The Science Behind Why Introverts Struggle to Put Their Thoughts Into Words
A coworker appears out of the blue and asks me a question. Her eyes and tone of voice say she wants an answer now. Her request is easy, but my mind is momentarily paralyzed. I hesitate. I backtrack. I start sentences then stop them. I say words that are close to what I mean but not exactly.
Introverts Process Information Deeply
We process information deeply, chewing on ideas, turning them over and over in our minds, analyzing them from every angle.
- Introverts don’t think out loud like extroverts do. We generally do our processing inwardly. Without words.
Why Writing Is Easier
Introverts express themselves better in writing than in conversation
- John Green, author of the bestselling YA novel The Fault in Our Stars, explains that writing is something that introverts do alone
- Text messages and emails are preferred over phone calls and in-person meetings for introverts
What to Do When Your Mind Goes Blank
Be still and relax.
- Buy yourself time by saying something like, “Let me think about that,” or “Hmm, let me see…” Let your mind wander and go where it wants. One thought may lead to another, and one of those thoughts may hold the key to unlocking the words you need from your long-term memory.
Introverts May Favor Long-Term Memory
Information stored in long-term memory is mostly outside of our conscious awareness.
- Working memory (sometimes referred to as short-term or active memory) is limited and only retains information for a few seconds.
- Extroverts, on the other hand, put information on the tip of their tongue, essentially putting it in their “memory.”
- It can be harder to reach into long term memory to access the information stored there.
Anxiety Can Exacerbate It
Not all introverts experience social anxiety or are shy, but it is common for us “quiet ones” to experience at least some level of anxiety in social situations
- Anxiety is mentally draining and can interfere with memory
- The stress hormone cortisol is released in large amounts during times of anxiety which can lead to memory loss and problems with recall