Written by: Gia Marrollo, Account Executive
I have always considered myself an introvert. I am naturally shy, and for a very long time, I was afraid to come out of my shell. Speaking up in groups, public speaking and putting myself in unfamiliar situations did not always come naturally to me.
That can feel challenging, especially when you work in public relations. Our job requires us to communicate clearly, build relationships and provide direction, often in situations where we may not have all the answers. We are expected to guide our clients with confidence, present media opportunities to relevant reporters and make strong cases for why these conversations are worth their time.
Early in my career, I thought being successful in communications meant becoming more extroverted. I believed I needed to be the most talkative person in the room, have an immediate response to every question and always appear completely confident. Over time, I realized that was not true.
Great communication is not about changing your personality. It is about becoming comfortable being uncomfortable.
For me, that has meant learning to prepare, ask questions and trust my own perspective. Preparation gives me the confidence to walk into a client meeting with a clear point of view. It helps me understand my clients’ needs, anticipate potential questions and provide thoughtful recommendations. I may not be the loudest voice in the room, but I can be the most prepared person.
It has also meant pushing myself to take small steps outside of my comfort zone. Sometimes that means being the first to speak in a meeting, reaching out to a reporter I have never contacted or taking the lead on a client conversation. These moments can still make me nervous, but I have learned that nervousness does not mean I am unprepared or incapable. It simply means I am doing something that matters to me.
Peppercomm’s annual improv training has been another meaningful way for me to practice getting comfortable being uncomfortable. It encourages us to think quickly, trust our instincts and embrace the unexpected, often in front of our colleagues. While the experience can feel intimidating, it has taught me to stay present, step outside my comfort zone and trust myself. In many ways, improv reflects the same lessons I’ve learned in public relations because confidence comes from being willing to participate, adapt and move forward, even when the outcome is uncertain.
Being an introvert can also be a strength in public relations. Introverts are often thoughtful listeners. We pay attention to details, consider our words carefully and take the time to understand what someone is really saying. Those qualities are valuable when working with clients and reporters. Strong communication is not only about knowing what to say, but knowing when to listen.
The more experience I gain, the more I understand that confidence does not always look loud or outgoing. Sometimes confidence looks like asking a thoughtful question, offering a recommendation or admitting that you need more information before responding. It is about being dependable and showing clients that they can trust your judgment.
Introverts do not need to become extroverts to succeed. They need to find a communication style that feels authentic while continuing to challenge themselves. Growth often happens in the moments that feel uncomfortable: the first presentation, the difficult client conversation, or the introduction to a new reporter.
I am still shy in some situations, and I still get nervous. The difference is that I no longer see those feelings as something I need to overcome before I can move forward. I have learned to work through them.
The best communicators are not necessarily the most outgoing people in the room. They are the ones who can listen, adapt, provide direction and connect with others, even when it feels uncomfortable. For introverts like me, that is not about becoming someone else; it is about becoming more confident in who we already are.
