Yes, Introverts Can Be Great Storytellers – Here’s How
- Dr. Elke Framson
- Sep 27
- 4 min read
If you believe storytelling is only for extroverts, you're not alone. But introverts have natural strengths that set them up to truly master this skill.
My Personal Storytelling Experience
When I lead storytelling workshops with entrepreneurs and professionals, my clients are often surprised when I tell them that I’m an introvert and not really "a natural storyteller". The truth is, I used to find the whole idea intimidating. I admired presenters who moved seamlessly between complex data and engaging narrative or colleagues who effortlessly shared personal anecdotes at networking events. But it wasn’t for me – or so I thought.
Today, I know how to craft stories that make an impact and how to deliver them with confidence – and I coach others who want to learn and master these skills.
Introverts can be powerful storytellers. In professional environments, storytelling isn’t about being the most outgoing or entertaining person in the room. It’s about intention and careful planning. And introverts are often good at that.
Here are the three steps that have helped me develop my skills.
To Become a Good Storyteller, Start as a Listener
Speaking is the holy grail of communication. We all strive to be better speakers. Listening to what others are doing can be incredibly helpful as we work towards that goal.
My personal storytelling journey started as a listener, not a talker. At dinner parties, I would listen to others tell entertaining stories. At conferences, I would listen to presenters start off their talks with thoughtful anecdotes. At trade shows, I would listen to salespeople trying to close the deal by sharing stories of existing clients.
I observed what worked and what didn’t.
I noticed which stories made people lean in, chuckle, or laugh. I paid attention to the words, the tone, the pauses, and even the body language. I watched how well-told stories took listeners along for the ride.
I also saw what makes stories confusing or boring. And a few times, I even felt the awkwardness caused by a story that simply wasn’t right for the moment.
If you’re an introvert, you can use your powers of observation to discover patterns of great – and not so great – stories. Then you can apply them to improve your own narrative skills.
Script Your Stories so They Don't Fall Flat
Scripting allows you to collect your thoughts and gain clarity on your intent: What do you want to show or highlight with this story? Why are you telling it?
It also means you can edit for conciseness and brevity. You can polish your story to improve accuracy and avoid language mistakes. Read more about the many benefits of scripting in this blog.
In professional settings, storytelling is a deliberate and strategic tool. This is not the story-sharing you do with friends and family, who will love you even when you lose your train of thought, stumble over your words, or get stuck on some detail. They'll tell you to cut to the chase. Not so your potential partners or clients. They’ll simply disengage when your story doesn’t flow right.
In the business environment, a poorly crafted and delivered story can alienate. It can damage relationships and jeopardize deals .
To Master Your Delivery, Practice.
Practicing from a script doesn’t mean memorizing word-for-word. It’s more like ensuring that you know the plot and have signposts that guide you through. Each round of practice reduces uncertainty and makes your delivery sound more natural. Practicing also helps with timing. You’ll know where to pause or emphasize for effect.
The more you prepare, the less you’ll focus on your "performance" in the moment. That means that you’ll be able to tune into your audience and start building connections.
Practice will also give you confidence. Confidence comes from the knowledge that you have the right tools to handle the situation. As a certified confidence coach, I can help you with both practice and delivery strategies.
I've discovered that confident and impactful storytelling is not linked to a personality trait – extrovert or introvert. It’s about being intentional, thoughtful, and authentic. Yes, it can feel intimidating at first, but with the right approach, it’s a learnable skill - also, or especially, for people who don't love the spotlight.
In my tailored storytelling workshop I guide clients through a step-by-step process and provide practical frameworks for great stories. In hands-on activities participants get a chance to try out the frameworks, receive feedback, and leave the workshop with tools they can apply right away.
As an executive or professional you don't have the time to spend months on developing your storytelling skills. You need an effective fast-track solution. My storytelling workshop provides exactly that. Reach out if you want to explore how we can tailor it to fit your situation, challenges, and goals. I look forward to speaking with you!
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