Comments on: Our New President the Introvert

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:30:22 +0000

Obama’s never struck me as an introvert, but that’s an interesting thought you’ve put out there.

By: Gluon the Ferengi

Gluon the Ferengi — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 19:09:25 +0000

It comes as no surprise at all.

Introverts make excellent public speakers.

When one is talking to a group as a whole. It is much closer to the one on one interaction at which introverts excel. Furthermore, introverts are less self conscious about what other people think of them and stage fright is thus less of an issue. Social approval does not define their self concept. Once they overcome the habitual fear being singled out for being different the way is opened.

An extrovert is going to win in sheer volume of talk every time. Introverts rule when it comes to content: eloquence, persuasive arguments, and thoughtful responses. On the podium, these strengths shine brilliantly.

By: Samuel

Samuel — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:08:07 +0000

Interesting, I can only echo what Evelyn said, I’ve experienced it myself, while observing how I actually act around groups and what I do in the following days.

By: Robyn

Robyn — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:45:26 +0000

It’s kind of nice to have an introvert for president again after two extrovert presidents. Since 80% of the population is extroverted, we get more of them than they get of us. How exhausting it must have been for Obama on the campaign trail, expending all of this energy. I wonder how, with all of the advisers and handlers and bodyguards, he managed to find quiet places to recharge his battery for the next appearance. I was at a conference on Saturday and I loved talking to people and being exposed to new ideas, but 3/4 of the way through I crashed. I just had to go someplace quiet.

By: spectatrix

spectatrix — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:23:43 +0000

Evelyn,

You've hit the nail on the head. It's not that introverts can't be outgoing, it's just that we need recovery time afterwards. Your brother-in-law sounds similar to my husband. He's an excellent public speaker, but also cherishes his down time, away from other people.

By: Evelyn

Evelyn — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 01:27:22 +0000

I'm an introvert by nature and was very quiet and shy growing up. When I was in my early 20s, I decided to be more extroverted. I can be very outgoing and charming, if I am so inspired. I work in a customer service job and interact with people all day. Sometimes they drive me nuts, as deep inside, I'm still an introvert and prefer to be alone.

I have a brother-in-law who has been a missionary evangelist to Hong Kong and China since he was 20. He's now in his 60s. He travels the world and speaks at conferences when he's not at his home church in Hong Kong. When he's preaching, he's "on fire" and speaks very well to large audiences in English and the two main dialects of Chinese, Cantonese and Mandarin. When he's at home, though, he is very quiet and prefers reading books and working on his computer to interacting with others. Anyone who has only seen him preach would not believe this. So, maybe Obama is like my brother-in-law.