Confession time: I am an introvert by nature, especially when it comes to live events. It takes a lot of energy for me to get out and mingle with people I don’t know, introduce myself, and carry a conversation with new connections.

If you’re like a lot of speakers, coaches, and consultants, then you also know what it’s like to be an introvert.

That’s where we have an opportunity. It may be draining for you to be at an event and connect with your crowd in person, so how do you grow your audience as an introvert?

I recommend focusing on one person at a time. Even if you’re standing in a circle, focus on one person after another so it feels like a long series of one-on-one conversations instead of a one-to-many conversation.

Imagine the person you’re talking with is the only person in the room with you. That gives you the chance to be truly present and engaging with them.

It also means you don’t have to be anxious or uncomfortable thinking about everyone else in the room.

Focus on one person, give them your best attention, and watch your connections grow.

The Keynote Clarity for Thought Leaders Flash Briefing is presented by Jon Cook, founder of Keynote Content. Jon and his team help thought leaders, namely speakers, coaches, and consultants, craft and share their messages to better serve their audiences. Connect with Jon and his team at Keynote Content by visiting keynotecontent.com. You can subscribe to The Keynote Clarity for Thought Leaders Flash Briefing by visiting bit.ly/KeynoteClarity and enabling it there. Then, all you have to say is, “Alexa, what’s my flash briefing?”