What Does It Mean to Be an Extrovert?
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Medically reviewed by Kathleen Daly, MD
Extroverts are more interested in, energized by, and oriented towards the external world–i.e. people, things, and activities–than in the inner world of contemplation and reflection.
Extroversion is one of the “big five” personality traits in the five-factor personality model, as first popularized by psychologists in the 1980s. It exists on a spectrum of personality, at the other end of which is introversion.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about extroversion, including traits, types, benefits, drawbacks, and more.
Extroversion vs. Introversion
Introversion and extroversion are personality traits that describe how people “orient” themselves–that is, where they direct their energy, what they’re most interested in, and what helps them flourish.
Extroverts are more engaged and energized by the outside world, including activities, things, and other people. They are inspired by their interactions with others and tend to express their emotions and thoughts readily. Extroverts often have a wide variety of social contacts, ranging from friendly, casual acquaintances to longtime friends and collaborators. They also respond more readily to and are more motivated by external rewards.
Meanwhile, introverts tend to be more self-reflective and focused on their inner experiences, such as thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and ideas. Introverts are often deep, introspective thinkers who prefer to wait before acting or speaking. They tend to come across as more reserved and typically prefer solitude or close, intimate relationships with just a few people.
Characteristics of an Extrovert
You may think of extroverts as simply “outgoing.” While extroversion is certainly associated with being outgoing in social situations, there’s more to it than that. Extroverts tend to be:
Sociable: Extroverts are usually comfortable making conversation with strangers and often have a wide circle of friends. Often at home in a crowd, they draw energy from social situations and don’t like to be alone.
Talkative: Many extroverts talk more often and to more people than introverts. They are often ready to make small talk and enjoy entertaining others.
Assertive: Extroversion is associated with confidence, boldness, and sometimes even dominance. Extroverts are less likely than introverts to be afraid of speaking their mind.
Spontaneous: Many extroverts are spontaneous and ready for adventure. They don’t always feel the need to plan things out in advance.
Energetic: Extroversion has been linked to having a lot of energy, as well as both thrill-seeking and novelty-seeking behavior.
Related: All About the Different Personality Types
Types of Extroverts
Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung identified four types of extroverts, as follows:
Extroverted sensors: They tend to live in the present moment and connect with the world primarily through their five senses.
Extroverted feelers: They are highly empathetic and prioritize connecting with others.
Extroverted intuitives: They enjoy spirited dialogues and debates about abstract and/or complex concepts (i.e., “the big picture”).
Extroverted thinkers: They tend to be ambitious, high-achieving game-changers and leaders.
These types were later adapted as part of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), a personality typology questionnaire that divides people into 16 distinct personalities.
What Is an Extroverted Introvert?
Often, extroverts and introverts are portrayed as polar opposites. However, extroversion and introversion actually exist on a continuum–meaning that many people have traits of both and ultimately land somewhere in the middle.
In fact, many people are ambiverts–sometimes called “introverted extroverts” or “extroverted introverts,” depending on where you think you lie on the spectrum. Traits of people who are both extroverted and introverted include:
Balance: Ambiverts are often described as moderate or balanced in terms of their energy and emotional expression. They’re not as gregarious as extroverts or as reserved and withdrawn as many introverts.
Flexibility: Extroverted introverts (and introverted extroverts) are able to adapt to many different social situations. For example, they may let loose at a party or take the lead at an important work meeting. On other occasions, they may enjoy solitude, self-care, and quiet reflection.
Effective communication: People who are neither extremely extroverted nor extremely introverted often have a strong sense of when it’s best to talk and when it’s best to listen. They’re typically skilled at the “back and forth” nature of a conversation.
Signs You’re An Extrovert
Not sure if you’re an extrovert or an introvert? Signs that you may be an extrovert include:
You’re energized rather than drained after a social gathering.
You enjoy being the center of attention.
You like to work with others rather than alone.
You’re always looking for the next activity to get involved in.
You’re known as the leader of your social group.
You enjoy entertaining people and making them laugh.
You get bored easily and need a lot of outside stimulation.
You’re assertive, confident, and unafraid to speak up about your opinion.
Effects of Extroversion
Like introversion, extroversion has both benefits and downsides. Research suggests that extroversion may be linked to the following positive effects:
Greater rapport with others and lower risk of loneliness
More resilience during times of stress
Higher degree of optimism and general positivity
Stronger ability to collaborate and work together as a team
Public speaking abilities
Higher self-esteem
Meanwhile, here are some of the potential drawbacks associated with being an extrovert:
Tendency to overtake conversations
Inattention
Greater susceptibility to boredom
Fewer deep relationships
Difficulty spending time alone
How to Be More Extroverted
Whether you’d like to expand your social circle or develop your networking skills, there are many reasons you may want to be more extroverted. Here are a few ways you can strengthen your extroversion muscles:
Set practical, attainable goals: Instead of simply trying to be more outgoing in general, schedule a specific time each week to reach out to people you’ve met casually and would like to get to know better. Or, set a goal of speaking to two new people at an event. This will give you small “wins” to celebrate along the way.
Get out of your comfort zone by joining an activity in your area: Doing something fun together with other people may give you an excuse to strike up a conversation and make new friends.
Volunteer or offer to help someone in need: Sometimes the most rewarding connections come from helping others.
Seek professional help if needed: While introversion isn’t a “negative” on its own, it is sometimes associated with depression or anxiety. Get in touch with a psychotherapist to treat any mental health conditions that may be affecting your ability to connect with others.
Related: 5 Ways to Decrease Social Anxiety at a Party
How to Be Less Extroverted
Some extroverts may want to develop a deeper sense of self and learn to enjoy their own company more. If you’d like to engage your introverted side more, here are a few suggestions:
Practice mindfulness to get more in touch with your inner self: Try meditating, doing breathing exercises, or engaging in a calming physical activity like yoga. This can help you develop greater self-compassion and self-awareness.
Try to listen more closely when people are speaking: Sometimes, extroverts tend to “take over” conversations. Make sure you’re prioritizing others’ opinions and ideas as much as your own.
Take time to reflect: Extroverts often live in the moment. Try keeping a journal about your day or writing about a key memory from your past to stay connected to all the different versions of yourself – past, present, and future.
Take part in some activities by yourself: Extroverts love to be social, but there’s a time and a place for solitude. Going on a walk, crafting, or going out to lunch by yourself once in a while may be rewarding.
A Quick Review
Extroverts tend to be outgoing, talkative, action-oriented, spontaneous, energetic, and optimistic. They often thrive in a crowd and are more interested in the outer world than in reflecting on their inner experiences.
Introversion and extroversion are part of a spectrum, not a binary. Neither is inherently “good” nor “bad”; both traits have benefits and drawbacks. Still, it’s good to know where you land on the introversion-extroversion continuum. It can give you helpful insight about how you can thrive best at work and in relationships.
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