I identify as an ambivert, positioned between being an extrovert and an introvert. Extended periods of speaking often leave me feeling exhausted, and I particularly struggle with conversations involving aggressive personalities. I tend to be a reflective thinker, processing information at a slower pace after conversations.
In my role at work, which involves technical client interaction, I’ve been actively trying to participate more in discussions, but the progress is slow and painful. I’ve noticed that public figures like Elon Musk and Mark Cuban project confidence in their speech, in contrast to the more reserved and calm demeanor of Sundar Pichai and Mark Zuckerberg.
While I understand there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, I would greatly value any insights or personal observations, even if they are subjective.
You are probably thinking too much about this rather than looking for strategies that make the best use of your abilities.
Public speaking is a skill that can be learned. Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk are by Nature absolutely terrible public speaker. They only got better at it when they were older and got practice, and very likely were trained. I mean dude, Zick only stopped sounding like a compete Android within the last year or so and even now it’s not that great.
It is not a requirement to be a founder. Focus on maximizing the skills that you have now first, and worry about public speaking later, perhaps if it’s necessary for fundraising, which actually I don’t think it is because many investors understand then Engineers don’t talk well, then learn it when you need it. Otherwise don’t worry about it until it becomes an issue like it did for Zuck and Elon.
This is great advice.