How Do Introverts Communicate? (8 Interesting Ways)

May 5, 2023

Introverts don’t talk a lot. In addition, they tend to be shy, meaning that even if they talk, it may seem that they aren’t able to say what’s on their mind.

Well, communicating with an introvert can sometimes seem challenging.

However, the key is knowing that introverts have their way of telling stuff, even if they’re not speaking.

This article looks at interesting ways introverts communicate!

8 Interesting Ways How Introverts Communicate

1. By Listening Intently

Introverts are analyzers of things. When you tell them something interesting, they'll try to make sense of everything they heard.

This includes trying to find all the meanings and implications of your message. 

In addition, introverts also like imagining things.

For them, listening to someone talk is like watching a movie. The story that you tell them is playing in their head.

From both of the above, we can say that introverts' minds always work when communicating.

Due to this, talking too much wouldn't be possible for the introvert. 

Thus, if an introvert isn't replying to you but still is listening intently, you can get the message that what you're saying is interesting to them.

2. By Not Speaking, Yet Enjoying Company

There's a common belief that introverts always shy away from a group.

However, that's not true; introverts can enjoy being in a circle of friends as much as any extravert.

The only difference is that introverts are more takers than givers of information.

They generally keep words to a minimum and are keen to listen to others talk.

In other words, they won't announce that they love the company around them.

Rather, they'll stay there with patience, maybe with a subtle smile.

However, there soon comes a time that they need to retreat to recharge from all that interesting stimulation!

Photo by Mododeolhar on Pexels

3. By Texting

Introverts think a lot before saying something.

Thus, while speaking, they need pauses here and there, which could make them uncomfortable when in front of people.

Thus, they enjoy texting rather than calling or talking in person.

It's because when texting, they'll get more time to create the message and put it exactly in the way they want.

Furthermore, they don't need to be afraid of making the other person lose patience.

A hidden benefit of texting for introverts is the emojis.

In real-world talks, they can sometimes struggle to show emotion on their face.

But in text, emojis can be inserted in appropriate places, so the listener isn't misguided.

4. By Saying Only Meaningful Things

Introverts only talk when they need to do so.

Moreover, when they talk, they'll want to ensure that they've cleared everything so they don't need to speak again and again.

This also implies that introverts don't really like small talk.

But remember that this may change depending on how comfortable they're with the person.

Another thing to note here is that ‘meaningful' doesn't only mean the big stuff like finance, work matters, politics, etc.

Any word needed to keep an interesting conversation flowing can also be regarded as highly important by introverts.

5. With their Body Language

Introverts won't tell it straight to you when they don't like something or don't want to continue the conversation.

However, you can look for visual cues in their general behavior or body language to understand that they may need a little space.

Here are some common body languages that you can read and associate with an introvert:

Folding Arms

Folded arms can show that the person feels insecure or anxious in a situation.

Not Making Eye Contact

In addition to general shyness, not making eye contact is also related to a lack of confidence around the other person.

Using their Phone

Using phones meaninglessly may show that an individual isn’t comfortable in the room. 

After all, a phone is a way of escaping reality.

Position of the Feet

You can look at their feet when you doubt if the person wants to continue the conversation.

If the feet are turned towards you, then it means they’re giving interest, but if not, it may mean they want to back out as soon as possible.

But do remember that reading body language doesn’t always give accurate results.

For example, people sometimes fold their arms just because they’re cold.

Photo by Jopwell on Pexels

6. By Finding Common Grounds

If an introvert likes you or wants to keep talking to you, they’ll try to find common things between you.

As we said before, introverts only talk with substance.

Furthermore, they may feel awkward or uncomfortable when the conversation is about them.

Thus, introverts want to discuss ‘things’ with you rather than their interests or thoughts.

This information will be very useful to you, especially in the initial phases of being introduced to an introvert, for example, while going on a date or knowing a new co-worker.

7. With Social Media

Research shows low-functioning (more reserved) introverts use social media more than extraverts or high-functioning introverts.

While texting helps introverts talk to specific people, social media allows them to feel free while interacting with the bigger part of society.

With social media, they become less shy and afraid while voicing their opinions, and at the same time, they have better control over whom they share things with.

If you’ve noticed some of your introverted friends are ‘different on social media’, it may mean that their social media version represents their thoughts more accurately than in real life.

And it is totally fine, for it only shows that they like less chaotic environments and need a little more time to plan before saying something.

8. With their Hobbies

There’s a reason some of the most respected and greatest people throughout history, like Albert Einstein, Leonardo Da Vinci, Bob Dylan, JK Rowling, Lionel Messi, etc., were (are) introverts. 

Introverts internalize things and need a way to vent out all the emotions and feelings they’re experiencing.

And as they don’t talk much, one of the best ways of doing so is with their art and hobbies.

For introverts, doing or creating things is a way of talking to the world.

With their music, they tell how they feel, and with their inventions, they ensure that the talks are about their work and not about them.

Conclusion

Introverts are patient when communicating. They aren’t direct, but this doesn’t mean they will just let anything go.

While they like keeping face-to-face talks to a minimum, they become more interactive in quiet situations where they get to think without disturbances.

INFJ Male

INFJ Male

As a psychologist with a Master's degree in Clinical & Health Psychology, and as an INFJ male, highly sensitive human being, the author aims to blend the objective, subjective, mind, body and spirit for a holistic view on true well-being
for INFJs, Introverts, Highly Sensitive People and Empaths!

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