Perform Well in Public But Still Feel Drained? You Might Be an Introverted Extrovert

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Last Updated: August 8, 2025

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When we talk about extroverts and introverts it’s often oversimplified in black-and-white terms.

But here’s the thing: true extroversion is at one end of the scale and true introversion is on the other end. This means that most people fall somewhere in between.

So, yes, you might be slightly more introverted, but you might also have some extrovert qualities or traits, making things like public speaking or socializing that much easier. And this is completely normal.

In fact, many people are ambiverts individuals who draw energy from both solitude and social interaction, depending on the context. So if you’re someone who enjoys performing in public but still needs downtime afterward, you’re not contradicting yourself - you’re just more nuanced than a label.

Below, we break down what this really means and how to tell where you fall on the introvert-extrovert spectrum.

Can Introverts Be Good Performers & Public Speakers?

In short, yes. In fact, some of the most captivating performers and speakers in the world are actually introverts.

Barack Obama, for example, is known for his eloquent, commanding speeches, but he’s also described himself as a reflective introvert who values quiet time.

Another famous example: Emma Watson, beloved for her role in Harry Potter, has openly shared how she’s introverted and shy by nature - yet she delivers powerful speeches on gender equality with grace and confidence.

In other words, being introverted doesn’t limit your ability to perform - it just means you might approach it differently. For introverts, specifically, preparation, depth, and connection to the material often take center stage, which can lead to incredibly powerful performances.

As mentioned above, you can also be a little bit of both, introverted and extroverted, which we explore in more detail below.

What is an Ambivert?

Let’s get this out of the way first: It’s a rarity for someone to be fully extroverted or fully introverted.

Most people are a little bit of both, depending on personality traits, environment, and the situation they’re in. And ambiverts are those that fall in this middle ground - able to lean into either side when needed.

You might be an ambivert if:

You’re good at listening but also at communicating.
You feel comfortable socially but also like your alone time.
You’re naturally empathetic.
You tend to feel best with a healthy balance of socialization and quiet time.

Do you need to be extroverted to perform in public? Not necessarily. Sometimes, it’s more about how you’ve adapted to fit into the world around you.

Many introverts learn early on that certain forms of success - like leadership, public speaking, or social confidence - require stepping outside their comfort zone. That doesn’t mean they aren’t introverted; it just means they’ve developed tools to navigate an extrovert-leaning world.

So, Do You Need to Be Extroverted to Perform in Public? Why or Why Not?

Many people assume that public speaking, performing, or leading a team requires you to be naturally outgoing and extroverted. But that’s not always the case.

In fact, countless introverts have become powerful performers - not because it comes naturally, but because they’ve learned to adapt.

For some, success meant:

learning how to speak up in meetings
taking the lead in group settings
presenting with confidence, even if they’d rather be behind the scenes

This doesn’t erase their introversion - it simply shows that introverts are fully capable of showing up when it matters. With practice and self-awareness, they’ve built tools to thrive in an extrovert-leaning world without abandoning their true nature.

And the truth is anyone can do this, even the most introverted among us. Often, it just takes practice! And yup, it’s going to feel uncomfortable, especially at first. But it’s all about leaning into the discomfort and ensuring you have downtime later on to potentially balance it all out.

Where Do You Fall On the Spectrum?

Boxes and labels aren’t the best, but gaining self-awareness can help you thrive in all areas of life.

And uncovering how introverted versus extroverted you are is a good way to do this. So, here are some reflective questions to help you discover your natural tendencies and where you might have some strengths versus weaknesses (and from there, you can lean into them or even push your comfort zone a little wider!).

After a social event, do you feel energized and ready for more, or do you need quiet time to recharge?
When you’re stressed, do you seek out friends and conversation, or do you prefer solitude and reflection?
Does your ideal weekend involve packed social plans or plenty of downtime?
Do you do your best thinking in group brainstorms or during solo deep work?
Would you rather collaborate throughout the day or have long stretches of uninterrupted focus time?
Do you prefer instant messaging and calls, or do you favor email and written communication?
Do you prefer deep conversations with one or two people, or mingling with large groups?
Are you comfortable with small talk, or do you find it draining?
Do you make friends easily in new situations, or does it take time to warm up?

Keep in mind, as you self-reflect, that there’s no “better” place to be on this spectrum. Whether you’re an introvert who’s learned to excel at public speaking, an extrovert who’s discovered the value of quiet reflection, or an ambivert who flows between both worlds, what matters is understanding your natural tendencies and honoring them.

Ultimately, we aren’t trying to change who you are. Generally speaking, the goal is to help you uncover greater balance in your life and learn about yourself in productive ways.

For instance, if you’re more of an introvert, you may want to build in recovery time after social events.

If you lean more toward extroversion, you may want to seek out more collaborative opportunities.

If you’re an ambivert (also known as an extroverted introvert), you may, instead, need to more so pay attention to what you need in the moment and adjust accordingly.

Get to Know Yourself Better

Ultimately, knowing yourself allows you to create a life that energizes rather than depletes you. So, wherever you fall on the spectrum, embrace it - and use that knowledge to perform at your best.

And remember, things are rarely black-and-white. Like most things, introversion and extroversion occur on a spectrum. And most of us don’t fit neatly into either box, which is entirely okay and to be expected.

Photo by 祝鹤槐

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