7 answers
Luke
Student
Traverse City, Michigan
6
Questions
Asked
1404 views
How can I be more extroverted?
I am trying to bring together a group of classmates to make a student run TV show, but I am an introvert and find it hard to talk to people. What should I do to make myself feel comfortable but also impress my classmates so they will want to take part in the project. I want to be an actor/director/writer in Hollywood and Broadway in the future.
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6 answers
Kelly Donnellan
Associate Professor
26
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
First of all , I’m so proud of you for even thinking about starting a student-run TV show. That’s leadership. That’s initiative. That’s how careers actually begin.
Now let’s talk about the introvert part. I want you to know something about me: I’m an introvert too.
Every single day I stand up in front of a classroom full of students and teach. And if you had told a younger version of me that I’d be doing that for a living, I probably would have laughed, or panicked.
But here’s what I’ve learned: when you care deeply about something, when you have a goal and a vision and something you want to build, you rise to meet it. It’s not that I suddenly became an extrovert. I didn’t.
It’s that my passion to create, teach, and help others became bigger than my fear.
You don’t need to change who you are to lead this project. You just need to care enough about it.
Introverts can be incredible directors, writers, and actors because they observe, they listen, they think deeply. Those are not small strengths, those are superpowers in storytelling.
And here’s something important: confidence doesn’t show up first. Action does. Then confidence grows because you did the thing.
If you want to be in Hollywood and Broadway someday, starting something now, even if it’s small and imperfect, is exactly how that journey begins.
You can do this. Not because you’re loud. But because you care. And that’s enough. 💛
Now let’s talk about the introvert part. I want you to know something about me: I’m an introvert too.
Every single day I stand up in front of a classroom full of students and teach. And if you had told a younger version of me that I’d be doing that for a living, I probably would have laughed, or panicked.
But here’s what I’ve learned: when you care deeply about something, when you have a goal and a vision and something you want to build, you rise to meet it. It’s not that I suddenly became an extrovert. I didn’t.
It’s that my passion to create, teach, and help others became bigger than my fear.
You don’t need to change who you are to lead this project. You just need to care enough about it.
Introverts can be incredible directors, writers, and actors because they observe, they listen, they think deeply. Those are not small strengths, those are superpowers in storytelling.
And here’s something important: confidence doesn’t show up first. Action does. Then confidence grows because you did the thing.
If you want to be in Hollywood and Broadway someday, starting something now, even if it’s small and imperfect, is exactly how that journey begins.
You can do this. Not because you’re loud. But because you care. And that’s enough. 💛
Thank you so much for the kind words. You are truly inspiring and I will put your advice to action. Thank you!
Luke
Absolutely! Happy to help 😊
Kelly Donnellan
Paul Silano Jr
Marketing Manager
10
Answers
Davenport, Florida
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Luke,
That's a great question. I think in this scenario, it's important to be as confident as possible in what you want to accomplish. Build a plan of how others can help, what the show might look like, it doesn't need to be all the details, but a simple plan that you can build upon will help give you the confidence to speak about the topic.
I'm an extrovert, but with any introverts I come across in my professional career, practice can be key. Try maybe practicing in front of someone you're comfortable with, that way you continue to build your confidence going into the conversation.
Best of luck!
That's a great question. I think in this scenario, it's important to be as confident as possible in what you want to accomplish. Build a plan of how others can help, what the show might look like, it doesn't need to be all the details, but a simple plan that you can build upon will help give you the confidence to speak about the topic.
I'm an extrovert, but with any introverts I come across in my professional career, practice can be key. Try maybe practicing in front of someone you're comfortable with, that way you continue to build your confidence going into the conversation.
Best of luck!
Thank you so much!
Luke
Kazi Rubayee
Oriental medicine health professional, Acupuncturist, Holistic health practitioner
91
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kazi’s Answer
You are reaching for something big, imagining yourself as an actor, director, or writer in
Hollywood/ Broadway. Running a TV show, gathering people together, and creating
a project are leadership strategies.
Learning effective strategies can bring confidence, and you don’t need to change
your personality. Many introverts are successful in writing/directing/acting.
Helpful Tips:
Friendly posture, slow breath (calming effect), eye contact, start with a short ‘pitch.’
Which reflects:
Clear mission /message
Deep listening, clear communication, and creative vision that excites the team.
Clear direction (what are we doing now and learning in the future)
Initiate a question and let them answer( introvert characteristic)
1-on-1 conversation grows confidence and helps you step forward
Change your thought process: instead of thinking ‘I'm bad at this, think ‘I am improving.’
Confidence often shows in body language, and the brain follows the body.
