4 Ways to use virtual environments to empower Introverts

This is a great time to be an introvert. With blended, online learning & remote workplaces widely embraced – COVID19 may finally have an upside. Introverts in our digital world should be able to leverage the use of technology to gain confidence and boost soft skills at a much faster rate.

If you’re wondering how so, here are 4 tips and tricks to empower your-introvert-self.

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Remember you are in control – work at your own pace!

With no physical presence draining your energy, you can focus and play to your strengths. With the lack of peer and social pressure, you are able to control your environment easily and push boundaries in your comfort zone. You are able to choose when to voice and present yourself in front of an audience.

Using the ‘Quiet Power’ of Virtual Communication

Online forums, chats, comments, visual thinking tools, audio, videos and social media are weapons to empower yourself in a room full of extroverts and help overcome any reservations. Take time to reflect and then share your views without the pressure in a physical room. The power of the written word and visuals cannot be underestimated allowing you to make a stronger impression and boost confidence. “One of the most unremarked advances of the online revolution is that we now hear loudly from the quieter half of the population,” writes Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. We have evolved from a “culture of personality” that allowed for the biggest and loudest to carve their way up to a phase of “culture of connectivity” that has the power to rebalance the scales. We are learning that we don’t all fit into the mold of the social animal or charismatic CEO; some of us are silent high performers or quiet leaders.

Preparation, Practice and Positivity (The 3Ps)

Combined together, these 3Ps are a recipe for success. Instead of seconds to prepare, you have the glorious advantage of the flexibility to contribute to discussions at your convenience as well as digest information before having to comment. Practice makes perfect – using on-camera, using the “mute” or “audio-only”, and entering breakout rooms will reduce stress and anxiety. It is important to have a positive mindset and you do this by sticking notes next to your screen or having your own set of virtual cheerleaders who can share positive feedback. The idea is to change the narrative – so instead of thinking about what can go wrong and what other people think, you can focus on how you can participate via chat, breakout or even asking for a conversation at a different time.

Exercise creative collaboration in order to thrive

Don’t hesitate to join virtual student clubs and associations – they allow you to pursue your interests, meet like-minded people and give you room to grow and develop. Working in remote collaboration aids in playing to your strengths, is under your control and at the same time helps improve your creativity, leadership, time management, communication and so much more.

Are you an introvert, extrovert or an ambivert? Take this quiz to find out.