With the popularity of remote work, most communication occurs over email or text messaging. For introverts, these digital channels offer a way to avoid the social expectations of a phone call.
The first few moments are full of small talk and pleasantries during many calls. For introverts, this inane chitchat can be tedious and draining.
Unexpected Calls While the pandemic may necessitate keeping in touch with family and friends by phone, it can be stressful. For introverts who prefer messaging or email, unexpected calls can be particularly distressing. This type of phone anxiety – known as telephobia – can cause a range of emotional and physical symptoms, including nausea, an increase in heart rate, sweating, or dizziness.
Additionally, when people call unexpectedly and begin with small talk, they put introverts on the spot. They don’t need to find out how long the conversation will last or if they will be asked for an immediate response, which can be difficult to think through and formulate. In contrast, digital communication gives introverts the time to consider their response before it’s demanded. This can make a difference.
Interrupted Calls For example, if someone calls to ask you a question, they may expect an immediate answer. This can make introverts tense and uncomfortable because they don’t know how long it will take them to think through their response.
Although text messages and emails are more convenient than phone calls, they lack the social cues that help introverts connect with others. In addition, a phone conversation can feel overwhelming because there’s no way to read facial expressions or body language. For this reason, introverts often find personal phone conversations draining and prefer to communicate with friends through other mediums like LinkedIn or email.
Unanswered Calls Even though email and texting are more common now than phone calls, some introverts still dislike talking on the phone. They can’t stand hearing the phone ring and feel anxious when they have to pick it up.
They also hate not seeing someone’s face during a call. This absence of nonverbal cues can make them unsure of what to say or if they are understood.
Furthermore, they may get irritated by the endless small talk in a typical call. Small talk is tedious for introverts and drains their energy. During therapy, they can use hierarchy tactics from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to overcome their irrational fears and learn to communicate effectively over the phone. This can help them build confidence and gain independence from the phone.
Moreover, the shift to remote work has magnified the importance of written communication skills for introverts. As they increasingly rely on emails and messages to convey their thoughts and ideas, honing these skills becomes crucial for effective collaboration and professional growth. Introverts often excel in written communication, where they have time to craft thoughtful responses and express themselves more clearly than in spontaneous verbal exchanges.
However, the prevalence of digital communication doesn’t completely alleviate the challenges introverts face. While they may feel more comfortable expressing themselves through writing, they can still encounter situations where phone calls are unavoidable. In such cases, practicing active listening and setting boundaries can help introverts navigate conversations more confidently.
Additionally, introverts may find solace in technology tools that facilitate virtual meetings with features like chat boxes or raised hand functions, allowing them to participate without the pressure of speaking up immediately. These tools provide a middle ground between the intimacy of a phone call and the asynchronous nature of email, catering to introverts’ preferences for thoughtful communication.
In essence, while digital channels offer introverts a refuge from the demands of verbal communication, developing a balanced skill set that encompasses both written and spoken forms of interaction is essential for success in today’s diverse work environments. By embracing their strengths and leveraging available resources, introverts can thrive in a world where communication norms continue to evolve.
