How To Become More Extroverted

Nobody’s 100 percent introverted or extroverted. We all have elements of both personality types, each with its own strengths and challenges. In a business setting, though, learning when to step forward socially can make workplace collaboration smoother and relationships easier to build.

Adopting more extroverted habits doesn’t mean changing who you are, but it can help you get noticed by potential customers, strengthen loyalty with existing ones and improve communication across your organization. We’ll share 15 practical tips to help you feel more comfortable being outgoing at work, drawing on insights from psychologists and business leaders.

FYIDid you knowBeing more outgoing at work doesn't mean becoming the loudest person in the room. Many true leaders balance introverted and extroverted behaviors depending on the situation.

How do you become an extrovert?

Even if you tend to be more introverted, you can learn small habits that make it easier to speak up and connect with people at work.

“There appears to be a more nuanced and dynamic nature of extroversion,” explained Silvia Russen, a business psychologist and neuroscience coach specializing in leadership development. “Rather than seeing extroversion as purely fixed, research acknowledges that personality can be influenced, at least to some extent, by intentional behavior changes, social contexts and personal development efforts.”

While there isn’t a single formula for changing your personality type, experts suggest focusing on small behavioral shifts that can help you feel more comfortable being socially engaged at work. Consider the following tips and best practices. 

1. Get a home-field advantage.

Brian Smith, an organizational psychologist and the founder of IA Business Advisors, says becoming more outgoing often starts with paying attention to where you already feel comfortable interacting with people.

“Begin by recognizing the situations where you feel most comfortable engaging with others and gradually push those boundaries,” Smith advised.

Since introverts often feel more at ease in familiar environments, consider hosting business meetings or casual gatherings on your own turf. That could mean scheduling a client lunch at a restaurant where you know the staff or planning a team happy hour at a lounge you already frequent.

Choosing the setting yourself can take some of the pressure off and make conversations feel more natural. Over time, starting in familiar places can make it easier to carry that same confidence into new situations.

2. Set specific goals.

Simply telling yourself to “be more outgoing” usually isn’t enough. It helps to start with a few small, specific actions you can challenge yourself to follow through on, such as:

• Offering visible praise to a team member during a meeting
• Replying to emails or Slack messages with a follow-up question instead of a short answer
• Scheduling a weekly coffee chat with a new contact or industry peer

Smith encouraged taking an incremental approach, noting that small steps that push you slightly outside your comfort zone can help you build confidence without feeling forced.

Did You Know?Did you knowThe World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025 lists leadership and social influence among the fastest-growing business skills employers expect to need in the coming years — a sign that interpersonal strengths are becoming just as valuable as technical expertise.

3. Practice, practice, practice.

Consistently following through on small actions can help build confidence over time. Think of social interaction like any other business skill: something that tends to feel easier with repetition.

Russen emphasized the value of “behavioral rehearsal” as a way to get more comfortable with outgoing interactions. “[Practicing] more outgoing behaviors — such as seeking additional social interactions, sharing opinions more openly, or attending networking events — can gradually shift one’s comfort zone,” Russen explained. “Over time, repeatedly acting extroverted can lead to changes in self-perception, social skill development, and eventual shifts in trait-level extroversion.”

Try initiating a brief conversation each day with someone outside your immediate circle, such as a cashier, a neighbor or a vendor. Ask an open-ended question like, “How is your week going?” or comment on a shared experience. These low-stakes moments can make speaking up feel more natural, which helps when you’re in higher-pressure situations like networking events, business meetings or even sales pitches.

4. Allow recharge time.

Many introverts benefit from some downtime after social interaction. If you know you have a big networking event or meeting coming up, try giving yourself some quiet time before and after. That might mean saying no to one social plan so you have more energy for another.

“I’ve seen this with many of my clients, where they found success in planning their social energy expenditure strategically,” said Dr. Raffaello Antonino, a counseling psychologist and senior lecturer at the University of Roehampton in London. “If you know there’s an event that may feel stressful to think about because there will be lots of new faces and people to network with, you can plan some downtime before and after or bring along a trusted colleague as an anchor point.”

