's work?" or "How are the kids?" are boring questions that everyone asks.

Don't be like everyone.

2/ How you ask a question matters

Open ended questions are much more interesting to answer, versus simple yes/no questions or questions that don't require elaboration.

"What's been keeping you busy?" is more interesting than "Have you been busy?"

3/ If you ran out of things to say, don't be afraid to end the conversation politely.

People will notice if you are forcing the issue.

Small talk is just that, small talk. It's not a dinner conversation so don't feel like you need to keep it going forever.

If you enjoy threads like this on thriving as an introvert in life and at the workplace, do give me a follow and RT the first tweet! It really boosts my self-esteem as an introvert (only half kidding)

You can read the unrolled version of this thread here: https://typefully.com/high_introvert/5S8wuYJ