Wish you move forward confidently,
Hollywood/ Broadway. Running a TV show, gathering people together, and creating
a project are leadership strategies.
Learning effective strategies can bring confidence, and you don’t need to change
your personality. Many introverts are successful in writing/directing/acting.
Helpful Tips:
Friendly posture, slow breath (calming effect), eye contact, start with a short ‘pitch.’
Which reflects:
Clear mission /message
Deep listening, clear communication, and creative vision that excites the team.
Clear direction (what are we doing now and learning in the future)
Initiate a question and let them answer( introvert characteristic)
1-on-1 conversation grows confidence and helps you step forward
Change your thought process: instead of thinking ‘I'm bad at this, think ‘I am improving.’
Confidence often shows in body language, and the brain follows the body.
Wish you move forward confidently,
Thank you so much for taking your time to answer!
Luke
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
296
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
You don't have to become super extroverted to succeed. Many talented actors, writers, and directors are introverts who know how to get energized when needed. Instead of worrying about being social, focus on the project. People are more drawn to your passion and vision than to how outgoing you are. When you talk about the TV show, share your excitement about what you're creating, not about impressing others.
Start small by chatting with one or two classmates instead of gathering a big group right away. Ask for their thoughts and ideas rather than delivering a perfect pitch. Saying something like, "I'm working on a student TV show and would love your input" makes people feel included and helps you manage the conversation better. This team approach is usually more comfortable than trying to perform socially.
Remember, confidence in creative projects comes from being clear, not loud. If you can explain the concept, roles, and why it's fun, people will want to join. You don't need to take over the room to lead. Many successful creatives are introverts who listen well, organize ideas, and make others feel valued. That's the kind of leadership that works, and it's what a good director brings.
Start small by chatting with one or two classmates instead of gathering a big group right away. Ask for their thoughts and ideas rather than delivering a perfect pitch. Saying something like, "I'm working on a student TV show and would love your input" makes people feel included and helps you manage the conversation better. This team approach is usually more comfortable than trying to perform socially.
Remember, confidence in creative projects comes from being clear, not loud. If you can explain the concept, roles, and why it's fun, people will want to join. You don't need to take over the room to lead. Many successful creatives are introverts who listen well, organize ideas, and make others feel valued. That's the kind of leadership that works, and it's what a good director brings.
Thank you so much! Your advice gave me some great ideas, thanks!
Luke
Anne Wong
Software Development
8
Answers
Redwood City, California
Updated
Anne’s Answer
Start by exploring volunteering opportunities and suggest projects that people might find interesting. Take on leadership roles. Begin with smaller groups; the more you speak in groups, the easier it gets. Practice starting conversations, engage in small talk, ask open-ended questions, and focus on being a good listener.
Whatever you want to do, aim to become really good at it. People respect skill. If you want others to join your TV show, they need to trust that you can do a great job. Also, see if you can offer them something valuable, like increased popularity.
Join conversations, even briefly, to push your boundaries. Try doing this every day to help you grow. Improve your body language by smiling more, greeting everyone, making eye contact, accepting invitations, and going out more. This will help you become more outgoing.
Whatever you want to do, aim to become really good at it. People respect skill. If you want others to join your TV show, they need to trust that you can do a great job. Also, see if you can offer them something valuable, like increased popularity.
Join conversations, even briefly, to push your boundaries. Try doing this every day to help you grow. Improve your body language by smiling more, greeting everyone, making eye contact, accepting invitations, and going out more. This will help you become more outgoing.
Guruprasad B
Cloud Developer
6
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Guruprasad’s Answer
Hi Luke,
This is a great idea! You don't need to tell everyone at once. Start by talking to a couple of classmates who are talented and share your interests. Social media is also a fantastic way to connect if you're not ready for face-to-face chats. Create a simple plan for your TV show, including a basic plot, vision, and where you want to upload the videos. A rough timeline will help get people on board. Use your introverted nature to your advantage by observing and choosing the right people for collaboration. Be confident in what you're doing, as this will inspire confidence in others too. Start small, ask for feedback, and remember, you don't need to impress everyone—just find those who believe in your idea.
This is a great idea! You don't need to tell everyone at once. Start by talking to a couple of classmates who are talented and share your interests. Social media is also a fantastic way to connect if you're not ready for face-to-face chats. Create a simple plan for your TV show, including a basic plot, vision, and where you want to upload the videos. A rough timeline will help get people on board. Use your introverted nature to your advantage by observing and choosing the right people for collaboration. Be confident in what you're doing, as this will inspire confidence in others too. Start small, ask for feedback, and remember, you don't need to impress everyone—just find those who believe in your idea.