Preparation can be simple — a short walk, a few quiet minutes or stepping away from screens before a big pitch. Afterward, give yourself permission to unplug, whether that means reading, exercising or leaving the office a little earlier to reset.

TipBottom lineRecharging doesn't always mean stepping away for weeks at a time. Even a few days off to relax or take a vacation can help reset your social battery so you come back more present and engaged.

5. Join Toastmasters or another speaking group.

Public speaking can feel uncomfortable for anyone, but it can be particularly brutal for introverts, who are typically much more comfortable listening than talking. Some professionals ease into it by joining groups like Toastmasters International, where regular meetings can help you practice speaking up without the pressure of being in a high-stakes business setting. Over time, showing up consistently can make it easier to share ideas out loud, and you may end up making new business connections along the way.

“In the business world, there will be numerous occasions where you have to publicly speak,” said John Rampton, a public speaking expert. “The more you’re used to this, the better it will be for you and your business.”

6. Practice saying yes.

Try committing to a short “month of yes,” where you accept more reasonable business or social invitations than you normally would. The goal isn’t to fill every open slot on your calendar, but to notice how often you might default to declining.

Many introverts turn down invitations simply because they expect to feel drained or uncomfortable in group settings. Saying yes a little more often can expand your network and give you more chances to practice conversation in low-pressure environments. Over time, showing up consistently can make it easier for clients and peers to get to know you beyond emails or quick check-ins.

That doesn’t mean saying yes to everything, as an overloaded schedule can lead to workplace burnout. Still, being a bit more open to regular interaction can help you build stronger professional relationships as your business grows.

7. Give yourself an out.

Sometimes it helps to set a clear boundary around how long you’ll stay at an event. For example, you might tell yourself you’ll spend 45 minutes at an industry mixer and reassess from there. Having a simple plan can make walking into the room feel less overwhelming — and you may even decide to stay longer once you get comfortable.

You can use the same approach for meetings. If you’re in charge of a large presentation, try to keep it to a focused 30-minute window. A shorter timeframe can help you stay fully engaged without feeling like you’re committing to hours of nonstop interaction.

8. Ease outside your comfort zone gradually.

Antonino encourages what he calls “social snacking” — small, manageable moments of interaction spread throughout the day. Rather than making big leaps, the idea is to stretch your comfort zone little by little so social situations start to feel more routine.

“[Push] slightly — say 10 percent — beyond your comfort zone in social settings,” Antonino recommended. “Just enough to grow, but not enough to overwhelm.”

9. Know where to stand.

Where you position yourself in a room can affect how approachable you seem. Instead of staying along the walls or in corners, try standing near natural gathering spots, like the food table or the center of the room, where conversations tend to happen more easily.

Once you’re in those spaces, Amanda Augustine, a career advice expert, recommends paying attention to how more outgoing professionals move and interact. “Observe them during social events and other situations that make the introvert in you cringe,” she advised. “Take careful note of their body language when approaching others, as well as the types of questions they ask to get a conversation started, so you can practice doing something similar.”

FYIDid you knowBody language often shapes first impressions before you even speak. Simple shifts, such as facing the group, making brief eye contact or keeping your posture open, can make you seem more approachable without saying a word.

10. Pretend you’re playing host.

Even when you’re attending as a guest, it can help to think like a host. People in that role tend to focus on making others feel comfortable, which can take some of the pressure off your own nerves. Try introducing people to one another or checking whether someone needs a drink, small gestures that give you a clear reason to start conversations.

Taking on a simple “hosting” mindset can make social situations feel less awkward because you have a purpose beyond making small talk.

11. Practice active listening.

Many introverts already bring strong listening skills to conversations, and that can be a real advantage in business settings. Paying close attention, asking thoughtful follow-up questions and showing genuine curiosity often make interactions feel more natural.

Clear communication — both verbal and nonverbal — also plays a big role in building trust with customers and collaborators. Whether you’re leading a sales team, qualifying prospects or closing a sale, listening closely can make those conversations more productive.

“Being extroverted isn’t just about speaking — it’s about being fully present and responsive in interactions,” Smith said.

