The Art of Writing, A Thing for Introverts or Extroverts

 

By Arikanki Esther 

Writing is often perceived as solitary, suggesting that most writers are introverts. 

A blog writer said in one of her articles that writing has to do with finding your inner self and penning down your findings. She said, "We write to make our opinions and thoughts known to the world. Instead of a long conversation, I write it out." In most of my writings, I often make use of the pronoun "I". Now, the propounding question is, when there are other options, why then do some people choose writing? Why do individuals of specific temperaments gravitate towards writing? 

While it may be true that writers find solace in solitude, it is of utmost authenticity and certainty that they find ideas in outspoken conversations and social interactions. Therefore, the relationship between writing and personality or temperament types is far more complex than this stereotype.

Writing serves as a fundamental act of expressing one's inner self. It allows individuals to take their time to reflect on their feelings, emotions and thoughts which can lead to greater clarity as opposed to the immediacy of spoken conversations. For introverts, writing is a comfortable way to express themselves without the pressure of immediate interaction. The isolation of writing can be a welcome retreat for them, allowing them to focus without external distractions. They often view writing as a natural extension of their introspective nature. They tend to prefer solitary activities, which makes writing an ideal medium for expression. Writing to them allows for deep reflection and an opportunity to articulate their thoughts, leading to a more thoughtful and nuanced expression. As noted, "good writing is good thinking". This highlights that they can delve into complex subjects, bringing depth to their writing, enriching their piece, and resonating with readers who appreciate the careful consideration behind each word and the emotions accompanying each line.  These all propelled them to excel in their space. This highlights why most introverts tend to embrace the poetry genre of writing.

On the flip side, many extroverts find their way of writing, bringing their unique strengths to the craft. They often draw inspiration from their interaction with others as they thrive in environments that allow for idea sharing, which can lead to innovative writing. For extroverts, the immediacy of conversation can feel more natural than the solitary act of writing due to their temperament group and type, which mostly aligns with the melancholic and phlegmatic personality types. They use writing to share their experiences, ideas, opinions and emotions with a broader audience. This desire for connection can lead to a conversational style that resonates well with the audience. One way to know a writer's temperament type in their pieces is they engage in conversations with the readers making their writing feel accessible, flexible and relatable. 

Although they may find solace in social interactions, they must recognize that writing deals a lot with deep explorations, allowing for reflection of thoughts in a more structured and organised way and allowing for clarity, which sometimes is not easy to achieve in a spontaneous conversation.

Amidst all this, versatility and flexibility are crucial in writing. For introverts, developing versatility can help them communicate their ideas more broadly and connect with an audience that might not engage with their solitude style. For extroverts, adapting to a solitary writing style can provide a valuable route and path for their thoughts and ideas, allowing them to reach an audience in a structured way. 

In essence, understanding different perceptions can foster better communication strategies. By appreciating how introverts and extroverts approach writing, individuals can create more inclusive spaces that balance and adapt to the strengths of both personality types.

Therefore, the idea of writing is not ascertained by personality types but by the versatility and the way it allows for flexible expressions regardless of temperament types. Whether solacing in solitude or inspiration in social interaction, the key is to find a balance that works for you, allowing both your inner self and outer experiences to outrightly express themselves.