Are Singers Extroverted?

I would say singers don’t need to be extroverts to preform well. The reason I say that is because most fo the good singers I know are wery shy.

Please correct me if I’m wrong.

Either or! There is no need to sing to anybody at all. I sing when I walk down the street by myself and enjoy it as much as when I sing in a group setting. The fact that you’re one or the other has no bearing whatsoever with your desire and/or ability to sing. Just ask Per;-)

It’s hard to tell, but I do know that being an introvert doesn’t make a person any less of an introvert. Introverted performers have just found a way to assume a different persona on stage. Also, they say that the one thing introverts like about performing, is the fact that the whole thing is scripted.

Still it must be a whole lot easier for the newcomer to be a natural extravert. It just makes things like audience engagement and the overall act of being hyped up to entertain a little less taxing on them, as compared to the introverts. 🙂

There are some interesting opinions here …even one that states we are all exhibitionists. When I recently told a friend that I enjoyed singing and liked karaoke in an atmosphere that was in front of a crowd and not a closed room, he called me an exhibitionist and said that I liked to show-off. I’ve pondered his statement over and tried to decide. I am an introvert pretty well but I love music and singing so much that I want to share it with others and try to monitor how well I’m doing by the live reactions of some others. I have to admit that I take some satisfaction if they compliment me and I do it well. If that makes me an exhibitionist then so be it…but when it comes right down to it, what I’m doing is having a good time and sharing that with others who I assume are there for the same reasons. Thanks Per for you mentoring and encouragement.

The best performers I know are introverted by nature. They are deeply emotional and music allows them to share their passions with the world.

As has been noted, both intros and extras can be singers. I would suggest that the techniques of preparation, and audience interaction may differ between the two types of people (speaking in stereotypical terms, as we all fall more properly along a spectrum of intro-extravert.)

Introverted people tend to energize alone, and would tend to be drained more by performing. Whereas extraverted people are more likely to be energized by the audience and interaction.

It is also interesting to note that many actors and other public figures claim to be highly introverted people, yet perform extraordinarily well in front of crowds, and may have a high degree of interaction with their audiences at times.

I have studied Iris interpretation and can see if a person has a tendency to take their emotions inwardly (Introvert) or are able to express themselves outwardly (extrovert)
But I don’t think labels define our ability to sing, other than it may be more confronting for the “introvert” to be comfortable if front of an audience. I think both parts of me can sing with emotion or ease. I happen to be an extrovert.

Personally….I don’t see my self ether way. I think I am the same on stage as well as off. I know that I love to sing and perform and I am a people person. I know my limits…….sometimes I take chances vocally which makes performing interesting but other then that, it’s all good!

I have had stage fright in the past and my shyness has really been a problem in my life. Singing in a a church choir and with barber shoppers has helped me a lot. I can feel a new confidence being developed I never had before. My goal is to sing a solo in church. I am hoping your lessons help give me that final boost of confidence I need.

I say Pers is the man because he addresses the introvert and the extrovert by providing an all encompassing system geared toward extracting the best in all who strive to share the gift of vocal art in it’s most acceptable form

I agree with Kevin Hancey. I was very introverted when I was young, but learned by practice to act like an extrovert around people. When I sing in a choir or just a duet, I want to do my best to do a beautiful song justice so people listening can love the music as much as I do. In doing so, I forget myself and lose myself in the music.

Found these definitions
Introvert
from http://giftedkids.about.com/od/glossary/g/introvert.htm

Definition: Contrary to what most people think, an introvert is not simply a person who is shy. In fact, being shy has little to do with being an introvert! Shyness has an element of apprehension, nervousness and anxiety, and while an introvert may also be shy, introversion itself is not shyness. Basically, an introvert is a person who is energized by being alone and whose energy is drained by being around other people.

Introverts are more concerned with the inner world of the mind. They enjoy thinking, exploring their thoughts and feelings. They often avoid social situations because being around people drains their energy. This is true even if they have good social skills. After being with people for any length of time, such as at a party, they need time alone to “recharge.”

When introverts want to be alone, it is not, by itself, a sign of depression. It means that they either need to regain their energy from being around people or that they simply want the time to be with their own thoughts. Being with people, even people they like and are comfortable with, can prevent them from their desire to be quietly introspective.

Being introspective, though, does not mean that an introvert never has conversations. However, those conversations are generally about ideas and concepts, not about what they consider the trivial matters of social small talk.

Introverts make up about 60% of the gifted population but only about 25-40% of the general population.

Extrovert
From http://giftedkids.about.com/od/glossary/g/extrovert.htm

Definition: Most people believe that an extrovert is a person who is friendly and outgoing. While that may be true, that is not the true meaning of extroversion. Basically, an extrovert is a person who is energized by being around other people. This is the opposite of an introvert who is energized by being alone.

