Oooooo, I just love that quote, don’t you? It’s TRUE!
If you’re up for it, I’d love it if YOU’d ask ME a question that I can answer in a future TalkAboutTalk podcast episode. Please email me your question before November 1st, or go to the talkabouttalk.com website and verbally ask me your question.
Speaking of questions, back to the 5 RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS:
1. What are your PET PEEVES?
2. What type of LEARNER are you?
3. Are you an INTROVERT or EXTROVERT?
4. What’s your COMMUNICATION MEDIA preference for personal conversations?
5. What’s a PODCAST, BLOG, or NEWSLETTER you’d recommend?
Last week we covered Q1 and Q2.
Q3: Are you an INTROVERT or an EXTROVERT?
Warning: I’ve got a lot to say about this question! I’ll try to keep it brief.
First of all, I know it’s a continuum, not one or the either. I ask it that way to be provocative.
Second – misconceptions. Like the common misconception that extroversion is preferable versus introversion (wrong!), or that INTROVERTS are shy and EXTROVERTS are confident (not always!).
Extroverts thrive on social interaction and find solitude depleting.
In contrast, introverts derive their energy from solitude. They are often deep thinkers and excellent listeners, and find prolonged social interaction exhausting.
There is nothing wrong with being an introvert.
I repeat: there is nothing wrong with being an introvert!
Fortunately, the unique SUPERPOWERS of introverts are beginning to be recognized, due in large part to Susan Cain‘s best-selling book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.
Many of my guests have described themselves as “high-functioning introverts,” or stated that they’ve learned to become extroverts.
I think what they mean is that they are an introvert (they gain energy from solitude, they are depleted by socializing), and that they’ve learned to overcome shyness (i.e. to be more confident and comfortable in their interactions).
Some other guests said that they are somewhere in the middle. If that sounds like you, you may be an AMBIVERT.
And if you flip back and forth between introvert and extrovert depending on the situation, you may be an OMNIVERT.
Got it?
So, which one are you?
Image by Fokusiert from Getty Images/Canva
💬 Andrea’s Answer:
I am 100% an EXTROVERT! Ok, maybe 90%. It is a spectrum, after all.
I know I’m an extrovert because I crave social interaction and being around other people energizes me. Yes, I even enjoy cocktail party small talk!
Q4: What’s your COMMUNICATION MEDIA preference?
This question is about PERSONAL communication. I’m not talking about how you communicate with your boss or your colleagues.
How do you like to have conversations with family and friends?
Image by Extreme Media from Getty Images Signature/Canva
Texting, phone calls, email,
FaceTime, WhatsApp,
Facebook Messenger…
Whatever your personal preference is, there are three things to consider when choosing the right communication medium:
1️⃣ Geography – For domestic communication, you might choose texting. If it’s international, you’d probably go with WhatsApp, or WeChat if you’re communicating with people in Asia.
2️⃣ Context – The nature of your conversation influences your choice of medium. Checking in with friends about your dinner plan? Shoot them a quick message. Sharing sensitive news? It’s probably best to pick up the phone.
Image by GlobalStock from Getty Images Signature/Canva
3️⃣ Generation – Different age groups tend to prefer different communication media. Older generations tend to prefer the phone or communicating in person, and younger folks typically text or use social media. And according to my teenage son, “NO ONE uses email!” 😆
💬 Andrea’s Answer:
Like most of my guests, I tend to use email for professional communication, and texting/messaging for personal communication.
Q5: What’s a PODCAST, BLOG, or NEWSLETTER you’d recommend?
I love asking this question, because I get to learn about so many great podcasts and newsletters I wouldn’t have known about otherwise!
Some of the most common recommendations from my guests have included The Tim Ferriss Show and Brené Brown‘s podcast. Recently, SMARTLESS with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett has been mentioned a lot.
Image by marfernavphotos from Canva
Fun Fact: I recently read that most people discover new podcasts by word-of-mouth referrals, not through search engines or the search function on their podcast player.
Thank you for recommending
Talk About Talk to your friends!
💬 Andrea’s Answer:
My favourite podcast is PIVOT, with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway. If you’re interested in technology, business, and politics, give this podcast a listen!
Pivot was recommended by two of my guests (thank you, Andrew and Hilton!). When I get the same recommendation more than once I usually love it. This was certainly the case with Pivot.
That’s it for this week! I hope this focus on the 5 Rapid Fire Questions has helped you learn a little bit more about yourself.
You can listen to this episode #110 directly on the Talkabouttalk.com website just by clicking ▶️PLAY. Or you can find the podcast on any podcast app.
Have a great week.
Talk soon,
Chief Talker & Communication Coach
Most Recent 🎧Podcast Episodes:
#109 – Five Impactful Ways to Reinforce Your PERSONAL BRAND
#108 – ENTHUSIASM Please!
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