As an introvert-leaning human, events feel like a double-edged sword. We all need connection. But for a lot of us, things like mandatory group participation, on-the-fly discussions, loud lunches, or extended happy hours are the stuff of nightmares.
Events that prioritize these outgoing, group-centered activities are biased toward extroverts. The more extroverted among us are at home in big social settings and are more comfortable brainstorming on the spot or making changes on the fly. For them, group participation and group gatherings are a breeze. For the introverts, not so much. They thrive in smaller groups or one-on-one conversations and like to take time to observe and consider a situation before they act or speak.
Then there are the ambiverts, those who identify with characteristics of both traits. Many of us fall somewhere in the middle of the introvert-extrovert spectrum.
People are diverse, and different styles of socializing, working, and learning call for flexible events. Great event planning considers how to engage and support people across the whole spectrum, so try offering a mix of spaces, group sizes, and engagement styles. That way, people can choose what works best for them, and introverts can stay involved without feeling overwhelmed. The following ideas will get you started in creating some introvert-friendly structure for your next event.
Introduce people ahead of time
Making initial introductions may not feel as natural for people who lean more toward introversion. So if you're planning to gather people who have not met before, consider initiating introductions over email ahead of time. This will be especially helpful if you’re putting together a networking event, or something else where mingling is a priority. That way, everyone will have a chance to get a feel for who will be there, and no one will feel put on the spot.
Build in recovery time
Resist the urge to push productivity over rest. People who feel introverted often need recovery time after activities. So while you might be tempted to keep your work meeting or event action-packed, building in some free time can actually help everyone—especially the introverts—feel less overwhelmed and recharged for the next group activity.
Let people know what to expect
A lot of people—introverted or not—feel overwhelmed by spontaneity. Do these people a favor by sending out a detailed itinerary a week or so before your event. Note which portions of the event will be heavy on the social side, like networking or brainstorming activities. Let them know if and when there will be downtime and what options they'll have for getting some space so they can plan their recharge time.
Offer a structured icebreaker
Introverts tend to dislike small talk, which can make it hard to keep everyone engaged. In order to make the first phase of your event more palatable to all, find a way to put purpose behind your introductory conversations. Consider planning a structured icebreaker activity, like a hike or a game. We often encourage our clients to book a session with our neighbors, Brazee Glassroom, where groups can do a hands-on glass workshop as part of their creative meetings in Cincinnati.
Provide quiet spaces for one-on-one conversations or solo work
Being introverted is not the same as being shy, but they might look the same to someone more outgoing. Someone who is introverted needs less external stimulation, tends to prefer one-on-one conversations, and requires downtime to recharge after socializing. You can accommodate people who thrive in more intimate or private settings by choosing a flexible event space. Prioritize meeting venues that have multiple rooms, outdoor spaces, or walkable neighborhoods.
Get feedback after the event
If you want to be sure that you're serving the people in your organization or community, ask them! Again, one introverted characteristic is the desire to think this over before responding, so give people the option to fill out a survey now or later. Collecting data from your gatherings will help you support them better in the future.
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