Extroverts tend to “fade” when alone and can easily become bored without other people around. When given the chance, an extrovert will talk with someone else rather than sit alone and think. In fact, extroverts tend to think as they speak, unlike introverts who are far more likely to think before they speak. Extroverts often think best when they are talking. Concepts just don’t seem real to them unless they can talk about them; reflecting on them isn’t enough.

Extroverts enjoy social situations and even seek them out since they enjoy being around people. Their ability to make small talk makes them appear to be more socially adept than introverts (although introverts may have little difficulty talking to people they don’t know if they can talk about concepts or issues).

Extrovert behavior seems to be the standard in American society, which means that other behavior is judged against the ways an extrovert would behave. However, extroverted behavior is simply a manifestation of the way an extrovert interacts with the world. Extroverts are interested in and concerned with the external world.

Oh YES one needs to be an extrovert to be an impactful performer..being an extrovert myself, I love it when I m able to connect with the audience so well..

I consider myself an introvert. By definition, this means that I need a certain amount of solitary time in order to recharge my batteries. Although I may have a wonderful time at a party, after 3 or 4 nights in a row of doing so, I am in serious need of time off. Extroverts need people in order to recharge themselves. An introvert may be friendly, and might not be shy. Extroverts can be shy, but there lack of ease in a situation would probably be exhibited in a noisy manner, as opposed to the quiet shyness of an introvert.
As a singer, I emote better in a group than individually, but I think that is a fear factor that either introverts or extroverts might experience. An introverted singer might perform brilliantly but it would expend a lot of energy and the introvert would have to make sure that part of the performance day is quiet in order to save energy for performance.

I am a singer who is very, very extroverted and always has been since I was a child. A person does not have to be extroverted to be an effective singer but it does help especially when on stage in front of a large audience.

This is an interesting topic to discuss. Most people would I suspect state, if asked, that a performer was extrovert in character by the very fact that they can stand up on a stage and perform in front of an audience.This is something that most people would express a great fear of doing… however, in my particular situation and experience i would say I am not particularly extrovert by nature. I cannot walk into a room of strangers and start talking to everyone and yet my wife can and yet she would be very daunted by the prospect of performing in public. Many singers that I know are exceptional performers but offstage quite unassuming. Personally I find that trait very appealing and attractive.

Without going into deep psychoanalysis I would state in my own case that singing is a very spiritual experience that enables me to express emotions through the medium of music that perhaps I would be less able to communicate in general conversation. It is a way in which I can seek a balance and harmony within myself and a great gift to be able to reach out and touch other peoples emotions in an intimate way that is not possible with strangers in polite conversation.

Are we born introvert or extrovert? I believe we are framed by our experiences in life and I think that those very early experiences when we are just young and to a degree blank canvas’s are extremely important in shaping our character and personality. I believe that I still carry around with me to some degree feelings I experienced as very young child and sense that they have formed part of my nature and personality.. it is indeed a fascinating subject matter :))

Maybe the difference is between pride and humility. Pride is showy and a bit reckless, aims for the top climbing over the failures of others. But humility reaches from heart to heart and all are lifted and inspired. The beauty expressed through humble courage is really lasting. Humility teaches compassion to the extrovert, and courage to the introvert. This make sense?

Show offs are extrovert and rarely make good performers. The good actor/singer internalises and develops the character or the feel of the song before a performance. Practising soto voce until the elements of the music or script is absorbed. Then the dynamics of the song or script must be used with full expression of the voice. Great singers/actors do not deplete their “CAPITAL” That is using the dynamics artistically with always something in reserve. My teacher stated that a performer must have “A HEART of FIRE and a BRAIN of ICE!”
Bob Bradshaw

I have always considered myself extroverted but the comments give food for thought…I have never had a problem being sociable and can start a conversation with just about anyone…meanwhile I love alone time and that is where I turn to music and singing …and spirituality and it is this that grounds me.

Speaking for myself I would have both traits.
I’m saying their are times when I enjoy my own company the best . For exanple I love meditation, sound healing,and listening to soothing music or reading a good book.
Other times I enjoy the company of others and the exchanging of thoughts and insights can be very beneficial.
I feel we all are like this, or I would like to think we are.
Being a hermit cannot be healthy!

I find many professional singers, or those who tend towards professional quality, are quite extroverted. It’s generally a mix between extroversion and introversion. When things go well in one’s music world, one feels accepted by one’s peers, that one’s singing is regarded at a high level. This reinforcement makes one feels secure enough that if one is extroverted, that characteristic is amplified or intensified.

