quiet-the-power-of-introverts-in-a-world-that-cant-stop-talking-susan-cain

students’ grade, and a much larger percentage
of their social status, is based
on whether they throw themselves into
this fray. If a student talks often and
forcefully, then he’s a player; if he
doesn’t, he’s on the margins.
Many of the students adapt easily to
this system. But not Don. He has
trouble elbowing his way into class discussions;
in some classes he barely
speaks at all. He prefers to contribute
only when he believes he has
something insightful to add, or honestto-God
disagrees with someone. This
sounds reasonable, but Don feels as if
he should be more comfortable talking
just so he can fill up his share of available
airtime.
Don’s HBS friends, who tend to be
thoughtful, reflective types like him,
spend a lot of time talking about talking
in class. How much class
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