On the outside, introverted people might seem quiet or shy, but this just means that they're more comfortable in their own skin. Introverted people are often thoughtful, focused, and great at listening. If you need a little help engaging with someone who's introverted, try a few of these useful tips.

1

Interact one-on-one.

  1. Spend individual time with an introverted person instead of in large groups. If you're really hoping to have a meaningful conversation with someone who's introverted, choose a quiet, personal setting instead of a crowded space with a big group of people. This puts the other person at ease so it's easier for them to talk.[1] [2]
    • For example, if you're dating an introverted person, they'd probably prefer eating at a quiet restaurant and checking out a small music scene rather than going to a crowded, noisy concert with a lot of people.
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3

Give an introvert time to respond.

4

Don't be afraid of silence in the conversation.

  1. Introverts don't mind silence or deeper conversations. Extroverted people might feel like they have to make idle chit-chat to fill a lull in the conversation, but small talk can actually make introverted people feel anxious.[6] Instead of talking, don't be afraid to let the silence linger, or engage in a more meaningful conversation.[7]
    • If you're at a party and want to put an introverted person at ease, try to find someone they know for them to talk to rather than expecting them to join in a large conversation with strangers.
5

Improve your listening skills.

6

Communicate more with texts and emails.

  1. Write to introverts instead of expecting phone calls or in-person chats. Many introverted people feel anxiety when they have to have to make a phone call or meet up with someone. To put them more at ease, send a text or email instead. You might find that this opens up a better line of communication.[10]
    • If you're working with an introverted person, try to minimize the number of interactions you have to reduce stress. For example, instead of popping in to ask them questions whenever you have them, consolidate your thoughts and send them in a single email.
9

Support the introverted person.

Community Q&A

  • Question
    Do introverts understand extroverts?
    Nielly Rose Sutacio
    Nielly Rose Sutacio
    Community Answer
    Extroverts don't really understand introverts unless it's explained to them. For an extrovert, being social comes so naturally that they can't really wrap their heads around the idea that some people don't like it at all.
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About This Article

Nicolette Tura, MA
Co-authored by:
Authentic Living Expert
This article was co-authored by Nicolette Tura, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Nicolette Tura is an Authentic Living Expert who operated her own wellness business for more than ten years in the San Francisco Bay Area. Nicolette is a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher with a Psychology & Mindfulness Major, a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certified Corrective Exercise Specialist, and is an expert in authentic living. She holds a BA in Sociology from the University of California, Berkeley and got her master's degree in Sociology from SJSU. She constantly draws from her own wounds and challenges; with her training in the healing arts and sociology, she offers potent content, powerful meditations, and game-changing seminars on inspiring elevation on a personal and corporate level. This article has been viewed 31,217 times.
15 votes - 87%
Co-authors: 8
Updated: June 3, 2022
Views: 31,217
Categories: Conversation Skills
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