Me an extrovert

 So many people see me and tell me I’m an extrovert. I know when I need to be around people, I have that ability. An extrovert gains energy from being around people, where I have my energy drained in those environments. I am an introvert but can be out in public and no one would know that about me.  No, I don’t want to be the centre of attention, but I can mix and mingle with people when needed. I have also been known to find that quiet spot even in noisy places to just hide for those few minutes to regain some of my energy so that I can continue to be present and enjoy where I am. As I do go to quite a few IT events, I have found one spot that is usually nice and quiet, and that is the women’s washroom. IT is still a very male focused industry, so when I need those couple of minutes it’s a great place to escape to.

I get a lot of pleasure having time to myself to recharge my batteries and think things through. In some cases, I do like to be out in public, but sitting watching people where I don’t have to mingle is nice. Sometimes it’s fun to just sit in a coffee shop or a food court and just watch people around you.

Being able to write in either environment is extremely handy because ideas come when they do, and they need to be captured. If the document is in final review, I do like my quiet environment, but rough drafts can be done anywhere. Lately, I have found that I have done quite a bit of my writing sitting on our balcony, it is a quiet area, but I can also see what’s going on around me.

Yes, I admit that I am an introvert and there are times when I do enjoy my alone time, but then I still have the times when being among people is nice, and I enjoy it. After I have been around people for a while I really do enjoy escaping and finding my place which is normally at home where I can get my energy back for the next time.

Being able to show that you can be out among people and show a professional side can come in very handy. It doesn’t matter who you are, it is important than even as an introvert you try and not let other’s see that side of you. Yes, your true friends can see that side, but others don’t need to see it.

Common courtesy during presentations

I have attended lots of conferences and here is something that I needed to write about.

During presentations, please respect others and keep personal conversations for breaks or out in the hall, but not during a presentation. I understand that conferences are sometimes the place where you can catch up on personal stuff with co-workers, but please not during presentations. 

What I am talking about is conversations about activities you did last night or plans for the upcoming weekend. For those of us that are not part of the circle, we aren’t interested in your plans but want to hear the presenter. I understand that everyone wants to catch up with each other, but can you please respect the others of us that are attending as well. The social conversations should take place during breaks or out in the hall. If you are socializing you mustn’t be hearing the presentation so, why sit in the room. Also, if you take the conversation out in the hall, make sure you are away from the door of the presentation room because sometimes your conversation will be heard back in that room as well.

I was at a presentation once when the presenter stopped the presentation and asked someone if they wanted to share their conversation with everyone because it must have been important. The presenter was able to hear parts of the conversation, and it was impacting their presentation. Yes, the volume you are talking and the location of where you are sitting can also mean that more people are hearing you than you think are.

The personal conversations during presentations really do show a lack of respect to the presenter. I know this may sound harsh, but you are communicating that your conversations are more important than what the presenter has to say. Please, for the rest of us trying to hear the presentation, can you take your conversation out of the room.