How to Become an Extrovert: Tips for Embracing Extroversion

Are you an introvert interested in learning how to be more extroverted? Or perhaps you’re an ambivert looking to get in touch with your inner social butterfly

Making the shift to become more extroverted takes effort, but it can help you connect with others, speak up more, and tap into your inner confidence.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what extroversion is, the key traits of extroverts, and provide science-backed tips to help you embrace extroversion, even if you’re naturally more introverted.

What Does It Mean to Be An Extrovert?

Extroversion is one side of the extrovert-introvert personality spectrum. Extroverts tend to be outgoing, energetic people who thrive in social situations.

Key traits and behaviors of extroverts include:

• Feeling energized and excited by social interactions
• Initiating conversations and introducing themselves to others
• Enjoying collaboration and group activities
• Speaking up readily to share thoughts and opinions
• Expressing emotions and affection openly
• Preferring variety and action over routine
• Getting bored easily when alone
• Thinking out loud and processing ideas verbally

Extroverts often have an upbeat, enthusiastic attitude and derive pleasure from interactions. They may have a wide social circle and feel fired up being around people.

Signs You May Be an Extrovert

Wondering if you lean more extroverted? Here are some common signs:

• You feel energized after social gatherings, not drained
• You thrive on starting conversations with new people
• You prefer group work over working solo
• You have a wide friend group and multiple social connections
• You think out loud and process ideas verbally
• You speak up readily to share opinions and ideas
• You express affection like compliments easily
• You dislike quiet, slower paced environments
• You talk more than you listen in conversations
• You get restless and bored when alone too long

If these traits resonate with you, you likely have an extroverted personality type to some degree

Tips to Become More Extroverted

If you’re more introverted by nature, becoming extroverted takes effort. But you can make small changes to get in touch with your inner social butterfly.

Here are science-backed tips to embrace your extroverted side:

1. Socialize to Build Social Skills

Socializing is a skill that requires practice. The more you put yourself out there, the more comfortable you’ll become.

• Attend social events regularly to meet new people.
• Have coffee chats or informal meetups to build social skills.
• Join clubs, networking events, or recreational teams.
• Say yes to party invites and social gatherings. Accept more invitations!

Frequent social interaction helps extroverts polish their social abilities.

2. Speak Up More in Conversations

As an extrovert, speaking up more comes naturally. Practice asserting yourself.

• Share your thoughts and opinions readily when chatting.
• Don’t just ask questions – talk more about yourself.
• If you have a thought, just say it! Don’t overthink sharing.
• Interrupt occasionally (politely) to bring the focus back to you.

Speaking first and often in conversations helps extroverts take the spotlight.

3. Embrace Small Talk

Extroverts thrive on small talk with strangers and acquaintances.

• Ask lots of questions when chatting to keep conversation flowing.
• Comment on your surroundings to start conversations.
• Have go-to small talk topics ready like movies, travel, or news.
• Discuss lighthearted topics versus anything too deep.

Making small talk helps extroverts be social butterflies and talk to anyone.

4. Be Enthusiastic and Upbeat

Extroverts have an enthusiastic, upbeat attitude that’s contagious. Adopt a positive mindset.

• Smile and make eye contact when meeting new people.
• Use humor and tell stories to lighten interactions.
• Compliment others. Say encouraging, positive things.
• Bring energy to conversations instead of waiting for it.
• Embrace spontaneity and laugh at yourself.

An energetic, cheerful vibe makes extroverts magnetic.

5. Practice Public Speaking

Extroverts often thrive at public speaking. Build this skill.

• Look for opportunities to present at work or give speeches.
• Rehearse and practice presentations extensively.
• Record yourself to improve delivery and eye contact.
• Visualize yourself succeeding to build confidence.
• Start small with short presentations or even podcasts.

With practice, extroverts can become persuasive public speakers.

6. Focus Externally Versus Internally

Extroverts tend to be outwardly focused, taking cues from others and their environment.

• Observe others’ body language and facial expressions.
• Make eye contact and smile at people you meet.
• Ask people questions to keep the focus on them.
• Avoid too much inward reflection when socializing.
• Let your surroundings energize you. Feed off the energy of other people.

Tuning into the external world prevents extroverts from getting stuck in their own head.

7. Act First, Reflect Later

Extroverts tend to act spontaneously and reflect afterward.

• Say yes first instead of overthinking participation.
• Jump into group conversations without overanalyzing.
• Introduce yourself to new people without hesitation.
• Process experiences after-the-fact versus planning excessively.
• Trust your instincts to take action.

Making split-second decisions helps extroverts take social risks.

Turning Extroversion On and Off

While adopting extroverted behaviors takes effort, you don’t have to be “on” all the time. Think of extroversion as a switch you can activate when needed.

Ways to tap into extroversion:

• At networking happy hours or parties
• When meeting new people or at big gatherings
• For work presentations, pitches, or team collaborations
• During one-on-one meetings to build rapport
• On vacations, dates, and social adventures

And know when to switch it off:

• Alone time to recharge after lots of socializing
• Quiet focus work like analysis or writing
• Relaxing evenings after busy weekends
• During introspective activities like journaling
• When you need to think deeply and reflect

Learn when to flex your extrovert muscles, and when to give yourself a break!

Final Thoughts

Embracing your inner extrovert takes effort for introverts. But with practice developing social skills, an enthusiastic attitude, external focus, and taking action, you can get in touch with your talkative, outgoing side.

Remember, you don’t have to be the life of the party every night. Use these science-backed extrovert tips when they serve you best, whether networking, collaborating, or just meeting new people. Think of extroversion as a skill to deploy strategically.

So get out there, chat with strangers, speak up in meetings, and work that room! Let this comprehensive guide help you channel your inner social butterfly.