Extroverts are the best Speakers and Performers

There a lot of myths about what makes a great speaker and a performer. A common one is extroverts are the best. They can definitely be in their happy space on stage, in front of an audience. Truth is that introverts can be equally great.
I googled some of my favourite actors, speakers and musicians to see if they are extroverts or introverts. Meryl Streep, Al Pacino, Harrison Ford, Tom Hanks, Michael Jackson, Prince, Lady Gaga and Barack Obama consider themselves introverts.
Can you imagine the Oscars without Meryl Streep, Star Wars (the best ones) without Harrison Ford, the moonwalk without Michael Jackson, or a presidential speech by anyone other than Obama? I can’t.
The importance of energizing yourself before and after a presentation or performance is key. As a speaker agent for many years, I learned to take care of my introverted and extroverted speakers. Each speaker had figured out ways to energize themselves before speaking.
Robyn Benincasa, an Eco-Challenge winner and extrovert would walk around the stage talking to people prior to going on stage. She would get energized by hanging out and being social.
Doc Hendley, Wine to Water founder, CNN Hero Award winner and introvert stayed in a room close to the stage and went on as soon as he was announced. Being on his own energized him.
My ritual prior to speaking on the morning of a presentation includes as many push-ups as possible and dancing and singing to my favourite music. My goal is to physically exhaust and put myself in a happy place.
There are a lot of other ways to energize yourself. Some examples include
- Power Pose
- Working out
- Chocolate
- Connecting in person or on the phone with a good friend
- Watching comedy
How do you plan on energizing yourself?
