Amber Rethman
I am an introvert and I am also a public relations student. Unfortunately there seems to be a misconception that the two don’t go hand in hand.
I beg to differ.
As a young girl there was nothing I loved more than reading a good book or writing a story. I wasn’t one for big birthday parties and I dreaded answering the phone. So when I chose to enter the public relations field, notoriously known to attract charismatic extroverts, it raised a few eyebrows.
Hear me out. I’m not a shy or anti-social person; I love acting in plays and I love meeting new people. Contrary to popular belief, introverts are not poor communicators and introversion is not synonymous with shyness. As described by psychiatrist Carl Jung, the definition of an introvert is “an attitude-type characterized by orientation in life through subjective psychic contents.” In simpler terms, introverts prefer to unwind and recharge by themselves rather than by socializing [1].
Susan Cain, a TEDTalk lecturer and author, explains that introversion is not a character flaw. In fact, she points out that an estimated third to a half of the population is introverted [1]. Introverts also make excellent leaders and can be found in the highest corporate offices. According to USA Today, approximately four in ten top executives are introverted [2]. Some of history’s great leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Bill Gates, Rosa Parks, and Warren Buffett, have been described as introverts [3].
You may still doubt that someone who isn’t a natural ‘people person’ can truly succeed in public relations. There are many valuable aspects of introversion that compliment public relations roles well. For my fellow PR introverts out there, here are some potential advantages:
We’re good listeners and loyal friends. When people are really heard they feel respected and important. Introverts tend to excel in one-on-one connections and active listening [4]. We also make loyal, deep friendships that can last a lifetime. This is exactly how you build good relationships and maintain trust with clients in public relations.
We think before we speak. Introverts tend to take a little time to reflect and analyze situations before speaking up. It’s not that we don’t like to talk, we just want to have something meaningful to say. In public relations it’s important to respond strategically and thoughtfully, especially in crisis situations. We highly value preparation and prefer to express ourselves through writing [4] which is a key public relations skill.
We’re creative. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt said that we now create more information in two days than we created from the beginning of man up until 2003. In a world saturated with information it’s hard to stand out. According to Sophia Dembling, author of The Introvert’s Way: Living a Quiet Life in a Noisy World, creativity occurs in an introverted space. Therefore introverts are often creative and in the right environment can really thrive. In public relations, a well-written press release or an eye-catching page layout can make all the difference.
We’re skilled in social media. There are plenty of opportunities for introverts to shine in public relations. The internet has given us the ability to carefully edit messages and the time to think out appropriate responses. Introverts excel in social media activities because they can communicate to many people in a more relaxed environment.
We don’t crave the spotlight. Introverts are perfectly capable of public speaking but it’s not what we prefer. There are many behind-the-scenes tasks required in public relations where we can showcase our talents. Some of the roles that best suit introverts include: organizing interviews, writing and editing, managing brand reputations, creating visual design material, and analyzing media coverage.
Being an introvert in public relations may seem like a paradox but I assure you it isn’t. I don’t want to undermine the importance of extroverts in public relations but I do want to eradicate the misconceptions surrounding introversion. I encourage you to recognize the value of introverts in any workplace. Don’t pity me for being a fish out of water in my chosen field; I’m quite happy to keep quietly swimming along.
Sources
[1] Cain, S. (2012). The power of introverts. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com
[2] Jones, D. (2006). Not all successful CEOs are extroverts. USA Today. Retrieved from http://usatoday.com
[3] Cain, S. (2012). The power of introverts: A manifesto for quiet brilliance. Scientific American. Retrieved from http://www.scientificamerican.com
[4] Cain, S. (2012) Quiet: The power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking New York: Crown Publishers.
Great job! As a fellow introvert in the field of public relations, I can totally relate. In fact, a lot of people at my workplace might never think that I am an introvert, because of the nature of communications. However, I definitely am. Although I am a people person – I love meeting new people and going to events – it makes me feel tired. After a big event I’m not pumped up and ready for more, I’m ready to have a glass of wine and watch my favourite show on the couch in my own space. My favourite part of this article was the bullet on “thinking before we speak” – I think this is very valuable in public relations. My co-worker and I were discussing this trait of introversion the other day. I think a classic introvert move in a fight or heated discussion is to come up with the perfect comeback…. 2 hours later.
Clara
Thanks Clara! I’m glad you were able to relate to the article. That’s so true about the perfect comeback. It ties in to how we’re taught in our classes to assure people we’ll get back to them if we’re unsure of the correct answer.
Thanks Clara! I’m glad you were able to relate to the article. That’s so true about the perfect comeback. It ties in with how we’re taught in our classes to assure people we’ll get back to them if we don’t know the correct answer.
You’re absolutely correct – it is OK to be an introvert in the public relations field and they can be some of the best practitioners because of their thoughtful, clear-thinking approach. I witnessed this while studying public relations at MSVU, while working in the field for 18 years, and now as a public relations teacher. Every year in the classroom, I see the introverted public relations students look around at their extroverted classmates and wonder if they’ve made the right educational choice, and if they’re cut out for a public relations career. I see the look of relief on their faces when they hear first-hand from an introverted PR grad, that you can be an introvert and do well in public relations. So, good for you for articulating this matter so clearly and for breaking down the stereotypes that can negatively impact students and employers alike. Well done. I plan to share this with my students.
Thanks for the comment Shelley. I’m so glad you were able to share this with your students and that you make it a point in your classes to reassure those who are introverted. It’s really great to hear from an introverted PR professional.
You’re so right, Shelley. I don’t think some of the professors I’ve had share your outlook. I’ve been accused of not being passionate when an idea gets a thumbs down. When I hear no, it’s back to the drawing board to see if an idea can be salvaged, or to figure out the next course of action. I don’t think that shows a lack of passion, I think it quietly says I WANT this to succeed. No apologies for that!
I really liked your article – as a PR graduate, I think you hit the nail on the head. Public relations isn’t about being front and center as most people perceive it to be, but instead you’re the person behind the scenes. This behind the scenes action is what introverts enjoy so it’s actually a perfect fit. If a PR person is in the spotlight, then that’s not good PR. I actually see introvert PR practitioner gravitate to the more ‘higher level’ PR, like strategic communications instead of the ‘fluffy’ PR so your future is bright!
So glad I found this. I love PR and I’m happy to read that others feels the same.
I love how you describe us introverts, There are definitely a lot pf misconceptions about us and you manage to correct a lot of them here. I do have to commend you though for working in public relations because I can never see myself in that industry because unlike you i don’t have the adequate social skills to pull it off but I’ve been working on it though and I think I’ve come so far from where I was when I was younger. I strongly agree when you said that we don’t crave the spotlight, that is so true and I believe that it is one of our best qualities. I think that it shows how secure we our about ourselves that we don’t require affirmation from other people, We are happy with the fact that we did a great job alone.
Regards,
Tavia Cruz
This is a great article. I learned so much about about introverts and you were able to correct my misconceptions about them. I used to think that someone that works in Public Relations has to be loud and obnoxious but that’s obviously wrong because you clearly are not like that. You definitely did a great job highlighting the strengths of introverts because the things that you wrote here are what I can only wish I have. I’m glad that I stumbled upon your blog because i was so informed reading this post. I’m looking forward to reading and learning more from your post. Thanks!