This persuasive writing was completed in the IWP. The psychological effects of extroversion and introversion are debated around the world. As an ambivert (a personality mix of introversion and extroversion), I wanted to write persuasive essays to encourage other introverts. People often misinterpret introverts and treat them as inferior. In reality, both personalities are needed in our society and neither is superior. The strengths of extroverts are important to their survival. Then shouldn’t the extroverts outnumber introverts in numbers? Statistically, the balance between these two personality types is pretty balanced. Introverts also inherit the same features and talents for their continued success. Like all other aspects of personality, introversion and extroversion do not exist in absolutes. Introverts tend to be labeled as being quiet and introverts are often made fun of for it. In public, introverts are often mistaken as shy because they feel repressed. But shyness is just a fear for social judgement. Since introverts have always lived side by side with extroverts in history, they can advance society just as much as extroverts. According to Susan Cain, author of Quiet, introverts prefer less stimulating environments, they listen more than speak, and they contemplate before expressing themselves. In contrast, extroverts enjoy social situations. They are multi-taskers and think loudly and quickly. The corporate world emphasizes brazen confidence, but “Speak Up!” Showcase your best qualities! Socialize! Cain says that, between one-third and half of Americans can be classified as introverts. Cain says that even though introverts are nearly half of the American population, they’re still considered second class citizens. Cain states that it is a widely-held, but rarely stated, belief among our society that the ideal self must be bold, alpha or gregarious. “Introversion can be seen as a mixture of disappointment and pathology.” But how have introverts managed to survive in a ruthless world? What hidden power are they hiding? There used to be two types of jobs. The first was the outdoor angler, and the second was the houseworker or cook. The ones who work outside are exposed and have more chances to be socializers. On the other hand, those working inside have less opportunities to interact and socialize. Extroverts are given a higher status, and introverts are also made to feel trivialized. Introverts are actually thinkers. Introverts will evaluate their actions before taking action, while extroverts want to fight and take immediate action. Introverts may be able to obtain their needs more easily, but they can also formulate smart strategies that will improve efficiency and precision. Quiet leadership is needed by introverts to be successful in corporate life. Introverts are a great asset in the corporate world’s pseudo-jungle. They help to reduce tensions within a culture that is overly extrovert. Cain says that introverted people tend to be more open to sharing power with others and to letting them express their thoughts, rather than trying to get the spotlight. This results in a more peaceful, but balanced culture. A woman who said no quietly shaped our world. Montgomery, Alabama. The early evening of December 1st, 1955. She sat on the first row in the “Colored Section” and watched the bus filled with riders silently until the drivers ordered her to move to another seat. One word from her sparked one of the largest civil rights demonstrations in the 20th century. The woman, who died in 2005, was described in obituaries as being sweet, small, and soft spoken. Rosa Parks is the woman who was called “shy”, “courageous” and “a lion”. Many people have proven that quietness can make a difference. Albert Einstein, another famous introvert, is also well known. In his childhood, he often got into trouble for preferring to learn independently. In his twenties, he founded the Olympia Academy. It was a club where he would meet with a few close friends to discuss the ideas he had spent countless hours developing in solitude. In his 20s, he founded the Olympia Academy. This was a club that he would meet with close friends and discuss ideas that he had spent hours developing in solitude. Einstein, at the age of 26, completely rewrote physics laws. In 1942, at the age of 42, he was awarded the Nobel Prize. What about you, in school? All students can agree that sharing ideas and raising your hands is an important skill to have throughout life. While class participation can be beneficial, it is not always a good idea to push this concept. Brianna, an 18-year-old Colorado teenager, was taught by a teacher who handed out three Popsiclesticks at the start. Every time they added to the discussion in class, the kids would throw their Popsiclesticks into the circle. The kids were required to remove all their Popsicle sticks at the end. Brianna remembers: “If you didn’t remove all three of the sticks, it would affect your grade dramatically.” Brianna says that instead of enhancing the conversation, using the Popsicle sticks technique resulted in meaningless blather. Children would speak up to get a stick thrown into the middle. Brianna was also forced to do this, which frustrated her. Some teachers give higher grades for students who are vocal in class, regardless of whether they have mastered the material. Other methods measure “classroom Engagement” which is a broader concept. This allows students to express themselves in many ways. But keeping quiet doesn’t necessarily stem from fear, perfectionism, or anxiety. Many introverts will wait until they’ve got something to say before speaking. Introverts prefer to think first before speaking, unlike extroverts who often speak their thoughts out loud. They are known for their ability of concentration. When a teacher suddenly calls us, we can be frozen because we don’t have time to plan out our answer. We introverts value the clarity and substance of our responses so much that we’d rather not speak than just blurt out something. Understanding who you really are and what your needs are is extremely empowering. I hope you will find the information in this piece helpful, whether you are an introvert, or an extrovert. I hope that you also now realize how powerful introverts can be. As part of your tribe, you can include celebrities like actresses and comedians as well as billionaires, All Star athletes, scientists, writers and other individuals. All of them, including the many kids whose stories have been told in my book, have embraced their strengths as an introvert: deep-thinking, intense focus on a single task, comfort with silence, and excellent hearing skills.
