Extroverted Writing

I’m a card-carrying introvert.

I’m in awe of how extroverts can effortlessly talk about this and that, this and that, this and that… on and on.

I can’t do that.

Often I wish I could; specifically when around other people.

On the flip side, I think extroverts appreciate us “good listener” introverts.

I know I appreciate the interesting extroverts who keep the conversation rolling along.

Too often before I say something, I think better of it concluding “who wants to hear that?”

Extroverts don’t have that filter.

While I doubt I’ll ever lose the filter while conversing, I’ve lost that filter in writing.

I guess you could call me an extroverted writer.

I think it’s a good thing. Just like I think interesting extroverts are great.

Talking helps them think so when they talk they come up with interesting things to say.

Over time I’ve learned to let my guard down as a writer.

It’s easier to do writing than speaking, that’s for sure.

It explains why I much prefer receiving emails or text messages than telephone calls. I’m not a fan of the phone but I sure love text messaging and WhatsApp.

I wasn’t always an extroverted writer.

Once upon a time, not too long ago, my writing was dry, boring, uninteresting. It was informative. Hopefully accurate. But boring to read.

I’d rather read interesting writing that doesn’t give all the info than info-dense that’s boring.

Take these emails for example.

When you break them down there really isn’t all that much actionable info in them. That’s not an accident.

I usually weave in some piece of advice or tip but they aren’t your usual 200 SEO Tools you must have to succeed at SEO.

And yet this email grows daily. More people join than leave. Open rates are high and consistent despite daily emails. Some people even take the time to reply and say they liked it.

Which tells me that I’m not the only person who prefers interesting over informative.

Which makes extroverted writing an effective writing approach.

This really hit home texting.

When we text it’s often fun, casual and snappy. Spelling and grammar don’t matter. Tone is all. Hail the emoji which can turn a seemingly snarky response into a joke.

If tone matters in texting I believe it matters in writing.

A little humor. A little irreverence. Snippets of personal info. Casual. Fun.

It works for texts, emails AND articles on the web.

Why should fun and engaging be restricted to texts and emails?

They shouldn’t.

Put it into your articles too.

Shed the introvert writer in you.

Embrace the extrovert.

Open the floodgates.

Let ‘er rip.

Not only will people appreciate it but you’ll have fun doing it.

What if you’re an extrovert?

Keep up the good work entertaining us introverts. We really do appreciate it.