However, the moment one is slighted, especially in the presence of others, the “wind is taken out of one’s sails” as it were, and a depressed feeling often ensues. This can nullify extroversion, ast least temporarily, and some degree of introversion results as a form of self-protection from further “slings and arrows” from a perceived leader of a group which has become antagonistic, so one might think, folks one once trusted as supportive colleagues..

Marti Olsen Laney, author of “The introvert advantage” writes, “Introverts are like a rechargeable battery. They need to stop expending energy and rest in order to recharge. Extroverts are like solar panels that need the sun to recharge. Extroverts need to be out and about to refuel.”

I was a professional actress for about 15 years and very shy/introvert in my private life during all that time. I remember a director saying “she is completely invisible as a person, she only ‘comes out’ when she is on stage.” Curiously, after I stopped acting, I started being more extravert in my private life… as if I had to compensate for the loss. I think introvert people are only like that until they find a way to channel their expressive potential.

One thing that I’d like to know is if ear dominance plays a role. Knowing that the neural pathway form right ear to left brain (rational, faster response) is shorter than from left ear to right brain (emotional), I ‘d be curious to find if there is a correlation.

i am usually an introvert…i sing with no audience for pure pleasure…

I think to be a successful singer whether for pleasure or pay, you have to be an extrovert type personality. That is what gives passion and depth to a performance.

Is an introverted/extroverted woman and man feeling and acting it out in the same way as a singer and performer?

I was just out playing and singing in the shopping street in the city where I am at now, Århus, Denmark. I feel that I am able to be extroverted towards children and some few adults, the ones who have open eyes and open heart and mind. The humans that just “exist” in the moment. I see myself as living like that, but when I´m pressured into situations, such as a stage what makes me “higher” than the audience, then I either have to play a role of entertainer/extroverted or I feel like I want to vomit being “just me”….any thoughts?

So much has been said that it is difficult to say much more than’ I agree with the idea that there is a bit of both in each of us’ but to add something practical could I just put in a word for the expression ‘thank you’ said simply and with meaning it is so much better than the air kisses and the ritual ‘Dahling you were wonderful’ that pervades theatrical circles – signifying nothing.

I think that most are introverts, just like a lot of actors. Often, very shy and introverted people find it easier to act and perform than to be involved in one-on-one personal relationships. It is easier to get up and pretend you are someone else through acting or singing than to actually reveal yourself as you truly are. Often it is hard for people to express their personal selves to others but they, in a way, have these personal relationships through their acting or singing. I think often, people fear rejection if they are themselves, but if they are acting or singing, they feel accepted and received for the talent they perform.

Artists are introvert and depressive people, and I am also like that.. But I usually overcome it especially now that I have a business.Self awareness is very important to overcome your weaknessess.

You asked two questions. There are two answers:

Do you think performing singers are more extroverts or introverts?

A: Most are probably extroverts, especially the ones who are not especially good singers.

Does one or the other bode for greater success as an artist?

I don’t think either makes for greater success as an artist, nor do I think either hampers success. It is the art that an artist loves, and the feeling that one has done well with the art. I don’t think it necessarily has anything to do with ones feelings about relating to other people. (Unless the art is stand up comedy :o) :

Wow, so many people feeling like I do. I’m in my 40’s with a talented musician husband. We’ve been just surviving & raising our 3 kids (now teenagers, God help us) that music has been unattainable for both of us. I’m definately an introvert & shy around people, but music seems to liberate me. I definately need lots of alone time to recharge my batteries. I’m dying to sing with and for my hubby. If nothing else, just to inspire him & get him out there again. I like to think of myself as his muse. Ha, ha, ha.

It took me a long time to be comfortable with being an introvert – especially with an extreme extroverted husband who was always in the limelight and loved by everyone! But I’ve always associated my introversion with my nerves and fear of singing in public – even though I’ve done so hundreds of times. Guess I’m learning now that my nerves is my judgment of others – but that’s a difficult concept to get my head around!

I have sang a lot since I was little, but I did it mostly for my own enjoyment. However I have sang in school choirs, Up With People, and in church, often doing solos. So, I believe I am an introvert by birth, but have had to get better at acting like I wasn’t to get what I needed. I have somewhat enjoyed the act of being an extrovert at times, as it seems to get me farther with people. If I just be exactly who I am, I don’t usually get noticed or get the job, or whatever I’m trying to get. However, I know I’ll never truely be a full extrovert, as it is not my preferred style. It makes me wonder though, if maybe, we are all just somewhere on the continuum of the introvert-extrovert scale, just as we are with many other personality traits.

Bristow-scholars are PER-verted! 😉

I Agree with both Marynne and Diane, discipline along with
Inclination to express oneself will guarantee a better per-
Formance! Hugh Jackman quoted, that besides acting,
Singing is the only way one can express true passion and
Vulnerability , most difficult for us with Macho traits!!!

Aloha