12. Brush up on current events.

A little preparation can make walking into a networking event feel less intimidating. Before you go, glance at a few business headlines or industry trend updates so you have something easy to reference if conversations stall.

Being generally aware of what’s happening in your field also helps when someone brings up a trending topic. You don’t have to be an expert; just having a basic sense of what people are talking about can make starting or joining a conversation feel more natural.

13. Pinpoint the icebreakers in the room.

Look for easy conversation starters in your surroundings. It might be a unique piece of art, a conference booth display or even an interesting accessory someone is wearing. Noticing small details can give you a natural way to begin a conversation without overthinking what to say.

For example, you might comment on a briefcase, a notebook or something connected to the event itself. Starting with simple observations often takes some of the pressure off and helps conversations feel more organic.

14. Stay off your phone.

Phones can quietly get in the way of conversation. When you’re scrolling, people may assume you’re occupied, and it’s tempting to use a screen as a buffer when a room feels uncomfortable.

If you can, keep your phone in your bag or set it aside during events so you’re more present with the people around you. Even small shifts like this can make interactions feel more natural and less rushed.

15. Have a few anecdotes at your fingertips.

It can help to have a few short stories or conversation starters ready, such as something about your business, a recent trip or an industry trend you’ve been following. If you’re heading to an event, glancing at recent headlines or fun facts related to the topic can give you easy ways to join a conversation without overthinking what to say.

Having a few familiar talking points makes it easier to relax and stay present, especially when a conversation slows down or shifts unexpectedly.

Did You Know?Did you knowExtroverted behaviors aren't only about being talkative. Showing enthusiasm, encouraging others and keeping conversations moving can help teams stay engaged, especially during a business crisis or other stressful moments.

What is an extrovert?

An extrovert is someone who tends to gain energy from interacting with others. While the term is often used to describe people who are outgoing or expressive, it’s really about how someone responds to social situations and stimulation.

“Being an extrovert refers to a fundamental personality dimension that reflects how you process stimulation and energy, in particular in relation to others,” Antonino said. “Extroverts usually have core beliefs centered around social connection as a source of meaning and growth. They view the world and life as a place of opportunities for interaction and see others as potential connections instead of threats.”

In practice, extroverts often feel comfortable sharing ideas out loud, collaborating in groups and adapting quickly in social settings. These tendencies can be helpful in leadership roles where communication, visibility and workplace teamwork and collaboration matter.

What are the benefits of being an extrovert in business?

Extroverted behaviors can be particularly helpful in business settings, especially when collaboration, visibility and relationship-building are part of the job.

“Extroverts have many strengths that can be leveraged in business. In addition to their superb socializing skills, those with extroverted personalities are often strong communicators, collaborators, innovators and leaders,” Augustine said. “Their outgoing personalities and gift of the gab allow them to comfortably engage with and motivate others.”

Here are a few ways those traits can show up at work:

• Stronger relationships: Smith noted that extroverts can often quickly build rapport with potential clients or strategic partners. “Their enthusiasm can energize and unite teams, driving a sense of camaraderie,” Smith added.
• Clearer communication: Extroverts often feel comfortable sharing ideas, giving feedback and leading discussions — skills that can be useful in leadership roles. “Their ease with verbal expression often helps them articulate ideas, share feedback and lead discussions in a way that resonates with others,” Smith said.
• Greater influence: Russen noted that extroverted leaders can shape group dynamics through visible communication styles. “The communicative, energetic style of an extroverted leader can encourage quieter team members to contribute more openly, therefore increasing team performance,” Russen explained.
• Resilience through connection: Because extroverts may maintain wider support networks, they sometimes rely on collaboration during stressful periods, which can help teams stay connected.
• A more open work environment: Antonino noted that extroverts often create environments (consciously and unconsciously) where others feel more comfortable speaking up.

Still, introversion plays an important role in business as well. “While extroverts might shine in outward-facing roles, introverts often excel in deep thinking, strategic planning, and reflective problem-solving,” Smith said. “The key is recognizing and leveraging these traits to complement one another, creating a team dynamic where everyone’s influence drives collective success.”

Drew Hendricks contributed to this article. Source interviews were conducted for a previous version of this article.